Okay again, THANK YOU! You all are so incredibly supportive and kind and you have no idea how much I appreciate your support toward this fanfic. It really means a lot. Especially since I was so happy with how you all enjoyed my interpretation of how I saw 'Coderra' realistically happening. So thanks for that! This chapter takes place almost right after the previous chapter. Let's see how everyone fares. Enjoy! :D
(Emma's POV)
I was just getting back to my apartment, mainly still trying to 'process' everything that happened with Sierra.
Mainly... It surprised me.
My thought process was cut off as I saw Noah also rounding the corner until he smirked slightly when he noticed me.
I smiled back even though I was wondering what was going on and where Cody was? Well, he probably went back to his apartment or something for all I know?
But also, Noah looked… off. Almost like he was in deep thought trying to process something.
We got close to each other as he asked, "So… do I even want to know about what happened?"
I knew 'the obvious' was going to be asked as I started, knowing I still sounded like I was in disbelief, "Honestly and shockingly enough… not bad. After a little quick thinking I drew up a quick contract that stated in exchange for me answering whatever questions she had for me in our interview that she couldn't take pictures or post anything about me or us without my consent going forward. And if she violates my terms… then I get a restraining order and have a sizable lawsuit directed at her employer. I'm going to have one of my professors notarize it for me."
Noah gave me an equally shocked look as he responded, "Whoa, wait… you mean she actually agreed to that? And I thought that the time Owen 'held it' in my car was an impossible mythologic level feat of strength."
I let out a breathy laugh as I replied, "You and me both. But, yeah. Sierra actually signed it. But, only under the condition she could have my email to ask me questions directly in the future and promise not to give it to anyone else. Sure I was expecting Sierra to be a lot of things, but I have to give her credit… she's a surprisingly good negotiator."
"Hey, I'm just glad she didn't tie you to a bed and do creepy things to you like that crazy chick from that Stanley Duke book." Noah half joked as a way to say he was glad I was okay, even though I was surprised by what he referenced.
"You mean, 'Agony'? I didn't know you read Stanley Duke novels?" I pointed out with a smirk.
He just mirrored my expression back as he said, "Eh, it's more of a 'guilty pleasure' than anything. Every year before Halloween I usually like to read a cliché horror or murder myserty since slasher movies don't really 'do it for me'. Sure Stanley Duke's straight up twisted, but the guy can write a good book."
I continued to smirk as I led on, "Looks like great minds think alike? We really need to exchange books. I have a couple Duke novels on my bookshelf in my place that I read at Halloween. But, with university, I haven't read for fun in a bit… and with law school you can just forget it."
We both laughed slightly before I cut in again, "So, what happened with Cody? Did he go home?"
Noah just shrugged, let out a sigh, and got a very conflicted look on his face as he started opaquely, "Don't know? We went to a brewery and… whatever. I don't really want to talk about it."
Oh…. Kay?
I tilted my head as I asked, "Why? What happened?" He scoffed and ran a hand through his hair as he responded, "More like what didn't. Either way it's just a lot to process… Anyway, weird question, but… can I ask you for a huge favor?"
I quirked up an eyebrow as I replied, "Um, sure… what is it?"
It was at that moment that he held something up and I realized he was holding a grocery store bag and I could see an electric razor box and regular razors with shaving cream in the bag as he asked, "Can I borrow your sink and mirror to shave? I think this rug's outstayed its welcome."
Eventually my expression settled out as I grinned and remarked, "Sure about that? I know I said I prefer kissing you clean shaven, but… I think I could get used to it."
I reached up and smirked as I ran my hand a little down the side of his face and over his beard a little bit.
Well, until I froze up as he gave me a smirk and eyebrow waggle like he usually does before he said, "Tempting… But, sorry. Gonna pass for now. Right now my skin is still giving me a hard no and I don't know how long it's gonna take to get used to it. Who knows though? Maybe some other time I can make an exception and grow it out again if you still want it?"
