Familiar scars and electric hearts

・┈・୨୧・┈・

You didn’t really know what to expect after agreeing to this kind of relationship, but things were still normal. If anything, life seemed more peaceful. There weren’t pages of rules suddenly handed over to you or expectations to suddenly be obedient to him. Instead, it was just little things. 

When work really overwhelmed you again on Wednesday, you didn’t spend the drive home pretending to be fine. You climbed into Noah’s car, shut the door and before he could even ask, you let out a long, tired sigh. 

“Today was awful.” You told him, and he simply reached over and took your hand, giving it a soft squeeze. 

“I’m sorry, baby.” He frowned, and simply just getting that off your chest already made you feel better. 

When you got back, Noah sent you upstairs to shower and change into something comfy before dinner, and when you came back down the stairs he called you into the kitchen. 

“...Come here.” He said, holding his arms open for you. 

You crossed the room and let him pull you against his chest. He held you for a long moment, his hand gently rubbing against your back. 

“Wanna tell me about it?”

So you did, you told him all about the espresso machine breaking, and how all the oat milk had gone off, and how you had to go into the bathroom and cry for fifteen minutes. 

He had a great solution to it. He told you that after dinner he would make you both a hot chocolate, you’d go up to bed and put on a movie or TV show and cuddle. If you wanted him to use his fingers or his mouth to switch your mind off before going to sleep then he would… but an hour into the movie, he looked down at you cuddled up to his chest, and you were already softly snoring. 

On Thursday, he came to visit you at work, which was a surprise. He didn’t tell you he was planning on coming in, but you smiled the second you saw him hold the door open for an elderly lady before stepping in. 

He was dressed casually today, wearing a pair of black joggers and a navy hoodie, with a black baseball cap on his head. The moment his eyes found yours, a little smile appeared on his lips. Not enough that anyone else would notice, it was just for you. 

“Well,” Tom smirked, leaning against the counter, “You didn’t tell me Mr Millionaire was coming in- ow!” 

You elbowed him, telling him to behave. He shook his head, but grinned to himself as he wandered away to wipe down one of the tables. 

You were still serving another customer, so while you made their cappuccino, you wondered how you were supposed to act? Do you treat Noah like he’s just another customer, or like he was Noah?...

Your Noah. 

You mentally winced at yourself, don’t start thinking like that. 

But then you handed the drink over, the customer paid, and Noah stepped up to the counter next, resting his forearm against it. 

“Hi.” 

“Hi.” You replied, trying to stop the shy little smile spreading across your face- though he noticed it anyway. 

“So…” He began softly, and your eyes widened a little as you waited for him to continue, “You gonna ask what I want?”

You chuckled, feeling your cheeks start to heat up. 

“I already know what you want.” You smiled. 

“Good girl.” He said casually as he reached for his wallet, making you feel a little dizzy. You reached for a cup, trying not to let it show how it affected you. 

“Anything else?”

“Hm…” He pretended to think, “Well, I hear the barista’s pretty cute.” 

Your heart fluttered for a second, but you tried to shake it off. 

“So what brings you here?” You asked as you began grinding coffee beans. 

“I was nearby.” He shrugged. 

“No you weren’t.” You smirked. 

“Fine…” he sighed, “The coffee's better here than the cafe by my place.” 

“Oh yeah? Is that all?"

“Mm, and I wanted to see you.” 

Your hands stopped just for a second, before continuing. 

“I’m heading to Davis’s after this, we’ve got to sort some stuff before tour, since it’s only a couple weeks away.” 

You nodded your head. 

“You not getting him a drink?”

Noah scoffed. 

“He still owes me for lunch a couple days ago. If he wants coffee he can get one himself.” 

You smiled to yourself, and began to work the espresso machine. Noah watched you, it really fascinated him, the way you knew exactly what to do, how you remembered regulars’ orders and gave all your customers that little smile, even on days where you felt like shit. 

“You’re good at this.” Noah said, while you were staring into the distance waiting for the espresso machine. 

“Hm?” You glanced over at him. 

“You’re good at your job.” 

You smiled. 

“Thank you.”

Then, the elderly lady he’d held the door open for shuffled over beside him. 

“Oh!” She smiled at you, “Is this your boyfriend, darling?”

Your eyes widened. 

“Uh…” 

Before you could answer, Noah spoke. 

“Not yet.” He smirked, “I’ve still got a lot to prove.” 

The woman laughed. 

“Well, I’d say you’re doing rather well, dear.” 

You felt your face burn again, while Noah stood there looking rather pleased with himself. 

“I’ll take that.” He smiled

The lady picked up an extra sugar for her coffee with a cheerful smile before wandering away, and you looked back up at Noah. 

“You enjoyed that.” 

“Maybe a little.” He smirked, then you slid his coffee across the counter. 

“Here.” 

He took it with a grateful smile. 

“Thank you, baby.” 

Your stomach flipped, and you almost forgot what you were typing into the machine. 

“Noah, I’m at work!” You hissed under your breath. 

“What’s the issue?” He asked, looking entirely innocent, “You’re my baby everywhere.” 

“I’m trying to be professional.” You said, trying not to smile as you looked up at him over the counter. “Your total’s 4.60.”

“I thought you were going to give me employee discount.” He smirked. 

“You don’t work here.” 

“I could.” 

“You’d last about ten minutes.” You scoffed, making him chuckle as he tapped his card against the reader. 

The machine beeped, and a big approved appeared on the screen. Then when the tip option appeared, you didn’t think anything of it. You assumed he wouldn’t tip above the minimum, now you’re living in his house rent free, now he’s flown you to Paris and bought you countless amounts of things. 

“You don’t have to tip me, Noah.” 

“I know.” He said simply, before tapping the ‘custom amount’ option. 

You didn’t look. You turned around with a huff, and before you knew it, the machine beeped again. 

Tip: $100

“Noah!” You hissed. 

“What?” He smirked, “You look pretty when you’re working.” He said as he picked his cup back up, “Have a good day, sweetheart. See you at six.” 

And before you could even come up with an argument for that, he turned around and left. 

…

By the time Friday evening rolled around, you already noticed a change in yourself. You felt lighter than you had in months, so clearly Noah’s plan had worked, and this was helping. 

Noah had been working in the studio, though he told you he'd stop at 9 so you could both cuddle in bed and put something on the TV.

“Baby?”

You looked up from where you’d stolen his corner of the sofa, not expecting to see him for another hour.

“Hm?” You hummed. 

“Tommorow morning,” he leaned against the doorway, reminding you just how fucking tall he was, “I need you to pack an overnight bag.” 

“What for?” You asked. 

“Well, you got through the week, didn’t you? I said I had a surprise…” He smirked, “We’re staying in a hotel for the night, and make sure you pack something you’d wear to a concert.” 

“A concert?” Your curiosity peaked. 

He just smiled, and slowly shook his head. 

“I’ve already said too much.” 

“Noah-” 

“We’re leaving just after lunch. And no, I’m not telling you where we’re going… just trust me. You’re gonna love it.” 

He seemed pleased with himself as he pushed himself off the doorway and headed into the kitchen, grabbing a drink before disappearing back into the studio. You heard the door click shut, and a cheeky smile spread across your face. 

You had an idea… 

After a few minutes, Noah was back at his desk, headphones around his neck as he tapped away on his keyboard. He barely had time to look up before you wandered into the room. 

“...Hi.” 

He smiled, looking up at you. 

“Hi.” 

Without saying a word, you walked over and carefully settled yourself in his lap, looking down at him with your most innocent smile. His hands found your waist, and he looked up at you, a little taken back by your sudden confidence. 

“Well,” he smiled, “This is nice.” 

You tried not to giggle, and instead combed your fingers through his soft hair. 

“I need something.” 

“I gathered.” He leaned back in his chair, spreading his legs a little more so you were more comfortable as his thumbs brushed over your hips, “What can I do for you?”

You rested your hands on his shoulders, tilting your head sweetly as you asked,

“Can I borrow your credit card?”

His eyes widened. 

“...My credit card?”

You nodded your head, and he just looked at you for a moment, almost like he couldn’t believe what you had just said. 

“You know, we’ve been doing this for so long…” a lazy grin spread across his face, “And I don’t think I’ve ever heard those words come out of your mouth once.” 

You chuckled, twirling a strand of his hair around your finger.

“Well, I was thinking about going shopping tomorrow morning, before we leave. Y’know, get a new outfit for the mystery concert…”

“Of course, baby. What time should we go?”

You shook your head. 

“Nuh-uh, you’re staying here.” You smirked, poking his chest. “I wanna surprise you with something.” 

He studied your face for a second. 

“Should I be worried?”

“No.” You bit back a smile. 

“Should my bank account be worried?”

“...Maybe a little.” You smirked, and he chuckled. 

“You’ve become suspiciously comfortable spending my money all of a sudden. You argued with me for twenty minutes in Paris when I wanted you to buy those diamond earrings.” 

You shrugged, trying to look casual. 

“You told me to stop feeling guilty” 

“I did.”

“So…” You smiled sweetly. “…I thought I’d be a good girl and listen.”

“…You know exactly what you’re doing, don’t you?” He smirked, his hands rubbing your hips.

“I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Liar.” He smiled, but still reached into his pocket for his wallet, before sliding the black card between your fingers. “There’s one condition.”

You looked up expectantly.

“I want you to spoil yourself. There’s no limit on that card, so I don’t want you buying cheaper versions of things or knock offs. I want my girl to have the best, and nothing less.”

“Yes sir.” You giggled.

He leaned forward to kiss your forehead.

“I trust you.”

You smiled to yourself as you tucked the card safely into your pocket. If only he knew exactly where you were planning to take it… 

… 

The next morning, Noah let you take his car to go shopping. He had a few things he had to do at home, so he didn’t mind staying behind. He kissed you goodbye at the door and told you to take your time and buy whatever you wanted.

But he had no idea where you were about to step into...

You’d never been to a physical sex shop before. You’d bought a vibrator online a couple of years ago, and it had been fine- discreet packaging, no awkward eye contact. But this time, you had to go into the store.

You wanted to surprise Noah with something new, something you could both enjoy. He’d mentioned wanting to try toys with you, and the thought had been living in your head ever since.

You felt more excited than nervous when you pulled into the parking lot, but then you walked through the door...

The shop was bigger and brighter than you expected. The hot pink walls were lined with shelves upon shelves of toys in every possible shape, color, and size. Your eyes widened as you took it all in.

To your left was a whole wall of dildos- realistic ones with veins and balls, vibrating ones, thrusting ones, even double-ended ones. Some were monstrously large, others curved in ways that made you blush just by looking at them. Next to them were displays of butt plugs in every size, some made of metal, some of silicone, some with pretty sparkly jeweled bases. 

Further down the aisle were vibrators- wands, bullets, rabbits, suction toys that promised to “make you squirt”, though you scoffed at the thought of it, thinking yeah right. There were even fucking machines on display in the back corner, intimidating metal contraptions with attachments that scared you a little, making you swallow hard as you looked away.

The lingerie section was just as overwhelming- tiny lace sets that barely covered anything, latex sets that covered everything, crotchless panties, babydolls, leather harnesses, and bodysuits with cutouts.

You felt your cheeks burning hotter with every step. A couple browsed the BDSM section nearby- nipple clamps, paddles, ropes, blindfolds, and something called a “spreader bar” that made your stomach flip. Everything felt so… explicit. So shameless. You weren’t even sure just what type of toys Noah would want… or where to even start. 

You stood frozen in the middle of the vibrator aisle, clutching the strap of your handbag over your shoulder. A woman walked past you holding a box with a massive purple dildo on it and a big bottle of lube like it was no big deal. You suddenly felt so out of place... so innocent.

God, I wish Noah was here, you thought, your cheeks burning. He would’ve known exactly what to pick. He would’ve stood behind you, whispering in your ear which toys he wanted to use on you, teasing you about how wet you were getting just by looking at them.

Instead, you were alone, flustered, and trying not to stare too long at a suction toy that promised “intense clitoral orgasms.”

You swallowed hard and forced yourself to pick up the safest option to start with- a simple wand vibrator. The same kind you’d seen before in porn, and much bigger than the bullet you owned a couple years ago. You could already imagine Noah holding it against your clit while he fucked you, and your thighs pressed together in the middle of the store.

You quickly grabbed it and headed toward the register before you could overthink it any more, your face burning the entire way.

… 

By the time you finally got home, pulling onto Noah’s driveway, you couldn’t help but feel a little giddy over what was sitting in the black bag in the passenger seat. Before getting out of the car, you tucked the bag into your handbag so nothing looked suspicious… then you made your way inside. 

“Noah?”

“I’m upstairs, baby!”

You slipped off your shoes, carefully hung your jacket up with his, and headed upstairs. His bedroom door was already open, and as you stepped inside, you found him kneeling on the floor with a suitcase lying open on the bed. Clothes were folded into neat piles, there were a couple pairs of trousers, t-shirts, his toiletries bag…

“You’ve started packing without me.” You frowned.

He glanced over his shoulder, smiling.

“I got bored waiting.”

“I’ve only been twenty minutes!” You chuckled. 

“Mm, it was a very long twenty minutes.”

You laughed, walking over before leaning down to kiss the top of his head. He hummed happily at the affection before pulling one of his drawers open. Inside, were neatly folded up pairs of black, grey and white Calvin Kleins. He took a couple pairs… but then something caught your eye. 

Tucked towards the back of the drawer, was black fabric, but this didn’t look like another pair of underwear. You screwed your face up, tilting your head. 

“…What’s that?”

Noah paused.

