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Chapter Text

-11 PM-

Noah walked into the house sneaking, head bowed down trying hard not to make a noise.
He was heading for his room when Nick caught him. 
Standing, tall with a muscular frame, Nick had a presence that was hard to miss. His deep voice and sharp eyes often commanded respect, a trait that served him well as an FBI agent.
"Noah? Didn't hear you come in" Nick furrowed his eyebrows.

"Oh, hi Nick, did't wanna wake you, thought you were a sleep" Noah stuttered, replied without turning around and he was about to enter his room when Nick grabbed his arm.
"Wait, Noah..."

Nick slowly turned Noah around by his arm, his deep blue eyes scanning Noah's face covered with bruises and cuts. 
"What the ..." Nick tried to contain his panic, guiding Noah's face to the left and right by his chin to check the injuries. "Who did this?" Nick locked eyes with Noah and asked in a steady tone.

"It's nothing..." Noah attempted to remove Nick's grasp when the latter held his hand stopping him, Noah hissed at the firm holding making Nick more confused. Without hasetation, Nick pulled Noah's sleeve up exposing a nasty laceration on his wrist. "Noah! Your hand..." Nick's gaze moved up again to meet Noah's. "What happened? For all I know you were just out with Adam today"

Noah yanked his hand away pulling his sleeve back down, shaking his head and about to enter his room again.

"Noah..."Nick called his name one more time demanding answers.

"It's no big deal Nick, let it go" Noah answered facing Nick.

"You did not answer my question" 

Noah finally turned around and sighed. "Look Nick, he's been through a lot and I wanted to be there for him, he needed help with something but some dudes, his enemies I think, they got in our way, so..." Noah was making up the story using anything comes to his mind.

"What thing he needed you for, Noah?" Nick asked, tipping his chin upward.

"It's personal to him, can we let it go please"

"All I know is, whenever you are with that guy, something happens, I simply do not like him, he seemed to cause you  harm even if it's in an indirect way" Nick's tone rised as he was getting furious.

"No, it's not..." Noah argued.

"Look..." Nick interrupted. "I know you two go way back and he's your childhood bestie and all, However, Noah you are naive and stupid sometimes, do you know that? I mean can't you see it? this guy is taking advantage of you, remember last time?"

Noah sighed and went to sit, he knows what Nick was saying, he knows Adam was anything but a good person, but he had a good reason for enduring that man, a reason nobody is aware of except for Adam and himself.

"Nick, I know everything you say and do is for my own good, but I don't want you to worry anymore  I'm truly fine" Noah sighed then continued. "If it makes you feel better, I swung a blow or two, you should've seen me fight, didn't know I got the muscles until today"  

Nick smiled in a broken way, he went and sat next to Noah. "Well, It's indeed  made me feel better, but what about next time it happens? I'm a federal agent Noah, let alone the fact that you are an important person to me and I fear for you..."

Nick sighed and placed his hand on Noah's shoulder. "I just don't want you getting hurt"

Noah offered a smile. "Thank you, Nick, I promise  it's all going to be ok, its nothing i can't handle, you know how guys are sometimes" Noah got on his feet and was about to leave.

"Wait at least let me patch you up," Nick said, motioning with his hand for Noah to come closer, his gesture firm yet caring.

He led him into the kitchen, Noah sat on the edge of the table, Nick stood nearby with a first aid kit open on the counter. Nick carefully cleaned a gash on Noah's face side, his hands steady but his eyes filled with concern. "You really need to be more careful and stay out of trouble" Nick began again, his voice a mix of frustration and worry.

Noah winced as Nick applied antiseptic. "Trying to"

"In your case, we know who the trouble is, how about cutting him off your life?" Nick moved to Noah's hand tending to it. Nick tried hard not to mention

the subject again as they both said enough earlier, but observing the bruises closely on Noah's skin, he just could not, especially when he just saw a cut on Noah's neck. His thumb hovered over it, examining how deep it was. "Noah, did someone placed a knife on your throat?"

"Yeah ... Well..." Nervous, Noah replied. "One of the men caught me by surprise, but I handled him"

"God, what if you couldn't? What if that fking knife brought the end to your life?" Nick got mad again and he has every right to be since Noah seemed not caring about himself much.

"It's ok, I've got you to patch me up, right?" Noah smirked trying to change the subject.

"I'm being serious Noah, Adam gets you in the danger way ,  so you do something about this jerk or I will" Finishing off, Nick barged out of the kitchen to his own room after failing to find a common ground with Noah who left him in the shadows and refused giving him an explanation.

Noah sighed and sat there for a minute taking in all what happened tonight.

Adam was once Noah's closest friend, sharing countless  memories, But life had a way of changing people, and Adam was no exception. Over the years, he had transformed into someone Noah barely recognized. his once-kind eyes now hard and cold. His face bore the marks of a life lived on the edge, 
His dark hair was slicked back, giving him a menacing appearance, and a jagged scar ran down his left cheek, a remnant of past conflicts.
What made his character even worse was his jealousy of Noah and his perfect life, although it was not that perfect. Also, Nick was one of the reasons as well.

Adam had a ruthless confidence, the kind that came from years of manipulation and deceit. He had a knack for exploiting people's weaknesses, using charm and intimidation in equal measure. He was a master at twisting the truth to suit his needs, leaving a broken trust behind.

Despite their shared history, Adam viewed Noah as an object he could make use of. To Adam, loyalty and friendship were relics of the past, replaced by a relentless pursuit of his own goals. Noah stayed with him despite all that as the loyal person he was, who tried to dig deep into him to find what was left of his previous friend Adam, but lately things were getting out of hand that made Noah question every aspect of their relationship, especially when it came down to Nick.

 -Flashback-

The dimly lit warehouse echoed with the sound of dripping water and distant machinery. Noah stood with his arms crossed, facing Adam, who leaned casually against a rusted metal beam. The tension between them was palpable.

Adam smirked, his eyes cold and calculating. "I need you to do a job for me, Noah. There's a shipment coming in tonight at the docks. I need it 're-routed' to a different location, a location of my own choice. It should be easy for someone with your skills."

Despite his slender build, Noah had an undeniable agility and sharp intellect that made him invaluable. His expertise in hacking and his knowledge of security systems were unmatched, skills he had honed over years of dabbling in both legal and illegal activities due to his difficult previous life. Adam, recognizing Noah's unique talents, had coerced him into using these skills for his own gain, of course, not seeing Noah as his friend but as a toy.

Noah's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. "I'm not doing your dirty work anymore, Adam, Find someone else."

Adam's smirk faded, replaced by a menacing glare. "I don't think you understand the situation, Noah. This isn't a request. It's an order."

Noah took a step forward, his fists clenched. "And I told you, I'm not doing it. I won't be a part of whatever scheme you’re running again."

Adam straightened, his face hardening. "You really think you have a choice? What about Nick? You know, it would be a shame if something were to happen to him."

Noah's eyes flashed with anger. "And what about him? Leave Nick out of this. He's got nothing to do with your twisted games."

Adam laughed darkly. "Oh, but he does. You see, as long as you keep playing hero, he's at risk. One

word from me, and his little secret is out. Or worse, an 'accident' might befall him. Do you really want that on your conscience?"

Noah's hands shook with fury, but he stood his ground. "You're sick, I won't let you use me like this."

Adam's expression turned icy. "Then you leave me no choice." He pulled out his phone and showed Noah a video of Nick, unaware he was being filmed. "Imagine this going public. Or maybe a visit from some not-so-friendly faces. Think about it, Noah."

Noah's heart pounded as he watched the video. Adam gave him a hint back then but Noah thought it was a joke, now seeing this, he knew Adam wasn't bluffing, but how he could betray his own principles. "I won't let you ruin Nick's life, or mine."

Adam's eyes narrowed, his voice low and threatening. "You’ve got until midnight to change your mind. After that, Nick pays the price."

With that, Adam turned and walked away, leaving Noah standing alone in the dimly lit warehouse, the weight of his decision heavy on his shoulders.

After alot of thinking and consideration, Noah found himself with no choice but to submit to John's request, he hated it but if it means saving Nick's life, so be it  until he finds a way around it somehow.

At midnight Noah met the guys Adam sent at the docks, there has been hardships and struggles but they managed to get the job done.
Returning to the warehouse which currently was their base, Noah asked Adam to delete whatever he has on Nick.

"Noah, darling, do you think it's that easy? I'mma need you do more work for me for Nick's sake, unless you want to dig his grave yourself..."
Adam explained as he paced slowly towards Noah.

Noah's blood boiled and without thinking he punched Adam causing him to stagger.
Adam wiped the blood coming out of his mouth and chuckled. "Noah...Noah...Noah..."  He stepped closer one more time. "You never learn, do you?" with that, Adam punched him back harder making Noah fall to the ground.

"I'm not really sure if you play stupid, or you're actually stupid" Adam sat over Noah, laying more blows on him, then he placed a pocket knife onto his throat, he pressed it hard until blood came out.
"Now, not only will I hurt Nick, but you as well, I'll enjoy every second of inflicting pain on your charming face"

Hearing Nick's name coming out from this guy's mouth who desires to inflict harm on him so badly sends chills through him. "You...stay...away from him...I'll do what ...you want..." Noah groaned and struggled to breath. It's settled, he will be in this mess for a longer time, there was no other way.

"What's that?" Adam removed his hands to let Noah speake.

"I said...I'll do what you want, bastered" 
"That's what I like to hear, it's a win win, you get to save Nick and I get what I want" Adam smiled wickedly and got on his feet leaving Noah on the ground.

"Now..." Adam stepped on Noah's wrist and pressed it hard to the ground, Noah yelped at the pain, he tried to pull his hand but the movement only added furthur injury.
"That's just a little taste of the pain I will cause you and Nick if you went out of my path" after adding more pressure causing damage to the wrist, Adam finally moved back giving Noah a chance of relief.

Adam stepped a side dusting himself off.

Noah on the other hand was getting himself together between coughing and groaning, he managed to stand up, his breathing was rapid.
 "You better hold your part of the deal, Adam" With that, Noah left the warehouse and headed home.

-End of the flashback-

After sitting for a while in the kitchen and getting the flashback, Noah went to his room and got some rest.
Although he could hear Nick coming into his room every once in a while through night to check on him, Noah couldn't talk to him about what happened, he actually had no idea what to say, so he remained quiet and pretended to be asleep while in fact he was insomniac.

Nick had already met Adam once, he caught Noah and Adam one time fighting and Adam seemed the vilian to Nick, he got between them to sperate the two. Then he faced Noah about it but Noah ignored the topic,

saying that they were best friends and such arguments happen. Since that moment, something felt off about Adam and Nick never liked him, he also warned Noah about hanging out with him.

Despite the fact that Nick knew Noah was a stubborn and does what he thinks is right, he never let go of him, and he placed a great deal of trust in him.

-Next day, 10 AM-

Noah's eyes fluttered open after finally getting some sleep, the ceiling met his gaze, a warm bed, faint sun light coming through the curtains, he was home.
 Noah sighed in relief after thinking he might wake up in a warehouse but remembered that he had an argument with Nick last night. He whined while getting on his feet, everywhere hurts him.

He walked out to the living room seeing Nick drowned in files and papers.

"See you finally woke up, good morning" Nick greeted when Noah came into his sight. 

Noah smiled and sat on a sofa across from Nick's. "I see you have alot of homework that you decided to do on your day off" Noah exclaimed picking up a paper from the floor and examining it. "Who's that?"

"Well, I've been after him for a while, he's dangerous and no joke" Nick snatched the paper back from Noah's hand. "Anyway that's not something you should worry about now" Nick stared at Noah without saying a word.

Noah sighed. "Nick, about yesterday, I'm sorry if I'm putting too much pressure on you and..."

"Pressure?" Nick smirked and shook his head. "Noah the only reason I was mad is because I don't want you to be taken advantage of,  and Adam, this guy is no good for you"

'You have no idea' Noah thought. 

"Did you have breakfast? Imma make us a dillecious one" Noah offered changing the subject.

Nick sighed. "Alright"

-30 Minutes later-

"I got a call from the office they need me there  apparently a clue was found leading us closer to the suspect" Nick announced after getting that call, finishing up what's left on his plate, Nick got up.

"On your day off?" Noah asked.

"Yeah, what can I do, duty does not know something called vacation" He shrugged his shoulders.

Nick prepared himself, put on some decent clothes and wore his shoes.

 "Are you gonna be ok Noah? How are your wounds?" Nick placed one hand on Noah's shoulder while he leaned closer to Noah's face checking every corner of it with his concerned eyes to make sure there was no inflammation.

Noah just stared at Nick with an innocent gaze, admiring how protective Nick was of him.

"Don't worry Nick" Noah spoke. "Everything will be alright" 

Nick nodded staring at him one last time before heading to the door. "I hope so, Noah" He couldn't help but feel uneasy leaving Noah, however, he has no choice.

The door slammed shut when Noah's phone buzzed, it was a text from Adam.

 'I need you, come to this address'

To be continued ...

Chapter Text

Noah watched Nick drive away, his heart heavy with worry. He glanced at his phone, seeing the message from Adam once more. The address led him to a run-down motel on the outskirts of the city. This place had a reputation for shady dealings and characters.

Noah knew he shouldn't go, but the threat hanging over him – over Nick – left him with no choice. He grabbed his jacket and headed out the door, determination set in his features.

Navigating the early morning traffic, his mind raced with thoughts of what Adam could possibly want this time. The motel was a dilapidated structure with a broken parking lot. Noah parked his car and took a deep breath before stepping out.

Inside the motel, the atmosphere was dim and oppressive. The peeling wallpaper and dim lighting only added to the sense of unease. Noah walked down the narrow hallway, his footsteps echoing softly. He reached room 108, the number Adam had specified in his message. Noah knocked, and the door creaked open to reveal Adam standing there, a smug expression on his face.

"Noah," Adam said, his voice dripping with fake friendliness. "Glad you could make it, I wasn't sure you could show up after, you know, yesterday." Noah stepped inside, the room reeking of cigarettes and cheap air freshener. "What do you want, Adam? I got a few hours before Nick returned, make it quick," he demanded, his voice tense.

Adam closed the door and leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "Giving orders now, Noah?"
Noah rolled his eyes to the side.

"Anyway, I have another job for you. Something I need you to handle personally, it could not wait."

Noah's eyes narrowed. "What kind of job?"
 Adam walked over to a small table and picked up a duffel bag, tossing it onto the bed.

"There's a package that needs to be delivered. No questions asked. Just take it to the address inside and make sure it gets there by noon." Noah looked at the bag suspiciously. "What's in the package?" Adam’s smile turned cold. "Let's just say it's something valuable. And if it doesn't get there on time, there will be consequences."

Noah felt a surge of anger and fear. He couldn't let Adam control him, but he also couldn't risk Nick's safety. "Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "I'll do it. But this is the last time." Adam's smile returned, smug and triumphant. "We’ll see about that. Just remember, Noah – I’m always watching."

Noah grabbed the duffel bag and left the motel room, his mind racing. He had to find a way to stop Adam for good, but for now, he had no choice but to play along.

Noah navigated the streets with a sense of grim purpose. The address Adam had given him was in a quiet residential neighborhood, far removed from the seedy motel. As he approached the destination, he noted the normalcy of the surroundings – manicured lawns, kids waiting for the school bus, and joggers enjoying the morning air. He parked a block away, taking a moment to steady his nerves. This task was straightforward, almost too easy.

Adam had insisted that there were no complications, just a simple delivery. Noah grabbed the duffel bag and walked towards the house. The house itself was unremarkable, a typical suburban home. Noah rang the doorbell and waited. An older man with a kind face opened the door, glancing at Noah with mild curiosity. "You must be the guy Adam sent," the man said, his voice calm and measured. Noah nodded, handing over the duffel bag. "This is for you." The man took the bag without question, nodding in acknowledgment. "Thank you. That's all for now."

Noah turned and walked back to his car, his heart pounding. The ease of the job unsettled him, but he was grateful it was over.

Noah decided to inform Adam. "It's done"

"Great! You can go home now I don't need you today anymore" Adam replied on the other end.

 Sighed in relief, Noah drove home.

Noah entered quietly and hoped nick was not there yet, he hated lying to him, but he was already there as he could hear water running in the bathroom. Noah hurried to his room and closed the door to change his clothes.

After a while, Noah was done and left his room.

"Hey, you're here" Nick greeted.

"Hey Nick, yeah I had some issues in the company so I also had to go, no day off for both of us today right?" Chuckling lightly, Noah Ignored eye contact and walked passed Nick into the kitchen. "You had dinner yet?" 

Nick took a pause before answering, clearly Noah is changing the subject and he's sketchy,however, he decided to let it go this time. "Yeah I ate at the office"

"Me too" Noah replied.  "I was thinking of maybe playing some video games, it's been a while since I beat you"

"Oh you got the nerve to say that" Nick joked. "I'll show you the real definition of defeat" 

Noah laughed. "Alright , bring it on"
Both men indulged in their activity like nothing else mattered, and they had a great time.

-Three days later-

Nick and Noah returned from work at night as usual, Noah felt relieved that it had been this long since Adam last asked him of anything. It was peaceful for the previous days.

Both men were prepared to have dinner like every night, that's when the door was knocked.

"Who would be here at this hour?" Nick checked his watch.

"I'll get it" Noah was about to get up when Nick stopped him.

 "No, I will" Nick went to the door and unlocked it, he resented the figure that appeared in his sight.

"Ah, Nick, you remember me I think, I'm a friend of Noah, Adam, he spoke highly of you" Adam offered a smile and stretched his hand for Nick to shake, only Nick left it hanging and just stared at the man for a while.

"Huh... rude and not friendly, how can he be your friend" Adam smirked and pulled back his hand.

"Excuse me?" Nick narrowed his eyes, tilting his head to the side.

"Like you heard"

Nick Ignored Adam's words as he knew what kind of a person he was "What brings you here at this time?"

"Here to see Noah of course, is he home?'

"What business you have with him?"

 Adam leaned closer to Nick's face and tilted his head. "It is none of your concern, detective" His voice is almost a whisper.

Before Nick could replay, Noah showed up and saw the two at the door and he was shocked, why would Adam be here?

"Noah...your friend here doesn't have a shred of manners that he let me standing in the cold"

"Hey...Adam, come inside" Hesitated,  Noah offered gesturing with his hand.

Nick turned around giving Noah a stare of 'I cannot believe you'.

"Finally..." Adam walked in like he owns the place.

Nick wanted nothing but to leave the area and escape Adam's presence, but he cannot do that, not when he has his doubts and Noah is next to him.

Adam invited himself to the dinner table, Noah and Nick sat after exchanging looks.

"So Noah, How is life?" Adam asked while placing a soup filled spoon into his mouth.

"Um, It's great... thank you" Noah was struggling not to show his real emotions, he needs to play along and act like Adam is really his friend, after all, Adam has Nick's life in his palms

"What about work?" Feeding another spoon into himself, not making eye contact with Noah.

"Good, I guess" 

"What brings you here" Nick was straight forward, he could not handle any more of this small talk.

Adam dropped the spoon and smiled while looking at Nick. "No reason, just chilling with Noah"  He placed a hand over Noah's shoulder.

Nick rolled his eyes and shook his head alittle.
1 hour passed of unnecessary chats and talks, Nick remained silent most of the time, just watching the two.

"Ah, and before I leave, I was passing by some shop and I found this watch, I could not stop thinking of giving it to you" Adam pulled out a box from his pocket and handed it to Noah.

Nick kept glaring at the two wanting to know what was going on between them as they seemed so weird and his gut felt wrong.

"Ah..I.." Noah stuttered as he was surprised by the action and could not really understand Adam's motive.

"Consider it an appreciation present  for you know, doing me the last favor" 

Hesitated, Noah stretched his hand and took the Item.

"Open it"

Noah unboxed it and it was a regular black watch.
"Thank you ..." Noah did not know what else to say, he gave Adam the look of 'what are you doing' and Adam smirked.

Nick observed in silence.

