[pm] You just le gasped at me. Sorry, I think I’m gonna start convulsing. You’re a little weird, you know that? In a good way. But that’s coming from someone who just pretended to be a dog. :/
Yeah, let’s get fucking schwasted. Where do you wanna go?
[pm] Good. Convulsions are better than sadness. And I prefer to think of myself as having a certain “charm” but thanks for that.
Hmmm. Weeeelll was at Soul on the Rocks last week and that did not turn out well so lets go somewhere different. Maybe Dell’s?
Well, I guess now’s as good a time as any to admit the hard truth, I’m a human person and I hate it. But I am old enough to get completely fucking wasted, so you’re good.
[pm] Small dogs yea. Those suckers can live forever.
-le gasp- I am shookith. Not about you hating your life (because who doesnt) but about you being a human. Though the offer still stands if you wanna go drink?
I think the world would be a better place if everyone got a good belly rub now and then but, unfortunately, I think I’m beyond that.
[pm] If you were serious though, I wouldn’t say no to getting out of the house. I’m really curious about you. This place is starting to feel like a coffin.
Wow. Thats deep kid.
[pm] I mean I’m always down to sit on a bar stool and slowly drink problems away if that what you need. Or I guess we could do something sober.... Actually fuck. Please tell me you’re over 21 and I didn’t just accidentally solicit a minor
Flashback to a long overdue talk and a much needed hug
It was still weird, not having a heartbeat to indicate just how nervous he was. Not that Reza needed one now to tell him that he was freaking out as he killed the engine of the motorcycle on the edge of Kalani house lot. Kind of reminiscent of the night he'd come over after the four month absence, hoping Noah would take him back. That time, he'd been somewhat optimistic about his chances. Now, he had now fucking clue. Noah had initiated this meeting himself but that didn't really have to mean anything. Maybe he just wanted to make sure that things were decent between them, or even set in stone just how finished their weird little relationship was. No matter the reason, Reza couldn't ignore the giant rock in his stomach that was the kiss shared with Eddie. As much as he wanted to just pin the whole thing on the drunk medium, he couldn't. He was very aware of the way he'd returned the kiss, and all of the conflicting reasons behind it, and each and everyone weighed heavy as he reached the door and knocked gingerly. With his nerves on high alert, he couldn't refrain from listening to what was going on inside the house, which thankfully gave the impression of being mostly quiet. Well, other than the tell-tale sign of dog claws skittering across the floor along with familiar footsteps, that albeit sounded much slower than Noah's usually fast paced step. Reza honestly and truly thought he'd been prepared for this situation (meaning as prepared as he ever could have been) but the unfamiliar smell that followed the door opening, along with the obvious bandaging on Noah's neck, threw every bit of menial preparation out the window. "Hey," he just managed to breathe out, for once not paying attention to the two dogs staying close to Noah's feet or even Noah himself -- but more so whatever was hiding underneath the bandage and tainting the air with an unfamiliar scent of blood. It definitely smelled like Noah but... different. Reza really should have had a cigarette before knocking, damn Noah's sensitive nose.
Sitting there underneath his nest of blankets and dogs, Noah was well aware of motorcycle as it came up the driveway, engine noise cutting through the sound of his wildly beating heart. And there were a lot of reasons to be nervous, but Noah didn’t have the brain power to go through them all at the moment, his sole focus was trying to get to the door without needing to sit down again. “Hi” Noah breathed out as he opened the door, his heart constricting in his chest. He knew it had only been a month but somehow he expected Reza to look wildly different. To have a weird haircut or another tattoo or just something to mark the change. But he didn’t. In fact Reza look exactly the same as the day the Slayer had interrupted them and set off this entire journey. It was Noah who had changed. “Uh sorry about the” He waved towards the bandage on his neck. Cahill had insisted they put a new one on before Noah forced him to stop fretting and stay locked up in his damn room for the duration of this conversation. But he knew Reza could still smell it, and he knew that could be a huge problem for him. But hopefully Reza had eaten before coming. Damn he should have told him to eat before coming should he. Trying not to fret Noah left the door open for the other boy, head starting to feel a bit fuzzy from all the movement (well that and the lack of blood in his veins) “Um, but I’m going to go sit back down now,” Noah stated quietly, hoping Reza would get the jist and just follow him as he shuffled back to his safe space. “If you need a drink or something before this uh well you know where the kitchen is” He waved out before plopping himself back down into his nest of blankets on the living room couch, both dogs wedinging themselves somewhere within reach of Noah’s body.