Despite my stomach doing backflips and feeling like I was going to throw up in the weirdest and best way possible as he grabbed my hand and wove his fingers with mine as we walked into my building.
Oh yeah… I'm totally into him.
3 hours later
Even though I probably shouldn't have done this and just let him go so I could pick back up with studying, I'm letting Noah spend the night.
I know I'm pathetic but I just couldn't help but letting myself cave.
That and seeing him shirtless in my bathroom while he was shaving off his beard after he washed up a little maybe have something to seal my final verdict…
Ugh, I am totally pathetic.
But, what? I can't help it!
It's been so long since I last saw him and it's Friday so… maybe taking a break for just a smidge longer won't hurt, right? At least until tomorrow morning.
Noah was in my room already and I just got back from washing my face and brushing my teeth… and maybe putting on deodorant again since I'm paranoid.
It especially didn't help once I got to my bedroom doorway and just saw him lying in my bed and reading a book. I could feel a warm sensation rush through my stomach as I saw him slowly put one of his arms behind his head as he kept reading.
Ugh… he's so hot.
Him alone existing in front of me already turns me into a total mess most of the time, but him reading with that slight smirk on his face with those chocolatey brown eyes h that look of focus makes me just…
UGH! Stop it, Emma! You're getting ahead of yourself again.
Even though I promised Kitty and myself I wouldn't get too ahead of myself… it doesn't mean there aren't other ways we can't enjoy this?
Even though to me it's still crazy since I've never had the opportunity or felt the need to do this with a guy before.
But for Noah, I want to do this… Really want to do this.
Besides, ever since he left, I felt like I was constantly losing my mind from feeling paranoid about being watched. Sure, we got the whole 'Sierra situation' solved for the most part, but I still feel about having him around.
Just having Noah here with me so I didn't feel so, I don't know… alone?
I know, I know, I'm probably being overly dramatic here. But after how much I missed him in the past couple months and how he helped me earlier, I wanted to do this now more than ever.
Once I finally felt like I had some kind of a grip over myself, I decided to just finally get this in motion before I completely flake out. I walked into the room and leaned in the doorway, crossing my arms to help me somewhat keep myself together since I simultaneously feel like I'm going to crawl out of my skin out of nerves despite how much I just wanted to go through this.
"Hey." I started, having no idea what else to say since my thoughts felt like they were going in so many insane directions right now.
He whipped his head over to look at me, his eyes going wide for a second before he shut them and shook his head, looking like he was recovering from almost checking me out for a second like I did with him.
Well… that's reassuring to see he's kind of in the same place. Hopefully that'll make the next part easier, maybe?
"H-Hi." He started until I saw him scrunch his eyes shut and grit his teeth for a second, looking embarrassed.
Yeah, we're still totally in the same place.
I decided to just go for it before either of us did anything to totally embarrass ourselves. Besides, especially after we made out earlier… I didn't want to skate around this.
Before I could change my mind, I walked over to him and took his book out of his hand and set it on my nightstand and immediately just straddled over his lap, kissed him, and wrapped my arms around his neck.
His whole body stiffened up in shock for a fraction until I felt that warm rush through my stomach again as he kissed me back and wrapped his arms around me to pull me closer to him.
Yes…
I was practically straining to contain myself as we kept up the current situation. My eyes felt close to rolling back as I let out a sigh when he started smoothing his hands up and down my sides.
God I am so pathetic, but I seriously do not even care.
But, I was trying to regain some sense of composure as I smoothed my hands up his shirt only for him to take the hint as he pulled back and took his shirt off over his head and tossed it on the floor.
It got even worse when I saw him try to lean back in and I felt like betraying myself as I stopped him.
He gave me a confused look and tilted his head for a second as he started, "Uh… are you okay?"
Okay Emma, don't say anything stupid to embarrass yourself like you always do and just go for it. It's going to be fine. Just do it and rip it off like a band aid.
I just sat back slightly and just grabbed the hem of my tank top, pulled it over my head, and threw it on the floor before I could even think about it.