"I guess it's time for me to leave" Adam stood up.
"Thanks for the dinner"

Nick remained seated while Noah walked Adam out. "Ah and Noah" Adam turned to face Noah at the door step. "I want you to wear that watch 24/7"

"And why is that?"
"Because I said so, honestly you still question me while your friend's life depends on me? You do know I have men everywhere, If I wanna wipe out someone from exsistence, I simply snap my finger" 

"Ok I get it, asshole" 
"Watch your language"
Noah sighed and shook his head. "I'll wear the damn watch"

"That's my Noah" Adam patted Noah's shoulder then left.

Noah hurried inside and put the watch on.

"What was that?" Nick wondered, not liking how Noah was acting.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean Noah, Adam coming to your place at this time to give you a watch?" Nick stood up pacing slowly towards Noah.

"I don't know, I mean he owes me big so I guess he felt he had to give me something"

"I see" Nick sequinted his eyes, suspicious,  not buying any of this. "I don't need to tell you twice Noah, this man is sketchy and I don't like him"

Noah nodded. " I'll be careful then" he smiled.

"Good night Nick" with that, Noah headed to his room leaving suspecious Nick behind.

The next morning Noah went with Nick to help him with an old case he was a witness at. In the middle of the road he got a text from Adam telling him about another mission.

'I can not be there now, Adam, I promise I will do it later but now I got an important business with Nick' Noah texted back.

"Is everything ok?" As Nick was driving, he noticed the concerned features on Noah's face while he stared at his phone.

"Yeah..yeah..." Hesitated, Noah stuttered as he waited for Adam's reply.

Nick's eyes rolled back on the road again he knew even if something was up, Noah would not say. 

'Alright' Adam texted back and the reply made Noah relieved but anxious at the same time.

After They were finally done with the case and It was an exhausting day for both Noah And Nick, they crushed into their beds immediately when they got home.

-3 AM-

Noah opened his eyes in the middle of the night, his body tensing as if struck by an electricity. At first, he thought it was just a dream and tried to return to sleep, but then it hit him again, stronger this time.
"Ah... what the—!" He bolted upright in bed, trying to make sense of what was happening. Suddenly, a third, more powerful shock surged through him. His body convulsed violently, causing him to fall off the bed with a loud thud. "ahh ..."

After hitting the ground he shouted "Nick!"  desperation in his voice, hoping Nick would come to his aid. He had no idea what was happening to him.

Nick was already up when he heard the loud thud, thus he hurried to Noah's room hearing his name being called out as he got closer.

"Noah!" He quickly barged in and crawled next to his friend. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"Nick..." Noah's voice was trembling as he muttered his friend's name looking at him with pleading eyes.

Nick watched all of Noah's body, it was shaking strongly, he held his hands to provide any kind of relief

 "We need a hospital now" Taking his phone out, Nick dialed 911 and waited.

"Nick..." Noah tried to speak when another wave of electricity hit him. He groaned in pain and his eyes started rolling back and closing themselves. "Mhmm"

 "NOAH! HEY STAY WITH ME, WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?"  Nick's fear pierced his bones and his heart started racing because he had no clue of what's wrong with Noah and he could not do anything. 

"Stay with me Noah, help is on the way" Nick held Noah tightly engulfing his head in his arms, holding his hand and whispering soothing words.

After minutes, the ambulance arrived and they moved Noah to the hospital after they tried to stabilize him and he did not get better.

"Oh god, please, I cannot bear to lose him" sitting in the waiting room, Nick whispered to himself and burying his head in his palms.

The doctor exited the room where he was treating Noah's condition in. Nick was in front of the doctor in a second. "How is he doc?"

"His condition is rather bizarre, he was literly being electrified"

"What?" Nick narrowed his eyes.
"Yes, and with powerful voltage as well"

"Can his body do that on it's own?"

"As I said, not sure yet as I had not see anything like this before"

"Is he ok now?"

"He is unconscious at the moment but he will be better, we settled down his situation" The doctor replied while writing some notes.

Nick sighed in relief but at the same time he was scared to death, why did his condition worsen all of a sudden? Is it normal? Many question marks were out there but in the meantime Noah waking up was Nick's primal goal.

Chapter Text

10 hours passed and it was almost afternoon, Nick sat there holding Noah's hand tightly wanting him to open his eyes already.

"Nick..." Noah whined  dismally in pain as he woke up feeling the room spinning around him.

Nick flinched at his sound. "Noah! Oh god..." Nick became emotional and he embraced Noah between his arms and the later groaned.

"Sorry.." Nick pulled back. "You scared me to death, Noah" 

"I'm sorry" he offered his friend a smile.
"What happened to you? The doctor said it was literally an electric shock"

"I don't know, I just woke up in the middle of the night and I was being electrified" Noah shook his head then turned it to the side, he noticed his watch around his wrist and it hit him, could it be? Would Adam really go that far?

"What's wrong?" 

Noah swiftly returned his gaze back at Nick's not wanting to notice what he was thinking.

"I will call the doctor to check on you" Nick announced and headed out of the room.

A notification sound was heard out of Noah's cellphone, he quickly unlocked it and saw a messege. 'Did  you enjoy last night? How did you actually feel? You can feel this everyday if you disobey me again and cancel an appointment with me dear Noah, Oh and don't be smart and  think of taking the watch off your hands, you know the drill of what might happen'

Noah sensed goosebumps reading the text Adam sent, his doubts mintue ago were right, Adam actually went that far. Then another message popped up. 'get ready soon, for another damenisteration of what is possible to happen when you don't follow orders immediately'

Noah rolled his eyes and closed them, what does he mean? He sighed deeply thinking how long can he take this when Nick and the doctor came in and interrupted him in his head.

"Good to see you well, Noah, I will just perform a few check ups"

Noah simply nodded and Nick could see the change in his friend's features from before he left the room. The doctor began examining Noah's heart and breathing and Nick went to the other side and held Noah's hand. "Are you ok?" He asked.

Noah simply nodded and brokingly smiled.
Nick hated it, he hated the fact that he knew something was not right with Noah and yet he can not do anything about it because Noah is not letting him in.

"Mr. Nick, Can I talk to you for a minute?" The Doctor led Nick outside the room. "There is no easy way to say this but I'm afraid this shock had messed up the heart's electricity, so I highly recommend giving his his medication regularly and make him avoid any unnecessary efforts as it may have an impact on his cardiac system" 

Nick's eyes widened as he was listening to the words coming out from the doctor's mouth. "For how long Doctor?" Asking, Nick stuttered.

"I can't say for sure, but for now you must bring him here at least twice a week and we can decide after we see how his heart's been functioning, then we can tell if it is safe for him to resume his normal tasks, but like I said, for the next few weeks, his afforts must be very limited"

As the Doctor explained, Nick listen to his words carefully and In the same time he zoned out wondering how Noah's life going to change after something sudden and unexpected happened to him. 

"And Mr. Nick? You might need to hold on to this" The doctor's tone went serious as he handed Nick an injection.
"What's that?" Nick wondered.
"It's for an emergency, in case something happened and the ambulance can't make it in time"

"What are you saying Doc?" Nick furrowed his brows seeing what he means, Noah's condition might actually get much worse.

"Don't be afraid, it's just a precaution in case Noah had an uncontrolled episode which is a low possibility if he is committed to not fatigue himself"

Nick looked down at the object, he hesitated for a second but then he nodded and took it, he has to deal with it, what happened happened, now it's time to face the aftermath.

The doctor said it was ok for Nick to leave today as there is nothing more they can do, Nick returned back in the room, he smiled at Noah and sat next to him.

"Nick, what did the doc say?" Noah asked.

Nick pressed his lips together, took a small pause then replied. "Well Noah, For a starter, we are clear to get you out of the hospital today, but we have to come here often to do examinations and also..." Nick adjusted his position and Noah knitted his eyebrows.

"I know how you work so hard that sometimes you forget yourself, well you can't do that anymore, the doctor made it very clear that it is necessary for your heart to heal, you must not exhaust it" 

"What does that mean?"

"You need to take time off Noah, and stay  home, it's the only way I can make sure you're ok" Nick's eyes were sympathetic as they studied Noah's unnecessarily concerned features.

Noah shook his head. "I can't do that..." Even if Noah took a few weeks off work, what about Adam and his missions and tasks?  

"And did you think I will let you risk your well being like that?" Nick's tone was determined as he was preparing the medicine for Noah. 

Noah bowed his head down not knowing how to respond, the last thing he wanted was to argue with Nick, he let it go as he was sure he would figure something out later.

"Here..." Nick offered Noah a pill and a glass of water.

"Thank you" Noah swallowed the tablet and leaned back on the bed frame.

"Anything else the doctor mention?" Noah spoke after exhaling deeply.

"No, that's all he said" obviously Nick was not going to tell him he had an injection under his sleeve in case he was about to die.

"Alright"

4:00 PM - Back Home

Noah and Nick arrived back at the apartment. Noah felt exhausted, both physically and mentally. As he lay on the couch, Nick hovered nearby, unwilling to leave his side.  
 
"Should I call your work place or you will do it?" Nick stood with the phone in his hand threatening to dial the manager.

Noah sighed as he knew the job was not the issue but Adam was. As He found himself trapped by Nick, Noah dialed the company and asked for days off.

"There..." Throwing his phone aside, Noah placed his hand over his forehead.

"You feeling ok?" Knotting his brows, Nick asked.

"Yeah.." was the only answer he got from Noah and he seemed unsure.

"Noah, you know I'm here for you, right? Whatever's going on, we can figure it out together," Nick said, his voice soft but insistent.

"What do you mean? Nothing is going on" without any delay, Noah replied sitting up as he looked at his friend, the weight of the secret pressing heavily on him. He knew he couldn’t keep Nick in the dark forever. But how could he explain Adam's control without putting Nick in even more danger? Especially when the whole thing was about Nick.

"Noah, it's not just about what happened, you are not the same, something is wrong and i wanna be there for you" Nick placed his hand on Noah's shoulder.

"I... I know, Nick. It's just.. it's nothing I promise" Noah replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Nick tried to search in Noah's eyes for anything, any lead or truth he could rely on, but Noah kept avoiding maintaining eye contact which Nick knew it was a thing Noah does when he was not telling the truth. 

Nick sighed and shook his head. "Please, take care of yourself Noah, I cannot afford something like yesterday happened to you again"

"Don't worry about me Nick, in fact..." Noah smiled and leaned closer to Nick in an attempt to enlighten his mood. "I should be the one worrying about you, Agent Nick, considering your line of work and all" 

Nick found himself smirking at his friend's words but then he tilted his head to the side. "Nice try changing the subject, I'm not leaving it though" with that Nick poked Noah's chin then got on his feet. "Gonna head for the pharmacy to bring you the medications"

Noah nodded. "Thanks Nick"

"Don't mention it" 

Nick went out, leaving Noah alone for a while. Noah lay on the couch, trying to relax, but his mind raced. He thought about Adam, the control he had over his life, and the watch that seemed to be the source of his torment. 

Noah's phone buzzed, He hesitated before checking it, Another message from Adam: "Midnight. Tonight. Don’t be late."

"Shit..." He muttered and threw the phone away.
Fear gripped Noah's heart, fear for Nick's life which was the only motive  that made him be an arron boy for Adam.

 Now he has a problem, how can he go to Adam without Nick noticing? he is practically glued to him these past hours. 

Later in the evening, Nick returned with groceries and medication, he noticed Noah was dozed off still on the couch, he looked weary though, he dropped the stuff in the kitchen then brought a blanket and adjusted Noah's position to a more comfortable one then covered him.

Determined to keep things as normal as possible, He cooked dinner and made milkshakes for both of them.

Noah flinched awake at the sound of a phone ringing, it was Nick's. He rubbed his eyes then panicked, how much time has he been asleep? Adam...midnight ... Noah quickly checked the clock and sighed in relief, it was 8 PM.

Nick's voice speaking on his phone faded out as went far. Noah stood up and washed his face then sat on the table. 

"You're finally up" Nick smiled as he placed the food on the surface.

"It smells good and..." Noah expressed his opinion while smiling then stopped when he noticed Nick's arm bandaged. "What happened?"

"Nothing, don't worry about it" Nick replied going to bring his own plate. Noah noticed Nick was limping a little.

"You're limping..."
"Ok I'll tell you just so you can let it go and rest, I almost got hit by a car on my way to the pharmacy, that lunatic driver was literally speeding into my direction"

Chills were sent down Noah's spine as he remembered what Adam said about a domenstration. 'god, he went mad' he thought and the fear was obvious on his features.

"What's wrong with your face? You look like you've seen a ghost, I'm fine I promise, I dodged it but hurt myself in the prosses"

"Nick...be careful"

"Look who is talking, Mister careful all the time" Nick teased Noah and the latter stayed serious.

"Don't forget your pills" He handed Noah his pills.

Noah sighed and closed his eyes for a second thankful for the safety of his friend, and aiming to scold Adam later, however he was not sure it was the best idea, he's furious though, how can he talk to him normally again?.

"I appreciate it Nick really, being here for me all the time" Noah noticed how deeply Nick cares for him and he felt that he is not doing right by him but then again, what he does is for him, all that Adam drama and hiding the facts, it's all for Nick.

"Hey, what kind of bastard would I be If I'm not standing by my friend's side at his lowest and highest?" Nick joked and took a seat on the table across from Noah, he sighed. "I just want you to be ok that's how you can repay me"

Noah pressed his lips together and nodded without saying a word, he did not yet find a plan to leave at midnight and hearing Nick talking like this, it's just too much pressure.

-11:00 PM-

Noah sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the clock. The soft ticking was the only sound in the quiet room. Midnight was approaching, and with it, the dreadful obligation he couldn't escape. His stomach churned with anxiety, a sickening knot tightening with every passing moment.

Nick was in the living room, the muted sounds of a movie drifting through the house. Noah had tried to seem calm throughout the evening, joining Nick on the couch, but his mind kept returning to Adam's message and the command it held. Every time he glanced at the clock, it stressed him more.

-11:40 PM-

He stood up and walked to the window, looking out at the dimly lit street. The night was cool and still, the occasional car passing by casting fleeting shadows on the walls. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He needed an excuse, a reason to leave without arousing Nick's suspicion.

His phone buzzed, a new messege. "A black car with this plate number is waiting for you outside"
Noah's heart ached reading the message, he looked again outside searching for the vehicle, no sign of it, perhaps it's a little further either way he needs to leave.

Noah's thoughts raced, he needed an alibi to get out of here. He needed something plausible, something that wouldn't make Nick worry more than he already did. He turned away from the window and headed back toward the living room, forcing his steps to be steady.

Nick was sprawled on the couch, eyes fixed on the television, but his mind seemed elsewhere. He glanced up as Noah entered.

"Hey, Nick," Noah began, his voice sounding more confident than he felt. "I think I'm going to step out for a walk. I need some fresh air to clear my head."

 Nick's concern was immediate and evident. "At this hour? Are you sure that's a good idea?"

Noah offered a reassuring smile, though it felt like a mask. "Yeah, I'll be back soon, I promise."

Nick's eyes narrowed with worry, his gaze searching Noah's face for any signs of distress. "Noah, you're still recovering. Can't it wait until morning?" Noah shook his head, trying to sound casual. "I won't be long. And I won't even make my heart beat any faster than it's already synced rhythm" Noah smiled and made sure his words were assuring Nick. "I just need a few minutes to think. The air will do me good."

Nick sighed, clearly not convinced but reluctant to push Noah too hard. "Ok, but be careful, if you need anything just call me"

"It's just a walk Nick" Noah shook his head teasingly.

"Noah"

"Fine fine, I will, sorry " He smiled and waved goodbye to Nick. He grabbed his coat from the hook by the door and slipped it on. As he opened the door, the cold night air rushed in. 

Noah stepped into the night, pulling his coat tighter around himself. The streets were quiet, the usual hustle and bustle of the city replaced by an eerie calm. He walked briskly, his footsteps echoing on the pavement, his eyes scanning the area looking for the car Adam described. 

After finding it a little further from their home, a man led him inside and they drove away. It wasn't long until they arrived where Adam was, a dark alley with two other men present next to Adam.

Noah got down from the car and walked towards them.

"Right on time again, I love how loyal you are, I wish I had the spot in your life where Nick is" Adam teased.

"Like that is a possibility" Noah could not help but mock Adam's request which made the latter bear a grudge, so he went straight to the mission details with a cold tone.

"Your next task is a bit more aggressive, Noah. I need you to sabotage a high-profile arms deal happening tonight. This isn’t just any arms deal; it involves some very dangerous people who won’t hesitate to kill if they suspect anything.”

Noah’s heart sank. He knew the place Adam was referring to; it was notorious for its security measures and housed some of the most dangerous criminals. Breaking in and sabotaging the deal would be nearly impossible, and the consequences of getting caught were dire.

"And why would you want me to go? Don't you have your own men for these kinds of things, i mean I get delivery and stuff but we're talking about a base with the most wanted dangerous criminals in"

"Apparently you forgot that you are one of my men as well, I own you like a ring around my finger Noah"

Noah said nothing and only glared.

"Anyway, I need you to plant this explosive device near the exchange point and ensure it detonates when the deal goes down,” Adam continued, his tone matter-of-fact as if he were discussing the weather.

"How am I supposed to do that? The place is crawling with guards and surveillance.”

Adam’s smile widened, a hint of mockery in his eyes. “That’s for you to figure out. But let me remind you, failure is not an option. You know what happens if you disappoint me.”

Nick's image came through his mind immediately again, he simply nodded and swallowed hard. "I understand"

"That's my pretty Noah" Adam leaned closer to Noah's ear. "You know, I don't think we're such a bad duel" while saying those words, Adam handed Noah a bag with all the equipment he needs.

"You're right, we're such a worse duel" Noah yanked the bag and took it from Adam's hand. "I'll get started"  Noah walked away. 

Adam smiled and lifted his chin signaling to both of his men to follow Noah.

To be continued...

Chapter Text

1:00 AM - The Warehouse (the place Adam sent Noah to) 

Noah arrived at the warehouse and surveyed the area. The facility was surrounded by high walls topped with barbed wire, and security cameras monitored every inch of the perimeter. Guard patrols moved in predictable patterns, but that didn’t make it any less dangerous.Noah took a deep breath and began his approach. He waited for a gap in the patrols and scaled the wall, his movements silent and precise. Once over the wall, he quickly disabled the nearest security camera using his device. He moved swiftly, sticking to the shadows.

-The Exchange Point-

Noah made his way to the exchange point where the arms deal was set to take place. The room was filled with crates of weapons and guarded by heavily armed men. He found a spot where he could plant the explosive device, hidden from view but close enough to cause significant damage.

The two men with him were on the watching duty outside the building.

As Noah was setting up the device, he heard footsteps behind him. "Hey, what are you doing?” it was one of the guards who had spotted him.

Noah’s heart raced. He had no choice but to fight. He lunged at the guard, knocking him out with a swift blow. But the commotion attracted the attention of the other guards.

"Damn it" Noah muttered. "Where are Adam's guys" he wondered as none of them seemed to be doing their job properly.

Noah found himself surrounded. "Who sent you?" Another guard asked.

Noah gritted his teeth preparing for a heavy confrontation. He started fighting fiercely, using every bit of his strength and skill to fend off the attackers. 

He took down several guards, but he was outnumbered. One of the guards managed to land a brutal hit, sending Noah crashing to the ground with his nose bleeding.

"Who are you? Answer me!" A man held Noah by his collar lifting his head slightly off the ground when Another blow was forced into his face rendering him almost unconscious. 

As he lay on the concrete, his vision threatening to fade into black, a wave of adrenaline rushed through his veins as he noticed the timer on the bomb he placed started running down.
Not wanting to sacrifice lives, Noah warned the guards about the presence of the explosive device.

As soon as they caught a glimpse of the red numbers, they all ran off clearing the area and leaving only Noah in it.

Noah struggled to keep his awareness and not pass out, his heart was not helping as it began pounding awkwardly and he felt himself sweating abnormally. 
He forced himself on his feet and managed to walk while staggering, he used any solid object he could lean on to gain a little balance. His breathing started to get shallow.

When the counter hit zero, Noah was barely outside, the bomb exploded, the impact pushed him forward and he fell on his face, many shards flew around as well and some of them pierced through Noah's skin. 

 The world got quite for a minute.

Laying there, Noah felt his phone vibrating, it was probably Nick, surly he's worried sick since Noah did not return from so called 'his walk'.

