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Sometimes it’s hard to clearly see that one specific moment you make up your mind about something. Or someone in that matter. Because it’s not that simple, especially when a lot is happening at once. At least that’s what Noah thinks. And if someone asks him about something like that… he’s sure he couldn’t tell.
For example, when was the first time he realized Mirage isn’t a threat? Now it’s so obvious he isn’t. Noah couldn’t see him that way even if he tried. But no matter how much he puts his mind to it, he can’t come up with just one answer.
First he thinks about that final moment in Peru. When the alien, who is millions years old and for whom human lifespan is just a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, decided to gave his own life to safe Noah. You know, the man that Mirage met just a few days back. And for what? To keep a promise given to a little boy? No matter the reason, Noah could never see Mirage as a threat after that.
But he’s not sure he could even before that. Like, how about everything else that happened in Peru? About genuinely caring about him? Maybe it was when he got that glove from Mirage, so he could protect himself. Or even the terrible jokes that came along. A lot of jokes. Really awful ones on top of that. He still doesn’t know why he finds the bot so unbelievably funny.
Speaking of awful jokes, he thinks it might even be when Mirage met Kris for the first time. The way that giant alien seemed to be oh so dramatically irked by having a can thrown at him. And the fact that it was enough for him to show his root form to Noah’s little brother. Even though he was perfectly capable to hide from everyone for seven years straight. It was so obvious that the bot actually wanted to meet this little boy. What’s more, he took him seriously. And Noah couldn’t not think it was cute nice of him. Later, when he realized how sincere Mirage was that night, when making a promise to 11-year-old kid, it warmed his heart.
Or maybe it was even before. When they first talked in the warehouse, just after the attempted car theft that changed Noah’s whole life. He was so afraid at the moment, panicking, thinking about possessed cars. And here Mirage was, just trying to make friends with him. Outright admitting he thought they were boys and being so eager when Noah hesitantly tapped his own fist to the bot’s.
It's hard to tell, really.
The same goes for Noah decision to do everything he can to save Mirage. He’s not entirely when exactly he made up his mind, but he’s sure there had to be a tipping point.
It might be on the way back home. When he sat there in the plane, well, not exactly normal plane, but still. He looked at the exosuit that was all that was left of Mirage. Maybe he made the silent vow in that moment, when he couldn’t help himself and just had to touch him to feel that he was still there somewhere. Even when the silence screamed to be filled with terrible jokes and that wonderful chuckles.
He might as well set up his mind when they were joined together. When Mirage disassembled himself, so Noah could wear him like an armor. It was so simple to work together, to be one back then. He had some semblance of the fact that Mirage will need help at that moment. So it could as well be it.
Or even before. There was a point where Noah lost all hope. When he really thought the world was going to end and they were all going to die. Lying under the corpse (at least that’s what it was to him then) of his best friend and waiting for his own demise. And then, exactly then Mirage woke up, only to use his remaining strength and power, to let Noah talk to his little brother. Giving his own life to protect Noah was one thing, and he would be forever grateful for that, but it was something else. Somehow, Mirage knew what was most important to him, and probably just how much important it was.
But, to the point. Noah believes it’s hard to find only one moment in such things. If there even is just one moment. And it is the same this time. When he looks at mismatched paint and hears the laughter of Mirage. The bot is currently standing in the middle of the garage, stretching and getting accustomed with his new frame. Reek already made his hasty retreat and Noah makes a mental note to talk to him later about all of this.
Now he just focuses on the bright blue shade of Mirage’s optics. They are so captivating, especially when they glimmer with joy. It does something to Noah’s poor heart, when he realizes that he’s the reason for this joy. Because Mirage is looking at him. He’s perfect, Noah thinks briefly. And then he becomes conscious of the fact that they’re just staring at each other, in really close proximity on top of everything else.
“Hi, ‘Raj…” he says, just to break the silence. Then he proceeds to awkwardly clear his throat, because his voice sounded far too small for some reason. Almost like he was about to cry, which fair enough… but still.
“Hi yourself” Mirage quips back and if he heard the broken note in Noah’s voice he doesn’t comment on it. “It’s so good to see you again, bro. I missed you.”
Just this simple statement, this quirk of Mirage’s lips when he smiles gently has Noah losing his footing. He’s not sure, when was the exact moment that he fell for this bot so bad, but there’s only one thought racing through his mind right now.
Dios, I love you so much, though he’s not sure he should do anything about it. He can’t really. His just a tiny human, whose life is so unimportant in the greater scheme of things, even more compared to aliens who live for millions of years. But one can dream, right? Especially, when he looks into those bright optics and when he sees Mirage’s smile grew even bigger, and his face seems dusted with the slight hue of blue. Wait… there’s a sudden realization that ‘Raj is blushing. Why would he be blushing?
“You do realize that you said it out loud?” comes the unasked explanation.
“Aw, crap, sorry” is the only thing Noah manages to say now, his mind racing a mile a minute to somehow explain himself. He almost starts panicking, but before he can get too lost in his own head, Mirage is speaking again.
“Don’t be, I love you too, man” there’s no hesitation, no worry in Mirage’s voice and Noah can’t help but start grinning again.
And he can’t get himself to feel bad about being this love struck grinning idiot, especially when Mirage kisses him.