Hearing Noah's voice was rough, reminding Reza of their last actual conversation like a ruthless slap to the face. Even more so, reminding him of what the last words spoke by the vampire were. They rattled around in his head now and there was no denying the truth behind them; even after an actual breakup and more than a month apart, Reza couldn't fucking deny it in the slightest. "That's fine. It's just good to see you." By some miracle, Reza managed to find his voice, weak as it was. What the hell had even happened to him? If it was relevant, Noah would most likely reveal it in time but Reza was jittery with the need to know now. To know how bad it was, if only to quell just how much he wanted to dote and worry and wrap his arms around the other boy for comfort; whether for Noah's or his own was debatable. "Of course, yeah. I'll just, uh..." Trailing off, Reza settled for closing the door behind him as Noah shuffled away, and kicked himself for feeling so flustered. Not that he didn't have every reason to, all things considered. It was a relief that the dogs and the mounds of blankets took up most of the couch Noah was on, not giving Reza the choice to even sit there since his desperation most likely would have jumped at the opportunity and dragged him over. Stunts like that didn't seem like the best course of action right now, especially since he had no idea where Noah stood on this whole thing. Sitting crosslegged on one of the smaller sofas opposite Noah, feeling extremely reminiscent of the night Charlie had accidentally outed the vampire as just that, Reza tried - and failed - to bite his tongue. "You already know I'm going to ask so... are you alright? You feel a bit weak and you probably didn't bring me over here to pry but I just... your heartbeat even sounds off. Which is a weird thing to note but here we are." Stop rambling and let him answer the question, dumbass.
Sitting there feeling the worry radiating off of Reza, Noah wasn’t surprised when the other boy spoke first, voicing concerns about his condition. And it was funny how if on cue his heart just melted, the complete and utter joy of actually having him in front of him after so many days without him mixed in with the pain and the longing of having to have gone without. But Noah knew he at least was a better man now because of it, and he wasn’t going to let the fact that he absolutely and utterly missed fucking Reza Burki get in the way of having a healthy conversation about the changes that had happened to him and the relationship dynamic since he left. So taking a deep breath Noah went for it, glad that Reza was sitting opposite him and not beside him. “ Well I’m not going to say I’m fine, because you obviously can tell I’m not in any way shape or form” Noah started softly hand absentmindedly going to the scruff of Kea’s neck, eyes avoiding Reza’s at all costs. “But um I-I wanted to tell you this first, before we even talk about well [i]us[/i] because I think it’s important for our communication. But uh” Noah paused for a second trying to figure out how to even put this into words. “I-I asked my Uncle to bite me,” He practically spat out, knowing he just needed to say it before out before he couldn’t anymore.“So uh yea that’s what this is.” Noah pointed to the bandage on his neck, hoping Reza would be able to put two and two together. “And um I’m sorry if it’s something that you don’t think you can handle going forward, but I just needed to do it for myself, and I wanted to make sure you knew,” He chanced a glance towards Reza, wondering what was going through his head as the words kept spilling out of his own mouth “And like I wanted to give you time to process if you needed to. And just let you know thats whats up with me right now and part of the reason why I think I was just. I was unhappy before. But uh I’m going to stop rambling now” Noah nodded. Waiting for Reza to say something.