Noah was unable to deny the fact that he needed someone so bad right now, he thought of picking his phone up and answer Nick but he stopped, no need to bring Nick into this now, not when be kept it hidden for a long time.
Noah thoughts raced, then he could not see clearly anymore, his eyes shut themselves and his body gave up. He lied there motionless, his eyes shut themselves and strands of his hair covered his bruised face.

After 30 minutes, Noah felt himself being thrown off a van to an empty street, he opened his eyes, scanning the area,  his home came to his sight, it was right across the road. "Damn it..." He muttered as his everywhere hurts.

On the other hand, Nick paced back and forth, anxiety gnawing at him, Noah still hadn't returned. "Damn it Noah, pick up the god damn phone, where are you" he talked to himself.

Seeing no point in sitting here, Nick grabbed his coat and stepped outside, hoping to find his friend.

he walked down the driveway and spotted a figure across the street, realizing who he was he shouted the name." Noah!" Nick's heart pounding with relief and worry when he noticed that there was something wrong with his friend.

Noah was staggering, barely able to keep himself upright. As he saw Nick in his hazy vision, Noah's strength seemed to give out, and he collapsed onto the pavement.

Seeing Noah's body hit the ground, Nick sprinted across the street and knelt beside him. "Noah! Hey" He gently shook Noah, who was barely conscious. Nick kept repeating his name but The sound to Noah seemed far and muffled.

 Nick examined Noah's face tracing his fingers alongside the bruises and bloodied spots. Noah's clothes were torn. There were cuts and scrapes all over his body, some still bleeding. His breathing was shallow and ragged. 
 "Oh god, what happened to you?" Nick muttered, his voice trembling with fear as his heart ached, he felt the world around him shatter into pieces. 

"I'm sorry ..." Noah hardly managed to utter the words and he held Nick's hand which was on his cheek. 
"For god's sake, what are you apologizing for?"
Nick's voice seemed cracked as he looked at Noah's broken eyes that were threatening to close.

"Gonna call the ambulance, stay with me"
"No" Noah's grip on Nick's hand tightened. 
"What are you talking about? Do you think you are in a position to argue?" Nick tried to dial the numbers once more.
"I would go to jail" Noah finally spoke after a moment of hesitation which made the other put his phone back in his pocket and his features changed. "What do you mean?"

Noah's gaze was locked with Nick's, his eyes pleading, like asking for forgiveness and understanding, that's when his body finally could not remain awake anymore, Noah's head dropped to the side and he fainted.
"Noah!" Nick shouted and tapped his face but no responses he checked his pulse and he was relieved it was still there. 

He carefully lifted Noah, supporting his weight as he half-carried, half-dragged him back to their home. Once inside, Nick laid Noah on the couch and quickly grabbed the first aid kit. He began cleaning and bandaging the wounds as best he could. Noah winced occasionally but remained mostly unresponsive.

Nick's hands shook as he worked. He couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible had happened to Noah, something he wasn't telling him. 
After finishing, Noah's phone came to his sight, he grabbed it quickly and unlocked it using Noah's finger print desperate to find anything that can help him understand what's going on, that's when he found the contact, Adam, he clicked the messages. 

'Midnight. Tonight. Don’t be late, and Remember, I'm always watching'

'you know what happens when you don't show up, I think I gave you a taste'

'how are you doin after that night Btw? I hope i did not exaggerate by electrifying you '

'Don't be smart and try to take off your watch, I'll know even if your condition is bad tonight '

Scrolling through these letters and words, Nick's features turned into something else, not only did Adam appear to be employing Noah to do god knows what, but he is also responsible for his last medical issue? How is that possible? 
Nick felt a massive wave of agonizing thoughts and feelings rushing through him, mixed emotions.

the air around Nick started growing thin, he went out to take a fresh breeze, closing his eyes he stood on the tiles of their yard, his hands were rolled into a fist. He took a few deep breaths, trying to steady himself.

 He knew he had to handle this carefully. Charging into the situation without a plan could put Noah in even more danger, but these cautious thoughts did not do him enough when he remembered the first night Noah showed up bruised, his blood boiled, but he had to wait until Noah wakes up, he needed to make sure he was ok first.
He went by Noah's side to check on him, how Innocent He looked and how he hated seeing him hurt, he wanted to murder any reason that got him into this condition.

He noticed the watch Noah was wearing, he carefully took it off of him and scanned it throughfully. How could this thing send electrifying waves that almost had the life of Noah, he thought. Also it appears to have a microphone, as an FPI agent he knows a bug when he sees one. Nick cursed and attempted to break the device but it was not a smart choice, so he simply placed it in another room.

As morning approached, Noah stirred, groaning softly as he regained consciousness. Nick was immediately at his side, his expression a mix of relief and concern.

"Noah, can you hear me?" Nick asked gently, brushing a stray lock of hair from Noah's forehead. Noah's eyes fluttered open.
 "Nick..." he whispered, his voice hoarse and weak.

"Here, drink some water" Nick held up the back of Noah's head a little and helped him drink the liquid.

When finished, Noah lied back, he winced and gritted his teeth at the sharp stings he sensed throughout his body.

"Careful, You've been injured badly" 

"Nick..." Noah felt warmth hearing Nick's voice, he is home, he is safe and even still alive.

"Hey, I'm here," Nick said, squeezing Noah's hand reassuringly. "You're alright now" saying those words, Nick was trying to stay calm as he needed to ask the next questions that cannot wait any longer.

"Noah..." He maintained a steady tone.
Noah turned his head to face Nick.
"I need to know what happened, Noah" Nick placed his palm over some scratches on Noah's forehead and started stroking them with his thumb.

After a puase, Noah managed to raise himself up to a sitting position as he got anxious.
 "No big deal..." Noah tried to finish his sentence but he was cut off by Nick demanding voice.

"I saw the messages, No room for lies here, Noah" 

Noah's eyes widened, he forgot to erase the last ones he got from Adam.

"This..." Nick grabbed Noah's hand which had the watch before. "Your watch, the damn thing Adam gave you, because of it you were hospitalized"

"Where is it?" Not seeing his watch on his wrist made him panic. Fear engulfed Noah's whole being, this can not be happening, Nick must not know the truth.

"Also, I connected the dots, the first night you showed up beaten, is it his doing himself, right? Because it seemed to me the making of one person only"

Noah remained stunned and did not respond.
Nick nodded pressing his lips together, like he got all the answers he needed.
"Why are you letting him do this? Does he have something against you?"

Noah's eyes welled up as he did not break eye contact, he shook his head in denial.

"Why aren't you speaking for god's sake, what is going on? I'm about to lose my mind here Noah" Nick's voice unwillingly elevated in volume.

Nick not knowing the real deal brought some comfort to Noah, the last thing he wanted is Nick knowing why he is doing all that.

"Fine" When Nick realized the situation is hopeless and noah is not willing to say anything, he took Noah's phone one more time.

"What are you doing?" Noah asked, panic enveloped him.

Ignoring him, Nick texted Adam, 'where are you, we need to talk' and sent it. Then he looked at Noah. "I'll have my answers in my own way"

"Nick..." Before Noah completed what he was about to say, Adam replied with an address and a text saying: 'you know I'm always happy to talk to you sweetheart, meet me here, this place has a romantic aura with a lovely breeze'

"This prick..." Nick muttered through gritted teeth, his hands curling into fists. He would break Adam's jaw the moment he sees him.

"I can't let you do that Nick" Noah said, his voice trembling with fear and urgency.

"You will" Nick shot back, his tone brooking no argument.

"I'm coming with you, then," Noah insisted, desperation in his eyes.

"That is not an option," Nick replied firmly.

"Nick..." Noah's voice wavered, but Nick was resolute.

Nick got in his feet and stood in front of Noah stretching his hand out. "Can you stand?" 

 Confused, Noah did what Nick asked of him as the latter held his hand and led him to his bedroom, making him have a seat on the edge of the bed.

Nick pulled out a pair of handcuffs from his pocket. Understanding what Nick was about to do, Noah shook his head. "Don't, Nick, lemme go with you, Adam, he's dangerous, I can't let you face him alone"

"Oh so now you know he's a lunatic freak, after he messed you up?" Nick's voice was tinged with bitterness.

"It's not like that..." Noah began, but Nick cut him off.

"Yeah, it's not like this, it's not like that, whatever, I soon shall understand everything" Nick took Noah's hand and with a heavy heart, he gently but firmly cuffed Noah to the bedframe, ensuring he couldn't follow. Noah struggled weakly.

"Nick, please..." Noah's voice was a broken whisper.

Nick brought Noah food, water and everything he needed, also he gave him his medicine. "It's for your own safety, I can't risk you coming after me or going to that psycho again"

Noah felt it was time to tell Nick that he was doing this for him, although, that was his only winning card to protect Nick, what if he messed it up even more by revealing this secret.

However, whether he was about to tell him or not, Noah did not have his chance as Nick left the room immediately, not giving an opportunity for Noah to speak.

"Nick!" Noah called out, his voice echoing through the house. He continued to struggle against his restraints, but it was futile. He heard the front door slam shut, and he knew Nick was gone.

"Damn it," Noah screamed, his frustration boiling over as he yanked at the handcuffs, feeling utterly powerless.

To be continued...

Chapter Text

Nick drove to the address Adam had sent, his mind a whirlwind of anger and determination. The location was a secluded rooftop garden atop a high-rise building in the heart of the city. The area was surprisingly serene, with potted plants and dim light creating a somewhat romantic and calming atmosphere. 

As Nick stepped out onto the rooftop, he saw Adam lounging on a cushioned bench, a glass of whatever it was in hand. The smug smile on Adam's face only fueled Nick's rage. 

"Well, well, if it isn't Nick himself" Adam said, his voice dripping with mockery. "I gotta say though, I was not expecting you" Adam looked left and right, appeared to be searching for Noah.

"He's not coming" Nick announced as he noticed the expectation on Adam's face.

"Hmm, I see, it's alright, I got you instead, what a lovely way to start the day with" Adam kept teasing. "come to have a chat, Nick?"

"Care to explain why Noah came home bruised and messed up yesterday?"

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, but what does it have to do with me? Am I his baby sitter or ..."

"Cut the crap, I know you are hiring him to do some shady deals"

Adam took a moment then smirked, not breaking eye contact, then he put down his glass and got on his feet. He gave a hidden signal to one of his men and that man left the place while Adam just stepped closer to Nick.

"Did he tell you that?" Adam's voice was almost a whisper.

"He didn't have to, This ends now, Adam. You will not touch Noah again"

Adam laughed, the sound echoing. "You really think you can stop me? You have no idea what you're dealing with, and don't think just because you're an FPI agent I won't touch you." Adam poked Nick's shoulder with his index finger.

"And As for Noah" Adam took steps back. "He chose this, why are you so possessive of him? He can have his own life choices" Adam tilted his head speaking his sentences mockingly.

"No, Noah would never do this unless you have something against him, I'm sure of it like my own name"

"Or maybe you just do not know him that well" Adam smiled teasingly which made Nick Launch into Adam laying a blow on his face and making him stagger.

Adam's men emerged from the shadows, surrounding him. One of them grabbed Nick's arms, twisting them painfully behind his back. Nick struggled, but he was outnumbered and overpowered.

Adam approached, his eyes gleaming with malice. "You should have stayed out of this, Nick"

"You think I'm afraid of you? You're nothing but a coward, hurting Noah in the middle of the night, electrifying him, what the hell is wrong with you? You psycho mother fker"

Adam chuckled, shaking his head. "Brave words" Adam wiped the blood off his mouth. "So I'm assuming you also know about the watch."

Nick could not respond, the watch thing was a different deal, it showed how Adam has a hold over Noah, and how helpless Nick is, he could not protect Noah even in their place of living. Not noticing and knowing sooner only made Nick feel helpless.

"What's the matter? Did the cat eat your tounge?"
Adam brought a tablet, he placed it in front of Nick to watch.

"Maybe it's time you know why Noah follows my orders like a dog." Adam could not resist his ego, he had to show Nick that he has him under his leash as well.

Nick's heart pounded. He needed to understand what hold Adam had over Noah. 
"Why? What did you do to him?"

Adam's smile widened. "It's quite simple, really. I have something very valuable to Noah. Something or someone he's willing to do anything to protect"

Nick's mind raced. What could Adam possibly have?  "What is it?"

He tapped the screen a few times before holding it up for Nick to see.

 "It's You, apparently" A video played, showing Nick in a compromising position. Nick's breath was caught, his eyes widened, and his heart skipped a beat.

-Flashback: four years ago-

in a dimly lit FBI office, Noah sat nervously at a desk, his fingers tapping anxiously. He had stumbled upon incriminating evidence against a powerful criminal organization while working at his company. As a result, he found himself a key witness in a high-stakes investigation led by Nick.

Noah felt out of place and terrified, having been thrust into a dangerous world he never wanted to be part of. He fidgeted as Nick entered the room, carrying a folder and a reassuring smile. Nick, sharp and attentive, immediately noticed Noah's discomfort.
"Mr. Sebastian, I'm Agent Nick Folio," Nick introduced himself, extending a hand. "I understand this must be overwhelming, but you're safe here. We're going to protect you."

Noah shook Nick's hand, trying to muster a smile. "Thank you... It's just a lot to process."

Nick nodded, sitting across from Noah. "I get it. But your testimony is crucial. We need your help to bring these people down."

 As Noah provided more information, he became indispensable to the case. His knowledge of one of the members in his company that appeared to be part of a criminal organization's operations and the evidence he provided made him a target.

 Recognizing the danger Noah was in, Nick took it upon himself to ensure Noah's safety, both out of duty and a growing personal concern for many reasons.
Noah, despite his circumstances, had a unique ability to empathize with others and maintain a sense of hope. This compassion stood out to Nick, who admired Noah's ability to remain kind and caring despite the hardships he'd faced. Nick found himself wanting to protect that light in Noah. Also, There was an unspoken understanding between them, a silent acknowledgment of the weight of their burdens.

After Nick was assigned to protect Noah, they placed him in a safe location as the situation became increasingly dangerous when the organization learned of Noah's importance. The FBI had set up strict protocols to ensure Noah's safety, including strict communication protocols.

Days went by, Nick and Noah's relationship grew stronger and they found refuge in each other's company as both men came  from an extremely difficult life. They found understanding and acceptance in one another. Both men shared the fact that they didn't have a family, they were lone wolves. They had the opportunity to know many things about each other, they shared meals, jokes and laughs. Nick could say he found a very good friend that came late in his life and he felt protective of him, wanting to be there for him and now knowing Noah well enough, Nick was sure that Noah would do the same for him.

One night, Nick received a tip-off from a confidential informant—someone not officially documented in the FBI's files—about an imminent attack on the safe location where the FPI placed Noah. The informant had a dubious reputation but had provided reliable information in the past.

Nick was scared for Noah's life, not only because Noah's witness but also he cared for him now, in addition to the fact that he was desperate to solve this case so instead of waiting for backup or informing his superiors, Nick decided to act immediately, fearing the loss of critical time.

Nick, acting swiftly and with the help of Noah, managed to fend off the attackers, but one of them—a young man who seemed more scared than dangerous—was caught and subdued.

The young man had been left behind by his companions and was visibly shaken.

 In a secluded room, Nick decided to continue acting on his own, he questioned the man aggressively, with not approvable methods, desperate to extract any useful information about the criminal organization's plans and operations. 

a hidden camera was secretly placed in the room by the enemy, it seemed that everything was a setup or a plan. The camera captured the entire interaction. The footage showed Nick using harsh interrogation techniques to get the young man to talk. He went as far as making veiled threats, implying severe consequences if the man didn't cooperate. Also, he went down to physical torture. In the tense atmosphere, Nick's actions crossed a line; he used his authority to extract information in a way that could be seen as unethical and abusive. 

Later on, the case was solved with Noah and Nick both safe. Noah kept quiet about what Nick did knowing Nick did what he had to, he felt gratitude towards Nick for saving his life. 

The young man whom Nick hurt was severely affected and moved to a hospital, this man later had a loss of memory because of a bad concousion. There was nothing that appeared related to Nick, he was clear, although he felt guilty but not too much, after all those men were criminals, they hurt many, they were about to hurt Noah or end his life. But if any law enforcement would know about this, Nick would no longer have a job, or maybe worse, he will be put to trial. 

-End of the flashback-

Nick's face drained of color. "How... How did you get this?"

Adam leaned in close, his voice a whisper. "That man you destroyed that night, he died of complications, of course you wouldn't happen to know that because you made sure no connection was remained between you and him, so you are officially a murderer"

"No..." 

"Oh But its true Nick, his life came to end and he did not recover his memories, luckily I have this video"
Adam stepped closer. "You see Nick, I always have the upper hand. Noah does what I say because he knows that if he doesn't, this video goes to your superiors, Imagine the scandal, the ruin it would bring to your life and your job, especially that you are a man of law"

 Nick's eyes widened in horror. He had never told anyone about that night, and seeing it used against him, against Noah who had nothing to do with this, made his blood run cold. "You bastard..."

"And I also threatened that I will harm you in any way possible, it made me gain Noah's obedience quicker, and I was not joking by the way"

Adam straightened, his smile never wavering. "I've already given Noah a taste of what happens if he disobeys. Remember that near miss with the car a few days ago? That was just a warning. I can hurt you, Nick, in ways you can't even imagine."

Nick's mind raced. Not really caring about what might happen to himself, He couldn't let Adam win, but he couldn't risk Noah's safety anymore, 'Noah was enduring all that for my sake?' his brain felt heavely loaded with thoughts that made him lose focus. For the first time, Nick did not know what to do.

"And Just a little reminder of who holds the power here." Adam tapped the tablet again, and a live video feed appeared, showing several men barging into Nick and Noah's home.

Nick's heart pounded as he watched the men search their home. Horror engulfed his whole body, he needed to get back to Noah, to protect him, he needed to be there for him, rescue him.

"You see, Nick," Adam continued, a sinister smile playing on his lips, "This is how it works. You stay in line, do not intervene and maybe, just maybe, you'll keep your precious Noah safe."

Adam then ordered his men to loosen their grip on Nick. As Nick stood up, he glared daggers at Adam, a storm of rage and fear brewing within him.

On the live stream, the masked men burst into the room where Noah was restrained. "What's this?" Adam mocked, seeing Noah handcuffed to the bedframe. "I gotta say, you made my job easier, Nick"

Nick's heart ached as he watched the intruders toss a gas bomb into Noah's room. His breath caught in his throat, and a cold sweat broke out across his skin. The room began to fill with smoke as the men quickly exited, locking the door behind them. "This smoke could kill your precious Noah, it will suffocate him gradually and painfuly" Adam taunted.

Nick could hear Noah cursing through the live video.

Confusion and panic took over. His mind raced, but he couldn’t think straight. His vision blurred with tears of frustration and terror. Nick dropped everything and bolted from the building, Fortunately, they let him go.

He drove almost insanely fast, his knuckles white as he gripped the steering wheel, desperation pushing him to reach Noah in time. Every second felt like an eternity, and the thought of losing Noah clawed at his soul.

When Nick finally arrived, he noticed their door was broken. He hurried inside, rushing to Noah's room. Kicking the door open, he saw Noah with his hand wrapped around his own neck, struggling to breathe. "Nick..." Noah uttered, he could see Nick's blurry figure approaching him as he was passing out.

Nick's hands trembled as he uncuffed him. "Noah, stay with me," Nick urged, his voice shaking with a mix of panic and determination. "I'm here. I'm going to get you out of this." He quickly assessed Noah's condition, realizing that  Adam's men had left him in a dire state. "Damn it, lunatics."

  He knew he had to act fast to save Noah’s life. Nick lifted Noah gently but urgently, carrying him out of the bedroom and into the living room where the air was fresher. He laid Noah on the couch and immediately began performing CPR when he noticed Noah's eyes closing, and he was not breathing. Nick's hands moved in a practiced rhythm on Noah’s chest. "Come on, Noah, breathe!" Nick shouted, his voice filled with desperation.

Noah finally gasped for air and snapped out of it. Then Nick placed one hand over Noah's chest and the other behind his head, slowly guiding him through steady inhalations and exhalations. Noah gazed at him with pleading eyes, which made Nick's heart ache.