“What?”

You pointed into the drawer.

“Behind your boxers.”

He followed your finger, then smiled to himself. 

“Oh… that.”

He reached in and pulled it out, and you watched it unfold into a black ski mask. 

“Noah..?” You chuckled, in disbelief, “Why do you have a mask in your underwear drawer?”

He laughed, smiling at it fondly. 

“It’s not for robbing banks.”

“Well, that would explain a lot.” 

He shook his head, still smiling.

“It’s one of my old stage masks.”

You stared at it.

“…Your what?”

“Mhm.” He turned it over in his hands. “I used to wear it on stage a couple years ago.”

“No…” You looked between the mask and him. “…You did?”

“Yep.”

“Why?”

He laughed.

“I just thought it looked cool.”

You reached out.

“…Can I?”

He handed it over without hesitation, and the first thing you noticed was how the fabric was incredibly soft. You noticed it said BAD OMENS around the neck, and you tried to imagine him wearing it on stage… 

“I don’t think I can picture it.” You said, looking up at him. 

“Wait a sec.” He grabbed his phone from the bed. “I’ll show you.”

A few taps later, he was scrolling through his band's instagram account, and after a moment, he turned the screen towards you. 

“There.”

Your eyes widened.

“…Holy shit.”

It was him… standing under bright stage lights, dressed in all black, with the mask covering his face. You could tell it was him because of the tattoos, and the black tank top. But he didn’t look like your Noah...

You looked at the photo, then back at the man kneeling comfortably on the bedroom floor in a faded old t-shirt, carefully folding up his underwear to pack in his suitcase.

“I can’t believe that’s you.”

He smiled.

“I’ve changed a bit.”

“A bit?” You looked at the photo again. “This is just crazy.” 

Noah chuckled, then you handed the mask back over to him. 

“So…” You said, drawing out the word as a smirk spread across your face. Noah immediately recognised that look, and he rasied an eyebrow.

“What?”

You tried your hardest to keep a straight face.

“Have you ever worn it in the bedroom?”

He looked a bit taken back. 

“Excuse me?”

“The mask...”

He laughed, shaking his head, almost looking a little shy.

“…No.”

“No?” You looked back down at it in his hands with disappointment. “…Wow. What a waste.”

“A waste?” He laughed, “Baby, I spent years wearing that thing on stage.”

“And apparently nowhere else.” 

He shook his head, still chuckling. Then you glanced up through your lashes.

“But would you…?”

He paused.

“…Would I what?”

“Wear it in the bedroom?”

His eyebrows lifted, and for a moment he was quiet. Then he leaned back on one hand, a smile slowly spreading across his face.

“Maybe…” He nodded, “It just depends.” 

“On what?”

His smile turned teasing.

“…Who’s asking.”

Heat rushed straight to your cheeks.

“You know who’s asking.”

“No I don’t.” He teased. 

“There’s only one other person in this room.”

“Hm.” He pretended to think about it. “You want me to wear this in bed?”

A smirk spread across your face.

“...Maybe.” 

He held your gaze for a moment before his expression softened.

“Huh. Good to know.” He nodded casually, before turning back to packing. Then he added, “You’ve become awfully confident this week.”

“Have I?”

“Mhm.” He smiled, “The woman who used to refuse to spend my money went shopping with my credit card this morning, and now-”

“Do you wanna know what I bought?” You grinned, interrupting him, and his face softened again. 

“I thought it was a surprise?”

You shrugged. 

“I’m awful at surprises,” you said as you sat on the edge of his bed, reaching for your bag. “Here.” 

You handed the black plastic bag over to him, and he curiously took a peek inside. 

“Oh, baby… what do we have here?” 

Noah reached into the bag and pulled out the box. When he saw the picture on the box, and realised there was a wand vibrator inside, his eyebrows rose slightly and a warm, delighted smile spread across his face.

“Wow…” he said softly, turning the box over in his hands. “You really went out and bought this?”

You nodded, cheeks warming under his gaze.

“I remembered you said that toys were something you’d like to try with me,” you said quietly. “So… I thought we could take this to the hotel tonight.”

Noah’s expression softened even more. He set the box aside and gently pulled you down into his lap, wrapping his arms around you.

“You went into a sex shop by yourself,” he smirked, sounding both impressed and incredibly fond. “My sweet girl did that for me?”

He kissed your forehead, and you couldn't help but giggle.

“We’re gonna have so much fun with this tonight, princess,” he said softly, a gentle smile playing on his lips. “I can already picture how pretty you’re going to look when I use it on you.”

You smiled, feeling heat rush between your thighs- then suddenly, you pushed yourself up off of him. 

“I guess I better start packing then.” You smiled, and Noah nodded. 

“I don’t know how much you plan on taking,” Noah began, “But there’s still plenty of room in my bag.” He nodded towards the suitcase on the bed. 

“Thanks,” you said, looking down at him, then your smile became a little sheepish. “…Would you help me?”

Noah looked up at you.

“Help you pack?”

You nodded.

“If… that’s okay.”

“Of course it is.” He said soflty.

You rubbed your hands together nervously.

“Thanks. I know it probably sounds silly...”

“It doesn’t.” He shook his head, suddenly sensing the shift in your mood and body language, “Talk to me, baby. I can tell something’s bothering you.”

You let out a small sigh before sitting back down beside him on the edge of the bed.

“I always get stressed packing, it doesn’t matter if I’m going somewhere for one night or one month, I always get so overwhelmed.” You admitted. “I worry I’ve forgotten something important… then I pack extras just in case… then I convince myself I’ve packed too much…” You laughed quietly at yourself. “Then I end up unpacking everything and starting again.”

“How many times?” He asked. 

“…Usually three or four.”

He smiled sympathetically.

“I wondered why it took you so long to pack for Paris.”

“You noticed?”

“I notice everything.”

Your cheeks warmed.

“I just…” You looked down at your hands, feeling slightly nervous. “I thought…”

He waited patiently.

“I thought maybe…” You smiled shyly. “Since we’re doing this now…”

His eyebrows lifted slightly.

“Could this be something you take care of for me?”

The smile that spread across his face was ever so gentle.

“Sweetheart.” He reached over, taking one of your hands in both of his. “Of course. I’d love to.”

You felt yourself relax before he’d even done anything.

“You would?”

“Mhm.” He gave your hand a reassuring squeeze. “Thank you for telling me how it makes you feel.”

Your shoulders seemed to drop all by themselves, feeling the anxiety slowly melting away. 

“Here’s what’s going to happen.” He said, his voice calm but still certain. Making you feel like he knows what he’s doing, everything's under control. “I’m going to ask you a few questions.”

You nodded.

“What are we doing tonight?”

“We’re going to a concert.”

“And tomorrow?”

“I think we’re coming home?”

“Yes,” he nodded with a little smile, “So that means one night away.”

You nodded again.

“That means we don’t need to prepare for every possible situation, do we, baby?”

You laughed, watching him rise to his feet. 

“…I do tend to do that.” You confessed. 

“I guessed.” He smirked, leading you into the guest room, where you kept everything you salvaged from your apartment. He reached for your suitcase from the closet- one that he bought you in Paris because the one you brought was overfilled- and he lied it down open on the bed. 

“I’ll tell you what to pack. If you think of anything else, then tell me. If you panic or can’t decide whether you need something or not, I’ll make the choice for you.” He smiled, “Is that okay?”

“Yeah,” you nodded, chuckling quietly, “You make it sound so simple.” 

“That’s because it is.” He smiled. “And once I’ve zipped this suitcase up,” he looked into your eyes. “…We’re done. No checking or unpacking. If you suddenly think of something when we’re in the car, then we can stop off somewhere and buy it.”

“…Really?”

He nodded, reaching for your hand.

“I promise you, sweetheart.” His thumb brushed gently across your knuckles. “One forgotten toothbrush has never ruined a weekend.”

He then dropped your hand and gently tapped the suitcase.

“So it seems my first official job as your dom,” he looked at you with a playful smile, “Is packing this bag. And your first job as my submissive is to trust me when I say we’ve got everything we need.”

For a moment, you simply looked at him. Then you nodded your head.

“Yeah. Yeah, I can do that.” You smiled.

He leaned over and kissed your forehead.

“Good girl.”

Those words made your heart feel warm, and Noah smiled to himself before setting his hands on his hips. 

“Right then, let’s start packing.” He pointed towards the wardrobe, “Concert outfit first.”

You turned towards the wardrobe, searching through your clothes.

“I don’t really know what to wear.” 

“That’s okay.” He walked over beside you, “What are your options?”

You reached for a couple of hangers.

“I was thinking maybe this?” You held up a black dress. “But then I thought maybe jeans with a nice top would be better… remember that top you bought me in Paris? The leather one that laces up in the front?”

You were already reaching for the top.

“But maybe it’s too much…”

“Sweetheart.”

You stopped talking, and he gave you a gentle smile. 

“Remember your job.”

“…Trust you.” You nodded. 

“Good.” He looked at the clothes in your hands before taking the black top from you. “I think you should wear this.”

“Yeah?” 

He nodded his head. 

“This and those jeans you like, the comfy ones. I think that’d be pretty.” 

You smiled to yourself. 

“Yeah? I was thinking about that, but I don’t know if it’d be appropriate, I don’t know what kinda concert-”

“Trust me, baby. It’ll be perfect.” 

You nodded your head, and he neatly started to pack them. 

“There… now, pyjamas.” 

You nodded and reached for a comfy oversized tshirt, and a pair of shorts.

“And underwear!” You noted, before opening the drawers while Noah politely turned his attention to the suitcase instead.

“How many?” You called over your shoulder.

“How many nights are we staying?”

“One.”

“So?”

“…Two pairs?” You asked.

He smiled.

“Perfect.”

You grabbed two before pausing.

“…Or maybe three.”

He looked over.

“Why three?”

“Just in case.”

“What emergency requires a third pair of underwear?”

“You never know what might happen, Noah!” You chuckled, reaching for a third pair, then a couple pairs of socks, then handed it all over to him to pack. 

He folded everything with such care, then looked up at you again.

“Toiletries next. Toothbrush, hairbrush, perfume, deodorant… what else? Skincare?”

You collected all those things, putting them into a wash bag before handing them over. 

“Hair tools? Make-up?” He asked.

You looked at your overflowing make-up bag.

“…Do I need all of this?”

He peered inside.

“I’m not qualified to answer that.”

“I’ll bring it all, just in case.” You chuckled.

When the toiletries were packed, he zipped the little wash bag shut before placing it neatly beside your clothes, then he looked around the room.

“Anything else?”

You instinctively began scanning every shelf, every drawer, every possible thing you might have forgotten. Then your brain started doing exactly what it always did.

What about…? Did I…? Should I…?

Noah noticed your eyes darting around, and his brows furrowed. 

“Hey.” Your attention returned to him. “What are you doing?”

“…Just checking.”

“For?”

“I don’t know.” You let out a tiny laugh, before quietly confessing, “My brain’s doing the thing...”

“I can tell.” He stepped closer until he was standing in front of you. “Look at me.”

You did.

“You’ve got your outfit, your toiletries. You’ve got your phone.”

“Mhm.”

“I’ve got chargers in my bag.”

“…Okay.”

Your shoulders relaxed.

“We’re staying one night. And if we somehow discover we’ve forgotten something… then we’ll just buy it.” Then, without another word, he reached down, and zipped the suitcase closed. “There.”

You stared at it.

It was done. Normally, this was the moment you’d immediately unzip it again. Check every pocket, count your socks. Wonder if you needed another hoodie. Instead, you looked at Noah.

“That’s it?” You asked. 

He smiled.

“Yep.”

You took a slow breath in.

“…Okay.” A smile of pure relief spread across your face. “I’ve never packed for a trip without feeling stressed before.”

Noah walked over, cupped your face in both hands and kissed your forehead.

“That’s because this time, you didn’t have to do it by yourself.”

…

The drive passed far quicker than either of you expected it to, though neither of you complained. You stopped asking where he was taking you two hours in, and just decided to relax. He let you play your music as he drove, one hand on the steering wheel while the other reached over to rest on your thigh.

Every now and then you’d pass a sign, and you’d immediately start trying to guess the destination in your mind again… trying to figure out what concert was being held nearby… 

But before you knew it, a couple of hours later, Noah pulled into the underground car park of a beautiful hotel in the middle of the city. He parked up, then got out to open the passenger door. 

You climbed out and offered to take your suitcase from him, but he shook his head, insisting on taking the bags up to the entrance. 

And wow… it wasn’t as fancy as Paris, but it was still so elegant.

“This is…” You couldn’t put it into words. 

“Nice?”

“A little bit nicer than nice.” You chuckled. 

“I hoped you’d like it.” He grinned, "I've stayed here a couple times before."

Inside, the lobby was beautiful. There were marble floors that reflected the warm light from big chandeliers overhead, fresh flowers decorated almost every table, and the entire place smelled like fresh linen and a touch of something floral... probably from the flowers.

The receptionist greeted you both warmly as you checked in, before handing Noah the room key. Then, as you stepped into the elevator, you found yourself leaning lightly against his shoulder.

“Tired?”

“A little. I think it’s from the drive.”

“Being a passenger princess is hard work,” Noah teased, “We’ve got plenty of time before we leave tonight if you want a nap.”

“I might.” You said, then he kissed the top of your head.

"C'mon then."

The room was even more beautiful than the lobby. The big windows overlooked the city, and a king sized bed sat in the centre of the room, with the most comfy looking white bedding.

There was a little seating area by the window with a small table, on which sat some fresh flowers. Beside the seats was the door to the balcony. 