Reza couldn't help but think how much of a damn blessing these dogs were, as he tried and failed to come up with a situation where they hadn't helped tremendously. Whether it was in the way they were curling up with Noah now, helping Reza refrain from literally tacking the other boy and ruining everything right away, or every time they had been a focus point in difficult situations, just like now. Even though the vampire's fingers itched to have soft fur to focus on too, he wouldn't have taken either dog from Noah. Not with the timid way he was speaking, like it was definitely a two dog struggle. So Reza settled for fiddling with his rings as the words grew more and more tense until the bomb was finally dropped and his hands stilled. Noah's following ramble got lost in the white noise as Reza wrapped his head around that little tidbit of information. His eyes met Noah's quick but curious glance for a hot second, chest constricting. Not because Noah had taken a huge step, really, but more so because he cared. He cared about Reza's opinion and thoughts on this and- "Holy shit." Not very articulate but a start. "I mean... no, that's exactly what I mean, holy fucking shit, Noah. That's great! I'm, uh... assuming, since you asked him and he actually said yes, I obviously know squat about this werewolf stuff but... damn." Reigning in the little outburst, colored with all sorts of excitement, Reza cleared his throat. "So... yeah. I'm happy for you. Honestly." Fuck, he wanted to be closer to him right now, touch him or even just lean against the comforting warmth. "What happens now, then? You're part of the pack and... can go full wolf whenever you like? Or wait, just on the full moon? Damn, now it makes sense that you smell different. Not that it's a bad thing! I just... am shutting up now and letting you speak." Sinking back into the sofa to keep his eagerness from literally drawing him off it and onto the floor, Reza's eyes never left Noah's. Methodically marking every change he could notice now, even just in the way he carried himself (not including the weakness from being bitten by a giant alpha werewolf, obviously).
"Holy shit."Noah couldn’t help but wince slightly at the phrase because, well yea, that definitely could be taken a multitude of ways. But luckily for the both of them Reza kept talking, his giddy energy making the corners of Noah’s mouth uptick slightly. He didn’t know exactly what he had expected from the other boy, but this, this was definitely good. In fact, it was better than good, it was something that well, made Noah’s heart feel that strange sort of warm fuzzy sensation, coupled with the urge to just throw his arms around the other boy. But as much as he wanted it, Noah was going to resist all of those urges. Because they still were technically broken up, and they still needed to talk about things like adults, and Noah would be damned if he forgot that. Letting himself though drift into a playful smirk. “He almost didn’t say yes at first.” Noah remarked hand still absentmindedly playing with Kea’s ears “But he’d have cut his own arm off before he let anyone else touch me, so he eventually gave in” He glanced up at the ceiling with that one, wondering if his uncle was listening. He probably was, the bastard. Sighing through Noah Leaned back a bit more on the couch, still-ing his hands, much to the dismay of Kea. “I’m still in transition, which is why this thing isn’t already healed.” He tilted his head slightly to emphasize the bandage again. “So it’s like I’m still technically human, and we won’t know if the bite actually took until this next moon. But uh yea, I figured I’d start to smell different. I definitely feel different. Well you know minus the giant gaping wound” Noah chuckled out slightly, trying on another smirk. It didn’t exactly fit over his mouth like it once used to but it seemed to work just as well as any of his other expressions in the moment. Letting it fall slightly Noah found himself gazing at Reza, as if trying to assess everything that could have changed with the boy in the past month through eye contact alone. “How are you doing though?” He asked quietly, but genuinely wanting to hear the answer.