 Nick sighed in relief after seeing Noah improve and hugged him without hesitation. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." Nick kept repeating, feeling responsible for leaving Noah in this state and for not understanding or knowing sooner about all of this. Nick barely maintained a steady tone; he was shaking, terrified of losing Noah.

Noah, still processing everything that had happened, found himself crying and embracing Nick even harder.

Nick pulled back and faced Noah. "I know it's not the time for blame, but you should have told me, Noah, especially when you are in this mess because of me."

'Damn it, so Nick knows the truth now' Noah thought. "That was not an option. I didn't want to tell you. Period. You went to Adam and found out. I wasn't planning to risk your life."

"Damn it Noah, that freak did some bad shit to you, you did not come to me, I ask you and you tell me it's nothing, I'm just so mad at you right now" Nick shook his head.

"It's alright, you can be mad, I still would not have risked it" Noah's voice was filled with determination.

"They went too far Noah, doing all that to you, breaking into our place like this. What the hell does he think he is? This ends now. I will not let him lay a finger on you again, even if it costs me everything. I will bring him down."

"Me? What about you? You are the one he's after, Nick"

"No, Noah it's you, I'm just a pawn in his game and he uses me to keep you around" Nick exhaled deeply and continued. "I need to move you to a different place"

"Forget it, I will not leave your side"

"Dont worry, you won't, I will go there as well, because I need to keep an eye on you and make sure you won't do anything stupid. However, I have to work double time to gather information and find a way to bring Adam down since it's my job"

"Adam will haunt you down for it"

"Stop, Noah, just for once worry about your own skin, please"

"You know I cannot do that, if there is no you, there is no me, we are a team" 

Nick smiled, he reached for Noah's hair stroking it with his thumb. "You know I feel the same way right? That's why I'm going to do whatever it takes, Noah"

Noah sighed and buried his head in his hands. "This is just messed up"

"We'll figure it out" Nick placed a hand over Noah's back tapping it lightly to provide a sense of trust and safety.

Nick's mind raced as he thought of the safest place they could go. They couldn't stay in this house; Adam's men could return anytime.
He grabbed his phone and started making calls. "I have a location we can use. It's remote, and Adam won’t find us there."

As they quickly packed a few essentials, They slipped out of the apartment under the cover of night. During that drive, Nick made a call to one of his trusted co-workers. "Hey Sarah, it's Nick"

"Oh hi Nick, how have you been? You didn't show up for work"

"Unfortunately, not good recently that's why I called you, I need your help"

"I'm sorry to hear that, yeah of course anything"

"I need you to come to a location I will send you, we'll talk there, and Sarah, do not tell anyone about this"

"You got it" Sarah replied on the other line.
"Thank you" Nick hung up and turned to Noah.

"Sarah is a good agent, she will help us and we will get him Noah"

"I hope so Nick"

Sighed, Nick grapped the wheel and carried on his journey.

To be continued...

Chapter Text

-One Week Later: The safe house-

After gathering information about Adam with Sarah's help, Nick discovered a shocking connection: Adam was related to the wanted man he had been pursuing, Damion. Nick had been deeply invested in Damion's case for nearly a year, often losing sleep as he sifted through inconclusive evidence. The revelation that Adam, the same person tormenting his friend, was linked to the elusive criminal was overwhelming for Nick and everyone involved. It was a staggering realization, adding another layer of complexity and urgency to an already fraught situation.

The week at the cabin that nick chose as a safe house had been anything but restful for Noah. He spent most of the time in a state of anxious introspection, his mind racing with thoughts of Adam and the looming uncertainty. It felt as if a dark cloud had settled over him. Noah had always prided himself on his independence, and now, more than ever, he was determined to handle things on his own. The thought of involving Nick any further weighed heavily on him, knowing the risks it posed to both of them.

Every time Noah closed his eyes, he could feel Adam's presence lingering, a reminder of the danger that hadn't yet dissipated. His heart would race at the slightest sound, and his thoughts were a tangled mess of fear, guilt, and a desperate need for control. 
The fact that Adam hadn't contacted him for a new mission throughout the week gnawed at his nerves. It was unlike Adam to remain silent for so long, and Noah couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing. The anticipation of the next move was almost unbearable, and the lack of communication only heightened his anxiety.

 Noah was caught between a rock and a hard place—dreading Adam's next call but also fearing the consequences of his prolonged silence.

Meanwhile, Nick observed Noah with growing concern as he became distant and brooding. Noah's silence spoke loudly; he was lost in his own thoughts, withdrawing into a shell of worry and self-recrimination. Nick could see the weight of the situation pressing down on Noah, manifesting in the way he moved and spoke, or rather, didn't speak. It pained Nick to see Noah like this, knowing that the burden of protecting him and unraveling Adam's schemes had taken a toll.

Nick felt a wave of frustration and helplessness. He was used to being in control, to solving problems, but this was different. He was an FBI agent, trained to deal with high-pressure scenarios, yet the personal stakes made this case uniquely challenging. Nick was anxious too, not just about the danger they were in, but also about the strain it was putting on Noah. He wanted to reach out, to assure Noah that they could face this together, but every attempt seemed to push Noah further away.

As the days dragged on, the cabin, which should have been a refuge, became a pressure cooker of unspoken emotions and simmering tension. Noah’s resolve to handle things alone grew stronger, and with it, a cold distance between them. The silence was palpable, filled with the things they weren't saying to each other.

 Nick knew they were walking on a knife's edge, and he dreaded what would happen if Noah continued to shut him out. He was acutely aware of the precarious balance they were trying to maintain—protecting each other while navigating the dangerous waters of Adam's game.

Nick could sense Noah's resolve hardening, even as the uncertainty of Adam's next move loomed over them. He felt caught in a vice, desperate to protect Noah but also aware that pushing too hard could break the fragile peace they had. All Nick could do was wait, watching as the tension grew, praying that when the time came, they would face whatever was coming together.

"Adam never let that much time pass before doing something, calculating how many times he called for you" Nick broke the deadly silence, explaining his point of view while Noah stood next to the fireplace, his hands on his waist, lost in his head. Nick's strong, authoritative voice echoed in the quiet room.

"But even though Adam is a tough son of a b*tch, I think we might have scared him, now that I'm involved, he might be spending more time covering his tracks, I mean we went to all the places he sent you to Noah, asked around, nothing was found and no one knew anything" Nick continued, his intense blue eyes fixed on Noah.

"You're right" Noah shook his head, his dark hair falling over his forehead. "Or maybe he's scheming his next plot" Noah spoke without making eye contact, he seemed distant, like he's not really here.

"Yeah , that's another possibility" Nick sighed, sitting down and clasping his fingers together. His muscular frame seemed tense.
After a long pause, Nick looked up at Noah, concerned about his recent demeanor, he did not like the way he sounded. "We need to go to the doctor tomorrow, Noah"

Noah turned his head to face Nick. "You serious...? I don't think my heart's condition has the largest share of interest right now Nick" Noah snapped, his eyes flashing with frustration all of a sudden.

Nick got up and paced slowly towards Noah. "Noah, you already missed one appointment, and I've noticed how you heavily pants at the easiest efforts" Nick's voice softened, but his eyes were still stern. "In addition to what you've been through recently"

"I don't care, really" Noah seemed on edge.

"But I do Noah" Nick placed his hand on Noah's shoulder, his touch firm yet gentle. Noah yanked it away and walked to the other side of the room, his movements sharp and agitated.

"What's wrong with you?" Surprised, Nick wondered.

"I don't know, realizing how messed up our life became because of that man, how we hide here anticipating something all the time, it's just too much" Noah's tone was angered, his eyes reflecting his inner turmoil.

"I know it's f*ked up Noah, but we should not give up" Nick's voice was steady, a grounding force, trying to remain calm.

Noah sighed, mad, he gazed at Nick "You always act like the saviour, well guess what? Some things cannot just be saved, someones, like myself, because I don't wanna be saved" Noah's voice cracked, revealing a vulnerability he rarely showed, unaware of how harsh those words sounded to Nick.

"Why are you talking to me like that? And of course I can and will save you" Nick's eyes narrowed, a fierce determination burning within them.

Noah laughed bitterly. "It's not about me Nick, it's you, he will destroy you no matter what if I left his side, those couple of days living in fear of what might happen to you when you leave to work and ..."

"Hold on.." Nick's brow furrowed, trying to piece together Noah's words.

"And I already let him almost end your life when he sent a guy that almost over ran you!" Noah's voice rose, the anger bubbling to the surface.

"You had nothing to do with that Noah" Nick's voice got calm but still firm, trying to defuse the situation.

"I do, because i postponeded one of His missions"

"It's ok Noah, that wasn't your..." Nick began, but Noah interrupted him.
"Can't you see? It ends badly if I'm not following him" Noah's voice was desperate, his eyes pleading.

"No, you can't say ..." Nick tried to reason with Noah and the latter kept on cutting his sentences.

"It's the truth" Noah's voice rose higher. "I'm deeply in this mess and I involved you with me"

Nick took a moment of silence trying to contain the outrage that poured into him because of Noah's words, but he couldn't anymore. "Then Maybe you should've come to me in the first place" Nick paced to Noah again, his movements controlled but tense. "Maybe non of this would've happened if you trusted me with your secret"

"What.." Noah's confusion was evident in his eyes.

"Like you heard" Nick's voice was filled with frustration and hurt.

Nick did not have the ability to control what he felt right now, these emotions were already buried in his heart but they went dormant after almost losing Noah and all that happened, he tried to make it ok to both of them, however, listening to Noah blabbering like he was the only one in this, like he doesn't have a companion, best friend, best whatever by his side, it just made those emotions bursts to the open.

 "You act like you're on your own when you have me around, what am I to you really? Didn't we go through enough in the past together to be able to beat this one together as well? But no, you had to be the hero and mess it all up" Nick voice was filled with fury as he scolded Noah. "You are selfish"

"That's not ..." Noah tried to reply but Nick didn't give him a chance.

"That's not what?" Nick grabbed both parts of Noah's opened black jacket, his grip firm and his eyes blazing with anger.

"I'm not selfish, all I do is because I want to protect you Nick and..."

"And if something was to happen to you wouldn't I be left alone morning after you? Wouldn't I lose the best person I have in my f*king life? So yeah you are selfish" Nick's eyes welled up with tears that didn't fall as he shouted those words and shook Noah by the arms.

Both men stared at each other without saying a word when Noah's phone vibrated. A notification of a message apparently.

Nick  sighed and lifted his grip over Noah, he walked away from him to the fireplace. "Who is it?" Nick asked stroking his eyes.

Seeing the message was actually from Adam, Noah didn't want to tell Nick, not after this argument.
"Nothing ..." Was the only answer he came up with, which was pathetic because Nick was Not falling for the same acting and lies again.
So Nick paced back to Noah and snatched the phone from his hand.

'Don't let what happened with Nick ruin our business, I still own your life and Nick's, I will send you the Address to come to and I highly prefer not telling Nick, of course if he's not already reading my messages right now' Nick read Adam's message out loud, his grip on tightened on the phone and he became irritated because of Adam's words.

Nick then gazed up at Noah, confusion all over his features. "You were still planning not telling me after everything that happened?" Nick tone seemed broken as he tried to find common sense in Noah's behavior.

Noah took his phone back. "Yes" He replied with cold expression.

Nick shook his head slowly, he walked and stood in front of  the window, his back facing Noah, he then placed his hand on his forehead stroking it, he felt his brain was about to explode, he didn't know how to handle Noah's behavior right now.

"Tell me the address when he sends it" Nick ordered ignoring Noah's attempt to hide the original message minute ago. He wanted to give him a chance.

Noah sighed deeply, he didn't want that, he came to a realization that he should do this on his own, even if that was a mistake but he has to save Nick, he owes him that much.

"I'm sorry, I will not do that" determined, Noah replied and made Nick chuckle and turned his head to face Noah. "You can't be serious" 

Noah stood there firmly and didn't say a word, his features were enough indication of how grave he was, that's when another message popped up revealing the location with a text saying: 'this is your last mission, do not bring your FPI friend if you care for his life'

"Where?" Nick asked after hearing the notification sound, demanding to know  the place and expecting an answer.

Noah shifted his gaze from his phone to Nick slowly then back to his phone. He pressed delete messege after memorizing the location in his head.

"Don't you dare!" Realizing what Noah was about to do, Nick launched and took the device from Noah's hands again, checked the screen, it was already gone . Grabbing both sides of Noah's jacket once more, Nick gritted his teeth and slammed Noah harshly against the wall causing thin strands of hair to fall and cover Noah's face.

"Noah, tell me the address" Nick's frustration reached its peak when his question was only met with a smirk from his friend. 
Seeing that, he was not being able to contain his anger, he folded his hand into fist and punched Noah in the face causing him to stagger.

Noah groaned and took a minute to recover, staring at Nick with piercing eyes, Noah cleared the blood from the corner of his mouth, a look of defiance mixed with resignation in his eyes. 

Nick's eyes were widened, not believing he did actually hit Noah, feeling a mix of guilt seeing that he caused him to bleed, he wanted to reach out his hand to help him, but he was still angry, seeing how stubborn he is, he just couldn't.

"Do you really think hitting me will solve anything?" Noah spat away, his voice steady but filled with underlying emotion. "I'm doing this alone Nick. If you go after Adam now, he'll destroy everything, including you. I can't let that happen." Noah talked while panting lightly.

 "You must be stupid if you think I'll let you go alone" 

Noah took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I've made my choice. I'm not dragging you down with me." His tone softened, a hint of sadness creeping in. "This is my fight. Let me handle it."

"Noah.." Nick called his name with a commanding tone like telling him to stop this shit right now.

After Nick's outburst, he struggled to maintain control over his emotions. The room felt charged with tension, and both men stood in a tense silence. Noah, sensing Nick’s frustration reaching a boiling point, tried to stay composed.

Noah bowed his head down, he thought of bringing another shocking truth into Nick's attention, something Noah did, a stupid thing, he had to tell him, it's now or never because he wasn't sure if he went to Adam now he would return later. Nick needs to know and maybe, just maybe he'll forgive him. Although Noah was scared that Nick might hate him after that, but he has to do it.

Noah clenched his fists, the internal battle evident on his face."There is another thing" Noah exhaled making Nick anticipate what next.
"Adam made me sabotage one of your investigations. I fed him information, thinking it would keep you safe. I thought if I played along, he'd leave you alone." Noah's eyes darting away from Nick's piercing gaze.

Nick’s eyes widened in shock. He felt like the ground had been pulled out from under him. "You what?" He whispered, disbelief and anger mingling in his voice.
"I didn’t have a choice ..." Noah's voice was above a whisper the guilt and fear were evident. "He threatened your life, he was going to kill you Nick! I couldn’t risk losing you, so I did what I thought I had to do to protect you."
Nick took a step back, as if he’d been physically struck. The revelation hit him hard. "You... you compromised an investigation?" His voice was low, laced with betrayal. 

"I'm afrad yes, Nick"
"Which case Noah?"
"I wasn't allowed to know, I simply handed him a file by the number"

"You've got to be kidding me! Do you have any idea what you’ve done? You could have jeopardized everything, my career, my reputation...everything!"

Noah looked desperate. "I know, Nick, but I was scared. He was going to kill you, and I couldn't let that happen. I thought... I thought if I gave him what he wanted, he'd back off."

Nick’s face hardened, his eyes cold and unforgiving. "All that and you didn't involve me, you lied to me. You lied, and you put everything at risk. For what? To play hero? To make yourself feel better?" 
Noah shook his head, tears brimming in his eyes. "No, Nick, it was never about me. It was about keeping you safe."

Nick's voice rose, filled with anger and frustration. "Safe? You think this kept me safe? You’ve just made things a thousand times worse! Not only have you put us both in danger, but you’ve also shown that you don’t trust me enough to handle this together. You've made me look like a fool, compromised my work, and now, you ..." 
Nick stopped talking and The room was silent except for the heavy breathing of both men. The weight of Noah's actions hung in the air, suffocating them both.

 Nick's hands trembled with the intensity of his emotions. This was more than he could bear. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. When he opened them, they were filled with a mix of anger and sadness. 
"You made your choice, Noah," Nick said, his voice now eerily calm. "You chose to keep me in the dark, to lie, and to act on your own. You want to handle this alone? Fine. But don’t think for a second that I’m okay with this. You’ve betrayed my trust in the worst possible way." Nick turned away, his heart heavy with the weight of the revelation. He couldn’t believe Noah had gone behind his back like this. 
The man he considered a brother had lied to him, compromised his work, and put everything they had at risk.

Noah's heart stung deeply but he knew this was coming, what did he expect? Noah took a hesitant step towards Nick, but Nick held up a hand to stop him. "Don't," he said coldly. "Just... go. Do whatever you think you have to do. But know this: when you walk out that door, you're on your own. Don't expect me to save you from the consequences of your actions."

Noah swallowed hard, nodding slowly. He knew he had crossed a line, and there was no going back, but at least Nick was letting him go he thought, that was what he wanted, to go alone, right? He turned and headed for the door, feeling the weight of his decisions bearing down on him. As he reached the door, he looked back at Nick, hoping for some sign of forgiveness or understanding. But Nick's expression was stony, his eyes cold. The betrayal was too fresh, too painful.

"I didn't like what I did, or what Adam made me do, I didn't like betraying your trust, but if it kept you alive that far, I don't regret it a bit, after all, I owe you that much" With these last words Noah left the cabin, the door closing with a finality that seemed to echo through the room.

 Nick stood there, his heart breaking as he watched Noah driving his car away. He felt a mix of anger, sadness, and fear. Deep in his heart he knows what Noah did was an act of protecting him, he knew when it comes to saving lives of those he loves, he would cross the line, just like what Nick would do, there wasn't much difference between them.

The only thing he was pissed about, was Noah not letting him in in the first place, maybe they could've solved this together.
Nick wanted to stop Noah, to tell him it was all okay, but he couldn’t. The trust between them seemed shattered now, and Nick didn't know if it could ever be repaired, if he could ever be ok with Noah again even if his intentions were good. 

To be continued...

Chapter Text

After Noah left, Nick started pacing in the cabin for some time, struggling in his head, thinking, wanting to put his pride aside and follow Noah, they can solve this later he thought. Nick stood there for a moment, his emotions in turmoil. He couldn’t just let Noah go into danger alone, not after everything they had been through. 
Ignoring the nagging voice in his head telling him to respect Noah’s wishes, Nick muttered "Damn it" and made up his mind. He grabbed his car keys and stormed out of the cabin, his heart pounding with anger and fear.

As Nick sped down the road, the night seemed darker than usual. He tried to catch a glimpse of Noah's car but Noah had a head start. Nick’s mind raced, filled with worst-case scenarios and the need to reach Noah before something terrible happened.

A few miles down the road, Nick spotted something that made his stomach drop. Ahead, Noah’s car was veered off to the side, the front end crumpled against a tree. The headlights flickered weakly, casting shadows across the scene. Nick slammed on the brakes, skidding to a halt behind the wrecked vehicle.

He jumped out of his car, shouting, “Noah! Noah!” Panic surged through him as he rushed to the driver's side. The door was open, and the airbag had deployed, but Noah was nowhere to be seen. Nick’s eyes darted around, searching for any sign of his friend. There was no blood, no clear sign of injury, but the absence of Noah made his heart race even faster.

Nick pulled out his phone, desperately trying to call Noah, but there was no answer. He looked around the area, his breath coming in short, frantic gasps. The surrounding woods were silent, save for the faint rustling of leaves in the wind.

Nick cursed under his breath, feeling utterly helpless. He should have insisted on coming with Noah from the start, should have stopped him from leaving. His mind replayed their argument, Noah's stubborn resolve, and his own decision to let him go. Regret haunted him, but he couldn't afford to dwell on it. He had to find Noah.

Nick returned his attention to Noah's car and As he inspects the car one more time, he notices an envelope on the passenger seat, with his name written on it.
 He hesitates for a moment, feeling a chill run down his spine, before opening it.

Inside, he finds a handwritten note: 
'Nick, It’s been a long time. I’m sure you’ve pieced together by now that this isn’t just Adam’s game. He’s always been a useful pawn, but you should have known there’s more to this. You took something from me, and now I’ve taken something from you. Noah’s life is the price you pay for meddling in things beyond your reach. If you want him back, you’ll have to play by my rules. Consider this my invitation to settle old scores. Damion'

Reading the name at the bottom of the note, Nick's blood runs cold. The pieces start falling into place—Adam's meticulous actions, the precision with which Noah was targeted. It wasn't just about Noah; it was a calculated move to hurt Nick.

