Work Text:
Noah was strolling through the isolated streets of New York, he brought his hands to his face and exhaled into them; a cloud of mist formed on his hands, he rubbed them together as an attempt to create warmth through friction–albeit temporarily–before tucking them into the pockets of his trench coat. It’s colder than usual, he seemed to think. His pink-hued (although natural, but intensified due to the cold) face sunk closer to the scarf wrapped around his neck. It provided warmth.
He quickened his pace and once he reached the main market, he slowed down to check some of the stores. He leaned against the glass window of an Armani showroom, glancing at the bracelets on display, alongside some watches among other stuff. Maybe he would like a bracelet? He stopped to consider. Or a perfume? Lost in thought, he stepped inside and checked the items before him.
One of the store clerks walked up to him, offering help “Good evening, sir, how may I help?” She crossed her hands–one over the other–at her front, in a professional manner. “Huh? Oh, yeah,” he walked over to the bracelet section, the clerk followed, “I’m getting a gift for-” there was a pause. “..my friend.” he finishes, hesitant. “Of course, is it for their birthday?” she questioned, he shook his head in response: “No, no, I’m going to visit him.” She seemed to understand, “A gift, then.” She walked behind the showcase, and picked out a leather and a silicone bracelet. “These are our latest launches–” She began to explain. However, Noah’s mind was preoccupied from the moment he set his eyes on the blue silicone bracelet; Maybe he’d like this, he decided. He walked over to another section with luxury perfumes. Tilting his head in conflict, he tried a few scents.
After what seemed like a very long hour, Noah finally walked out the store– with three bags in hand. Perhaps he did go a little overboard, but in his defense, he is indecisive. The air was now chillier, a faint tint of pink appeared on his nose, his face flushed in red. He smiled to himself, pulling his scarf up to his face, and traced his steps back to his home.
Tomorrow. He reassured himself.
I’m going to see him tomorrow. The blush on his face deepened.
—
Boarding time: 6:00 A.M
Noah checked his boarding pass one last time before slipping it into his pocket.
He arrived at the airport thirty minutes ago—barely making it in time. He had hardly the willpower to contain his eagerness, the brunet had been scrolling on his phone for the last fifteen minutes; ‘Fun activities to do in Vancouver’, ‘Top 10 restaurants in Vancouver’, ‘Best hangout spots for couples’ and articles of the kind flooded his browsing history. It was not his first time in Vancouver, of course not, but Noah was the type to have everything organised, just in case. He checked the time, it read: 7:50. Noah glanced at his lockscreen– it was a picture of Finn from a date they went to a while ago, a subtle smile unbeknownst to him settled on his face. He got up and prepared to board the flight, with a strange yet familiar fuzziness bubbling in his chest. He was excited to meet the boy.
And Finn, for sure, was just as eager.
—
Finn was sitting on one of the chairs at the airport, his leg bouncing up and down from anxiety. He glanced around, checked his wristwatch and took a deep breath. He was going to see Noah, after eight months. Unease settled in his stomach, he picked up the bouquet that he had bought and stood up. He should be here soon. He waited at the gate.
He searched for a familiar brunet in the line of people. And there he was– Noah waved with a big grin plastered on his face. Finn smiled and waved back, the anxiety in his chest relieved upon seeing the boy.
Soon as the line was over, the two rushed towards each other—Noah letting the suitcase from his hand roll off somewhere, as Finn swiftly embraced him in a hug. Noah nestled his face into his shoulders, hands wrapped around his waist. Finn’s hand was resting on the back of brunette’s hair. A muffled “I’ve missed you.” was heard from Noah. “I’ve missed you too.” Finn replied, fingers tracing his hair. They remained in that position for a brief moment.
Finn pulled back slightly, capturing Noah’s lips in a sweet, brief kiss. “Don’t cry.” he spoke, gently. His free hand wiping the teary-eyed boy's face. Noah chuckled, staring intently at the curly haired boy. “Your hair grew.” he remarked, caressing Finn’s face. The taller smiled eagerly, pulling back completely, he held out the bouquet. “Sunflowers, and some lilies.” Noah took it happily, “Seventy-thirty split?” he smelled the flowers—they were fresh. Finn nodded with a giggle.
—
They were home–Finn’s home. A familiar sense of comfort warmed the air, wrapping around them akin to a quilt. Noah had greeted Finn’s family and was now unpacking in one of the guest’s rooms given to him. “Can I help?” A voice sneaked up behind him, Finn swiftly moving over to rest his head on Noah’s shoulder. The younger shook his head, tilting his head so as to lightly bump their heads. “Mm-mm, I’m almost done, but,” he leaned down and pulled a few bags from his suitcase and handed them to Finn. “I got you something. Some things” his lips pursed in anticipation. Finn raised his eyebrow, taking the bags, “Noah, you really didn’t–” he took a look inside: he could spot the cases branded in luxury and wrapped delicately, one such case caught his eye and he took it out instantly. “No way,” he unwrapped and opened the present, there it was: the silicone bracelet colored in blue—there was nothing special about its design but that was what Finn liked the most about it, “It’s beautiful.” Noah smiled, slipping the bracelet on the other’s wrist, “Glad you like it.” His touch lingered, Finn noticed. “You are so getting spoiled.” Finn remarked, causing the brunet to burst out into laughter “Can’t wait.”
They shared a moment together briefly, simply bathing in each other’s presence as if this moment were the most intimate gesture— the air still gentle in the room. If it were possible, breathing felt easier in the other’s presence; like they could finally lay off their worries even if just for a moment. “Wanna get coffee?” The taller proposed, his eyes holding a glint of hope. Noah dramatically rolled his eyes, “It’s always coffee with you.” His tone was playful. “Grounds for Coffee has the best coffee, not my fault.” he replied sheepishly, “Come on.” He practically dragged Noah out of the room, the younger unable to protest.