Seeing Noah smile in that lopsided, cheeky way was such a damn relief, especially since their last face to face meeting had ended with an expression from the other man that had burned itself into Reza's retinas. Pure disappointment and hurt. And the two of them weren't just fixed now, Reza knew that but... this felt hopeful. Noah's laugh made him feel hopeful and happy and light. "That's good. I really hope it takes. I mean, I'm sure it will." Trying not to get stuck on the image of what Noah would look like as a wolf, especially since Reza had only ever encountered one fully formed werewolf, he managed to get caught off guard by the soft question. "Hmm? Oh, well..." Raking back his hair as he wondered where to start, Reza pushed away the thought of telling him about Eddie. He would, there couldn't be any secrets, but right now wasn't the time. "Getting by, I guess. Still trying to figure out that whole slayer thing which is... a bummer but while that's a work in progress I actually, uh... took a note from the Noah book of good advice and... started seeing a therapist, I guess. It's really weird but at least it's something to do that's not just... unproductive and sad." Reza's gaze, previously fixed on the dogs still trying to nuzzle even closer to Noah, chanced a glance up at him. "I'm supposed to like... meditate every day which is a really wonky thing to do when you don't normally breathe but, uh... yeah." Rubbing the back of his neck, an awkward chuckle slipped out past the shy smile on his face. Even though he was supposed to be going to these sessions for himself (which he was, after a whole lot of deliberating with himself), Reza still felt happy that he could tell Noah about this.
“Well here’s hoping i’m not like the 1% of bite victims that are immune “ Noah replied with a sarcastic sigh, trying to not even let his mind go there. Because it would be just his fucking luck to be the one person in the history of the Kalani Pack who had ever been immun.. But no. He couldn’t be immune, he had Alpha blood in his veins. From two [i]different[/i] alphas. This was his birthright, and once it happened everything would be as it should be in the world. Pushing the worry out of his mind though Noah focused on Reza and the small little beacon of warmth that started pulsing in his chest once that revealed he had been going to therapy. “Wow. That’s really great Reza. Like honestly, i’m like-” Noah breathed pausing to try to gather his thoughts the flood of emotions hitting him like a brick. Because while everything was outwardly the same with the boy staring back at him, inwardly Reza [i]had[/i] changed. Reza had taken his advice and done something that took courage to do. And even if they never got back together Noah would always be glad that he’d helped Reza with that. That reza even felt comfortable telling him this. “Wow I’m like really fucking proud of you Reza.” Noah continued smiling at Reza “Like really fucking proud. Like you have no idea how proud of you I am right now.” He was smiling ear to ear now, something it seemed like he hadn’t done in a while “And goddamn like therapy? Meditation? It’s like you got body snatched or something while I was away” He teased out sticking his tongue out at the other boy, his body falling back into this playful banter so easily.
The giant smile, now directed at Reza and not just a general thing, was making the vampire lightheaded. Those dimples looked even more amazing than ever, especially coupled with the words of encouragement being repeated again and again and really, if Noah had told him he was proud one more time, Reza just might have imploded. "Thanks," he chuckled shyly, trying to get his body and mind to behave. Something that wasn't really easy to do with Noah's tongue making a playful appearance, Reza's adam's apple bouncing as he swallowed thickly and prayed the other boy was too tired to notice. Because how could Reza's mind not accidentally slide back to that night, as badly as it had ended. That damn smile and the twinkling eyes were bound to draw Reza back to happier memories. "Yeah, I uh... guess I sort of did. Had an awakening or whatever. Even managed to make a friend to practice all that communicating on so my, uh... talking myself down is kinda being held in check. And maybe we can do that whole meditating thing together sometime when you're better." A second spent to wonder if that was assuming too much from their current relationship, before he quickly moved on. "But I definitely owe you like... a lot. It hasn't been that long but I think the therapist might actually be helping so... thank you. Really." The genuine smile turned shy, hands resuming their fiddling as he added the last part. "Anyway, it's just really fucking good to see you."