 Damion, the man Nick had been chasing for so long, was pulling the strings. Nick clenches the note in his hand, a surge of anger and frustration washing over him. The realization hits him like a punch: Damion’s vendetta is personal. This isn't just about crime; it's about revenge. Nick's past actions, possibly during his time as an FBI agent, have come back to haunt him. And Noah, being close to Nick, became collateral damage.

"Mother f*ker" Nick cursed and started kicking the car side aggressively, wanting to discharge his rage but there was no point. He fell to his knees in desperation, he was panting heavily, closing his eyes and hoping none of this had happened, however it was late now, all of this did happen and it was real.

As Nick sat there beside the road, a car approached him, it was Sarah's. She got down when she caught Nick there.

"Nick?" Sarah walked closer to Nick while scanning his surroundings. "What happened here?!"

"It's over" Nick uttered as he seemed zoned out.
"What do you mean Nick, and is that Noah's car?"

Nick finally looked at her with pleading eyes. "He took him..."

"Who? Adam?" 

"Damion..."

"What? Damion? How did Damion get involved in this?" Sarah was astonished by what she heard.

"Apparently... he... he was behind everything from the start" Nick tried to keep a steady tone but failed, the weight of the idea alone made him shatter.
Sarah stared at her friend with concern.

"Please, help me find him...Sarah, please find him for me" Nick lost it finally, and started crying.

Sarah deeply sympathized with Nick, she felt sorry and wanted to do anything in her power to help but they already spent so much time on Damion's case and they got no where, what makes this time any different? This man was like a ghost that he used Adam to be his action man so that he remains hidden and Nick knows that better than anyone. 

"Don't worry, we will do everything we can, I will do everything in my ability to find him" She encouraged Nick with her words while placing a hand on his shoulder.

Nick nodded and bowed his head, he is fully aware that this won't be easy and there weren't any guarantees that Noah will be found, However, he was sure of one thing and it's that he will do everything to get Noah back even if it meant breaking the law and crossing the line one more time.

-Where Noah was-

The room was filled with the sound of heavy breathing and the faint echo of dripping water. Noah came back to consciousness, he was seated tied to a metal chair, his hands bound tightly behind him. His eyes, sharp and filled with determination, darted around the room, searching for any means of escape or understanding of his surroundings. The room's cold concrete walls and the harsh lighting cast creepy shadows, enhancing the feeling of isolation and vulnerability.

Adam and Damion stood a few feet away, their expressions cold and calculating. Adam, wearing a smirk that never reached his eyes, held a small, cruel-looking knife. Damion, the mastermind behind the operation, watched with a detached, almost bored expression, as if this were just another normal day in his life.

Noah's chest heaved with heavy breaths, his muscles tensed as he prepared himself for what was to come. He knew they wanted something, the last mission, but why is he tied up then? Noah's eyes met Adam's, a silent challenge that seemed to amuse his captor.

"So," Adam began, his voice dripping with false sweetness, "You're probably wondering why are you like this, and what is your mission, to be honest it's quite different this time, all we need is for you to be our inside man, you know, be beside Nick and make sure the FPI stay out of our business"

Ok that's new, Noah thought and he would never agree to this, he once gave Adam information and betrayed Nick's trust, the fight they had still eating up his brain, Nick's words were carved into his soul, Noah thought he deserved it.

"I think I'll pass" Noah spoke with such a confidence that made Adam irritated.

"I'm really tired of this game, you refusing and I eventually make you"

Noah just glared at Adam, knowing what he was implying.

"So, still not ready to cooperate, Noah?" Adam
 walked closer, twirling the knife between his fingers with practiced ease. Noah's jaw tightened, his gaze unwavering.

Damion, leaning casually against the wall, folded his arms and sighed. "You know, Noah, this would all be much easier if you'd just do your last mission, after all you agreed from the start to be Adam's man. But I suppose you enjoy making things difficult." His voice was smooth, almost silky, but laced with a cold edge.

Noah didn't respond, keeping his lips tightly sealed. He had no idea who that man was but he seemed the one calling the shots which makes Adam only a follower. 
The silence stretched on, becoming a palpable presence in the room. Adam's smirk faded slightly, replaced by a flicker of irritation. He stepped closer, the knife now held firmly in his grip. With a quick, fluid motion, he slashed at Noah's cheek, a shallow cut that immediately was filled with blood that slipped down his face and stained his white shirt. Noah hissed through clenched teeth, refusing to cry out, his body stiffening against the pain.

Adam stepped back, examining his handiwork with a critical eye. "That's just a taste," he murmured, his voice low. He grabbed a handful of Noah's hair, jerking his head back roughly, forcing Noah to meet his face. "We can do this all day if we have to" He whispered into Noah's ear.

Noah's breathing grew heavier, his face pale but resolute. Blood still trickling down from the cut, mixing with the beads of sweat forming on his skin. His eyes flashed with defiance, a silent declaration that he would not break easily.

"If you don't wanna be our spy you have another option, we need to know where Nick keeps his personal investigation files" Adam leaned closer examining Noah's face. "I know it's all in the headquarter but I also know how obsessed Nick is with some cases, that he keeps a copy to himself, we've already searched your house when we paid you a visit but couldn't fine anything"

Noah's was surprised, they know so much about Nick, how can that be? Noah surely was aware of every hidden space Nick could use for safe keeping. However, what cases do they mean? Do they involve them both or what? Noah never saw Adam in the files Nick works on, maybe the other man standing in the shadows he thought.

"Again with the silence..." Adam's features seemed annoyed, he laid a blow on Noah's face out of a sudden, dropping his head to the side.
"Mother f*ker" Noah squented his eyes at the pain.

"What did you say to me?" Adam grabbed Noah's face firmly and guided his gaze up again to face him. Noah groaned as Adam's hold hurt him.

Damion pushed off the wall and approached the two, his calm demeanor unsettling. "Enough playing around, Adam," he said, his tone commanding. 

As Adam stepped aside, Damion came to Noah's sight, his eyes widened, he recognized that man, blonde, mid-long hair, cold expressions and dead eyes. Of course, Damion! He remembered his name reading it one time on one of the reports with his picture, Nick was working on this case in his day off. 

Damion reached into his pocket and pulled out a small vial filled with a clear liquid. "Maybe this will loosen his tongue,” he suggested, holding the vial up to the light.
Noah's eyes widened slightly at the sight of the vial, the first real sign of fear he'd shown. Damion noticed and smiled, a cold, predatory grin. "Ah, so you do understand," he remarked, unscrewing the cap of the vial. "This is a very special serum. A few drops can make even the strongest man... cooperative." The smirk persisted on Damion's face.

Adam's eyes lit up with excitement, he positioned himself behind Noah and held Noah's head still, prying his mouth open. Noah struggled, trying to turn his head away, but Damion was quick, pouring a small amount of the liquid onto a cloth. He pressed the cloth against Noah's mouth and nose, forcing him to inhale.

Noah's body jerked violently as the chemical hit his system. His muffled moans filled the room, His vision blurred, and a wave of dizziness washed over him. The room seemed to tilt, and his breathing became shallow and rapid. He struggled to maintain control, fighting the effects with the very little power he had left.

As the seconds ticked by, Noah's movements became sluggish, his head rolling to one side. Adam released his grip, stepping back to watch as Noah fought to stay conscious. His eyes fluttered, trying to focus, but the room spun, and his limbs felt heavy and unresponsive.

Damion crouched down to Noah's level, his face inches away from Noah's. "Now, Noah," he said softly, his voice almost gentle, "Why don't you tell me everything you know? Where does Nick keep his work data and files? It would save us all a lot of trouble."

Noah's lips moved, but no sound came out. His vision was hazy, and the room seemed to pulse with the rhythm of his pounding heart. He knew he had to resist, had to protect Nick, but the drug was making it nearly impossible to think clearly.

Adam leaned in, watching Noah intently. "Come on, just spill those beautiful words" he coaxed, tapping the knife against Noah's arm as a subtle hint of threat.

With a monumental effort, Noah forced himself to meet Damion's gaze. His voice, barely more than a whisper, was hoarse and strained. "Go to hell," he rasped, his stubbornness remained through even the haze of the drug.

Damion's expression darkened, he leaned closer to Noah's face, only inches between the two, he studied his features. "Maybe you need a little more time" Damion smirked tilting his head as he spoke, his gaze never swayed from Noah. "You are strong, I'll give you that"  Damion then stood up abruptly  turning to Adam. "We'll leave him to think it over. Let the drug work its way through his system. Maybe next time he'll be more talkative."

Adam nodded, giving Noah one last, disdainful look before following Damion out of the room. As the door slammed shut, the room plunged into silence, save for Noah's labored breathing.

He slumped in the chair, the drug's effects slowly leaving him drained and vulnerable. Blood from the cut on his cheek mixed with sweat, stinging his skin, but the physical pain was nothing compared to the mental and emotional strain he was under.

Alone in the cold, Noah closed his eyes, taking deep breaths to steady himself, flashbacks of the night he argued with Nick came to his mind and he is not regretting leaving, if Nick would've ccome along they would've been both in this mess, so he was happy about that. What bothers him the most is betraying Nick and handing those valuable intel to Adam in the first place, the look Nick gave him at the cabin sent daggers through his heart, he should have known that this wasn't enough for Adam that he kept playing Noah and wanting more. 
Noah was determined that he would not do it again even if it costs him his life, he only hoped that Nick was out of reach for Adam and Damion to find. However, those guys know better than to kidnap an FPI agent, especially from home or work so they are not that stupid. All these thoughts crowded in his mind as he struggled to keep up with the drug effects.

One hour passed, Noah's situation became worse as the drug began to spread deeper into his body, he could hear muffled sounds of foot steps outside the closed door of his room, they were Damion and Adam's, they had returned to him.

Noah blinked slowly, trying to clear the haze from his vision. His body felt heavy, a combination of the drugs coursing through his veins and the beating he'd endured. The cold floor was unforgiving against his skin, adding to the discomfort.

Adam was the first to speak, his voice dripping with false concern. "Ah, you're awake. Good." He crouched down to Noah's level, inspecting him like a specimen. "You know, Noah, we really don't want to do this. But you're leaving us no choice."

Damion stood a few steps behind Adam, arms crossed and face impassive. His presence was intimidating. He didn't say a word, but his cold stare conveyed everything he intended.

Adam continued, his tone softening in a mockingly gentle way. "We've been patient, haven't we? Giving you time to think things over. But we can't wait forever. You need to start cooperating Noah.". 
 Noah's throat was dry, making it difficult to speak. He managed to croak out, "I... don't know anything that can help you"

"What so special about you and Nick anyway? Even When I was your friend we weren't that close" Adam teased. "Why do you care for each other so much" 

Noah didn't respond, he just stared at the floor thinking how he ruined what he and Nick have now.

"Don't answer that, I wouldn't care less, all that matters that I have you now"

"Do what you have to do, I won't do anything you want, not anymore at least" saying those words only meant the drug wasn't usful. Noah began feeling extreme fatigue, he did not feel well at all, whatever that drug was, it's messing him up.

"Alright" Damion finally spoke, he stepped forward. "Adam would you bring the camera"

Adam smiled knowing what was about to go down and he liked it. 
...................

Three days have passed, no word was heard from Damion or Adam, Nick worked day and night with the help of Sarah trying to find any lead.

"we'll continue tomorrow it's getting late" Sarah announced sitting in her desk across from Nick.

"Damn it, I don't understand, how can't we see anything?"

"It's not us, they are good Nick"

Nick sighed and buried his head in his hands. "God knows what they're doing to Noah now"

"We're going to find him, Nick, I promise, go get some rest, you've been here for two days, you're not helping Noah if you exhaust yourself"

She was right, Nick being fatigued doesn't do anyone any good.

Reluctantly, Nick left the office and headed home. There was no point in going to the cabin since Noah had left.
 He unlocked the door, which had been repaired since the break-in, and stood in the doorway for a moment, taking in the empty space. The silence felt oppressive; every corner of the house held memories. It was painful to be here without Noah. They had practically lived together for so long, and his absence was like a physical ache.

Nick sighed, stepping inside. He collapsed onto the sofa, leaned his head back, and closed his eyes, trying to block out the overwhelming sense of loss.

As Nick tried to relax, his thoughts constantly drifting back to Noah, a sudden knock echoed through the quiet house. His heart leapt, a mix of hope and dread coursing through him. He rushed to the door and opened it, only to find no one there. Instead, a small, plain package lay on the doorstep, ominously out of place.

Nick cautiously picked up the package and brought it inside. The lack of a return address only heightened his anxiety. He placed it on the coffee table, his hands trembling slightly as he unwrapped it. Inside, he found Noah's bloodstained shirt, the very one he was wearing the night he was abducted. The sight of the blood sent a cold shiver down Nick's spine. 'God, what have they done to him?'
 Beside it was a small USB drive, labeled simply with a note that read, "Play Me."

With a deep breath, Nick inserted the USB drive into his laptop. The screen flickered to life, revealing a video. His eyes widened in horror as the footage played.

As the video began, the screen flickered and stabilized, revealing a dimly lit room. The light was harsh and cold, casting deep shadows on the industrial nature of the space. The walls were bare concrete, with metal pipes running along the ceiling, giving the place a disturbing feel.

The video was surprisingly of a high quality, many tiny details could be seen clearly.
In The center of the room, there was someone, Noah... He sat, bound to a metal chair. His hands were tightly tied behind his back, the ropes digging into his wrists, leaving visible red marks. 
His ankles were similarly restrained, secured to the chair's legs, preventing any movement. His posture was slumped, a sign of exhaustion and despair. The blindfold over his eyes was a strip of rough black cloth. His head hung low, as if the weight of the situation was too much for him to bear, 'what did those f*kers do to him?' Nick's blood boiled as he wondered.

The camera panned slowly for Nick to see Noah's face was pale, a stark contrast to the dark circles under his eyes, indicative of sleep deprivation. A fresh cut appeared on his cheek, the blood from it dried and smeared across his face, suggesting he had been roughly handled. His lip was split, with a faint bruise —evidence of recent violence.

His shirt, the same one from the night of his abduction, was stained with blood, both from his injuries and from the fabric’s previous state when Nick last saw him. The collar was uneven, and the buttons were misaligned. Strands of his hair, usually neatly styled, now fell messily across his forehead. His breathing seemed shallow and uneven, his chest rising and falling rapidly with a combination of fear and physical strain.

The screen then returned to a wider shot, capturing Noah’s full figure again.

"Now .."  As Damion's voice began to speak from behind the camera, Noah visibly flinched, the sound triggering a subtle but noticeable reaction. His body tensed, and his head turned slightly as if trying to orient towards the source of the voice.

 Despite his restrained state, there was a fire in him, a refusal to break completely. It was as if he was using all of his willpower to remain defiant, to not give his captors the satisfaction of seeing him crumble.

"I'm sure you've read my note and by now you know who's the man in charge, I gotta say though, your buddy here is a tough one, despite all that happened to him and he still wouldn't cooperate"
Damion went near Noah and took a fist full of his hair pulling his head back. "Although what I ordered him to do was not easy, I admit, however, he should have complied"
Noah wanted to say something but his words only came out as a whisper, he didn't have the power to even say anything, although he wanted to, because he knew what was going on, Damion threatening Nick by using him. However he was kinda relieved, maybe Nick hates him now and won't bother to put himself in danger for him. However, deep down Noah was sure that was not true.

As Nick watched, his nails dug deep into his palm as he rolled his fingers. He was rendered speechless, he couldn't believe how helpless he is right now, seeing Noah in the hands of his forever enemy right in front of him and not being able to do anything.

"Anyway..." Damion continued,  walking closer to the camera. "I'm sure you would like nothing more than to retrieve Noah and get him home safe, I will grant you that wish with one condition..." He took a pause and narrowed his eyes. "Actually two conditions" He extended two fingers to represent the number.
 "The first one is that you must do what Noah couldn't and because of that he got himself into this, unpleasant situation" Damion tilted his head and carried on. "You will bring me every file, document, picture, video or even any smallest detail about me in your office, and you will make them disappear from whatever devices you're using and hand any physical evidence you have to me personally" Damion then stood behind Noah placing both of his hands on his shoulders, worn out body. "the trade will be set 2 days from now. The place and time at the end of the video"
The video then ended showing where and when, it was like Damion was certain that Nick will come. He was not wrong though, Nick has been already considering it during the film.

Nick's reflection stared back at him from the black screen, eyes wide with shock and fury. The reality of the situation hit him like a sledgehammer—Damion was demanding something monumental, something that could completely derail his career and the investigation. But all that mattered right now was Noah's safety. 
Not putting so much thought to it, Nick started collecting all he can get on Damion's case, all the hard work that he's put into it, it's all over now and he didn't care. A simple trade, what could go wrong? Although knowing Damion too well, he knew this guy can't be trusted, however, Noah's life was on the line here so he's going to risk it.

One thing he was sure of, he's not going to tell his team about any of this, it will probably cost him his job and maybe even jail if we add the fact that there was the video Adam had of him.

To be continued...

Chapter Text

**Trading Day:**

The abandoned church stood as a relic of another time, its once-majestic facade now crumbling and overtaken by vines. The stained glass windows were shattered, allowing the dying light of the day to cast dismal shadows inside. It was an unlikely place for a meeting, and yet, it was precisely the setting chosen by Damion for the trade.

Nick arrived early, his heart pounding in his chest because the building was more than just a location; it was a monument to Noah's darkest memories as a teenager. 

Noah had confided in Nick about the tragic day when his older brother Michael was found dead in this church's backyard. Michael's murder was a message to their father, who had been entangled in a life of organized crime and Michael paid the price for his father's choices. 
The horror of that day shattered Noah's family and led Noah to confront his father, who callously dismissed the tragedy. Unable to live with the man who valued his position over family, Noah had left home, only to carry on his hard life on the streets.

Now, years later, Noah will find himself back at the very same church, a place filled with terrible memories. As Nick waited, he wondered if Noah knew where they were bringing him, he knew what this memory does to Noah, Nick's mind raced with thoughts of the trade as well. This choice of the place, The stakes that were high, and the consequences of a possible failure which might be unimaginable.

Nick’s eyes scanned the shabby grounds, searching for any signs of movement. The air was thick with tension and dreadful stillness. The church felt like a stage set for a tragic play. Nick's thoughts were a whirlwind; he couldn't shake the memory of Noah's broken voice when they had spoken last, just before Noah had been taken. The pain in his friend's voice had cut deeper than any wound Nick had ever suffered. The remorse Nick held about their last fight was unbearable.

Nick's thoughts were interrupted when two black vans parked where Nick was. Two figures emerged from the vehicles. Damion and Adam approached, followed by another two men with Noah stumbling within their grasp. Noah looked worse than Nick had feared. He was bound and gagged, his eyes dull and filled with a resigned sorrow. His shirt, bloodstained again and disheveled, clung to his frame. The sight of Noah, so visibly damaged and fragile, sent a surge of fury through Nick. He clenched his fists, fighting the urge to charge at them. "What the hell have you done to him?" Nick asked in a tone that seemed broken yet firm.

"Oh, you don't have to worry about that, it's just the drug, it's making Noah like this, he's perfectly fine" Damion stood in front of Nick with a relatively large distance between the two.

"He's clearly bruised and bloodied" Nick gestured with his hand towards Noah as he spoke. "And What drug? Are You kidding me? You gave him..."

"Agent, stay calm, let's do the deal and he's yours"

Nick found himself quite after that, only keeping an eye on Noah trying to get this over with.

As he was being dragged, Noah's eyes locked them selves on the church, horror filled Noah's features when he recognized the place. He started fighting against his restraining, not wanting to get any closer to that place. The struggle was obvious in Noah's whole being and it made Nick's soul crumble. 
"Hey easy with him" Nick shouted when the men began treating Noah with violence as the latter's movements got erratic.

"Shh, do not intervene agent" Damion stretched his arms preventing Nick from going to Noah. "Step back or it will be bad for both of you" 
Glaring dead at Damion, Nick did what he was told.
Noah's gaze then moved to the direction of the familiar voice he heard, it was Nick's. His eyes expanded in surprise.