Noah settled on one of the sofa’s—the smell of coffee swarmed around him. It was surprisingly quiet in the café, only ambient music and the quiet moving of the workers filled the space. Noah could understand why Finn liked this place, he likes to be at places that can provide him peace. “Cinnamon buns! And coffee.” Finn chimed in, walking towards their table with the order in hand. Noah sat up and took in the aroma— and it looked delectable. The taller boy sat across the table, “Go ahead, tell me what you think.” He gestured for him to begin, the brunet took a sip of the coffee; a pleased expression painted his face. Finn smiled in contentment.
Finn’s hands rested on the table, the two were chatting away about how their last eight months went; meetings, interviews, work—and the sort. Noah’s hand discreetly, akin to a critter, made its way across the table. His eyes were locked with Finn’s, but his hands told a different story: fingers delicately playing with the bracelet on his wrist—looping under the band for a second, then gently rubbing his skin. The gesture didn’t go unnoticed by the other.
—
“Vomit green? Really?” Noah looked at the pair of green—vomit green?—socks in Finn’s hands. “Mhm.” Finn said it as a matter of fact-ly. A weird color, sure, but it encapsulated the concept well. “Have you ever gone ice-skating before?” The curly haired boy questioned, his eyes—like always—intently fixated on Noah’s. The younger boy simply shook his head, “You’ll have to teach me.” Finn smiled gracefully, he pushed himself off the chair and pulled Noah’s hands towards him causing the boy to stumble on him. “You’re on.”
The first step Noah took in the ice rink; his feet slipped, Finn held tightly onto Noah’s hands, “Easy now.” He reassured. The brunet was gripping onto Finn’s hands as if his life depended on it, a grimaced expression on his face. “Slowly,” The older boy glided backwards; guiding him towards the rink. “Hold onto me, okay?” His face held a concerned gaze directed towards Noah. He nodded, and followed Finn’s guidance. Sure, Finn can be quite silly, but he’s just as thoughtful. He moved carefully, not letting go of Noah, “Okay so you just have to push, and then glide.” Finn glided swiftly to demonstrate an example. Noah followed, his steps were clumsy– sure, but the other didn’t seem to mind. He was patient, and gentle.
“Finn, I can’t—” A yelp could be heard as the younger boy was pushed into the rink, “Finn!” He shouted helplessly, almost losing his balance. The taller boy giggled as he watched his boyfriend slip aimlessly on the ice. He moved forward, just enough to be near him, yet stay out of reach. “Hey, look at that, you’re doing great.” He sang-song playfully, but he really did mean it. “Wait till I just—” The brunet slipped, “make it there.” He struggled, so–unlike any normal person—Noah lunged forward, tackling Finn before he had the time to register what just occurred. Finn fell backwards, Noah’s hand covering the back of his head for cushioning—after all, he did not want him to get hurt—fits of laughter were heard from the couple, they didn’t care about the looks they received. “Noah— No–” Finn said breathlessly, still recovering from the fall and the uncontrolled laughter, the boy on top of him unable to provide a response because falling on the ice-rink with your boyfriend is the funniest thing in the world, apparently, at least to them.
—
The couple were back at home now, it was half-past eleven. The two were settled on the couch, their legs were tangled together under a blanket which they both shared. The younger boy had decided that they would play UNO, and of course he had to get super competitive. Finn now had only two cards left, meanwhile, Noah had seven. A groan was heard from the other as he pulled another card from the deck– Finn repressed a smile. It was Finn’s turn now and he put down his card, “Uno!” he announced. Noah rolled his eyes with an annoyed sigh as he put his card down. “I was so close..” his tone subdued. Although Finn had his last blue card as the turn was supposed to go—and he was supposed to win—he simply pulled a card from the deck. The shorter boy perked up, “Interesting.” He remarked, as he put down a ‘Plus Two’ card. Finn didn’t voice any complaints and simply followed the directions. A few cards down—with Finn hardly throwing any turns—and Noah was on his last card, “Uno!” he cheered. Finn threw a yellow card numbered ‘1’ and that was the cue to Noah’s victory; the brunette rejoiced. Finn didn’t care that he had lost, it was all worth it if he got to see His smile.
“Yeah, yeah, congrats, do you want a cookie?” The curly haired boy remarked playfully. “Actually, yes.” A soft giggle was heard from the boy. Finn paused to think, then held Noah’s hand to lead him to the kitchen. He let his hand go and searched through the pantry– pulling out a box of cookies. He opened the lid and held it out towards him. “Here, cookie, for my love.” The brunet grinned, taking a bite of a cookie. “Thank you, my love.” he tip-toed to press a soft kiss against the taller’s lips. “I let you win, and this is all I get in return?” Finn’s hand moved swiftly, trapping the younger boy against the counter. Their heads nearly bumped together. “You what?” Instead of replying, the older closed the distance between them– his hands resting on either side of Noah’s waist. The kiss was urgent, full of emotion, hunger, and love. He’s missed this. Noah’s own hands settled onto Finn’s chest, tugging onto his shirt as an attempt to pull him closer. He’s missed this too, warmth spread through his chest. He tilted his head to kiss him deeper, hungrier, and with more love than he could express through his words. They both pulled back to catch their breaths. Finn, short of breath, was panting on top of Noah and it would be a big lie if it didn’t make the younger feel a certain type of way. “And I would do it again, if it means I could see you smile.”