“…This is  amazing!”

Noah set both suitcases down at the bottom of the bed. 

“It’s alright.”

“‘Alright?’” Your eyebrows raised in disbelief. 

He shrugged innocently.

“I’ve stayed in worse.” He smirked. 

You laughed.

“You’re so spoiled, Noah.”

“Hey, I tour for a living.” He chuckled, before straightening up, “Still wanna have a nap, baby?”

You thought for a moment, before shaking your head. 

“I think I’m okay. I know it’s still pretty early… but I’m so excited, I just want to get ready now.” 

He smiled.

“That’s okay,” he nodded towards the bathroom. “Want to shower first?”

You looked towards the enormous bathroom before looking back at him, a little smirk on your lips.

“…Together?”

His lips curved into a soft smile.

“If you’d like.”

“Oh, I’d like.” You grinned. 

…

You spent most of the shower simply talking, laughing, washing each other with gentle hands. 

There wasn’t anything sexual about it, not even when he ran his soapy hands over your breasts and down to your ass. You melted into his touch, and he did the same when your fingers worked the shampoo into his hair. 

Noah stepped out first, wrapping a towel around his hips before handing one to you. After you stepped out, you stayed in the bathroom for a few more minutes. Noah took another soft towel and gently started to dry your hair, then you took it from him, and made him bend down as you ruffled the towel against his hair, making it fall all over the place.

Afterwards, Noah disappeared back into the bedroom, tugging a clean black tshirt over his head while you reached into the closet for the fluffy white robe. You decided it wouldn’t make sense to get dressed yet, since there were still a few hours before you had to leave. 

So instead, you dug through your suitcase for your makeup bag and hair dryer, since you always preferred your own. Then, all of a sudden you heard the sound of a phone buzzing. You instinctively looked over to check if it was yours, but it wasn’t. It was Noah’s. 

“Huh.” He said as he looked at the screen. 

“What?”

“I just need to take this.”

“Everything okay?”

“Mhm.” He hummed, answering it before opening the balcony door. “Hey...”

The door slid shut behind him, muting most of the conversation. You tried not to listen in, you tried to concentrate on your makeup… but you could still make out some of what was being said.

“…Yeah…”

It’s not like you were trying to listen. 

“…Tell Oli I said thanks for sorting me out tonight.”

Your hand froze halfway to your eyelashes.

Oli?

There couldn’t be that many Olis Noah knew. So you tried to ignore it. 

“…It’s not even really for me…”

Your curiosity won, and you looked towards the balcony door.

“No… it’s for someone special.”

Your heart skipped a beat, your tummy fluttering at his words. Someone special? You? A hundred different possibilities raced through your head, Oli, concert, someone special…

You slowly lowered the mascara wand onto the dressing table. There was only one Oli you could think of- and only one concert you had mentioned to Noah… and it suddenly started to make sense. 

He was taking you to see them now, because he’d be away on tour when Bring Me were playing in your city. Your heart sank a little at the thought of Noah having to leave in a couple weeks- but you couldn’t linger on it too long, as he continued talking outside.

“…Yeah, she still has no idea.”

A grin spread across your face before you could stop it. He was definitely talking about you.

“…I owe you one, man.” He paused, then let out a laugh, “Yeah… okay, I’ll see you in a bit.”

The call ended, and your eyes widened. See you… in a bit?

Your brain immediately started putting pieces together, and your stomach fluttered.

There was absolutely no way…

You hurriedly picked your mascara back up, trying to look as though you’d never stopped getting ready, and a second later, the balcony door slid open. Noah stepped back inside, slipping his phone into his pocket.

“Everything alright?” he asked casually.

You looked at him through the mirror.

“Mhm.”

“You sure?”

“Yep.” You popped the p. 

He narrowed his eyes ever so slightly.

“…You’re smiling.”

“I’m always smiling!”

He folded his arms, a suspicious smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“…How much of that did you hear?”

You widened your eyes innocently.

“Nothing!”

“Uh huh.” He nodded his head slowly, like he didn’t believe you. 

“I was doing my makeup.”

“Were you now?”

“I was.”

He took a slow step closer.

“So you definitely didn’t hear any of that?”

“Well, I might’ve heard… a name.”

“And?”

“And…” You smiled sweetly. “…I still have no idea where we’re going.”

That wasn’t entirely true anymore, you weren’t completely certain, but you had a feeling that Noah’s surprise was about to rock your world. (*get it? bmth reference? heh)

…

“You ready?” Noah glanced over as you slid your rings onto your fingers.

You looked at yourself in the mirror one last time.

Your black jeans fit you perfectly, your chunky boots peeking out just enough at the bottom. The leather lace up top you’d picked with Noah earlier sat perfectly, showing just enough skin to make you feel confident and sexy without feeling too exposed. Necklaces were layered around your neck, rings decorated almost every finger, and your hair fell exactly how you’d hoped after spending nearly an hour styling it.

You actually felt cool, and very pretty. 

Noah looked stupidly hot as always. In all black, as always. He wore his black jeans with the cut outs, that made you bite your lip wherever he turned around and wonder what’s he doing with all that ass? He wore his black boots too, with his fitted black tshirt beneath a lightweight jacket.

Then, as you stepped towards the door, he reached for his favourite sunglasses, putting them on despite the evening sun beginning to set, followed by a black baseball cap that hid most of his hair.

Once he was ready, he reached over, taking your hand.

“C’mon. The cabs waiting for us.” 

It was only a short drive to the venue from the hotel. You were going to argue, and tell Noah you could’ve just walked… but you weren’t sure just how easily recognisable he’d be to the fans if you were going to see a band he has toured with in the past. 

So instead, you sat tucked against his side in the back seat while city passed by the window. And when you looked outside, you noticed the streets were getting busier. There were groups of people dressed in black band shirts, all walking in the same direction.

Your heart began beating a little faster, and when you looked back at Noah, you could tell he was trying very hard not to smile.

The taxi finally stopped outside a huge arena, and you climbed out first, completely astounded by just how many people were lined up outside. Instead of joining the enormous queue, though, Noah gently placed a hand on the small of your back, and kept his head down as he led you away. 

“This way.”

You frowned.

“But the entrance is over there.” You pointed. 

“Not ours.”

“What do you mean?”

He simply smiled.

“C’mon. You'll see.”

He led you around the side of the building, where there were no crowds, and it seemed strangely quiet. A large metal security gate stood ahead, and before you even reached it, one of the security guards smiled.

“Hey, Noah! Wasn’t expecting to see you tonight.”

“Hey, man.” Noah nodded, taking his sunglasses off.

The guard unclipped the barrier to let you through.

“Good to see you again.”

“You too.”

He knew the security? Shit, were you still underestimating this guy?

You followed Noah through the gate, trying not to look completely bewildered, but then another member of staff approached almost immediately.

“Oh, yhere you are.” She smiled. “Thought you’d be here a little earlier.”

“We got a little held up.” Noah explained.

“No worries.” The staff member looked towards you and smiled. “You must be Noah’s plus one.”

Your eyebrows lifted.

“…Uh…”

Before you could answer, Noah smiled and nodded his head.

“She is.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“You too.”

She handed Noah two laminated passes attached to black lanyards. He slipped one over his own head before turning towards you.

“Head down for me.”

You obeyed, and he carefully lifted your hair out of the way before placing the pass around your neck. His fingers brushed lightly against the back of your neck as he adjusted it, making you shiver.

“There.”

You looked down, and were met with the bold letters reading, ALL ACCESS and your eyes widened.

“Noah?”

He just smiled.

“What?”

“I…” You looked back at the pass. “…All access?”

“Yep.”

Your heart started racing again, but he took your hand, and started to lead you as if he knew this place like the back of his hand. 

“This way.”

The two of you walked through another set of doors, then another. The corridors felt endless, people hurried past carrying guitars, lighting equipment and flight cases. Someone walked by wearing a headset, speaking into a radio, and another person nodded at Noah as they passed.

“Hey, man.”

“Hey.”

It felt busy, but rather organised. You even found yourself moving a little closer to Noah as everything rushed around you. 

“Nervous?” He asked softly, his hand coming around to rest on your hip. 

“A little.”

He smiled reassuringly.

“I’ve got you.”

You nodded.

“I know.”

He gave your hip a gentle squeeze. 

“I’m just wondering… I was gonna go find some of the guys, just to say hi, see how things are going. You can come with me if you want, I don’t mind at all, or if you’d rather we just go find our seats-“

You opened your mouth, then closed it again. Not knowing how to say it without sounding ungrateful. 

“Can I be honest?”

He smiled immediately.

“I’d rather you always were.”

You laughed quietly, looking down at the floor.

“I'm just starting to feel a little anxious.”

His expression softened.

“Too many people?”

“A little. It’s just a lot… and,” You rubbed your thumb against your lanyard. “I don’t want to make a fool of myself.”

“You won’t.”

“What if I do?”

He tilted his head.

“What are you imagining?”

You let out an embarrassed laugh.

“I don’t know… saying something stupid. Tripping over. Passing out.”

He chuckled.

“I don’t think you’re going to pass out.”

“You don’t know that! I’ve never met people like this before!”

He raised an eyebrow.

“People like what?” He asked. 

“You know…” You waved your hands, trying to find the right word. “Rockstars?”

His eyebrows lifted.

“…Baby.” He chuckled, shaking his head. 

“What?”

“You live with one.”

You couldn’t help but laugh.

“You’re different.” You smirked.

“Am I?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

You thought about it for a second.

“I forget you’re famous.” You said, and he smiled to himself. “I just see… Noah.”

For a moment, he looked strangely touched by that. Then you sighed.

“And besides, I know Motionless are opening tonight.”

“Yeah?”

“I’ve always had a tiny crush on Ricky.” You confessed with another gentle sigh. 

Noah slowly turned his head towards you, staying completely silent for a moment before asking,

“Ricky?”

You nodded innocently.

“The guitar player?” He asked.

“That’s the one.”

He stared at you for another second before letting out the most dramatic sigh imaginable.

“I bring you backstage, I organise this big surprise…” He placed a hand over his heart. “…And you’re thinking about another man?!”

“I’m not thinking about another man! I said I used to have a little crush.”

“Oh.” He nodded gravely. “That’s much better.”

“It was years ago! I haven’t even listened to them since… pfft, 2018?”

He looked unconvinced.

“I don’t know…”

You nudged his arm.

“Oh, c’mon, don’t be so dramatic.”

“I’m devastated, baby." He frowned dramatically, pulling you in closer to him until you were chest to chest. 

The teasing eased the heaviness that had settled on your chest, and you felt yourself breathe a little easier- which Noah clearly noticed. 

“Better?”

“Yeah.” You nodded, a smile tugging at your lips. 

“Good.” He nodded down the corridor. “C’mon, let’s go find our seats.”

You took a couple of steps before stopping.

“Actually...”

He turned back.

“What?”

“If you want to go and say hi to everyone… I don’t want you feeling like you can’t just because of me.”

“I wouldn’t.” He insisted

“I know.” You smiled. “But you’ve got friends here. People you probably haven’t seen in months or years.”

He looked at you carefully.

“Then what would you do?” He asked.

“I could just…” You shrugged. “…Wait in the seats?”

His eyebrows drew together.

“By yourself?”

“I don’t mind.”

“You sure?”

You nodded.

“I don’t know anyone here, not personally.” You laughed quietly. “And I'd feel a bit awkward just… standing beside you while everyone catches up. I’d feel like I’m in the way.”

He was quiet for a moment, then he stepped closer, frowning. 

“You’d never be in the way, baby. They’d all be happy to meet you.”

“I know.” You shook your head. 

“But?” He raised an eyebrow, and you let out a long sigh.

“I think I’d be more comfortable if you just… got to be Noah for a little bit without me. Go be a guy with the rest of the guys!”

He looked at you with a softness that almost made your heart ache.

“I appreciate you thinking about that.” He tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear. “But I’m not leaving you on your own”

His thumb brushed gently across your cheek, and you shook your head. 

”You’re not.” You said, “You don’t have to babysit me.”

“I’m not.”

“Then what are you doing?”

He smiled, then nodded as if to say okay…

“I’m taking my girl to her seat,” His hand found yours again. “Then, if you’re happy and settled with a drink and some snacks…” A playful smile tugged at his lips. “Then I’ll disappear for ten minutes, say hello to everyone, and come straight back.”

“…Ten minutes?” You smirked. 

“I promise.”

“You won’t get caught talking?”

“I probably will, but I’ll tell them someone’s waiting for me.”

Your stomach fluttered.

“Someone special?” You teased, remembering what you had heard over the phone. And he smiled without a hint of teasing this time.

“Exactly.” He kissed your forehead, “And if I see Ricky back there, I’m telling him-”

“No, Noah!” You laughed. “You’re not telling him anything!”

“What? He deserves to know that he missed his chance.” Noah grinned.

“Oh my god...” You shook your head. 

He grinned, clearly pleased with himself now. Then you let him lace his fingers through yours, and he led you further down another corridor then up some stairs, then down another corridor. You had no idea where you were being taken to, but eventually, you ran into another member of staff, who smiled the moment he recognised Noah.

“Evening, Noah.”

“Hey.”

The staff member scanned both of your passes before pushing the door open.

“Enjoy the show, man.”

“Thanks.”

You stepped through the door first, and immediately gasped.

“Wow…”

The room was beautiful. It wasn’t enormous, but there was plenty of space. In the middle of the room was a leather couch, and behind it was a table already laid out with drinks and bowls of snacks. Then you stepped over to the balcony, where there were seats that overlooked the stage. 