Damion held a smug expression as signaled to one of the men to hand him Noah, Damion dragged Noah closer into his grip. "What's the matter dear? Why so scared" Behind him Damion teasingly whispered into Noah's ear which made Noah's body tense, he squeezed his eyes shut. Nick was hardly standing there, without being able to do anything but stare.

“Now, the introductions, Nice to see you, Nick, we finally meet face to face” he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. “As promised, here’s your friend. But remember, we have a deal to discuss.”

Noah felt sorrow getting a hold of his heart because despite all what he's done to keep Nick safe and out of this, here was Nick standing in the core of the danger. Noah wanted to speak, say anything but didn't have the required energy to, let alone the gag in his mouth.

Nick's gaze was fixated on Noah, he smiled and nodded in a broken way to ensure Noah that it's ok and he's here now, he's going to rescue him but in return, Noah only shook his head, like he was warning Nick or scolding him for coming here, however, Nick didn't care much.

Nick struggled to keep his composure. The last thing he wanted was to give Damion the satisfaction of seeing him lose control. “I have what you asked for,” Nick said, his voice steady but cold. He lifted up the bag he was holding for Damion to see. "it contained the evidence you demanded, every piece of incriminating material that had ever been gathered on you". 

Damion's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Good, very good" Damion tilted his head slightly signaling Adam to take what Nick has and examine it.

Adam approached Nick and the two shared intense stares. "So, After all this time, you were just an errand boy for Damion, huh?" Nick couldn't keep it in his heart and said those words to Adam in a mocking way.

Adam only smiled, lifted his eyebrows and snatched the bag aggressively from Nick. "Maybe just focus on taking a better care of Noah next time" Adam replied, stepping back, arrogance all over his features making Nick fold his hand into a fist.

Before Nick could reply, Damion interrupted. "Is this everything, Nick? You wouldn't risk double crossing me, right?"

"Look, it's all there, you can check for yourself, and before you ask, no I got no other copies" 

 "Alright". Damion shrugged his shoulders. "You’ve done your homework. Now, for the second part of our deal.”

Damion stepped forward, he untied Noah's hands and removed the gag over his mouth. Releasing Noah from his grip, he kept a gun trained on him. "Now, Noah you walk over to Nick, it's over" Damion smiled widely pushing Noah forward slightly.

Noah, barely able to walk, the drug effects were still present, he started moving towards Nick slowly, Nick gave Noah a joyful yet broken smile on his face, he nodded for Noah, like he was telling him 'it's ok, it's all over now, reach out for me' then he paced towards Noah with haste to help him.

Suddenly, Damion's expression shifted, a twisted smile creeping onto his face. “You see, Nick,” he said, almost casually, “I’ve been thinking. You’ve caused us quite a bit of trouble. So, we’re going to need a little more assurance.” 
Nick stopped, narrowed his eyes, trying to make sense of Damion words. What Noah and Nick didn't know is that Damion had no intention of letting them go. 

 Suddenly Damion aimed at Noah and pulled the trigger, the shot rang out, The deafening sound echoed through the place. 
Noah's leg buckled as he let out a sharp cry of pain, the force of the bullet threw him off balance, he collapsed to the ground, clutching on his leg where blood began to pool rapidly soaking through the fabric of his clothes.

The time froze for Nick, along with the blood in his veins, he blinked slowly tracking Noah's body as he hit the ground, everything went to slow motion and Nick took a few seconds before he grasped what had happened. “Noah!” Nick shouted after coming to reality, his heart skipped beats in his chest. He rushed towards Noah, Falling to his knees beside him, Nick's hands trembled as he applied pressure to the wound, trying to stop the bleeding. "Stay with me, Noah" Nick pleaded, his eyes already filled with tears.

Noah gritted his teeth and cursed, he could see Nick's worried expression through his not yet adjusted vision. Nick placed his free hand on Noah's forhead stroking his hair strands away Then he looked up to Damion's direction. "Mother f*ker why would you do that!" Nick shouted that his voice cracked, gazing at Damion with blazing eyes, ready to kill.

"I had to add some dramatic action events to this dull meeting" Damion spread his arms theatrically. "I get bored quickly"
 
Nick stood up, walked over to Damion“We had a f*king deal!” He aimed a swift blow into his face making him stagger. Damion raised his eyebrows and smiled not caring about what Nick did, he signaled to him men to stop when they wanted to intervene.

“Did we?” Damion mocked while wiping his mouth, he leaned into Nick's ear. “Deals change, my friend. Noah here has been rather uncooperative, and we need some more... incentive to ensure your continued compliance.”
 
Nick’s thoughts raced, what does Damion mean by that? he scanned his surroundings, He had to act, but how? He was outnumbered and outgunned. Every fiber of his being screamed to fight, to save Noah. But seeing all the men that were there, he was trapped by the overwhelming odds and the desperate situation. 

"Noah, he needs a hospital..." Nick ignored everything and returned to Noah's side, seeing no point in fighting now.

"Don't worry, it's just a scratch and I'll take good care of him, after all my intention are beyond letting him die like this" Damion grew a wide grin on his face.

"It's ok". Noah whispered as he held Nick's hand making the latter's gaze turn back at him swiftly.

"Noah... Hang in there" 

Damion signaled to his men, they carried Noah into one of the vans and when Nick wanted to follow, Damion stopped him. "Nope"

Nick stood there as he watched them take Noah away from him, his hands still stained with blood.

"What are you doing Damion?" Nick’s pulse pounded in his ears. He felt a wave of helplessness wash over him, but he pushed it down. He couldn’t afford to break now. His mind raced for solutions, a way to turn the situation around, but nothing came.

“Don’t do this! Let Noah go, You’ve got what you wanted” 

But Damion only grinned, his eyes gleaming with cruel satisfaction. “This is far from over, Nick,” he said, turning away. “You and Noah have just become much more valuable to me.”

Adam stepped closer and grabbed Nick to drag him away. "Hey, listen to me" 

"You talk too much, agent" Adam walked away with Nick to the other van and pushed him inside.

"Time to go" Damion announced, getting into the vehicle with everyone else.

To be continued...

Chapter Text

The van sped through the desolate streets, its tires skidding over gravel as it approached a remote warehouse. Nick and Noah were accompanied to isolated location where there was a creepy room which they stayed in.

the air was thick with tension and fear. Nick knelt beside Noah, who sat on the cold, concrete floor, his back was against the wall, half conscious, his leg bandaged crudely to stop the bleeding. The dim light flickered, casting shadows on Noah's pale face.

Nick's heart ached as he looked at his friend. He gently brushed the damp hair from Noah's forehead, his touch tender, trying to offer some comfort in the midst of their dire situation. Noah's breath came in ragged gasps, his eyes fluttering open as he sensed the touch, struggling to focus on Nick. "How are you feeling?" Nick asked tilting his head with compassion.

"Nick..." Noah's voice was barely a whisper, weak and pained.

 "I'm here," Nick said softly, his voice filled with guilt and worry. He glued his forehead with Noah's and closed his eyes. "I'm sorry Noah, I'm sorry...." He kept repeating his apology. "Please forgive me" 

Noah managed a faint, strained smile. "It's not your fault... I got myself into this mess."

Nick shook his head, tears brimming in his eyes. He gently cupped Noah's face, his thumb brushing against Noah's cheek while locking his eyes on Noah's eyes. "Noah, what I said back at the cabin, I didn't mean it..."

"It's alright Nick, I crossed the line..."

Nick shook his head. "You didn't, I would have done the same" Nick sighed then continued.
" I will do whatever it takes to get you out of this"

Noah's hand weakly grasped Nick's, his grip feeble but reassuring. "Just... don't do anything reckless, Nick. You don't need to protect me anymore. I just need you to be safe."

Nick's throat tightened as he fought back tears. "1 can't lose you, Noah. We're going to get out of this. Together."

Both men stayed in the room for sometime before
The moment of solace was shattered by the sound of heavy footsteps. the door swung open, flooding the space with harsh light. Damion and Adam stood there, their expressions twisted with malicious intent.

"Isn't this touching?" Damion sneered as he watched Nick and Noah. "But I'm afraid your little moment has to come to an end." Damion nodded to Adam.

Adam grabbed Nick by the collar, roughly yanking him away from Noah and shoving him against the wall in the other side of the room. "Let's see how tough you are when you're not just playing the hero," Adam hissed, his grip like iron and he was met with a tense glare from Nick. "F*ck you"

"Still, no manners" Adam shook his head and pushed Nick back only to be caught by two guards who entered the room .with Damion and Adam. 

"Now, I would like nothing more than to stay here but unfortunately I have to be somewhere, I'm certain that Adam can attend to you properly" Damion announced, leaving the room.

Adam bent towards Noah. "Your leg seems fine, I guess it's ok to proceed, get up" he pulled Noah up.

Nick struggled, his eyes filled with fury as he was dragged away from Noah. "Don't touch him!" Nick spat, his voice laced with venom. But his resistance was met with a sharp blow to the stomach, knocking the wind out of him.

Noah was weak, barely able to stand on his own after everything he’d been through. His leg throbbed from the gunshot wound, blood crusting around the hastily bandaged injury. He could barely lift his head to see Nick there, who was being held back by two of Damion's men. Nick’s heart raced as he saw Noah’s frail form being led to the center of the room. Despite his own despair, Nick could see the glimmer of fear in Noah’s eyes.

 Adam, with his usual cruel smirk, moved methodically as he prepared the scene. He unrolled a large, white cloth and laid it on the table that had been brought in. Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, he brought out a bucket of water, placing it beside the table.

“No,” Nick whispered, realizing what was about to happen. He tried to pull free from the men restraining him, but they held him firm. 

Adam turned his gaze to Nick, his smile widening as if savoring the anticipation. “This is going to be quite the show, don’t you think, Agent?”He grabbed Noah by the arm, forcing him to lie down on the table, and then tied his hands above his head to the sides of the table. 
Noah winced, his body tense with pain and fear.

"Don't do this, Adam"

"Umm?" Was the only reply from Adam as he was busy preparing Noah.

"I gave you all what you wanted, and your name wasn't even in my case files"

"Yeah, but if Damion's going down, naturally I go down with him"

"How did it come to this? First you had Noah and didn't want me to know the truth, then this..."

"Don't get confused, it was all part of the plan, I knew you were going to find out sooner or later, it was a slow but effective method of getting you both under my spell" 

"Alright... Listen" Nick continued seeing Adam was about to proceed, he was out of choices and words. "I will do whatever you want again, just let him go" Nick pleaded shaking his head.

"Oh trust me, I know you will, this is just a demonstration of what might happen if you won't" Adam offered a wide grin. "Also, to be honest, I do this mostly for my sake, I don't know why but I really enjoy doing this kind of stuff"

Nick’s stomach twisted into knots as he watched Adam drape the cloth over Noah’s face, leaving just his mouth and nostrils exposed. Noah was already struggling to breathe, his chest rising and falling rapidly.
“Stop!" Nick pleaded, his voice cracking with desperation. “You don’t need to do this to Noah, he is fragile, He's been through a lot, you can take it out on me. Leave him alone.”

Adam looked at Nick with a mocking expression, leaning in close to him. “Oh, but I need to make sure you understand just how serious I am,” he said softly, his tone dripping with malice. “And nothing drives a point home like a little suffering.” 

Without another word, Adam lifted the bucket and slowly poured water over the cloth, soaking it completely. Noah’s body convulsed immediately, a muffled gasp escaping from beneath the cloth as he began to choke, the water filling his nostrils and mouth. He thrashed against the restraints, his legs kicking out in a futile attempt to free himself, but the pain from his injured leg only made him weaker. 

Nick’s vision blurred with tears as he watched his friend’s suffering. “No! Stop it, Adam! Please, stop!” he shouted, struggling once again to break free from his captors. The sight of Noah, drowning in front of him was unbearable. “You’re killing him!”

Adam paused briefly, letting Noah catch the slightest breath before he poured more water over the cloth. “Not yet,” Adam said coldly. “But he will feel like he’s dying. That’s the point, after all.” 

Noah’s chest heaved as he fought for air, his mind swimming in a sea of terror. The world around him became distant, the sounds of Nick’s desperate cries fading as his consciousness began to slip away. 
Nick’s knees buckled as he was forced to witness the torture. Every instinct screamed at him to do something, anything, but he was powerless, held back by the strong arms of Damion’s men. “Please,” Nick whispered, his voice hoarse. “I’ll do anything. Just stop this. Don’t hurt him anymore.”Adam finally pulled the cloth away, and Noah gasped, sucking in the air greedily as he coughed and sputtered. His entire body shook violently, drenched and shivering.

Noah's unclear sight could only see the dark ceiling up ahead as he struggled to catch his breath properly, the sounds of his breathing were shallow. He could feel his wrist being held. 
"Your pulse is fine, good" Adam remarked as he dropped Noah's hand. 

Nick struggle under the hold of the men, he almost got away when they pinned him down again, he was ready to kill Adam if he got the chnace.

"Easy Nick, I'm done with Noah" Adam smiled teasingly.

Nick’s heart ached as he looked at Noah, broken and battered but still alive. He couldn’t bear the thought of what they might do next. “It’s okay, Noah,” Nick whispered, his voice trembling. “I’m here. I’m right here. We’re going to get through this.”

"I doubt that" Adam remarked then moved closer to Nick, staring him down with those cold, merciless eyes. “Understand this, Agent,” Adam hissed. “if you don’t do exactly what we say, Noah’s going to go through this again, and again, until there’s nothing left of him.”

Nick’s chest tightened with a mix of fury and helplessness. He was trapped, forced into a corner with no way out. But even as his mind raced for a solution, the only thing he could focus on was the image of Noah lying there, broken and drenched, fighting for each breath. 
"You're going to organize some preparations for us, The slightest mistake and Noah pays the price" Adam added.

“Okay,” Nick finally said, his voice barely a whisper. “Okay, I already told you, I'll do whatever you want. Just don’t hurt him anymore. Please.”

Adam grinned, satisfied with Nick’s submission. He signaled for the men to release Nick, letting him rush over to Noah’s side. Adam wiped his hands on a towel, his expression a mixture of satisfaction.“We’re done here,” Adam muttered, tossing the towel aside. He went out of the room followed by his men.

Nick's heart pounding in his chest. His hands trembled as he fumbled to undo the restraints that had dug into Noah’s wrists and ankles. He could barely breathe, his throat tight with fear and guilt.

“Noah... Noah, can you hear me?” Nick’s voice cracked as he finally freed Noah’s hands. Noah only moaned in response Gently, Nick lowered Noah from the table, cradling him in his arms before laying him down on the cold, hard ground. Nick’s hands moved to cup Noah’s face, his thumb brushing over his clammy skin. “I’m so sorry… I’m so sorry I couldn’t stop this…”

Noah’s eyes fluttered open, and he winced as he tried to focus on Nick’s face. His vision was blurry, his body weak, but he managed to give a slight nod.

 “Nick…” he whispered, his voice hoarse and barely audible. He was trembling from the cold.

 "I got you, I got you..."Nick pulled Noah close, wrapping his arms around him as if trying to shield him from the world. “It’s okay, it's okay...” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He gently ran his hand through Noah’s wet hair, trying to offer whatever comfort he could. "That motherfker"

Noah leaned into Nick’s touch, his body still shaking as the adrenaline began to wear off, leaving only the deep ache of exhaustion. Nick's grip grew tighter as he felt Noah shivering, trying to provide whatever warmth that he could.
"I failed and couldn't protect you again..."

"You had no choice...." Noah managed to whispere for Nick to hear.

"I'll do what they want until I find a way, I promise I'll get you out of this Noah"

"Nick, it doesn't work... Adam vendetta is personal, even..." Noah took a breath slowly then continued. "Even if you... Do what they want, it will be the same"

"I'm aware, that's why I'll come up with a plan"

"I should be helping you...instead of ...."

"You kidding? All you did was to help me"

Noah shook his head, but before he could speak, a sharp hiss escaped his lips. 
Nick instantly moved, concern etching his features.“Are you okay? Is it your leg? Let me see.” Nick gently unwrapped the makeshift gauze from Noah’s leg, his heart sinking as he saw the inflamed, angry wound. Noah winced, his breath hitching in pain.

"F*ck this… really…” Nick growled in frustration. He got to his feet and headed for the door, banging on it with his fist. “Hey, anyone here?” he shouted, but there was no answer. 
After trying multiple times, he gave up and returned to Noah’s side, sitting close beside him.Noah leaned his head on Nick’s shoulder and chuckled softly.“What’s wrong?” Nick asked, a bit surprised by the reaction.
“This… everything…” Noah replied, his laughter growing louder despite the pain.Nick couldn’t help but smile and shake his head. “You’re crazy, you know that? How can you laugh in the middle of this?”

“I can’t help it,” Noah said, still laughing. “It’s funny how two grown men like us got ourselves captured… and one of us is an FBI agent.”
Nick giggled at the thought, shaking his head in disbelief. “Yeah, it’s true… only if it wasn’t for how much we care about each other, we wouldn’t be in this mess together.”

An hour passed before the door finally opened, and Damion’s men came to retrieve Nick. They led him to a separate office to discuss what they wanted him to do next.

Nick stood his ground, eyes fixed on Damion. “Alright, but know this: if anything happens to Noah while I’m gone, I…”

“Nothing will happen,” Damion interrupted, his tone steady and cold.

“Your job is simple—provide false intel to the Feds, diverting their attention from the real operation.”Nick’s mind raced as he took the device. 

He had expected something dangerous, but this… It was a test of his loyalty, and one that could have devastating consequences if he failed. The facility they wanted him to protect likely housed some of Damion’s most incriminating evidence. If the bust succeeded, it could bring Damion’s entire operation down.

“What’s the cover story?” Nick asked, his voice betraying none of the turmoil he felt inside

“You’ll feed them information about a supposed shipment coming through a different facility. The real bust will go unnoticed,” Adam explained, stepping closer to Nick, his eyes narrowing.

 “And remember, if you even think about playing us, Noah won’t be the only one who suffers.”

Nick met Adam’s gaze, his expression hardening. “I understand,” he replied coldly.

Damion seemed satisfied. “Good. Now get to work. The Feds are already moving. You don’t have much time.”

Without another word, Nick was led to a nearby vehicle and driven to a location where he could safely make the call. His mind was a whirl of calculations and strategies. He knew he had to be careful—one wrong move, and not only would he be jeopardizing the operation, but he would also put Noah’s life at even greater risk.

Once they got Nick to the wanted location, Nick powered up the device and began accessing the secure communication channels. His fingers flew over the controls as he altered the coordinates and details of the raid. He crafted a plausible diversion—just enough to send the Feds in the wrong direction, but not so far that it would raise suspicion.

As he worked, Nick’s thoughts kept drifting back to Noah. He could still feel the weight of his friend in his arms, the cold tremor in Noah’s body as they huddled together on the damp floor. It fueled his resolve. He would do whatever it took to get them out of this.

After completing the necessary changes, Nick made the call to the Feds, using his credentials to authenticate the information. The agents on the other end were quick to confirm the altered details, trusting Nick’s reputation within the Bureau. With the false intel delivered, Nick shut down the device and sat back, his mind racing with the implications. The bust would go forward, but it would be a bust on the wrong location, leaving Damion’s real operation intact. It bought him time, but at what cost?

The drive back to the headquarters was tense. Nick’s thoughts were a chaotic mix of guilt, fear, and determination. He had just played a dangerous game, one that could cost him everything. But all that mattered to him right now was Noah.

To be continued...

Chapter Text

Nick returned from his mission with a heavy heart, knowing that every moment spent away from Noah felt like an eternity. 
As he entered the room where Noah was being held, a brief wave of relief washed over him. Noah was still alive, still in one piece, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed. Noah stirred as Nick approached, opening his eyes slowly.

 “Nick...you’re back,” he said softly, his voice strained but grateful. “Did it go okay?” 

Nick forced a smile, trying to mask his unease. “Yeah...yeah, I did what they asked. Are you okay? Did they—” 

“No, I’m...I’m okay,” Noah interrupted, though the exhaustion in his voice betrayed the lie. “Just tired.” Nick knelt beside him, taking Noah’s hand in his.