“You even made a friend too? Wow and all I did was be sad about shit and drink, then decide not to be sad about shit” Noah mused with a playful shrug, before wincing slightly. Ugggh the goddamn bite mark. Fuck he would be so happy when all of this was over. Realizing though he was successfully bringing the mood down he hastily continued speaking. “But I’m not exactly sure i’m your guy for meditation?” Noah left it more as a question, hoping Reza wouldn’t take it the wrong way “My therapist made me try it too and I just can’t sit still long enough for it to be effective. So naturally we settled on running or going for a walk for me. But I definitely want to offer support wherever I can. So like if you need another accountability partner or something, like I’m down for that. I really probably need to start going more myself.” Because it was true, Noah had gotten down to only needing to go to his therapist once a month instead of weekly. But with the kidnapping, and the break up, and now this whole trying to be happy and whole thing involving his werewolf side, he could probably use a bit more therapy right about now, if only to get him all of these heavy feelings out of his mind. “But yea, its good to see you too.” He nodded before looking down at his own hands “Actually I really missed you.” Because it was true, despite their status as broken up, Noah had missed Reza. He had missed talking to him about his problems. He had missed Reza’s small but strong arms holding him close and snuggling him when he was sad about his family. But all of that was neither here nor there right now. And sparked Noah to remember the package on the kitchen counter he’d laid out just for this occasion “Oh shit before I forget I may have gotten you something. Or a couple somethings.”
"Deciding to not be sad about shit is...uh, good" Reza almost trailed off completely at the sight of Noah's face, pain flashing over it for a brief moment. It was enough to have the vampire just about ready to pounce to provide (unnecessary) assistance but it seemed like Noah wanted to brush it off. Fuck. Not that there was anything Reza could really do about a giant bite wound, and the dogs were definitely providing enough emotional support but still. This was a special form of torture right here. "I can settle for accountability partner," Reza quickly agreed, smile playing on his lips. Any continued contact with Noah was a win in his book. Hearing Noah say that he'd missed him, out of the blue, was like a splash of cold water but in the best way. Which made no sense but it did leave Reza speechless, struggling to come up with anything that wouldn't just be an emotional mess. Because they were two adults, talking like mature people and Reza couldn't ruin that. As much as he wanted to cuddle up against Noah and tell him just how fucking bad he'd been missed as well. A possible reality sometime soon, even, if he didn't fuck this up. "You, uh... wow. I feel like saying 'you didn't have to' is kinda redundant so... thanks. Or maybe I should say thanks after I see those somethings?" he added, chuckling awkwardly because Noah had gotten him gifts.
“Good. I think that sounds-” Noah paused not really knowing how to say what he was feeling at the moment And maybe he should have waited to do this meeting until after he changed. Until he had his emotions in check and didn’t want to just the all this growth out the window in favor of comfort cuddles and his own personal vampire butler. But maybe this was good for the both of them in a way, to experience the growth of the other person while it was still happening. If only to prove that they were changing. For each other. “-good. Accountability partners sounds good.” He nodded finishing the thought. Snorting slightly at Reza’s chuckle Noah grinned. “I have a feeling one of the presents you are going to hate on principle. But I bought it anyway because I thought it would look good on you regardless” He said before mentally preparing himself to move again. “Haukea. Caleb. Down” Noah chirped watching as his dogs listened effortlessly to his commands. Or well one of them did at least. “Caleb” Noah said sternly the weight of his glare forcing the other puppy to slowly extricate himself from Noah’s legs “Good dogs” he whispered as he planted his feet and slowly got up, half expecting the vampire to be on him in a second. But the dogs were still circling affording the other no room, something of which Noah counted as a bit of a win. Finally making it to the counter after what seemed like ages (ok it took only a minute but who’s counting) Noah took the neatly wrapped package and placed it gently on the floor next to Caleb “Take” He commanded the younger dog as Caleb dutifully grabbed the present by the handle tail giving a slight wag. “Give” He said again to him with a smile, finger pointing toward where the vampire was sitting. And sure enough seconds later Caleb was bounding over toward the vampire plopping the gift bag right at his feet body practically wiggling with excitement over a job well done.