“Is this just for us?” You asked, and Noah nodded his head, a smile tugging at his lips as he took in how amazed you were at something that felt so simple to him. 

You held onto the railing as you looked over the balcony.

“No way...”

Thousands of people were slowly filling the arena below, and you couldn’t believe how close the stage was. 

“Noah,” You turned to him, your eyes wide. “This is incredible.”

“I thought you’d like it.” He said simply. 

“I thought we were gonna be somewhere at the back.”

He laughed.

“Not a chance… it's better here. Better view, better seats, more privacy.” 

You didn't know quite how to express your gratitude, besides a simple,

“Thank you.”

He shrugged almost bashfully.

“I wanted tonight to be special.”

“It already is…” You smiled softly... then you suddenly reached for your bag. “Oh! I should get a picture for Tom!” You grinned as you pulled your phone out of your bag. 

“Want me to get one of you?” He asked, and for a moment you thought about it… then you shook your head. 

“No.” You grinned, “You need to be in it too.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“Me?”

You nodded your head. 

“Besides the dirty ones on your phone, I don't think we have any pictures together.”

He chuckled.

“Fair point.”

He wandered over, and crouched down a little as he stood beside you.

“Ready?”

“Yep.”

You lifted your phone again, stretching your arm out.

“Smile.”

“I am smiling.”

“You don’t look like it. Smile harder.”

He rolled his eyes dramatically before softening into a genuine smile.

“There… perfect!” 

You grinned at the screen, taking a couple pictures, and just as you went to press the button a third time, you felt soft lips press against your cheek.

You put your phone back downa nd instantly tapped on the photo, and felt your cheeks start to burn. It looked quite romantic, his lips on your skin, your smile, his eyes closed, the lights from the arena behind you. 

“Send those to me.” He said as he straightened up and gently tapped your hip. “We look cute.” 

You stared at it for another second.

“Yeah…” You smiled to yourself. “We do.”

You quickly sent the picture to Noah, deciding you won’t tell Tom until after it’s over. So you slipped your phone into your bag, and when you looked back up, Noah was already watching you with that soft look on his face. 

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Hmm…” You narrowed your eyes, unconvinced. 

But he just smiled. 

“I was just wondering if you’re still okay with me disappearing for a few minutes.”

You looked around your little private box again- at the sofa, the drinks and snacks, the stage… and you smiled. 

“Yeah, of course.”

“You sure?”

You nodded your head, and he gently pulled you closer. 

“If at any point you want me back, just text me.”

“I will.” You smiled. 

“And if Ricky somehow finds his way up here, tell him to back off.”

You burst out laughing.

“Oh my god, Noah.”

“I need to cover all possibilities, baby.” He smirked, then leaned down and kissed your forehead, his arms wrapping around you. “I won’t be long.”

“I know.” 

He gave you one last squeeze before stepping back. 

“I’ll make sure I’m back before the lights go down.”

“That’s okay.”

He gave you one last smile, then he turned and disappeared through the door. Then after it clicked shut behind him, you were left alone in a private box in a huge arena…

You slowly turned back towards the stage, just trying to take it all in. The crowd was growing by the minute, the seats were starting to fill out, and the sound of chattering filled the silence Noah left behind. 

You smiled to yourself.

This was your life now.

A month ago, you were worrying your landlord was going to kick you out because you were behind on rent, you’d been counting tips at the end of every shift, wondering if you’d have enough left over after bills to treat yourself to takeout. And now, you were standing in a private suite at a sold out arena, with an all access pass, all because… you weren’t really sure. Was it because he liked the way you made his coffee, was it because he felt sorry for you… or was it deeper than that?

You shook your head, trying to shake the thought away, knowing Noah wouldn’t want you to think that. So instead, you put your bag down on the couch and picked up a water bottle, and waited for Noah to come back. 

…

The first opener was amazing, you had never heard of them before, but you were blown away. God, you’d forgotten how much you loved the feeling of being at a show. 

You found yourself nodding along, not knowing any of the words, your drink forgotten on the little table beside you as Noah silently watched you more than he watched the performance.

“You like them?”

“Yeah, they’re so good!”

“I thought you would.”

Between the songs he’d tell you little things about the bands, “They’re from Australia”, “They’ve been touring nonstop”, “I wrote with their guitarist a couple of years ago”, “I’m in a group chat with the vocalist…” 

You’d look at him in awe every single time.

“You just know everyone.”

He laughed.

“It’s a small world.”

Noah teased you relentlessly while Motionless were on the stage, every time Ricky did something he’d make a comment, “Hey, did you just see what your boyfriend did?”, “Isn’t your boyfriend such a great singer?”, “Fuck, I wish I was as talented as your boyfriend.” 

You rolled your eyes, nudging him with your elbow, or groaning dramatically. But he loved seeing you react, he couldn’t help but laugh. 

Then eventually, the giant backdrop changed, and it’s like the stage grew bigger. Crew members walked out with more equipment and started putting things into places. You leaned over the balcony railing, watching it all happen. 

Then, after a little while, the lights all went out again. The suspense made you giddy as you squeezed Noah’s hand. 

“Oh my god!!” You yelped, then music began playing, and after another moment… “There they are!” 

Noah looked over at you just in time to see the biggest grin spread across your face.

“Happy?”

“So happy!” You beamed. 

The entire show was just unbelievable, you didn’t have a better word for it. The lights and the visuals, the crowd singing along to every word. Even from your private balcony, you could feel the energy radiating off the audience below.

You were even dancing and singing along, which made Noah smirk. 

“I didn’t know you knew all the words.”

“I know enough.” You laughed. 

Then, a few songs later you found yourself leaning on the railing, watching the mosh pit.

“You know, I actually saw them once before.” You said as you sat back in your seat.

“Oh yeah?”

“Mhm, a few years ago.” You said, then hesitated before adding, “With my ex.” 

Noah’s expression stayed calm.

“How was it?”

You snorted.

“Well, it was going really well…” He already knew from your tone that there was a story coming. “…Until he decided jumping into the mosh pit was a brilliant idea. He got into a fight, and came back with a bloody nose because apparently somebody shoved him.”

Noah stared at you for a moment before shaking his head.

“…Fucking idiot.”

You burst out laughing.

“I know! That’s what I said.” 

Noah just shook his head. 

“You go to a concert where everyone’s pushing each other… then gets angry because someone pushed him?”

“That’s just the kind of person he was.” You sighed. “I remember spending most of the night worrying about him.”

Noah looked at you for a second, then he gently brushed his fingers against yours.

“I’m glad tonight’s different.”

“So am I.” You smiled. 

Another song came to an end, and you caught Noah glancing towards the side of the stage, then checking the time on his phone. 

“…Hey.”

“Hm?” You looked up. 

“I’ve just got to disappear for a minute.”

You frowned.

“Now?”

“I’ll be right back.” He smiled reassuringly. “I promise.”

You looked at him curiously.

“…Is everything okay?” You asked. 

He just nodded your head and pressed a kiss to your temple.

“Yeah. Enjoy this one.”

Then without another word, he left again. You frowned when the door shut behind him. That was weird… 

Your mind immediately betrayed you. Was it because I mentioned my ex? Did I upset him? You shook your head. Don’t be ridiculous.

Still, you couldn’t help but glance towards the door every few moments. He’s taking his time, you thought. Another song finished and he still hadn’t returned. 

It’s probably nothing. He might’ve just got stopped by a fan, if anyone recognised him. But your attention was brought back to the stage again when Oli stepped up to the microphone. 

“Alright…” The crowd quietened. “We’ve got a little surprise tonight.”

The crowd wooo’d so loud before he even finished his sentence, and you grinned, wondering what it could be. 

Then your face dropped as a figure dressed entirely in black stepped out.

Your heart stopped, and the crowd screamed so loudly, but you couldn’t hear a thing. 

Because Noah just walked out on to the stage with a microphone in his hand. 

You stumbled as you rose to your feet to get a better view. Oli walked over with a huge grin, throwing an arm around Noah’s shoulders before saying something into the microphone that was lost beneath twenty thousand people screaming.

He hadn’t left because he was upset. He hadn’t left because of your ex. He’d left because he was about to walk onto one of the biggest stages in the country, and didn’t even think to let you know?!

You couldn’t stop smiling. He looked so fucking good out there, and he completely blew you away with his singing and screaming… he was really good. 

You didn’t feel like you were in your own body while he was performing, it all felt like a dream, until the door to the suite opened a couple of minutes later.

Noah stepped inside, slightly out of breath, a little flushed from the performance, his hair messier than before. He barely had time to smile.

“Hey, baby-”

You rushed across the room in three quick steps, and your hands caught either side of his face. Then you kissed him, hard. Full of adrenaline and excitement- you could still hear the crowd as he laughed softly into the kiss, one arm wrapping around your waist to steady you.

When you finally pulled back, you were almost breathless. 

“That.” You pointed a finger at him. “…Was the hottest thing I have ever seen in my life.”

His eyebrows lifted.

“Yeah?”

“Don’t act humble, Noah.” You narrowed your eyes on him, “You walked out in front of thousands of people… and you looked like…” You searched for the words before simply giving up. “…You looked like a rock star!”

He couldn’t help but smirk.

“I am one.”

“Oh, shut up.” You shook your head, making him laugh. “Here I was thinking you left because I upset you-”

His expression softened immediately, and interrupted you. 

“What?”

You paused for a moment, chewing on your lip. 

“When you left, I thought maybe it was because I mentioned my ex… I thought I annoyed you.”

His face fell.

“Oh, sweetheart.” His hands found yours. “Not even for a second.”

“I know that now.”

…

There were only a few songs left, and somehow each one felt better than the last. And now, every time Oli wandered near the side of the stage, you’d grin to yourself.

“You were just down there…” You whispered to Noah halfway through another song.

“I know.”

“It’s still so crazy to me.”

“You’ll get used to it.” Noah smiled, patting your thigh. But you didn’t think you ever would. 

When the final song ended, confetti cannons exploded over the crowd, and for one last time, the crowd went crazy. You found yourself clapping until your hands hurt, and as the lights slowly came back up, you turned to Noah.

“This might’ve actually been one of the best nights of my life.”

His smile softened as he stood up, offering his hand to you. 

“I’m really glad.”

“Thank you.” You said after a moment, and he squeezed your fingers.

“I wanted to do something special… and after the week you’ve had, I hope it was worth it.”

“It really was.”

The two of you lingered there for another minute, watching as thousands of people slowly began filing towards the exits.

Your ears were ringing, and your heart was racing, yet you felt like you could run a marathon with the adrenaline that was coursing through you. 

“So,” Noah smiled as he picked up his jacket. “You ready to head back to the hotel?”

You nodded your head. 

“But I’m way too awake to go to bed anytime soon.”

He laughed.

“Yeah, I don’t think either of us are sleeping just yet.”

Still buzzing with adrenaline, you walked hand in hand, following him back through the quiet corridors, the echoes of the concert still ringing in your ears.

You left through the back, the same way you came in, and there was already a driver waiting to take you back to the hotel. And even in the back seat of the car, you were still buzzing, and you couldn’t stop talking. 

“I still can’t believe you did that.”

Noah smiled to himself from beside you in the back of the cab.

“I know.”

“No, seriously.” You laughed. “I thought you were annoyed, then suddenly you’re on the stage!?”

He chuckled.

“Was I good though?”

You laughed, resting your head against the seat.

“Yes! And oh my god, you were so hot.”

He looked sideways at you over the top of his sunglasses that he slipped back on before leaving. 

“Still thinking about that?”

“I can’t stop thinking about it.”

His smile widened.

“I don’t think you’ve ever kissed me like that before.”

“Can you blame me? I didn’t know you sounded like… that!”

He frowned playfully.

“…That?”

“You were screaming and growling! And doing those… those monster noises!”

He burst out laughing.

“‘Monster noises?’”

“You know what I mean!”

“Yeah, I do those.” He he chuckled. 

“I had no idea!”

He couldn’t stop smiling now.

“Well, you’ve never asked.”

“I didn’t know there was anything to ask! I always thought you’d like to keep me and your work separate…”

His face softened. 

“Why’d you think that?”

You shrugged, not really wanting to talk about that right now, after having such fun tonight. So you decided to change the subject. 

“I was wondering, when you go on tour…”

“Yes?”

“Can I…” You hesitated. “…Can I come and see you at a show?”

“You just did.” He smirked. 

“I know, but…” You smiled shyly. “I wanna see one of your own shows. I know I’ll be working most of the time, but if there’s ever one near enough-”

He reached across the seat and took your hand.

“Sweetheart.”

“Hm?”

“It’s already sorted.”

“…What?” You asked. 

“You’re on the guest list, there’s a couple dates where you’re not working, so I sorted it out.”

“You already planned it?”

“I haven’t booked plane tickets or anything yet because I didn’t know if you’d want to come out and see me… but yeah.”

Your heart squeezed in your chest.

“So if you want to come” He squeezed your hand. “There’ll be tickets waiting for you.”

You stared at him.

“You really thought about all of that?”

“Of course I did.” He said like it was obvious, like there had never been another option. “I want you there.”

You smiled so hard your cheeks hurt.

“I’d love that.” You said, pressing a kiss to his cheek. 

…

By the time you reached the hotel, neither of you had really come down from the adrenaline. You were still giggling in the elevator, replaying moments from the show, teasing Noah about how you’ve never heard so many women squeal the way they did when he appeared on the stage. He simply rolled his eyes, and teased you back just as much, making comments about Ricky again. 