"Nick, I don't think doing everything they ask of you is a good idea, the first thing that got me in this place was to protect you from harm and jail, now, you breaking the law like that, going against your principals..."

"What are you saying, Noah?" Nick asked cutting off Noah as he sensed a hint of what Noah might be implying.

"I just don't want you doing all that for me, Nick, those people are criminals, we are helping them" Noah sighed as he noticed Nick knotting his eye brows. "I'm saying, Nick, you should just let me go"

Nick chuckled then stopped. "Shit, You're serious..." Nick made himself face Noah entirely. "I don't know how you even dared to speak like that, you know too damn well I can't and won't leave you" 

"That's just wrong, Nick"

"So be it, what life will I have to return to if you're not with me"

 Noah shook his head. "Nick..."
"Noah, you should stop talking and get some rest, I'll do everything I can to get us out of this.” Nick took Noah's face in his hands. 
Noah just closed his eyes and sighed, knowing that arguing with Nick had no end nor point.
Both men were blinded with loyalty towards each other.

They sat there without talking for a moment, the world outside seemed distant, the threat of their captors a dull hum in the background. But that brief respite shattered when the door was thrown open, slamming against the wall with a loud crash.

 Damion and Adam entered the room, their expressions cold and menacing. Nick stood up defensively.“What is this? What are you doing?” Nick demanded, his voice edged with fear and anger. “I did what you asked—why are you here now?”

Adam sneered, stepping forward. “You did what we asked? Is that what you think? Then why did the feds end up raiding the real facility instead of the decoy?”

Nick’s stomach dropped. "No... That’s not possible. I followed the plan exactly—"

“Exactly,” Damion cut in, his voice as icy as his gaze. “And yet you failed. Now, someone has to pay the price.” Nick’s eyes widened in horror as Adam grabbed Noah by the wrist in a harsh way, dragging him to the center of the room. Noah winced, he fought but his resistance was futile. 
Nick’s heart pounded in his chest, a mix of rage and terror.“No!” Nick shouted, desperation creeping into his voice. “Don’t hurt him!”

“This time,” Damion said calmly, pulling out a knife and handing it to Nick, “you’re going to do it. You’re going to show us your loyalty by carving something into his skin, our symbol of a triangle, which represents that Noah is our property now” Nick stared at the knife in disbelief, shaking his head as tears welled up in his eyes. 

“No...I won’t do it. I can’t...” Damion’s expression darkened. “You can and you will. If you don’t, we’ll make sure Noah suffers far worse than this.” 

Adam forced Noah to his knees, tilting his head to expose the side of his neck, Noah hissed at the action. The vulnerability of the position was terrifying, and Nick’s heart shattered at the sight.

Nick’s hands trembled violently as he took the knife, feeling like it weighed a thousand pounds. The thought of marking Noah, of causing him pain, was unbearable.

 But the threat looming over them was too great to ignore, Damion pointed his weapon at Noah, there wasn't any other way. 

“I’m so sorry,” Nick whispered, tears streaming down his face as he knelt in front of Noah. “I’m so, so sorry...”Adam held Noah steady, forcing his head to bend more to the side. “Carve it, Nick"

Noah, his body trembling, managed to lift his head, meeting Nick’s gaze. His eyes, normally so full of life, were now dull with pain, but there was still a flicker of understanding there. A small, bitter smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “It’s okay,” he whispered, his voice hoarse and broken. “Just... do it.”

Nick's heart shattered at these words, but he knew he had no other choice. If he didn’t, they would make it worse—much worse. With a shaky breath, Nick brought the knife to Noah’s skin, his vision blurring with tears. His hand hovered over the delicate skin of Noah’s neck, where he would carve the triangle with a straight line inside it—a brand that would forever mark Noah as their property, a reminder of this twisted moment.

 Noah gritted his teeth, preparing himself for the pain. Nick hesitated, his entire body rebelling against the act, but he finally was able to press the blade into Noah’s skin.

Noah gasped in pain, his body tensing as Nick began to penetrate the flesh. Each movement of the knife felt like a piece of Nick’s soul being torn away. He worked slowly, trying to minimize the damage, but knowing there was no way to make this easy. Noah tried to hide his hurting but failed, soft whimpers escaped his mouth making Nick entire being shatter. "Noah..." Nick muttered gazing with concerned eyes at his friend's squeezed features. With painstaking slowness, he began to carve.

The first cut was shallow, a mere scratch against the skin, but even that made Noah gasp, his hands clenching into fists as he tried to brace himself against the pain. Nick’s hand shook as he worked, the blade dragging through flesh with a sickening wet sound. Blood welled up around the blade, warm and sticky, trailing down Noah’s neck in thick rivulets.
Noah bit down on his lip, trying to keep quiet, but as the blade dug deeper, he couldn’t hold back the sounds of his suffering. Low, guttural groans tore from his throat, each one a testament to the agony that pulsed through his body. His breathing grew erratic, his chest heaving as he fought to stay conscious.

Nick’s vision blurred with tears, but he couldn’t stop. He didn’t dare. Damion’s presence loomed over him like a dark cloud, and what made it worse was that Damion held a gun towards Noah, in case Nick failed the task he's been given.

With every cut, Nick felt like he was carving into his own soul, the guilt and horror nearly overwhelming him. He could barely see through the haze of tears that filled his eyes, but he kept going, knowing that to stop now would be even worse for Noah.

"I’m almost done, Noah,” Nick murmured, his voice trembling as he focused on what he was doing.

“Good,” Damion murmured, breaking Nick's locked stare, watching with satisfaction as Nick finished carving half of the requested shape. Damion walked slowly to Nick and whispered in his ears “deeper Nick, I need more blood”

Nick’s hands were slick with Noah’s blood, the knife slipping slightly in his grasp. His stomach churned with nausea, but he forced himself to obey. The blade sank deeper, Adam brought antiseptic, the kind that must not be used on open cuts, he poured it on the wound and this time Noah couldn’t suppress the scream that tore from his throat.

"Oops, I was just trying to sterilize the wound so you won't get an infection" 

"What the hell??! Are you nuts?" Nick roared in anger, he tried to attack Adam in a rush of adrenaline, however he was stopped by Damion.

"Shh, keep your attention to your buddy" Damion warned, smiling while placing the gun pointy end at Noah's head one more time. Noah winced and shut his eyes expecting the next.

Adam smirked with satisfaction, he tilted Noah's head to the side harshly again. "Go on..." He ordered Nick.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the symbol was complete. The carved lines formed a crude, bleeding shape on Noah’s neck, the blood seeping from the wound in steady streams. Noah was barely conscious, his body slumping forward, held up only by Nick’s trembling hands.

Nick's hands were shaking uncontrollably. He wanted to pull Noah into his arms, to comfort him, but the sight of the blood on his hands made him recoil in horror.

Damion and Adam exchanged satisfied glances before turning back to Nick. . "Fail us again, and Noah will pay an even higher price.” Damion said coldly. Nick's eyes flared with anger, he could not control his emotions anymore that he jumped into Damion and tackled him into the floor placing the knife onto his throat. "I'll cut you open right now..."

Adam immediately held Noah's swaying figure from his hair and pointed his gun at his brain. "I don't think you want to do that, I mean gosh, how many times do we have to threaten you with Noah's life? Don't you value his alive state, or do you prefer him dead? I just don't get it"

Nick closed his eyes trying to grasp the realization that he is literally bound and can't do anything. Can't destroy this motherfker because he has a full immunity supported only by his friend's life. he'll lose Noah if he did.

Damion smiled then launched a fist on Nick's face sending him to the ground. Damion got up on his feet, dusted himself off and adjusted his collar. "we're done here" he announced staring at Nick on the ground getting up.

Adam walked towards the entrance but on his way,  he kicked Nick in his stomach, Nick groaned and held his throbbing abdomen. Adam then left the room with Damion, without saying anything, leaving Nick and Noah alone in the aftermath of this torture. 

Ignoring his pain, Nick got up and went by Noah's side, he dropped to his knees in front of Noah, his heart breaking at the sight of the fresh wounds he had inflicted.

 “Noah...,” he whispered, his voice shaking with guilt and sorrow. Noah's eyes flutter, he looked at Nick, barely conscious, noticing his bruised look, he stretched out his hand and touched Nick's face. "Are you ok...". Noah asked, but Not being able to withstand the overwhelming fatigue and blood loss, he gave up, his head started spinning and his consciousness left him when his body tilted forward uncontrollably falling into Nick's arms.

"Noah!" Nick's voice broke as he cradled Noah's limp body against his chest. couldn't offer anything but physical comfort. He checked his pulse, it was fast, then he leaned against the wall wrapping Noah's head into his arm tightly, trying to offer as much comfort as he could.

Nick then started carefully cleaning the wound with the supplies Adam left him, trying to ignore the way his hands were still trembling. Noah didn't feel even the light stings of the fresh wounds antiseptic and it broke Nick's heart seeing how far gone he was. "Damn it..."

As Nick held Noah close, he felt the weight of everything pressing down on him. Each breath felt like it was pulling him deeper into a pit of despair. The reality of what he had done—of what he had been forced to do—made it hard to breathe. His mind of conflicting emotions: guilt, anger, fear, and an overwhelming need to protect Noah.

-12 hours later-

Nick was still holding Noah in his arms waiting for him to wake up while trying to keep ot together himself. Some blood was still on his mouth from the previous encounter with Damion, also his stomach hurts now thanks to Adam's merciless kick. He tried to ignore all of that, after all the physical pain was nothing compared to what he did hours ago.

Then Nick's thoughts raced, how did the mission fail? He did everything right. Unless there is someone who knows about the whole story, but the only one he shared it with was Sarah, could it be her? Nick's mind felt like a war zone, he didn't believe he actually caused Noah harm, he wanted to die right now then to face Noah later. It was so hard and painful. As he was lost in his thoughts, Nick's gaze moved down to Noah, paralyzed in his arm, he made sure he was still breathing then he caressed his face, stroking it with his thumb, he felt the warmth of Noah's skin, it seemed like the fever was still there. "Please be ok Noah..." 

Nick’s thoughts were interrupted by a low groan from Noah. He looked down to see Noah stirring slightly, his face contorted in pain. Nick gently brushed his fingers through Noah’s hair, trying to comfort him, even though he knew that nothing could truly ease the pain his friend was feeling. "Noah" Nick muttered his name avoiding any disturbing noise that might bother his friend.

Unfolding his eyes, the first thing Noah noticed was Nick's face and the red bruise and blood on it. Right, they hit Nick before he lost his consciousness he thought. Noah reached out his hand to place it on Nick's face but Nick caught it in his own, understanding Noah's concern. "I'm fine Noah, I promise, you worry about your self my dear" 

Noah didn't say anything. He moved his hand to his Neck and felt the gauze placed around it. He hissed lightly.

"How are you feelin? I don't know what to say after what happened Noah, sorry is not going to cut it"

Noah could feel the heavyweight on Nick's shoulder, he could not imagine how he is copping with what he did, it was difficult and the only way to protect him, he knew that, Nick doesn't need to explain himself. The words however, didn't seem to get out from Noah's mouth. He should say something, but he swayed his eyes' pupils left and right, his mind was crowded with everything that was happening and how fast the events were evolving.

"Noah, are you alright? Please say something'' 

 Noah raised his gaze to face Nick, his eyes were sad, then he slowly stood up.
"Careful, you are still feeling dizzy" Nick got on his feet with Noah to help him in case he fell.

Noah let himself go of Nick's grasb slightly, he paced slowly around the room, lost inside his head, searching for something. 

Noah's body trembled as he paced the small room, his mind a whirlwind of pain and confusion. The events of the past few weeks had pushed him to the brink, and now, it was all catching up with him.

"Noah, are you ok?" Nick asked worried, his eyes followed Noah's moving figure across the room.

Noah had always been strong, resilient even, but what Adam and Damion had done to him-what they had done to Nick -was more than anyone should bear. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw their faces, felt the sting of their taunts, and the agony of their punishments. He had been strong for so long, but now, all that strength seemed to be crumbling, leaving only a raw, desperate need to fight back, to do something, anything, to end this nightmare.

Adam had played on Noah's fears from the start, preying on his vulnerabilities with a cruel precision. He knew how much Noah cared for Nick, how their bond was unbreakable, and he had used it against them at every turn. Every threat, every act of violence, was designed to chip away at Noah's resolve, to make him feel powerless, helpless.

The past few days had been the worst. After Nick's failed mission everything had spiraled out of control. Noah had been forced to endure pain and humiliation while Nick watched, and it had almost broken him. But it wasn't just the physical pain that was wearing him down-it was the constant fear, the knowledge that at any moment, something even worse could happen. And worst of all, it was the realization that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't protect Nick from it.

The events that led them to that church were a blur of misery and deceit. It was Adam's twisted idea of a final humiliation-a place of a painful tormenting memory to Noah. Adam whispered in Noah's ear as they arrived there, telling him how fitting it was to end things here.  "You're nothing without each other, Noah," Adam had said with a sinister smile as they were shoved into the church. "But even together, you're still nothing. Just two broken men clinging to each other like drowning rats."

Noah's anger had simmered under the surface ever since, a boiling rage that he could barely contain. He had tried to keep it in check, knowing that acting on it would only make things worse for both of them. But as the hours ticked by, as he sat in that cold, dark room with Nick beside him, something inside him snapped.

He couldn't take it anymore. The helplessness, the fear, the constant, unrelenting torment-it was too much.

And so, when the memory of Adam's smirk, that self-satisfied sneer that haunted him, flashed in his mind, something broke inside Noah. The anger that had been simmering for days erupted, and all he could think about was making Adam pay. It didn't matter that he was outnumbered, that he was weak and injured. He couldn't just sit there and do nothing.

"Noah, you're scaring me Please say something," Nick's voice broke through the fog of his mind, but Noah couldn't respond. He was too far gone, too consumed by the fire that raged inside him. He needed to do something, to make them pay for everything they had done. Enough is enough.

Noah's gaze swept the room, searching for anything he could use. His eyes locked on a shard of glass in the corner, and without thinking, he rushed over and grabbed it, hiding it under his sleeve. Nick  was watching him with a mixture of concern and fear.

This was something he had to do. He had to fight back, no matter the cost. He was tired of being their victim, tired of feeling powerless. If this was the end, he would go down fighting.

"Noah, you ..." Nick started when he realized what Noah was thinking.

Noah turned around to face Nick but Nick knowing what was he trying to do, he shook his head. "No Noah, if I wanted, I would've done it long time ago, I can't risk...."

Noah ignored his friends words and headed to the door. 

"Noah!"

Noah began banging on the room's door, shouting his lungs out "Adam! you son of a b*tch, come here"

"Noah, for god's sake, what are you doing??" Nick was surprised, he tried to stop Noah but Noah only yelled louder.

To be continued.

Chapter Text

Noah stood there, his chest heaving with adrenaline and rage, the piece of glass hidden in his sleeve digging into his palm as he banged on the door. His vision was still a bit blurry from the blood loss but the anger burning inside him was crystal clear."Noah, stop!" Nick pleaded, rushing to his side, but Noah shoved him away, his eyes wild and desperate.

 "Adam! You son of a b*tch, come here!" he roared, the sound echoing off the cold walls of the room.

Noah, stop!” Nick pleaded, grabbing Noah’s arm, trying to pull him away from the door. “This isn’t the way! You’re going to get yourself killed!”

Noah jerked his arm free, his eyes wild with fury. “I don’t care" 

 Noah wasn’t listening. All he could think about was the pain, the humiliation, the blood that had been spilled—his blood, Nick’s blood. And Adam’s face. That smirk. That smug, cruel smirk that seemed to haunt him.

"Get in here, you coward!" Noah banged on the door again, his voice hoarse. His body trembled, both from the pain in his neck and the weight of his fury. The fury was overwhelming, blinding him to everything else, even Nick’s desperate attempts to calm him down.

Finally, there was movement on the other side of the door. Noah’s breath hitched as he heard footsteps approaching, then the sound of keys jingling. The lock clicked, the door burst open, and Adam stood in the doorway, a twisted grin on his face. Along with his men.

“Well, well, aren't you daring?” Adam's eyes flicking between Noah’s shaking form and Nick, who was still trying to catch his breath.

"What’s the matter, Noah? Had enough of being our little toy?”

Noah’s grip tightened on the shard of glass hidden in his sleeve. “You’re going to pay for everything you’ve done, Adam. I swear to God, you’re not getting away with this."

Adam laughed, a cruel, mocking sound that sent a shiver down Nick’s spine. 

“Oh, really? And how exactly do you plan on doing that? You’re nothing, Noah. Just a broken man with nothing left to lose.”
Noah’s eyes blazed with fury. “I may be broken, but I’m not dead yet.” With that, Noah lunged at Adam, the shard of glass flashing in his hand. Adam was caught off guard, his smirk faltering as Noah slashed at him.

“Noah, no!” Nick shouted, trying to pull Noah back, but it was too late.
 The glass caught Adam across the cheek, drawing blood, and Adam staggered back, cursing in pain and surprise, his eyes flared with anger. Noah tried one more  time to attack Adam, however, Adam was faster, he immediately grabbed Noah’s wrist and twisted it painfully until the glass fell from his grasp on the floor. Noah yelped at the hurtful action.

Before Nick could do anything, his movement was restricted by the men that came in with Adam.

“No!” Noah screamed, trying to wrench his arm free, but Adam was too strong. He slammed Noah against the wall, pinning him in place.“You really thought you could take me down?” Adam sneered, pressing his forearm against Noah’s throat. “Pathetic.”

Noah thrashed against him, trying to kick, punch, do anything to hurt him, but Adam’s grip was like iron. "Adam, listen to me, it was just a moment of anger,  don't hurt him" Nick tried to pierce common sense into Adam's soul. He is a fighter alright, he hates kneeling, begging, but right now fighting was not a wise choice, although,  doing what they want also didn't seem to result in anything. Eventually, they will have to find a third option but for now, this will lead to their doom.

"Let go of me" Noah yelled at Adam whom his hold was getting tighter. Noah's fresh carved wound started seeping blood through the gauze.

"You messed up our lives, I started this thing with you, me and you alone, you involved Nick, you involved everything" Noah's voice got louder as he kept moving randomly, resisting Adam's seizing hold. 
Adam's smile only grew wider. "Look at you, Noah, we made such a good team, we were such good friends, why do you have to mess things up in the past, why did you let go of me back then"

"So is that it? That's what this is all about?"

"It was, but now actually, I'm doing it for my own pleasure as I really feel good seeing you hurt, especially if I'm the one inflicting the pain on you" Adam turned around to face Nick. "Or on him"

"F*k you" Noah cursed, his eyes were filled with pure hate right now, hate towards Adam, his so-called former best friend.

"You dare to say I let you go when you were the reason, you changed, you did some messed up things, and I did not recognize you anymore, it doesn't matter though, I don't recognize you now either and I won't" Noah spoke as he tried to push back Adam's weight against him as hard as he could and it made Adam laugh, and he ignored what Noah said. "You move too much" he pressed his forearm against Noah's throat harder. "Lemme watch as your soul leaves your body" 

"No, Adam, get the f*k away from him" Nick struggled and let himself escape the men's pin. He jumped against Adam, tackling him down. Noah did not let things go, he picked up the glass piece from the floor and joined Nick in the fight. However, The men there were faster, they grabbed both Nick and Noah, seizing their movements.
one of the men twisted Nick's arms behind his back.

 Adam got on his feet and yanked the glass one more time from Noah and pulled him away from the man dragging him into his own grip, he slammed Noah into the wall like the previous position, he placed his forearm harshly into Noah's neck one more time, applying more pressure than before. Noah's eyes were darkening, his head spinning from all the blood loss and oxygen deprivation. 

"ADAM! LET GO OF HIM, YOU NEED HIM AND ME, IF ANYTHING HAPPENED TO HIM I WON'T DO ANYTHING FOR YOU ANYMORE" Nick shouted these words as his panic reached its peak, he watched Noah was about to lose his life and he was not able to do anything.

"Did you hear that Noah? By threatening me, Nick is like saying I should just end your life right now" Adam twisted Nick's words and he was about to do his next move when Damion appeared in the doorway.“Enough,”

 Damion’s voice was cold, almost bored. He stepped into the room, his gaze sweeping over the scene with a detached interest. “I think it’s time we end this little outburst, don’t you think?”