Reza was starting to physically squirm as Noah made the painfully slow journey to the other side of the room. Aside from the inner battle of wanting to carry Noah back to the safety of the couch while also knowing that the werewolf would hate that and could make his own decisions, Reza was also on the edge of implosion just because of the whole gift ordeal. Agreeing to even meeting him had been a big enough gift in Reza's mind but coming back with memorabilia from Hawaii was so very Noah that it almost wasn't surprising. Almost. Managing to keep his excited ass on the sofa, he was awarded with Caleb trodding over and threatening to make Reza's heart burst. The excited wagging coupled with Noah's proud smile... fuck, not bursting into tears right then and there was becoming really hard. "Good boy," Reza cooed, fingers running through the soft fur and filling his body with warmth - almost as much as the gift bag he raised into his lap. "I'm impressed with your teacher skills," Reza added to Noah, smile lighting up his own face right up until he dug out the first item in the bag. "That is... very red." Holding the flaming red Aloha shirt up, eyes moving from the flower-speckled material to Noah, Reza finally just placed the first gift (most likely the one Reza would hate on principle - man, he hoped this was it) to the side and moved on to the safety of something that was less of a fashion statement. The black beaded bracelet had to be something with an explanation and it filled Reza with an urge to return the favor of getting Noah jewellery (easy, there). "Very neat," he commented honestly, wondering if feedback on everything in the bag was necessary or just awkward while he slipped it on and pulled out the final thing. A hawaiian themed fridge magnet. Huffing out a laugh, Reza fiddled with the bag as words made themselves very hard to find. "See you're still intent on making my apartment look presentable. Even though this might make my fridge look way more appealing than it actually is, considering the contents of it." Heaving out a heavy breath that did nothing to quell the fluttering in his stomach, Reza finally returned his gaze to Noah. "Thanks. I love it." A quick glance over at the shirt. "All of it. I think."
Letting Caleb take some of the focus off of himself Noah shuffled back to the couch, feeling relatively ok for the moment. I mean he was still in pain yes but as long as he moved slowly and kept his heart rate to a minimum everything seemed to work out. Which was nice. Because the last thing he wanted to do was like accidentally pass out in front of his already worried ex boyfriend. Watching Reza open the present as he settled back down on the couch Noah couldn’t help but smile. Reza had had exactly the reaction he thought he would to the Hawaiian shirt. “I thought you needed some more color” He said with a shit eating grin. “Oh and those are kukui nuts.” Noah commented as Reza pulled the next item out of the bag “They’re usually what male leis are made up of in traditional Hawaiian stuff” He explained if only because he knew Reza had no idea. Grinning again though at the next present Noah just basked in the slight glow of having picked both simultaneous bad and good presents, a feat he knew from experience was hard to get just right. “I’m glad you like it. All of it” Noah said gently before the air started to stale in front of them. Because wow did this kinda make things awkward now “Also I’m sorry if all of this makes things weird. I was just.” Noah paused wondering how truthful he wanted to be with Reza but then fucking it and telling him anyway “I was having a rough time thinking about my dad, and well this” He waved toward the bit wound on his neck “ And I just. Needed some retail therapy. And I was… thinking about you. And Just.” Shit. Noah could feel the tangle of emotions start to well up, all of the sadness and the anger welling up in his chest. Pushing it down though Noah took a breath. “I’m really just a mess right now” He whispered out looking down at his hands instead of at Reza.
"Needed some color," Reza parroted back in a mocking mutter that lost all its punch due to the grin on his face, matching the pleased one on Noah's. But as was with all good things, it seemed, they could never just fucking last. Something shifted and Reza's heart wrenched, expecting the worst for a moment, hand tightening around the new bracelet. The sudden spill of emotion was the last thing he'd been prepared for but the familiarity of it was still a welcome relief. If he couldn't do a whole lot of anything else to help Noah, at least he could fucking listen. And break his personal vow about not asking for a hug because how the hell could he not? Noah looked like a kicked puppy and Reza could not deal. "Since things are already weird can I... I mean, would it be really fucking inappropriate if I hugged you right now? I get it if you wanna say no but you just... kinda look like you need one." Please say yes
It was funny how Noah knew in that moment, that his heart was going to win over his head. How he knew in only an instant that he was going to ignore every rational warning sign that he needed to be careful around Reza or he’d fall right back in to those deep brown eyes. But for right now Noah didn’t care. Ok well actually no that was a lie. Noah did care, very much so. But listening to the progress that Reza was making with himself, and knowing that the both of them were suffering, Noah physically, and Reza more mentally…. Who was Noah to say no to comfort? Because friends hugged, and Reza was still his friend. One of his best friends actually, something Noah had come to realize through their month of no contact. So without even another word Noah nodded, before becoming aware that that really wasn’t an answer. “Yea, you can hug me” he said softly hoping that was all the confirmation Reza needed. Scooting over in his nest Noah curled up into as small of a ball as his hulking frame could go, without aggravating his injury or the dogs that has resumed their take over of the couch.