Them the elevator doors opened, and you wandered down the corridor towards your room. You waited just outside the door as Noah patted his pockets down for the key card, before holding it open for you. 

And the moment the door shut behind you, you kicked your boots off with a groan.

“Why do my feet hurt so much if we were sitting for most of it?”

“Was it worth it, though?” Noah smirked. 

“So worth it.”

Then you glanced down at yourself. Your leather top was sticking to your skin, the necklaces were starting to feel claustrophobic and you rubbed at your eye, completely forgetting about your makeup. 

“I feel disgusting.” You groaned. 

Noah chuckled as he tossed his cap onto the dresser.

“You’re still beautiful to me, baby.” 

You side eyed him as if to say yeah right. 

“I think I need a shower.”

“Then take a shower.”

You looked up.

“You’d be okay with that?”

“Of course, why wouldn’t I be?” He walked over, gently brushing a strand of hair away from your face. “Go, take your time, sweetheart.”

“You don’t mind waiting?”

“I’ve got nowhere else to be.” He smiled, kissing your forehead.

You smiled back at him.

“…Okay. And when I get out,” a little cheeky smirk spread across your face, “Do you think we can test out that new toy?”

Noah smirked, sitting back on the bed. 

“Of course we can.” He spread his legs out slightly. 

You nodded and reached for your little wash bag before disappearing into the bathroom, already looking forward to washing away the sweat and makeup from the evening.

As the door clicked shut behind you, Noah let out a quiet breath and smiled to himself. Tonight had gone exactly the way he’d hoped… but you didn’t know he had one last surprise in store. 

You showered in peace, not rushing yourself as you washed off the sweat and makeup, until you finally felt clean. 

You stepped out and reached for a towel, wrapping it around yourself before turning to the sink to do your skincare. You could picture Noah on the bed already, laying back in just a pair of grey sweats or black shorts, scrolling on his phone or switching through the channels on the TV. 

You were smiling to yourself, thinking about how nice the evening had been, then you pushed open the bathroom door and stepped into the bedroom. 

Then you immediately stopped in your tracks. 

Holy shit.

In front of you, on the bed, Noah was lying there completely naked. Well, completely naked besides the black ski mask that was pulled over his face, leaving only his eyes and mouth visible. 

His tattoos were on full display across his body, standing out against the white bedding. One arm was tucked casually behind his head, looking so relaxed and confident… while his other hand held the wand vibrator you had bought this morning. He was slowly dragging the rounded head of the toy along the length of his thick, hard cock that rested against his lower stomach. 

Fuck, he looked so powerful, and almost a little intimidating…

The moment he noticed you in the doorway, his eyes met yours through the mask, and a slow, predatory smirk tugged at his mouth. You felt your breath catch, you couldn’t even think straight as heat flooded between your thighs. 

At first, Noah didn't move. He just kept slowly dragging the vibrating head along his cock, and down to his balls, watching you with dark, hungry eyes. 

“Hi, princess,” he said, his voice low and a little teasing. “Took you long enough.”

He gave his cock another slow stroke with the toy, letting you watch it drag over every inch of him. The way he was was touching himself so casually while wearing nothing but the mask made your stomach flutter, and you swallowed hard, trying so hard to stop your head from spinning. 

Noah tilted his head a little, his eyes dragging over your body.

“Drop the towel, sweet girl,” he said softly, but there was no mistaking the command in his tone. “I want to see you.”

You stood there for a second, your heart racing, your brain turning to mush- and Noah’s smirk just grew.

“C’mon, don’t get shy on me now, baby. You bought this toy for me… so I could use it on you. Come here and get on the bed.”

He spread his legs a little wider, making the view even more obscene- his hard cock, the buzzing vibrator, the mask, the tattoos, all of it on full display as he waited for you.

“I’ve been thinking about this since you handed it to me earlier, I can’t believe you went out and got this without me even having to ask…” He said, before a low groan slipped his lips. “Now get on this bed and let me show you how I reward my good girl.”

continue...

・┈・୨୧・┈・

”Oh!” She smiled at you, “Is this your boyfriend, darling?”

Your eyes widened.

”Uh…”

Before you could answer, Noah spoke.

”Not yet.” He smirked, “I’ve still got a lot to prove.” 

YES!!! YES HE IS ACTUALLY!!!!! HE IIIIISSSS

”What’s the issue?” He asked, looking entirely innocent, “You’re my baby everywhere.” 

Screaming, crying, throwing up!!!!! 😭😭😭

“It doesn’t.” He shook his head, suddenly sensing the shift in your mood and body language, “Talk to me, baby. I can tell something’s bothering you.”

Ugh!!! So attentive 😭😭😭

“No… it’s for someone special.”

Your heart skipped a beat, your tummy fluttering at his words. Someone special? You? A hundred different possibilities raced through your head, Oli, concert, someone special…

SOMEONE SPECIAL 😭😭 certified lover boy 🩷🩷🩷

“I’ve always had a tiny crush on Ricky.” You confessed with another gentle sigh. 

🤭🤭🤭🤭 to be honest who didn’t!!!!

Noah teased you relentlessly while Motionless were on the stage, every time Ricky did something he’d make a comment, “Hey, did you just see what your boyfriend did?”, “Isn’t your boyfriend such a great singer?”, “Fuck, I wish I was as talented as your boyfriend.” 

🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 LOSER (I love him dearly)

Because Noah just walked out on to the stage with a microphone in his hand. 

Petition to have Noah join BMTH all the time

Signatures:

• me

• myself

• and I

“Don’t act humble, Noah.” You narrowed your eyes on him, “You walked out in front of thousands of people… and you looked like…” You searched for the words before simply giving up. “…You looked like a rock star!”

He couldn’t help but smirk.

“I am one.”

HE’S!!! SO….!!!!

In front of you, on the bed, Noah was lying there completely naked. Well, completely naked besides the black ski mask that was pulled over his face, leaving only his eyes and mouth visible. 

EXCUSE ME!!!!!!

…while his other hand held the wand vibrator you had bought this morning. He was slowly dragging the rounded head of the toy along the length of his thick, hard cock that rested against his lower stomach. 

GULP!!!!!

At first, Noah didn't move. He just kept slowly dragging the vibrating head along his cock, and down to his balls, watching you with dark, hungry eyes.

“Hi, princess,” he said, his voice low and a little teasing. “Took you long enough.”

OH MY FUCKING GOOOOOOODDDDDD

・┈・୨୧・┈・

You stood there for a moment, your heart racing in your chest as you took in the sight of him- naked, masked, looking so powerful as he slowly teased his cock with the vibrator you bought. The black mask on his face made everything feel different. More thrilling, more dangerous in the best way.

Noah didn’t rush you. He just watched you with dark eyes, patient but clearly hungry, and the quiet buzzing of the vibrator was the only sound that filled the room besides your own heavy breathing. Finally, you reached up and unwrapped the towel. It fell to the floor with a soft thud, leaving you completely bare in front of him. A small, nervous smirk tugged at your lips as you met his gaze through the mask.

You slowly climbed onto the bed and crawled towards him on all fours, sensually but still a little cautious, like you were approaching something wild. You weren’t sure just how far he would take it tonight, you remember telling him you wanted him to be more rough in bed… so maybe that was his plan tonight?

When you reached him, you straddled his lap, hovering by his tummy, just above his hard cock, your hands resting gently on his chest.

Noah didn’t touch you right away. He looked at you for a moment, his eyes still dark and hungry behind the mask. One hand was still lazily stroking the vibrator along his cock, but his focus was now entirely on you.

Before anything else, he asked you a simple question.

“Do you remember the colour system, princess?”

You nodded, a little breathless already.

“Tell me,” he said gently but firmly. “Recite it for me.”

You swallowed.

“Green means keep going… yellow means slow down or check in… red means stop immediately.” You said a little breathlessly.

Noah’s eyes softened just slightly with approval, though the mask still made him look a little scary.

“Good girl,” he smiled, his voice warm with praise. “And you know you can use any of them at any time, right? No matter what. I want you to feel safe, even when I’m being rough with you tonight.”

He finally switched the vibrator off and set it aside before he reached for you, his hands settling carefully on your hips. His touch was gentle for now.. his thumbs brushing circles on your skin as he held you there, hovering over his cock.

He tilted his head, studying you through the mask.

“You still want this?” He asked, voice low but caring. “You want me to be rough with you tonight? To take control?”

You nodded again, your voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes. Please.”

Noah’s grip on your hips tightened just the slightest, not enough to hurt, but enough to remind you who was in charge.

Without another word, he flipped you onto your back and shoved you down into the mattress. You gasped as your back hit the sheets, and befote you could even react, he was between your thighs, keeping them spread wide with his body so you couldn’t close your legs. He pinned both of your wrists above your head in one large, strong hand, holding you firmly in place.

Now you were completely at his mercy.

Noah hovered over you, and his eyes locked onto yours through the mask as he held you down.

“Colour, baby?” He asked, his voice soft even as his grip on your wrists stayed firm. You were already breathing faster, your heart racing with anticipation.

“Green,” you whispered. Then again, more sure, “Green, green, green.”

Noah’s eyes softened with approval behind the mask, and he smirked.

“That’s my good girl.”

He reached beside you and picked up the vibrator again. He turned it on to a low setting, the soft buzz of it filling the room. Instead of going straight for your clit, like you thought he would, he started teasing you.

He dragged the buzzing head slowly up your side, making you shiver. Then to your breasts, circling one nipple, then the other. The vibrations made your nipples harden almost instantly, and he took his time, pressing the toy against each until you were squirming beneath him.

“Stay still for me.” He said softly, but his grip on your wrists tightened just enough to remind you who was in control.

He moved the vibrator lower, tracing it across your tummy, then down to your inner thighs. The teasing was driving you mad. You tried to arch up, to chase more contact, but he kept you pinned, and he watched every reaction, with a devilish smirk on his lips.

Finally, he dragged the vibrating head down to your mound, pressing it just above your clit, letting you feel the buzz so close but not quite where you needed it. You whimpered, hips moving desperately.

Noah then leaned down, the soft mask brushing your ear as he whispered,

“You wanted me rough tonight, didn’t you, princess?”

He pressed the vibrator firmly against your clit, then suddenly turned the intensity of it up.

The sudden, strong vibrations made your whole body jolt. A loud moan tore from your throat as he held it there, not moving or teasing, he just let it buzz against your most sensitive spot while he kept you pinned beneath him.

“That’s it, be a good girl and take it.” He whispered, his voice low and sweet but full of control.

He watched you through the mask as your body started to tense, your hips wriggling desperately. Just as you were right on the edge, about to cum, your thighs shaking, he pulled the vibrator away. You let out a broken, frustrated whimper, trying to close your legs. Noah chuckled darkly, and spread his thighs a little more to keep your legs even wider apart.

“Uh-uh, sweetheart,” he smirked, his voice now dripping with teasing dominance. “You don’t get to cum yet. I’m in charge tonight… so you’re going to take what I give you.”

He waited just long enough for your breathing to calm slightly, then pressed the vibrator back against your swollen clit. The sudden return of the intense vibrations made you cry out, your back arching hard off the bed.

You squirmed beneath him, trying again to close your legs, but he held you open so easily and effortlessly, his own body keeping you spread and helpless.

Noah chuckled again, darker this time, clearly enjoying your desperation.

“Look at you,” he said softly, almost mockingly sweet. “You’re so fucking cute when you’re this needy.”

He edged you once again, bringing you right to the brink with the powerful toy, only to pull it away at the last second. You sobbed, your hips raising to chase the vibrator desperately, but he kept it just out of reach, watching you fall apart with dark eyes.

“Please…” you whimpered, your voice breaking. But Noah leaned down, the mask brushing your ear again,

“Not yet, baby. I think I want to watch you just a little more.”

He pressed the vibrator back onto your clit for the third time, holding it there as he watched you tremble. Your thighs shook, your legs tried uselessly to close around him again. The want and denial had you crying out, tears slipping down your cheeks.

But this time, as you felt your orgasm build again, he didn’t pull away.

“That’s it, cum for me, princess,” he said. “Right now.”

You whined, your back arching as your pussy clenched around nothing, and your thighs shook uncontrollably. Noah kept the vibrator pressed hard against your clit through the entire orgasm, drawing it out until you were a sobbing, trembling mess beneath him.

Only when you started to come down, whimpering and oversensitive, did he finally pull the toy away. He let go of your wrists and gathered you into his arms, holding you close against his chest as you shook.

He kissed your forehead through the mask, voice suddenly much softer.

“You did so well, baby… so good for me.”

His hand gently stroked your back while you trembled against him. He kissed you again and whispered softly,

“You okay, princess? Want more?”

You nodded, still breathing hard.

“Yes… please.”

Noah’s eyes darkened again, and he gave you a satisfied smile.

“Good girl,” he whispered. “Get on top and ride me, baby. I want to watch you take my cock.”

You moved shakily, your legs still weak from the how intense your orgasm was. But you straddled his hips, your hands pressing against his chest for balance as he reached down and lined himself up. With a soft whimper, you slowly sank down onto his thick cock, taking him inch by inch until he was buried completely inside you.

You paused for a moment, adjusting to the fullness, your hands trembling on his chest. Noah groaned deeply, his hands sliding up your thighs to grip your hips.

“Fuck, you always look so pretty like this,” he said, voice rough but full of praise. “Sitting on my cock.”

Then he started thrusting up into you. It was gentle at first, slow and deep… then it became hard.