My face felt like it was on fire as I slowly looked back up at Noah, considering he hadn't said anything yet.
But, all I saw was him staring at me with wide eyes and his mouth hanging open.
Okay… could be worse, right? He seems like he's into this if him looking at my chest means anything.
But, right as I was about to smile at him, I just saw his eyes roll back before closing and he fell backward as his head smacked the headboard pretty hard. He wasn't moving.
My eyes went wide and I immediately felt my stomach drop as I called out on reflex in complete concern that he just passed out, "Noah!"
(Noah's POV)
Noah…
Whoa, I've had my fair share of crazy fantasies about me and Emma, but that was such a weird dream that practically felt like it actually happened.
Noah?…
I seriously could've sworn Emma just took off her shirt in front of me and I saw her…
"NOAH!"
My eyes sprung open and saw Emma hovering above me, looking concerned. I was about to ask her what was going on?
Until I glanced down and felt my throat go dry and every muscle in my body lock up. My face felt like it was going to spontaneously combust.
It's fine. Everything is just fine, Noah. C'mon, just stop acting like such an idiot with her like you always do. All she did was take off her shirt. Get over yourself! It's no big deal. Yeah, no duh, Emma's a girl and she has boobs. She… uhh… crap. WHAT THE HELL DO I DO?!
I had no idea what I was doing. I've already totally killed the mood enough by blacking out for a second after she took off her top and I saw her… AGH! DUDE, STOP IT!
Seriously, why am I acting so weird about this?
I'm acting as stupid as my neanderthal brothers when it comes to girls.
Considering their so damn simple that just saying anything related to 'boobs' or 'sex' immediately disrupts any thought process they're currently having… not that any of them hardly have one to begin with honestly. Well, except maybe Luke, but even that's a stretch.
I felt like I was literally turning inside as I kept trying to figure out what to do.
It was dead silent as I bit my lip and had my eyes shut so tight I thought I was going to give myself an aneurysm. All I know is I didn't want to just stare at her like some creepy, drooling moron and make an ass of myself.
But, that was getting really difficult since I heard her say, "Noah?"
I kept trying to avoid looking anywhere but at her to avoid staring at her chest again.
Well, until my eyes sprang open as I heard her say through a sigh, "Look, it's okay. I just thought that maybe you'd want to… well, forget it. It's fine if you're not ready for this. I'll just get my…" "No! Don't!" I got out in blind panic, despite wanting to jump out of my skin and kicking my own ass for how pathetic, crazy, and desperate I just sounded to her... and myself.
I finally looked at her and understandably saw her looking totally confused. Not that I blame her.
I felt like ripping out my hair as I tried to collect myself and closed my eyes again before getting out, "Sorry, it's just… I'm really trying to not make this awkward, but I guess saying that automatically ensures I'm definitely killing the mood right now. But, trust me, it's not you. Seriously, not you at all. Believe me you're… yeah. It's all me. All I'm trying to do is not mess up and I already failed miserably by staring at you… and passing out. So just…" "Noah." She finally cut in, but I was more than fine with it.
Especially considering I felt like I was spiraling in a downward nose dive with her worse than Chris McLean's TV career.
I felt her put a hand on my face as she said, "Noah… it's okay. Besides, and not to bring up the obvious, but I don't know why you're saying sorry for looking at me. I mean, that's pretty much the whole reason I'm doing this right now honestly. I want you to look at me… and 'more than that' if I'm being totally honest here."
My eyes went wide even more when I watched her grab my right hand in hers and put it right over her left breast, making my mouth fall open like I was back at square one.
Yup… I'm definitely dead.
Or at least have some kind of comatose delusion of grandeur right now.
Then I was even more caught off guard when she put her other hand on the side of my face as I looked up and saw her smiling at me.
Before I could even try to say anything, she just leaned in and kissed me and slowly smoothed her hands down my chest and stomach.
Okay, whether I'm dead, delusional, or really having Emma make out with me literally 'half naked'... who cares?