"Thank fuck," Reza found himself sighing, barely audibly, at the confirmation, not really sure how he would have handled a no. Not wasting a second, he made his way over to the much too appealing pile of dogs and person he sort of helplessly loved, somehow managing to make space for himself in between the furballs. His stomach flipped over with nerves and the smell of Noah, absolutely intoxicating and shamefully, even more so with the open wound. But that wasn't the point here now. The point was that Reza could finally get his arms around Noah and even though they were nowhere near as scrawny as during their first weird cuddle sessions, they still felt small around the curled up body. The familiar sound of Noah's heart was another luxury, provided when Reza's head leaned against his shoulder despite every cell in his body begging him to go in for the chest. This was just a friendly hug. Yeah. "I'm sorry things are shit," he mumbled, revelling in every second of this before it would have to end. "But hopefully your mess will get better soon. And if not, I'm, uh... I'm here. For you. Not like this, literally like right here cause that's...weird." Reza chuckled awkwardly at himself as he reluctantly shifted his weight and extracted his arms, yet making no move to actually leave the couch. "Bad joke," he muttered, unable to get the smile off his face.
Like an addict getting that one last hit, Noah could feel himself physically relaxing underneath Reza’s touch. And he knew just how unhealthy this behavior was, but at the moment the heart wanted what it wanted despite his head screaming no. So against all better judgement he let his head snuggle closer in the crook of Reza’s arm snorting at the other’s attempt at joking. snorted at Reza’s attempt at humor “Wow. A month away from me and it’s like you forgot how to even tell one” Because oh sweet lord that was bad. “But thank you.” Noah continued feeling better already with just this little bit of touch from Reza and the dogs. Letting the silence wash over them for a few moments though Noah figured now was as good a time as any to talk about what this meeting was actually for.“Sooooo I hate to do it, but um should we talk about us?” It came out quietly more like a whisper than anything audible, Noah’s heart fluttering widely in his chest. Because he did still did want to be with Reza that much was evident, but communication was a part of the reason why their relationship had crumbled in the first place. So if there was even any hope of this working again they needed to be honest with each other, even if it meant asking the hard questions.
Chuckling quietly along with Noah, never wanting this moment to end, Reza saved every detail of it in case everything went the worst possible way. Which he really hoped it wouldn't but life was tricky that way. "Joke's on you, I've never known how to tell one. Just been bluffing this whole time." And yeah, continuing this easy and safe conversation would have been really nice but it wasn't what they were here for. This much harder path they were heading down was the important thing. "We sort of have to, don't we?" he attempted lightheartedly despite the stone in his stomach. "Guess I'll start off by saying you were right. About us needing a break, I mean. It's, uhm... yeah, it was good. I mean, it was the fucking worst but it was good. And I guess I'm... still sort of kinda hoping that it's still just a break and not..." Reza cleared his throat, forcing down the stupid voice crack, fingers fiddling away at rings. Looking at the dogs right now was much easier than watching Noah. "Not a, uh, break up. So that's where I'm... at."