His hips snapped upwards, driving his cock deep into you while he held you down on him. You cried out, your body jolting with every powerful thrust, because Noah didn’t let you set the pace. He took control from below, fucking you with deep, rough strokes. He even slapped your ass, not too hard but certainly not gentle, and the sharp sting made you clench around him.

“That’s it, baby,” he growled, his voice low and filthy. “Just sit there and look pretty while I fuck you. You feel so fucking good.”

He groped your tits with rough hands, squeezing and pinching your nipples as he continued to thrust up into you, his cock slamming deep with every snap of his hips. The mix of pleasure and the lingering sting of his hand on your ass had you moaning loudly, your nails digging into his chest to attempt to steady yourself.

Noah kept praising you between rough thrusts and spanks, and he remembered what you told him- so never once did he say a degrading word.

“Look at you… taking my cock so well. Such a good fucking girl for me. Your tits look so pretty bouncing like this while I fuck you.”

He slapped your ass again, harder this time, then reached for your tits, rolling your nipples between his fingers as he pounded into you from below. God, his hands felt so good, no matter where on you they were.

You were a moaning, trembling mess on top of him, barely able to keep up with any rhythm as the pleasure began to overwhelm you.

“Noah… more…” You gasped, your eyes already starting to roll back.

Noah’s hand shot up instantly. He grabbed your face in one large hand, squishing your cheeks together firmly as he forced you to look at him.

“Nuh-uh, baby,” he growled through the mask, “Eyes on me.”

You whimpered, struggling to keep your eyes focused on him as he continued thrusting up into you.

“You want more?” He asked, still holding your face. “Then you’re going to look at me while I give it to you.”

He smoothly flipped you onto your back again. He hooked your legs over his shoulders, folding you in half as he shoved his cock back inside you in one deep thrust. The new angle made him hit even deeper, making you cry out.

Noah wrapped one hand around your throat, he didn't squeeze tight, he just applied the most dizzying pressure, before he started fucking you hard.

“Colour, princess?” He asked again, his voice rough but he still made sure he was checking in, just to see where you were at. You could barely speak through the overwhelming pleasure, but you managed to gasp out,

“Green… green-“

Noah’s grip on your throat tightened just a little more as he pounded into you, the mask making him look almost feral.

“Good girl.” He growled, slamming into you harder.

He suddenly pulled out, making you whimper at the sudden emptiness. But before you could protest, he flipped you onto your stomach with rough hands, yanking your hips up so your ass was high in the air.

He grabbed the wand from beside you and turned it on to a higher setting this time. Without any warning, he pressed the buzzing head hard against your swollen, overstimulated clit and shoved his thick cock back inside you with one hard, sudden thrust.

You whimpered loud into the mattress as he started fucking you from behind. Then Noah fisted your hair and yanked your head back sharply, arching your back as he fucked you harder.

“Colour?” he growled through the mask, still checking in even as he destroyed you.

“G-green!” You sobbed, barely able to speak.

He spanked your ass hard, the sharp sting blooming across your skin as he continued pounding into you. His hips snapped against you with such force, his cock hitting so deep it made your eyes roll back, and the vibrator never left your clit, only making the sensations more overwhelming.

Noah then leaned over your back, and growled,

“You wanted rough, princess. So I’m going to fuck you until you can’t walk tomorrow.”

He spanked you again, harder, his thrusts growing even more savage and animalistic. You were shaking, and sobbing with pleasure as another orgasm built fast, and Noah could feel it.

“Cum for me,” he ordered, voice rough. “Right fucking now. I want to feel this pussy squeeze around my cock.”

He spanked you one more time, and turned the vibrator up once more as your orgasm ripped through you, your whole body trembling as you came hard, but Noah didn’t stop. He kept fucking you through it.

“Oh, was that the best you can do?” He teased. “No, baby… you can cum harder than that for me.”

Before you could catch your breath, he wrapped an arm around you, pulling you up so your back was flush against his chest. He kept one arm wrapped around your waist to hold you in place while his other hand brought the vibrator back to your clit, pressing it firmly against your swollen, oversensitive nub.

The second the strong vibrations hit your clit, you cried out again, louder this time, but Noah didn’t give you any mercy. He thrust into you hard and deep, his thick cock hitting the most delicious spots from this new angle.

“Fuck!” You sobbed, your body jolting with every thrust, and your head rolled back, resting against his shoulder.

Then his hand slid up from your waist and wrapped around your throat again.

“That’s it, baby,” he growled through the mask, his voice rough and dark. “Take my cock like a good girl. I want to feel you cum harder this time. Think you can do that for me?”

You desperately nodded, though your head was spinning from the pressure around your throat combined with every other sensation.

“Show me, pretty girl. Cum for me again.”

He pressed the vibrator even more firmly against your clit as he fucked into you, his hand tight around your throat, and you came again with a broken moan, your whole body trembling and your thighs shaking as the orgasm hit you even harder than before.

Noah groaned deeply, still thrusting into you through your orgasm, not slowing down for a second.

“Good… good girl,” he praised, drawing out the words, his voice rough and thick with lust. “That’s what I wanted.”

Then he started to slow his thrusts, still buried deep inside you, and loosened his grip on your throat.

“Colour?” He asked yet again, his voice suddenly full of care.

You were shaking, breathing hard, but you managed to whisper,

“Green… but j-just give me a moment… please.”

Noah immediately stopped moving. He pulled the vibrator away from your clit and wrapped both arms around you, holding you close against his chest from behind.

“Of course, baby,” he whispered softly. “Take all the time you need. I’ve got you.”

He stayed buried inside you but didn’t thrust. Instead, he showered you with gentle kisses- along your shoulder, the back of your neck, your jaw. His hands moved down and stroked your sore, red ass tenderly, massaging the stinging skin with soothing circles.

“You did so well,” he whispered between kisses. “You took me so beautifully. My strong, perfect girl.”

He kept kissing you softly, his lips warm and soft and patient, while his hands continued their gentle massage on your ass and back. He waited until your breathing slowed and your body relaxed against him.

When you finally nodded, whispering “I’m ready,” Noah kissed your neck one more time. Then he laid back and gently guided you into his lap again so you were straddling him, facing him. He held you close as he slowly lowered you onto his cock, sinking you down until he was buried deep inside you again.

You whimpered at the fullness, still so sensitive.

Noah reached for the vibrator and pressed it back against your clit- this time on an even higher speed. The strong and intense vibrations made you cry out, your body jerking against him.

“Oh baby, I know…” he cooed softly, his voice full of sweet condescension as he wrapped one arm around your waist to hold you in place. “It’s so sensitive, isn’t it? But it feels so good, doesn’t it?”

He started thrusting up into you, slow and deep this time. The vibrator buzzed against your overstimulated clit while his cock filled you completely, making you whimper and moan, burying your face in his neck as the overwhelming pleasure built again.

Noah kissed your shoulder and whispered against your skin,

“That’s my good girl… just take it for me. I love how you tremble when I push you like this.”

He kept fucking deep, with hard but slow thrusts, the vibrator never leaving your clit as he held you close in his lap.

“Just one more, okay? Think you can do that?”

You were whimpering helplessly as the overwhelming pleasure kept building.

“I can’t… Noah, I can’t cum again.” You gasped, your voice breaking.

Noah’s arm tightened around your waist, holding you down on his cock as he kept thrusting up into you. His voice stayed soft but firm against your ear.

“No, baby… you can,” he said sweetly. “I know you can. Just one more for me. You’re doing so so well.”

You whined pathetically, overwhelmed and oversensitive, but your body kept responding to him. Noah slowed his thrusts again just enough to check in, his hand gently cupping your cheek.

“Colour, princess?” he asked, voice low and caring.

“Green…” you breathed, then nodded because you were barely able to speak. “Green…”

Noah’s eyes softened with pride behind the mask, then before he could say or do anything, you started to rock your hips. The vibrator was pressed between your bodies, the buzzing head nestled right against your clit. Noah noticed so stopped thrusting completely, instead he let you roll your hips, grinding your clit harder against the toy with every movement.

Your eyes fluttered shut, head falling forward as the overwhelming pleasure took over. Your heart was racing, breathing shaky. Noah felt so good inside you- thick and warm and deep- while the vibrator buzzed relentlessly against your poor, sensitive, swollen clit.

“That’s it, princess,” he whispered softly, his hands resting on your hips, guiding your movements gently. “You like that? Just rock on me. Nice and slow, yeah? Feel how deep I am?”

You whimpered, grinding harder against the vibrator with each roll of your hips. The combination of his cock stretching you and the strong, steady vibrations on your clit was pushing you closer and closer to the edge once more.

Noah kept one arm wrapped around your back, holding you close against his chest as you rocked on him. He kissed your temple, your cheek, your shoulder- giving you soft, loving kisses while you chased your pleasure.

“You’re doing so well, baby,” he whispered tenderly. “I can feel how close you are, squeezing so tight around me. Just let it build. Don’t fight it... just give it to me.”

You came with a broken cry, your whole body shaking as you fell completely forward against his chest. Your pussy clenched rhythmically around his cock as wave after wave of such intense pleasure rolled through you. Soft whimpers and whines spilled from your lips as you trembled in his arms.

But Noah didn’t move the vibrator.

He kept it there, pressed firmly against your oversensitive clit, letting the strong vibrations drag your orgasm out longer. You whimpered louder, squirming in his lap as the overstimulation started to border on too much.

“N-noah…” You whined, voice shaky.

He kissed your shoulder softly, still holding you close.

“Yeah, baby?” He asked gently.

“Yellow…” You whimpered.

Noah immediately turned the vibrator off and set it aside. He wrapped both arms around you, holding you tightly against his chest as you trembled and caught your breath.

“Shhh, I’ve got you,” he whispered, pressing soft kisses to your hair and temple. “You did so well, baby. So perfect for me. Just breathe. I’m right here.”

He stayed buried deep inside you, rubbing your back in slow, soothing strokes while you came down in his arms. You were still trembling, breathing hard but he held you softly until your shaking eased.

When you finally relaxed against his chest, he tilted your chin up softly and looked at you with dark, hungry eyes.

“I haven’t cum yet, princess,” he said, his voice low and affectionate. “Will you be a good girl and let me finish in your mouth? You can say no if you want, I’ll go sort myself out in the bathroom, but-

You didn’t let him finish his sentence, you nodded, still dazed and fucked out, but eager to please him after he just made you feel that fucking good.

Noah smiled softly and helped you move, guiding you down between his thighs. You crawled between his legs on shaky arms, your body still sensitive and trembling from everything he’d done to you.

You wrapped your hand around his thick, glistening cock- still rock hard and covered in your slick- and took him into your mouth. The taste of yourself was all over him, salty-sweet and messy. You moaned around his cock as you started sucking him, slow and sloppy, your tongue swirling around the head before taking him deeper.

Noah groaned, one hand gently resting on the back of your head.

“Fuck, baby… that’s so good,” he praised softly. “Look at you… can you taste yourself on my cock?”

You hummed, and sucked him messily, spit and your slick dripping down to his balls as you bobbed your head. You were still so fucked out- your eyes glossy and dazed, movements a little uncoordinated- but you wanted to make him feel good. You wanted to make him feel amazing.

Noah’s breathing grew heavier. His hand tightened in your hair, and he started guiding you a little more firmly, thrusting shallowly into your mouth.

“If it’s too much, tap my thigh twice, okay?” He said, his voice rough but still caring.

You hummed around him in acknowledgment, then he started thrusting a little deeper, fucking your mouth slowly, his grip in your hair tightening. Spit dripped down your chin as you took him deeper, gagging softly but not pulling away.

Noah groaned loudly, his eyes falling shut for a moment as he fucked your face.

“Such a good fucking girl,” he praised, voice strained with pleasure. “Taking my cock so well… just like that, baby.”

He thrust a little harder, holding you in place as he chased his release, the wet, sloppy sounds of your mouth filling the room.

You still took him eagerly, sucking and slurping messily around his thick cock even as it pushed deeper. You gagged hard when he hit the back of your throat, but you didn’t pull away. Instead, you moaned around him, spit dripping down your chin as you tried to take more.

“Fuck, baby… you’re so perfect. My perfect, pretty girl.” Noah groaned.

Tears rolled down your cheeks as you gagged again, pulling off for a second, but you kept sucking him, your tongue swirling messily whenever you could. Your hands gripped his thighs, not pushing him away, but just holding on as he used your warm, wet mouth.

Noah’s breathing grew even more ragged. You looked up at him through your lashes, and you could tell by the way his tummy was tensing and tightening that he was close.

“Fuck.. I’m gonna cum,” he growled, and you felt his cock throb on your tongue. “Swallow it all for me, princess. You’re so fucking good to me…”

Then, with a deep, guttural groan, he thrust deep into your mouth once more and came hard. You took him in your hand, pumping his length as thick, hot spurts of cum landed on your tongue, your lips, a little on your chin. Then you took the head into your mouth and gently sucked, before swallowing around him, not wanting to waste a drop.

Noah kept his cock in your mouth through every pulse, groaning softly as you milked him for all he had.

When he finally finished, he slowly pulled out, strings of spit and cum connecting your swollen lips to his cock. You pressed one last little kiss to his tip as he looked down at you- teary eyed and messy, but still so eager- and stroked your cheek with his thumb.

“You were so fucking good for me, baby,” he whispered, voice soft with praise. “Come here.”

He pulled you up into his arms, holding you close against his chest as you caught your breath. He cradled you like you were the most precious thing in his world. He pulled the covers around both of you and held you close, one hand gently stroking your back while the other cradled the back of your head.

“Shhh, I’ve got you, baby,” he whispered softly, pressing gentle kisses to your forehead, your cheeks, your temple. “You did so, so well. I’m so so proud of you.”