I'm definitely going to enjoy this right now, besides if this is what she wants?... Who am I to not give my girlfriend what she wants?
Across town in Toronto
({No POV})
After his talk with Noah, Cody went back to his apartment and tried to do everything he could to not think about it. But in the midst of deciding to just study at his desk, he ended up passing out on his books.
Cody's mouth was partially hanging open as he kept sleeping… until his bedroom door started opening and a shadow slowly started approaching him.
Right as a hand touched his shoulder, Cody sprang up and practically yelled in blind panic.
Well, until he looked up and saw Sierra.
She immediately looked concerned, "Cody, are you okay? Oh gosh! Are you sick?! Do you need ibuprofen?"
Sierra put her other hand on his forehead to see if he had a fever.
Well, until Cody took her hand off his forehead before responding, trying to get his girlfriend to take it down a notch, "Sierra, I'm fine. I'm just… tired."
While not totally lying, Cody also didn't really want to talk about what happened between himself and Noah at the brewery near her apartment earlier after he told Noah that he was dating Sierra.
Luckily Sierra still seemed more preoccupied with his current well being as she said, looking apologetic, "Sorry, I always jump to conclusions. But you know I'm still really trying to get better. Do you want me to do anything to help?"
Slowly, Cody smiled at her.
Despite the 'not so ideal' way they ended up getting into a romantic relationship and while Cody knew 18 year old him would have thought he was insane, but like he said to Noah.
He and Sierra ended up having a lot in common once he got to know her and she did do a lot to help him.
Plus, the fact that she was the only girl who ever had any interest in having sex with him at all was also... something.
Not that he was 'complaining', quite the contrary.
Even though in someway he did feel a little guilty the morning after when Sierra told him he was her first too and that she had been 'saving herself' for him.
Sure after the fact when they got together as a couple, it wasn't a big deal, but… it wasn't why he initially chose her and gave into her advances the night of his 20th birthday.
Like he told Noah, it was originally out of his own insecurity and desperation for being fed up with other girls wanting nothing to do with him and eventually ended up making out and having sex with her that night and not really anything going into it wanting anything more at the start.
Well… until it happened.
As shocked as he was (and again like he admitted earlier to Noah), everything he felt with Sierra with in that entire moment was weirdly special and 'right' between them.
Before Sierra, Cody was never used to having anyone actually genuinely caring about him or his well-being at all and in all honesty… Cody really did love her. Because in her way… Sierra really did take care of him. And he appreciated that more than he ever admitted.
Luckily, Cody knew how to repay her after knowing her for years.
He smiled a little and started, "Well, you could cuddle with me if you wa… ah!" "Eeeeeeeeee!" She squealed as she immediately pulled Cody with her out of his desk chair and over to his bed before snuggling up to him.
Even though looking taken aback for a split second, he eventually just smiled and wrapped his arms around her before kissing the top of her head, making her sigh in delight as she further rested her head against his chest with a smile spread across her face.
But, despite Sierra's 'distraction', it was clear Cody still looked deep in thought about 'what happened' earlier.
Looks like Cody and Noah both have a lot on their minds… although it seems Noah had a bit more on his mind after Emma's small yet bold step she decided to take with him. C'mon! It's been a while since we had any awkward Nemma moments in this fanfic. And what better way to step right back into them by having Noah pass out after getting a bit overwhelmed when Emma took off her shirt in front of him. Because of course! Lol. XD Emma and Noah's relationship is adorable yet also comedy gold when it comes to how awkward they are together… and I love it! XD What will happen from here? What became of Owen? What is Noah still hiding about what happened after he got booted from the current season of TD? Stay tuned all! As always, constructive feedback is always very much appreciated and thank you so much for taking the time to read. It really means a lot to me. :)
Stay classy and safe everyone!
Dexter1995
P.S. If you were able to figure out the author I was parodying via 'Stanley Duke' and the parody title "Agony" of said same author to their real life equivalents… kudos to you! Haha. :D