Noah rolled his eyes at the other before sitting up a bit more. Because this needed his full attention, no matter how much he wanted to just wrap himself in Reza. “Ok.” Noah acknowledged once the other was finished, a hand absentmindedly running through his hair, chewing over his own thoughts “I think.” Noa paused eyes now down at his own hands “I think I want the same things too, but. Logically I think that we still need to work on things. Individually. Like I mean I’m changing into a fucking werewolf or christ sakes” Noah sighed out almost playfully, the absurdity in in words definitely not lost on him at all “So can we just like… can we just like not break up, but take a beat and go back to square one of this relationship maybe?” He asked quietly hoping Reza would understand what he was trying to say. “Like let’s just talk for a while. Get to know the new versions of ourselves. Take it slow you know”
Reza really couldn't have asked for a better consensus. Yeah, the impatient part of him that had clawed its way into making a hug happen was still very much hoping that things could take off from where they'd ended, all hands and touching but thankfully, Reza was managing to stuff that part down with logic. Well, logic and the idea of this maybe becoming a real relationship and not whatever they'd had going on before. "Square one sounds pretty good," Reza agreed softly, trying to keep his cool despite the pure elation shining through the brown eyes. "Like a do-over where I don't have to wonder if you're straight or not and you actually know you're chatting up Edward Cullen." The joke was weak, a slight improvement on the earlier one but really, Reza didn't give a shit. This meant he could talk to Noah again who, even after everything, was sort of still his best friend. Only friend, really, before Eddie and that was... complex. "I'm, uh... excited to get to meet the new better Noah." The statement was accompanied with a genuine smile, Reza's eyes finally daring to look up from the dogs.
“Me too” Noah replied softly letting the moment wash over him “Me too”. if you had told Noah a month ago that he would be sitting on the couch with Reza again talking about how many changes they were making for the better would have said you were lying. But looking at it from this side of things. From the side of healing, Noah knew there was no place he’d rather be.
Reza: [chuckles quietly] Right, yeah. You’re the smart jock, I keep forgetting. Hey, trust me, you don’t wanna see me dance. Because I can’t. I’ll definitely buy you some gum, though.
Noah: I am. Got through four years college. See smart. [Hiccups again] But rezzaaaaaa I have to dance with somebody. Unless you want me to dance with someone else? And no I wan to steal it. Help me steal it.
Reza: Good, I fucking love that plan [his voice is muffled as he asks for Soul on the Rocks]. Yeah? That was nice of you. Really glad you didn’t drive. I’m just on the way, we can even take the cab straight back to the house or my apartment, even. Wherever you want.
Noah: I dumb, but not dat dumb Rezzzaa [ another hiccup can be heard through the phone] And no. I dont wanna go to slayer cave. I wanna go dancing. Reza lets go danzzing. Or lets go steal soomething. Gum.
Reza: For fuck’s… [trails off, sighing heavily]. Okay, just… stay put, I’m getting a cab. Don’t leave and keep talking to me, yeah? Are you alone? At this… Soul place?
Noah: Alright. I’m going to. Waaaaait no. If i go inside, cant hear. I think I just. [muffled scraping sound can be heard along with a small hiccup] Im sitting. Sitting nooow. Just dropped Sash at the flying place. Got keeeeyyys. [Noah jingles his truck keys up to the phone so Reza could hear]
Reza: I don’t know, I’ve never been. [door slams in the background] We can find out, though. Just tell me where you are, maybe? We get some food and then I’ll find you some place to dance.
Noah: Nooo foood Rez. Nuh huuh. Don wanna kill my buzz. I’m outside a [hiccups] bar. Can’t ‘member which one. Waait let me. ‘Round front. [another. hiccup can be head amongst the heavy footsteps] Sul on rope? No no. Wait. Soul on the Rocks? Yea that one.
Reza: Noah, you… [takes a deep breath, trying not to panic] I mean, yeah. Sure. Just someplace comfy, right? Maybe we can get some food while we’re at it, yeah? [sounds of scuffling as he pulls on his jacket and shoes, heading for the door]
Noah: Lets goooo to. [user drops his phone and an aww fuck is heard in the distance] Waiittt iss there gay bar here? Leettts go dancing Rez. I wanna dance
Well considering real dogs dont have the brain capacity to form words and sentences the alternative is a Furry.... so I think you’d much rather I assume you were human.