You were still dazed, breathing softly against his neck, your body trembling from the intensity of everything. But Noah kept kissing you, sweet little tender kisses all over your face and shoulders, bringing you back to earth with his warmth and touch.

“I’m so proud of you.” He said genuinely, his voice full of adoration.

He rocked you gently in his arms, one hand rubbing slow circles on your back while the other brushed sweat damp hair out of your face.

“My pretty girl,” he whispered, kissing the tip of your nose. “You’re so pretty when you cum for me… so pretty when you’re all fucked out and trembling in my arms like this. You’re so strong, so beautiful.”

He pressed a long, lingering kiss to your lips, then rested his forehead against yours, holding you even closer.

“You’re safe, princess. I’ve got you. Just breathe with me, okay? In… and out.”

He kept kissing you softly between words- on your forehead, your eyelids, your cheeks, your mouth- while his hands never stopped their gentle, soft touches.

“You did everything right,” he whispered again, voice full of warmth. “You were perfect. My perfect, beautiful girl. I’m so lucky you trust me like this.”

He held you tighter, letting you bury your face in his neck. His voice stayed soft and reassuring the whole time.

Second drawer of his bedside table. Take his watch and bring it back to me. Do not get caught.

Those exact words from the estate’s ‘chief security’ were still ringing in your head while you stood frozen in place, heart hammering through your chest as you felt your entire body go cold. 

There really was no other way out now, it seemed.

“Well? Care to explain yourself?” 

The heavy gold watch dangled around your trembling fingers, its owner awaiting your response as he leaned against the doorframe. His voice remained low, his face clearly unamused with his clenched jaw and narrowed eyes.

Who on earth would be amused anyway if you caught one of your housemaids stealing your Rolex?

It’s not like one watch would make a dent in his net worth, but that’s besides the point.

It was just your third day at your job in the estate, and you already found yourself in trouble with none other than your boss, Mr. Noah Davis.

“Sir, I’m sorry… i-it was Chad who asked me to do this.” 

You carefully placed his watch on the small table as you heard him huff. 

“What, you didn’t even question him? Ask him why the fuck he would need my watch?”

“I- I’m not… I don’t—“

He cut you off with a loud scoff, his lips tugged by a devilish grin as he slowly took a few steps towards you.

“You do know I could get you fired and file a case against you, right?”

You gulped, eyes going wide as your hands started nervously playing with the hem of your shirt, as if the piece of cotton would provide you with respite of any kind.

“Sir, p-please… I’m sorry, I-I’ll do anything,” you stuttered as you saw Noah’s smirk grow wider.

“How old are you again?”

“I’m 21, sir,” you quietly answered, biting your lip hard. “Please… I won’t– I won’t do this again. You can report me to the agency, sir, but p-please… I can’t go to jail. My family needs me.”

He snickered, “Do you know what they do to pretty and innocent girls like you in jail?” 

You shook your head as tears brimmed in your eyes. 

Clearly amused at your pitiful face, Noah moved closer and towered over your petite frame, leaving about a foot of space between the two of you.

“How about I show you, hm?”

“W-what?” You nervously swallowed.

“How criminals like you get treated in prison.” Slowly, one of his big tattooed hands reached out to your face and carefully tucked your hair behind your ear.

You flinched involuntarily at the contact. “S-sir, I don’t understand…”

“Tell me, sweetheart, when was the last time your boyfriend fucked you?”

“H-Huh?”

“That was a simple question. Don’t play dumb with me.” He lifted your chin a bit aggressively, forcing you to look into his eyes as his long fingers started to caress your jaw.

You blinked back your tears as you reluctantly spoke, “I have never… I’ve never had sex, sir.”

Noah’s eyebrows furrowed in amusement, letting out a breathy laugh. “Then you’re really gonna end up being someone’s bitch in jail, young lady.”

“Sir, no, please…”

“Please what?”

“Please don’t send me to the police. I’ll do anything,” you pleaded once again, your knees bucking as you awkwardly kneeled in front of your boss. You tilted your head up to not break eye contact, hoping the man in front of you could see the sincerity of your apologies.

Noah continued to enjoy the sight in front of him as you begged with clasped hands and tears streaming down your flushed cheeks.

He could really have fun with you his way then.

“Hm… what a good girl you are… already in position,” he taunted before unbuckling his belt and pulling his zipper down. He shamelessly lowered his pants and boxers enough to let his cock free, making your eyes go wide. “Come on, suck me, you little slut.”

You had never seen a dick up close before, yet you already knew he was bigger than average. Despite the shaft looking soft and hanging limply off his trimmed groin, it definitely looked girthy, with a protruding vein adorning its underside. 

“Come on,” he repeated, his hand squeezing his shaft as he stroked it. “You’d rather be my bitch now than somebody else’s in prison.”

Letting out a sharp breath, you grabbed his member reluctantly, slowly bringing it closer to your quivering lips. You were not even sure what to do, but decided to place a soft kiss on its head, which automatically made his shaft twitch in your hand. You brought your tongue towards its base, licking all the way up to the tip where you played with the slit, making the man above you groan. With your every move, you felt his cock grow hard, its dark mushroomed tip now starting to glisten with your spit and his own arousal. 

“Open your mouth and put it inside; I don’t have forever,” Noah grumbled, grabbing the back of your head to push you towards his pelvis.

You did not dare fight him anymore and did as told. 

His now hard cock slid effortlessly inside your mouth, the tip immediately hitting the back of your throat, making you gag.

Noah chuckled as he disregarded your discomfort and started thrusting his shaft in and out of you. 

You let him use you as he pleased, your hands finding purchase in the muscles of his thighs that clenched in every move. 

Spit dribbled down your chin, mixing with the tears that found their way down from your cheeks. 

Who would have thought you’d end up on your knees sucking your boss’s cock in his bedroom today? Letting a man you barely knew use your mouth in the worst way possible?

But better this than jail time. Right?

“Fuck, your mouth feels so good. You sure you’ve never taken a cock before?” He snickered between his grunts and moans. 

You shook your head in response as you looked at his blissed-out face. Your teary eyes continued to plead for him to let you go already.

“Shit, shit, I’m gonna–” Noah’s grunts swallowed his words as you felt him shoot spurts of hot cum right into your throat. His cock pulsated in your mouth while your boss stilled and emptied his load in you. 

You breathed heavily through your nose, lightly pushing him off you. 

Gladly, he finally let you go, making you gasp as you plopped down onto the carpeted floor. You wiped the corners of your mouth with the back of your hand as you tried to compose yourself, catching your breath while you let things sink in. 

But before you could even get yourself together, you heard Noah speak as he moved across the room. 

“Now take your clothes off and get on the bed.”

What?

Noah scoffed, giving you an incredulous look. You did not realize you said that out loud. 

“B-but… sir, please.”

“Did I stutter?”

Noah undressed himself completely before walking to the door and locking it. His cock was hard again, standing all red and glistening against his abdomen.

Deep inside, you gawked at the sight. You never thought your boss was fully tattooed from the waist up. And before he took off his shirt, you never thought tattooed guys could get this hot.

You shook off those inappropriate thoughts and went back to worrying about your current situation.

You sat frozen on the floor as your naked boss stood in front of you, his hands on his hips, impatiently waiting for you to move.

“So?”

With wobbly legs, you slowly stood up. You swallowed before nodding, your eyes fixated on the ‘Desolate’ typography above his navel.

Hesitantly, you took off your shirt and pants and neatly folded them on the bedside table. You were now standing awkwardly with only your lace bra and panties on, crossing your arms against your chest.

Noah’s eyes raked up and down your semi-exposed body, his cock twitching at the sight of your cleavage and peeping cameltoe. 

“Do I really need to manhandle you and rip those off you?”

“Mr. Davis, I-“

“What? Do you want me to call the police instead?” He fished his phone out of the pocket of his discarded jeans, making your heart race anew.

“No, sir,” you quietly responded. “Please, don’t…”

“Then fucking strip,” he sternly said as he sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes never leaving you as he manspread, his cock standing erect as if taunting you once more.

Noah gripped his shaft with one hand while his other scrolled through his phone before bringing the device to his ear.

With eyes wide, you hurriedly unclasped your bra, letting your boobs spring free, making Noah groan quietly. And with no hesitation, you pushed your panties down, revealing your groomed sex to his hungry eyes.

“Sir… please don’t call the police…” Your eyes welled as you heard the other line pick up.

Smirking, he shushed you as he began speaking. “Yeah… cancel all my meetings this afternoon, and make sure no one disturbs me. I’ll be in my room… doing important stuff.”

He hung up and threw his phone on the mattress. But that did not stop your tears from dripping down your cheeks again. 

“Now get on the bed; I can’t wait to come inside that virgin little pussy.” Noah pulled you down on the bed, pushing you into position. But you pulled away from his grip and tried to plead one last time.

“Sir, please,” you hiccuped. “Anything but this…”

“Do you know crying turns me on even more?” He whispered, his thumb wiping the tears on your cheeks.

“No, please, sir. I’ll work for you for free, just… not this. Please, not this.” Frantic, you bargained, not knowing what else to offer instead.

He scoffed, not even slightly bothered. If anything, Noah was bothered by your pert nipples that hardened from the room temperature and were now begging to be sucked by his lips. 

His hands found your breasts, palms pushing your chest as your back hit the mattress. “You should’ve thought twice about stealing from me then. Now spread those legs and let me see that pussy.”

Noah licked his lips as you reluctantly opened your legs for him. He crawled towards you and pried your knees apart to spread you even wider; the cold breeze from the AC hit your exposed folds, making you shiver.

“Fuck, I haven’t been with a virgin for so fucking long,” he murmured, his fingers starting to rub along your puffy folds, opening your lips to expose your pink clenching entrance to his lust-filled eyes. “Shit, look how tiny you are. My cock’s gonna ruin you.”

Before you could even respond and beg for him to stop, you yelped at the sudden feeling of his wet tongue licking an agonizingly slow stripe up your folds, his stubble grazing your inner thighs making you shiver.

You squealed, trying to close your thighs to push him away, but Noah’s large hands forced them open. He was gripping you so hard you could already feel them bruising.

“There’s no point hiding or running away from me, sweetheart. Trust me, I won’t hesitate to fuck you anywhere in this house, even in front of people,” he said before his lips wrapped around your sensitive flesh. “Now if I were you, just fucking relax and enjoy this.”

Then his finger poked your entrance and slid inside you inch by inch, making you feel the ridges of his bony digit.

You squeezed your eyes shut, wincing from the stinging sensation.

“Holy shit, you are so tight. How will you be able to take my cock?” He asked mockingly as he moved his finger in and out of your pussy. Noah dived right back and nibbled on your folds, covering you in his spit.

You could feel the end of the bed rocking, and when you dared look down, you saw him grinding against the mattress, his butt clenching with his movements.

Cursing, a whole new wave of panic crashed into you as Noah’s lips and fingers left your now throbbing pussy. He stood on his knees between your open thighs, one hand stroking his leaking cock while the other kept you spread.

“Sir… no,” you cried.

He tut-tutted, his large frame hovering over you. Smirking, he leaned down to place a kiss on your lower abdomen, up to your navel, ascending towards your heaving chest. He pecked both of your nipples, and as he wrapped his lips around one, you felt his bulbous tip pressing against your entrance, making you gasp and cry harder.

You tried to wiggle out of his grasp again, but Noah’s big tattooed body pressed you completely helpless against his soft sheets. 

The pressure of his tip poking into you increased, and you felt your entrance stretch as he pushed his cock into you— slow but hard enough to make you feel the burn.

“It hurts…” You whimpered.

“Hm, really?” He mumbled against your nipple, releasing it with a pop. “Too bad I don’t go easy on pretty little thieves.”

A fresh batch of tears trickled down your temple as you silently cursed, face all scrunched up, making Noah giggle on top of you.

“You look so cute crying, taking cock for the first time. I would’ve loved making love with you, but… maybe next time.”

With that, he slammed his hips hard into you, making you scream, hands curled around his sheets.

“Fuck me, you are the tightest pussy I’ve ever had,” he groaned as he started thrusting in and out of you. “You’re squeezing me so tight, baby girl.”

Noah’s lips moved up to your collarbone, towards the crook of your neck where he kissed and sucked until a purple bruise bloomed on your skin. An involuntary moan left your mouth, making him smirk.

“Are you enjoying this?”

You shook your head no, mouth continued to silently plead for him to stop.

“You better not be,” he grunted as he moved back to his knees and started pounding into you like a madman. “'Cause this is your punishment for stealing from me. You steal my watch; I steal your pussy.”

Noah slammed hard again, letting out shameless moans as you felt his movements stuttering. 

“Are you on the pill?” He turned your head aggressively so you could look at him. “Answer me.”

“No, sir,” you whimpered.

He chuckled, his thrusts now faltering bit by bit. “Okay, just pray that I don’t get you pregnant.”

“Please… don’t.”

“Don’t what?” He taunted, groaning as he felt himself reaching his high.

“Not inside me, sir… please.”

He smirked. “Just imagine what other people would say about you. Little virgin new girl sleeping with the boss...”

You cried hard, your legs trying to push him away, but again to no avail.

“Fuck… I can imagine your stomach swollen with my baby inside you. Fuck…” 

And with that, strings of curses left Noah’s mouth as he slammed into you one last time. Warm spurts of his come shoot inside your contracting walls, making you squirm underneath him.

His cock stilled, throbbing heavily. His body went limp on top of you as he calmed himself down, his face buried into your neck as both of your heavy breaths went in sync. 

It did not take long for you to hear him chuckle against your skin, and when he pushed himself up, both of you stared into each other’s eyes and burst out laughing. 

“Noah, what the fuck was that?” You playfully swatted his sweaty chest.

“What? Baby, I should be the one asking you that. That was your idea,” your boyfriend countered, giggling as his thumb wiped away the remaining tears in the corners of your eyes. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“No, you were amazing,” you said, smiling, feeling his warm palm caress your cheek. 

“You were, too.” He captured your lips with his for the first time since you started this bit. “Who would’ve thought you had this in you? You little thief.”

You rolled your eyes before placing a peck on the side of his lips. 

“That was so fucking hot, though… Sir.”

###

The first time you’d seen him was the day after a full moon. You’d been nursing your morning coffee when he had stumbled out of one of your blackberry bushes looking all sorts of messed up. For a moment, you thought that you had imagined it. Surely there hadn’t been a man sleeping in your bush.

A month later, you had seen him again. Except this time he hadn’t stumbled out of your bushes. No — instead you had found him leaning against the wall of your garden shed, bleeding heavily from his forehead.

You had learned that his name is Nick. Initially, he had told you that he’d simply gotten into a fight. You’d accepted the lie, not feeling like it was your place to question what this stranger told you. You had patched him up and made him a sandwich, insisting that he needed to eat something. That day, Nick had slipped out of your kitchen while you’d been out of the room for just a few minutes.

He’d returned almost exactly a month later.

Funnily enough, he’d been almost in the same shape too.

Once again, you had patched him up. Cleaning up his wounds while he told you about the scrap he got into this time. This time, he didn’t sneak out behind your back. Instead, he stayed for a little while, reluctantly eating the breakfast you presented him with. Watching him trying to keep his restraint up had been impossibly entertaining.

After that day, he had come around more frequently instead of just once every month. No matter how well you get to know him, you still don’t feel closer to figuring out why he keeps showing up all beaten up once a month. You’re sure that the injuries he shows up with keep getting worse. The fights he gets into seem to be getting worse, and you don’t know how this will end.

You have your suspicions of course. You’re not dumb. Him showing up like this after a full moon feels like a very obvious hint at his nature. Unless there’s secret fight club that only meets once a full moon, you’re inclined to believe that he’s one of them. You’ve heard the rumours about the lycanthropes that supposedly roam the forests around your town. You've always put them of as nothing more than rumours and folktales, but now that you're actually faced it, you’re forced to come to the realisation that perhaps it’s all true after all.

After almost a year you have the moon cycle marked in your calendar. And when the full moon rolls around you’re prepared to tend to his wounds. By now, Nick is a lot more relaxed. He’ll have his breakfast with you and on some days he’ll even have a nap in front of your fireplace.

To his disappointment the fireplace will be cold when he shows up this time. It’s the middle of July and summer has truly hit now. You’ll make sure that he has a comfortable spot to nap in nevertheless. The of the full moon always feels like it draws out for longer than normally. You can’t help but worry about Nick. Your mind keeps wandering, trying to imagine what kind of injuries he’ll show up with this time. Regardless of how bad it gets, you just can’t bring yourself to tell him not to come anymore. You’d rather have him come to you than deal with the aftermath on your own. At least that way, his wounds will be tended to properly.

Your sleep is restless that night.

You never sleep well during the full moon, but it feels so much worse tonight. You toss and turn all night, never quite finding satisfying rest. And when you wake in the morning, it feels as if you’ve barely slept at all.

As a first order of business, you drag yourself into the kitchen to get the coffee pot started. God knows you’ll need a lot of that today. So far, there’s no sight of Nick. Usually, he’ll already be seated on the porch, waiting for you to join him with a cup of coffee. You hope that he’s just late and that it’s nothing worse.

Once your coffee is ready, you pour yourself a cup and step out onto the porch.

It takes you a moment to spot the mass of black fur that is curled up on the outdoor sofa. What’s even more surprising, is that you seem to instinctively know that you’re looking at Nick. You don’t know why you’re so sure that it’s him — something about the figure just feels so very familiar. He doesn’t seem to notice your arrival. And even when you take a seat in the armchair next to him, his form remains entirely unmoved.

You’re sure that it’s been almost thirty minutes of you silently nursing your coffee before the wolf like creature finally begins to shift. As it begins to stretch and shift, you come to realise that he looks more like an oversized wolf dog than an actual wolf. The wolf lets out a hearty yawn, before it plops over onto its side. It’s face twists in a curious kind of surprise — as much as its possibly for a wolf to look surprised at least. You’re caught in this stalemate for a long moment, with neither of you sure of how to proceed with this. After a few seconds, you decide to reach out your hand for him. You move slowly, as if your approaching a dog you haven’t properly met yet, giving him room to retreat if necessary. But he doesn’t — and so you carefully let your fingers drift across the soft fur on the wolfs head. He leans into your touch, pressing his head against your palm.

“Nick?” you ask cautiously.

The wolfs head cocks to the side in response, indicating recognition.

“I’ll be honest this is a bit of a surprise.” You continue, “Probably should have known after you took a shower here and did that little shake dogs do when they’re wet.”

He lets out a little huff of protest and you can't help but laugh a little.

“Looks like this is really comfy for you, hm?”

Nick makes an affirmative noise.

“I planned breakfast for a guy not — a pup.” you say then, giving the fur on the top of his head a little ruffle, “I don’t know how this all works.”

You’re pretty sure that he frowns at you.

He lets out a little rumbling huff, before he leaps off the sofa. Nick trots off around the corner and out of your view. There’s an awful stretching sound from his direction. It almost sounds like something tearing and ripping. It only lasts for a few seconds, before you hear a deep sigh that sounds unmistakably like Nick.

“Could you hand me that blanket you have on that arm chair?” He calls from around the corner, “I’m a little — indecent at the moment.”

Your cheeks heat at his words. Your relationship has slowly moved into something beyond friendship but this is a leap forward you did not anticipate.

“Also I think your neighbour is looking at me.” He adds after a few seconds.

You shake yourself into action, before you can linger on the thought of him bare naked in your garden for too long. A moment later, Nick emerges from the little corner with the blanket wrapped around his waist. You’ve seen glimpses of the massive tattoo on his chest before. But this is the first time you can see it in all of its glory. The image of the eagle carrying what looks to be a trout covers almost his entire chest.

It’s gorgeous.

“I think I still have some stuff my brother left here. Should sort of fit you.” You say then, hoping that it’ll make your mind stop wandering.

“One of those weird ass raccoons dragged my stuff away while I was — usually they stay away from it but this one was looking for trouble.” He explains.

“Is that why you showed up like that?”

He nods, “Thought that would be less of a shock than naked guy on your porch without a warning.”

You have to give him that.

“I’ll explain everything. Trust me I didn’t want to jump this on you like that either.” He continues, “I was going to tell you eventually, but as you can imagine this isn’t something a lot of people take kindly to.”

Nick follows you into the kitchen, taking his now usual seat at your kitchen table.

“I had my suspicions to be honest.”

“What? Are you saying that a guy showing up all beat up after every full moon is suspicious?” He says with that little grin of his.

You feel the sudden urge to smack his shoulder.

“I never knew how to explain why I kept showing up like that. But you’ve always been so kind to me without any kind of judgement. Doesn’t happen very often.”

The idea that someone has met him with anything less than unconditional kindness makes your chest ache for him. Nick has been nothing but sweet and kind to you, and you can’t imagine treating him any differently.

“I couldn't imagine not helping someone in need like that. You were wounded, and it only made sense to help you.”

“And I’ll never forget that. You probably saved my life that day.” He says then, sounding somewhat solemn.

He lets out a sigh that says that he doesn’t want to go too much deeper into the topic. If it truly was as bad as he’d insinuated, you understand that he maybe doesn’t want to dwell on the memory.

Instead of digging deeper you make your way into your bedroom to dig out the clothes your brother had left behind during his last visit. You don’t know when he’ll make his way back here, so you’re not too concerned about it. As always, Nick asks you so sweetly if you’d mind it if he were to take a quick shower. And as ways, you tell him that he can take all the time he needs.

It’s a well practiced play by now.

Sometimes you wish that you could just break out of the lines you’ve rehearsed so diligently. But this feels safe — comfortable. You don’t know what you’d do if Nick would stop showing up one day, just because things had changed between you.

While Nick takes his shower, you start to work on the breakfast you’ll share. With how warm it’s been lately, you decide that it’d be nice to have breakfast out on the porch. Nick joins you just as you carry the plate of scrambled eggs and bacon outside. He doesn’t ask what needs to be done, instead he just picks up a couple of things and carries them outside alongside you.

Once you’ve set everything out, and you’ve poured both of you fresh cups of coffee you sit down next to Nick on the little outdoor sofa.

“I imagine you probably have a few questions?” He asks as you begin to dig in, “I don’t know how much I can actually answer but I’ll try.”

The list of questions in your head has grown spectacularly long within the last hour. Deciding where to start feels almost a little impossible.

“Just so we're both on the same side you’re a —”

“Werewolf.” He says with his mouth still full, “Lycanthrope. Whatever you wanna call it.”

The confirmation feels less daunting than you had imagined. Maybe you’ve always known somehow.

You nod, “Have you always been a — werewolf?”

Nick gives an affirmative hum.

“It’s a family thing. Big and complicated too. I don’t know which ancestor got himself into his pickle or how they managed it. All I know is that it's been in the family for a few generations. Back to my great grandfather for sure.” He explains.

“Are you close with your family?”

“Not really. I — haven’t seen them in a long time. I’m not too upset about it though. They left me behind because I didn’t grow fast enough for their liking. I was lucky enough to be found by a different pack before winter. They took me in and raised me. Wouldn’t want to imagine what things would be like if I had stayed with my family.”

“And the pack that raised you?” you ask.

“Greatest people I know. They went out of their way to take me in. They didn’t need to take care of me the way they did.” he continues to explain, “I’m glad that they were the ones who ended up raising me.”

“I think you turned out great.”

Nick gives you the brightest smile in response, “I think so too. I think I’d like you to meet them at some point — if that’s something you want.”

You feel caught for a moment, unsure where that particular step will lead you. Despite the insecurity that bubbles up in your chest you return his smile.

You’ve always felt safe around Nick. And even now that you know about his true nature you don’t feel scared or worried.

He puts down his cup of coffee, “Doesn’t have to happen soon and of course if you don’t want it that’s okay too.”

“I’d love to.” You finally reply, “Feels awfully like meeting the parents of your —”

His cheeks flush so brightly, “It does, doesn’t it?”

You sit in silence for a moment, the unspoken words simmering between you. The silence grows almost unbearably thick. Nick’s restless shifting is what finally gives you the push you needed to break it. It doesn’t take an expert in bodylanguage to know that there’s something he wants to say. One of you will have to take the plunge and it looks like it’ll have to be you.

“Would you want that?” you ask cautiously, ever worried that it’s all something you’ve imagined.

His eyes remain fixed on the edge of the table, forehead twisted into a frown you haven’t seen from him before.

“I don’t want to pull you into my mess. I’m already putting you into danger by spending so much time here.” he says quietly.

You feel a cold shiver running down your back, “What do you mean?”

“There are other things in these woods. Not nice things. Things that don’t like me and my kind and our pack. They’ve been trying to push us out and me being here has put a target on your back. I’m worried that they’ll try to do something to you to provoke me.”

"Do you really think that’s going to change something?”

He finally looks at you then, but his expression is still so very hard to read.

“That’s not going to stop me from helping you and it won’t change how I feel.” you say softly, “I’ve come to care a great deal for you and some woodland critter is not going to change that.”

He lets out a chortling laugh, “Don’t let the pixies hear that. They don’t love being grouped in with those things.”

You place your hand on top of his and Nick quickly laces your fingers together.

“You’ll have to explain all of this to me at some point.” you say, fixing him with a serious look.

Nick gives a quick nod.

“I will. In time. I’ll try my best to explain everything.” he gives your hand a gentle squeeze before he speaks again, “But now I would like to enjoy this morning with you.”

You can’t say no to him when he looks at you with those warm and kind eyes.

The morning continues to meander along without any disturbances. Things with Nick have always felt easy, but now that you’ve crossed this hurdle you feel so much more uninhibited. You’d agreed to take it slow, but it’s so terribly hard to keep your hands off him. You’ll respect his wish to wait of course, but in the meantime Nick seems to be more than happy with how affectionate you are with him.

You spent a good chunk of the day lazing around in the sun, simply enjoying each other company and this new found connection you have.

After lunch, Nick finally lets him drive you back to his place. So far, he’s always insisted on walking the distance, always finding some kind of reason why you shouldn’t drive him.

His little cabin sits at what you learn is the edge of a larger plot of land that you assume is own by his pack. It’s a comfy little place, the perfect kind of rustic.

You don’t stay for long, sensing that he needs to have a little time for himself and probably a good nights sleep.

“I’ll come around tomorrow, okay?” he says as you walk back to your car, “I’ll try to have some better answers for you by then too.”

“Don’t rush it. Maybe instead of devulging folkore secrets we could go to the diner and get something to eat?”

Nicks face softens at your words before he breaks into that pretty smile of his, “Are you asking me out on a date?”

“And what if I am?”

“If you are, I’m gonna say yes.”

“Good.” You reply with a smile, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Nick captures your hand before you can step away from him.

“I’m glad we figured this out.” He says with a low voice, “Thank you for taking such good care of me.”

You press a soft kiss to his cheek, “I’m glad that you stumbled into my garden.”