 Damion was focused entirely on Noah, who was still struggling against Adam’s grip. There was something almost predatory in his gaze as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a syringe, its needle gleaming under the harsh light of the room. “Noah,” Damion said calmly, as if speaking to a disobedient child. “You’ve caused quite a bit of trouble, haven’t you? But don’t worry, we have a way of dealing with that.”

Noah’s eyes widened as he saw the syringe. “No… no, you can’t—” he choked out, but his words were cut off as Adam pressed harder on his throat. Noah choked, coughing and Damion approached slowly, his expression eerily calm. 

"HEY! DON'T YOU DARE, DAMION! LISTEN TO ME, HE'S BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH ALREADY, HE CANNOT HANDLE IT" Nick’s voice cracked with the intensity of his emotion, a raw, pleading edge lacing his words. His eyes were wide, filled with both fury and terror.

“This will help Noah, I promise you Nick” he said in a mockingly soothing tone. “It’ll make everything so much easier.” 

Nick struggled against the men holding him, desperation clawing at his chest. “Please, don’t do this! He’s had enough!” Nick’s voice was raw, filled with terror as he watched Damion get closer and closer to Noah, Damion paid him no mind. He moved with practiced precision.

"Adam, hold him still" Damion ordered, his tone is steady.

Adam was already pressing his forearm against Noah's throat, he used his other hand to slam Noah's wrist and hold it against the wall.

 "No..." Nick muttered feeling the helplessness and hating it.

"Ah yes" Damion lifts Noah's sleeve fabric  revealing his veins. gripping Noah’s arm, Damion injected the drug in one swift motion.  

Noah gasped, his body convulsing as the substance entered his bloodstream. The fight drained out of him almost immediately, his body started going limp slowly in Adam’s hold. Nick shook his head steadily, surrendering to this reality, he cried out, tears streaming down his face as he watched Noah’s eyes roll back, his body trembling uncontrollably. 

 “Noah! Noah, stay with me!” he screamed, but Noah was slipping away, his consciousness fading into a haze of pain and fear. Damion stepped back, watching with satisfaction as Noah's feet could not bear his weight anymore, he slumped to the floor, his body twitching violently.

Damion bent down and held Noah's chin, turning his head left and right inspecting Noah's features. "Perfect..." Damion announced as he saw the response to the drug. He turned to Adam, giving him a curt nod. “Finish up here,” he ordered heading for the door.

Adam smirked down at Noah, who was barely clinging to consciousness, his body wracked with tremors. “Looks like you’ve finally learned your place,” he sneered before delivering a brutal kick to Noah’s ribs. Noah groaned in pain, squeezed his eyes at the impact. he was writhing on the ground like life was leaving his body.

“No!” Nick screamed, struggling against the man holding him, but it was useless. He was forced to watch, helpless, as Adam unleashed his fury on Noah, kicking him repeatedly until the only sounds in the room were Noah’s labored breaths and Nick’s sobs. "Dare and do that one more time, defy me again, I'll make sure it's gonna be both your ends"

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Adam stepped back, panting slightly from the exertion. He wiped the sweat from his brow, casting a glance at Nick, who was now on his knees, tears streaming down his face as he looked at Noah’s broken form. With that, he signaled to the men holding Nick, who released him before following Adam out of the room, leaving Nick to collapse beside Noah, his entire body shaking with sobs.

“Noah… oh god, Noah...” Nick’s voice was barely a whisper as he gently cradled Noah’s head in his lap, his hands trembling as he stroked his friend’s hair. Noah’s eyes were half-open, glazed over with pain and the effects of the drug.
"WHAT DID YOU F*KING GIVE HIM" Nick asked glaring at Damion who stood at the door frame ready to leave.

"Oh that, lets say it's just something that will leave a mark on a long term" Damion explained using his hands to reinforce his mocking words.

Nick just shook his head unbelievably. "You didn't have to do this... You didn't..."

"I know that, but I wanted to, after all, seeing you lose it like that, knowing how to be able to destroy you by using your weaknesses, brings me the ultimate pleasure" Damion paused then continued. "Also, don't forget, your buddy started this repelion , he was going to kill Adam"

Nick did not reply, he turned his attention towards Noah, nothing works anymore, no words, no action. The fact that this is their reality now sends chills through Nick's spine. 

Both Adam and Damoin left the scene after leaving visible damage to both men.

"I thought, I could ..."  Noah tried to speak, but all that came out was a weak, broken sound.“Shh, don’t try to talk,” Nick said, his voice thick with emotion. He knew Noah was slipping away, that the drug was taking hold, but there was nothing he could do. He could only sit there, holding Noah close, and pray that somehow, they would survive this nightmare.

"Nick..." As Noah’s breathing grew shallower, Noah tried to speak one more time but a moan was all that could slip out of his mouth, his muscles were weak. Nick pressed his forehead against Noah’s, his tears falling onto his friend’s face. “Please, Noah… don’t leave me… I need you…” But Noah's mind lost to the darkness that the drug had brought.

 Nick held him tighter, his own heart breaking as he realized that no matter what happened, they would never be the same again. he sat there, rocking Noah in his arms.

After making sure Noah is still alive, Nick got himself seated on the floor, with his back against a wall, his legs stretched out in front of him. Noah was cradled in Nick's lap. Nick has Noah's upper body resting against his chest. Noah’s head is supported by Nick’s arm and Nick’s other arm is wrapped around Noah.

Noah’s body was unnaturally still, his limbs heavy and unresponsive. Yet, even in his drugged haze, he fought to stay present, his eyelids fluttering weakly as he drifted in and out of consciousness.

 The deep cuts and bruises on his body were stark against his pale skin, each one a brutal testament to the suffering he had endured before. Nick’s hands, usually steady and sure, were now shaking uncontrollably as he tried to clean the blood from Noah’s Neck.

His fingers brushed over Noah’s skin with a tenderness that belied the panic rising in his chest, as if he could soothe the pain away with just his touch.“Noah… please, stay with me,” Nick whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He stroked Noah’s hair, his fingers tangling in the matted strands as he tried to hold on to the friend he had known, the friend who was now slipping away from him in more ways than one.

Noah’s eyelids flickered, his breath hitching as he tried to focus on Nick’s face. He let out a soft, broken moan, the sound like a knife to Nick’s heart. It was a pitiful, agonized sound, the kind that spoke of pain too deep for words.“N-Nick…” Noah’s voice was barely audible, his words slurred and sluggish as he fought to form them.
 His lips moved with difficulty, the drug that coursed through his veins muddling his thoughts, making it hard to speak or think clearly.

“I’m here, Noah,” Nick responded, his voice strained with desperation. He leaned closer, his face inches from Noah’s, as if his proximity could somehow ground Noah, keeping him from slipping further into the abyss. “I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere dear.” Nick assured caressing Noah's cheek with his thumb.

Noah’s eyes, half-lidded and glazed with pain, searched Nick’s face, as if trying to understand what was happening, but the drug had a firm hold on his mind. He was lost, trapped in a haze of confusion and agony, and the more he tried to fight it, the further he seemed to drift.“S-sorry… Nick,” Noah mumbled, his voice breaking as he tried to speak. “I… I tried… didn’t mean… f*ked up…”

Nick shook his head, tears spilling from his eyes as he listened to the broken words spilling from Noah’s lips. “No, Noah, don’t say that. This isn’t your fault. None of this is your fault…”

Noah’s breath hitched again, another soft moan escaping him as he shifted in Nick’s arms, the movement causing him more pain. He winced, his face contorting in agony, but his mind was too clouded to fully register it. He could feel the pain, but it was distant, like it was happening to someone else, someone he could barely recognize as himself. “It Hurts… Nick… make it stop…” Noah’s words were disjointed, his thoughts fragmented and incomplete. His voice was small, pleading, and it shattered something deep inside Nick.

Nick’s grip tightened around Noah, pulling him closer as if he could shield him from the pain, from the horrors that had befallen them both. His hands moved restlessly, one wiping away the blood stains outside the gauze area on Noah's neck,  the other gently rubbing soothing circles on his chest aiming to provide some comfort. But no matter how much he tried, Nick knew he couldn’t take away Noah’s suffering, and the helplessness of that knowledge was suffocating.

“I wish I could, Noah,” Nick choked out, his voice barely above a whisper. “I wish I could take all this pain away… I’m so sorry…”Noah’s head rolled to the side, his eyes closing briefly as he slipped closer to unconsciousness. His body trembled in Nick’s arms, wracked with uncontrollable shivers, and a low, pained whimper escaped his lips. The sound tore at Nick’s heart, each one a reminder of how close Noah was to breaking completely.

“Stay with me,” Nick pleaded, his voice raw with emotion. He gently cupped Noah’s face, his thumb brushing over his cheekbone, trying to anchor him, keeping him from fading. “Please, Noah… I can’t lose you…” 
Noah’s eyes fluttered open again, but the clarity that Nick so desperately sought was gone, replaced by a vacant, distant look. The drug was taking its toll, warping Noah’s mind, pulling him into a place where Nick couldn’t follow.“Noah…?” Nick’s voice trembled with fear, his heart pounding in his chest as he watched his friend slip further and further away. He could feel the change in Noah, the way his body had gone limp, the way his eyes no longer seemed to see him.

“F-f*cked up… everything…” Noah slurred, his voice barely a whisper. “I… didn’t mean to… should’ve... stayed away… from you…”

Nick’s breath caught in his throat, the weight of Noah’s words pressing down on him like a physical blow. “No, Noah, no… You didn’t do anything wrong. You hear me? You didn’t f*ck anything up. This isn’t on you…”Noah’s eyes were half-closed, his breath coming in shallow gasps as he struggled to stay conscious. But the fight was leaving him, the drug dragging him down into a dark, oppressive place where pain and fear reigned. And as much as Nick tried to hold on to him, to keep him from falling, he could feel Noah slipping through his fingers.

“I… I’m so tired…” Noah murmured, his voice trailing off into a soft, pained moan. His body convulsed slightly, another wave of tremors wracking him, and Nick held him tighter, pressing his lips to Noah’s forehead in a desperate attempt to comfort him.“I know, Noah… I know…” Nick whispered, his voice breaking as tears continued to stream down his face. “But you have to fight, okay? You have to stay with me. I can’t do this without you…”
Noah’s response was a weak, incoherent mumble, his words lost to the fog of the drug. His breath hitched again, another low moan escaping his lips as his body went limp in Nick’s arms, the last of his strength draining away.

Nick held Noah close, his hands trembling as he cradled his friend’s head against his chest. “Please, Noah, don’t leave me… I need you…” His voice was thick with emotion, the words breaking in his throat as tears streamed down his face, soaking into Noah’s hair.

Noah’s eyes were distant, unfocused, barely recognizing the world around him. His lips parted, and a soft, pained moan escaped, the sound barely audible but enough to send a fresh wave of agony through Nick. He gently cupped Noah’s face again, his thumb brushing tenderly across his cheekbone, feeling the warmth of Noah’s skin beneath his touch, a small reminder that he was still alive, still there—though slipping further away with each passing second.

“Noah, please, stay with me,” Nick whispered, his voice quivering as he pressed his forehead against Noah’s, their faces close enough that Nick could feel Noah’s uneven breaths against his lips. “You’re going to be okay. We’re going to get out of this, I swear, you’re strong, Noah. You’re stronger than anyone I’ve ever known. Just stay with me a little longer, okay? Please…”

Noah’s hand twitched, as though he was trying to reach out to Nick, but his arm was too weak, too heavy. Nick saw the effort and quickly grasped Noah’s hand, bringing it to his chest and holding it there, pressing it against his heart. “I’m right here, Noah. I’m not going anywhere. I won’t let you go.”

Noah’s fingers curled weakly around Nick’s hand, the touch feather-light, barely there. His breathing was shallow, uneven, and each breath seemed to take more effort than the last. “Nick…” he murmured, his voice barely more than a breath, his eyes closing as he struggled to stay awake. “Don’t… let… them…hurt ...you”

“I won’t,” Nick promised, his voice fierce, desperate. He pressed a kiss to Noah’s forehead, his lips lingering there as though trying to pour all his strength and love into that single touch.

But Noah’s grip on Nick’s hand loosening as his body sagged further into Nick’s embrace. His breaths were growing fainter, more labored, and Nick could feel him slipping away. “Noah...''

Noah’s lips parted once more, and a soft, almost inaudible sound escaped his mouth, a whispered name, perhaps, but it was too faint for Nick to make out. His body went still, his head resting limply against Nick’s chest, his hand falling from Nick’s grasp to lie motionless on the floor.

“Noah…” Nick’s voice was a broken sob as he clutched his friend’s poweless body, his own heart shattering as the reality of what had just happened crashed over him like a wave of darkness. He buried his face in Noah’s hair, his tears flowing freely, soaking into the tangled strands as he rocked back and forth, his arms wrapped protectively around the only person he had left in the world.

For a long moment, there was only silence, broken only by the sound of Nick’s ragged breathing and the faint echo of his sobs. The world seemed to have stopped, the weight of his grief pressing down on him until he could hardly breathe, hardly think. He was too scared of what Damion meant and what that drug could do you Noah.

To be continued...

Chapter Text

Nick was still clutching on Noah when he heard something.

The wail of sirens echoed through the cold, oppressive silence of the room. Nick’s head snapped up, the sound pulling him out of the haze of despair that had settled over him. Help was finally here, how could that be? Is it possible that they will finally be rescued? 

but Noah was slipping away, and every second felt like an eternity.

Nick tightened his grip on Noah, feeling the fragile rise and fall of his chest, the shallow breaths that barely seemed enough to keep him alive. The weight of Noah’s body against his was both a comfort and a reminder of how close he was to losing the person he cared about most.

“Noah, hold on. Please”

 Nick whispered, his voice cracking with desperation. He brushed his hand through Noah’s hair, his thumb tracing over the blood-streaked skin of his temple, probably from Nick's hand. Noah didn’t respond; his eyes remained closed, his body limp and unresponsive.

Many gun shots were heard outside until The door burst open with a force that rattled the walls, and a team of rescue personnel flooded into
 the room, their faces a mixture of determination and urgency. Sarah was among them, her eyes wide with fear as she took in the sight of Nick holding Noah’s broken body.

“Oh my God, Nick,” Sarah gasped, rushing to his side. “What did they do to him?”

“Help me, Sarah. Please, he’s barely hanging on, he lost so much blood and they gave him something...” Nick pleaded, his voice trembling as he clutched Noah closer, as if afraid that letting go would mean losing him forever.

Sarah knelt beside them, her hands shaking as she touched Noah’s pale cheek. “We need to get him to the hospital, now. He’s critical.”

Nick nodded, his throat tight with emotion. He tried to lift Noah on his own, but his body was too heavy, too lifeless. Two rescue team members moved in quickly, helping to ease Noah out of Nick’s arms and onto a stretcher, but Nick refused to let go completely, keeping one hand on Noah’s arm, his fingers trembling as they brushed over the still-warm skin.

“I’m coming with you,” Nick insisted, his voice a mix of desperation and resolve. He couldn’t bear to be separated from Noah, not now, not when everything felt so fragile, so precarious.

Sarah nodded, understanding the depth of Nick’s fear and his need to be there for Noah. “We’ll get him out together,” she promised, her voice firm as she took Nick’s other hand, squeezing it tightly.

 Nick kept his focus on Noah, his eyes locked on his friend’s pale face. Each step felt like a battle against time, each second a reminder of how close he was to losing the person he would give anything to save.

As they reached the waiting ambulance, Nick’s grip on Noah tightened, his heart pounding in his chest. He climbed into the back of the ambulance beside the stretcher, refusing to let go of Noah’s hand even as the medics moved in to start their work.

While Nick was at it, he noticed Damion being held be two police officers and led to the cars, they got Damion that was a relieve but not so much for Nick, he wanted Damion dead right now. Rage flowing through Nick, he climbed down the ambulance and strode in a fast pace towards Damion, tackling him to the ground and placing his newly retrieved gun into his head. "I should kill you right now"

Even in this state, Damion's smug smirk never faded from his fearures. "Instead of attacking me, I think you should try and be there for Noah, the next days might be hell for him, and you of course"

Nick's eyes widened. "What the f*k do you mean?is it the drug? What did you give him" Nick pressed the gun harder on Damion's temple.

"I'd rather not say, You'll find out soon enough"

"Nick, what are you doing?" Sarah grabbed Nick from his arm lifting him off Damion.  

"This mtherfker gave Noah some type of a drug"

Damion being pulled off the ground by the officers chuckled in amusement. 

"Son of a btch" Nick tried to go after him again but Sarah held his arm. "Nick, it's ok, the doctors will do what is necessary, they will treat Noah, but right now, Noah needs you beside him''

Nick sighed then Sarah led him to the ambulance again.

The door slammed shut behind them, and the ambulance roared to life, its sirens blaring as it sped towards the hospital. Nick leaned over Noah, his voice trembling as he spoke to him, even though he knew Noah couldn’t hear.

“You’re going to make it, Noah. Just hold on a little longer,” Nick whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. He smoothed back Noah’s hair, his fingers lingering on the soft strands, as if the touch alone could keep him tethered to life. “I’m right here with you, I’m not going anywhere.”

The medics worked frantically around them, their voices a blur of urgency and concern, but Nick barely heard them. His entire world had narrowed to the fragile thread of life that connected him to Noah, the faint rise and fall of his chest, the pale skin that grew colder with each passing moment.

Sarah reached across the stretcher, her hand finding Nick’s and squeezing it tightly. “He’s strong, Nick. He’ll pull through. We’re going to save him.”

Nick nodded, but his eyes remained fixed on Noah, his heart breaking with every shallow breath, every minute that reminded him of how close he was to losing the person who meant everything to him. He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Noah’s forehead, his lips trembling against the cool skin.

“Please, Noah. Don’t leave me. I can’t do this without you,” Nick whispered, his tears falling freely now, his voice a broken plea.

The ride to the hospital was a blur of flashing lights and distant sirens, but all Nick could feel was the desperate, aching, pain of the possibility of losing his friend, the deep bond that had kept them both alive through so much agony and darkness. He clung to that bond, holding it close, willing it to be enough to pull Noah back from the brink.

As the ambulance screeched to a halt outside the hospital, the doors flew open, and the medics rushed Noah inside, with Nick and Sarah following close behind. Even as the chaos of the emergency room swallowed them up, Nick never let go of Noah’s hand, his heart breaking with every step, every moment.

But through it all, he never stopped whispering to Noah, never stopped believing that somehow, against all odds, they would find their way back to each other.

-One hour later-

Thankfully, Noah's been stabilized and moved to a quiet room. Nick sat beside Noah's hospital bed, his heart heavy with fear and exhaustion. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the room, mingling with the faint beeping of the heart monitor that tracked Noah’s fragile pulse. Nick's fingers traced over the back of Noah’s hand, feeling the coolness of his skin, and he shivered despite himself.

Noah lay motionless, his face pale against the white sheets, his chest rising and falling in shallow breaths. His neck has been bandaged, alongside other injuries, but the signs of the torture he’d endured were still painfully evident. His eyes remained closed, and his lips were slightly parted, as if he was on the verge of speaking but couldn’t quite muster the strength.

Nick’s voice was low, almost a whisper, as he leaned closer to Noah, his hand gently brushing through Noah’s hair. “I’m here, Noah. I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere. You just have to hang on, okay? Just hang on a little longer.”

There was no response, but Nick kept talking, his voice soft and filled with a desperate hope. He didn’t care if Noah couldn’t hear him; he needed to say the words, to fill the silence with something other than the beeping of machines. “You’re strong, Noah. You’ve always been strong. You can get through this. We’ll figure it out, I promise. We’ll get you back to how you were.”

The door to the room creaked open, and a doctor stepped inside, his expression grave as he approached Nick. The doctor’s eyes flicked to Noah before settling on Nick with a look of professional concern.

“We’ve stabilized him for now,” the doctor began, his tone careful. “But I need to be honest with you. His condition is critical. A lot of blood loss happened, but let's say we managed it, however, there is the heart matter... it’s been through a lot, and given his previous heart issues, it’s a miracle he’s still with us.”

Nick’s breath hitched, and he gripped Noah’s hand tighter, his knuckles turning white. “What can you do? How can we help him?”

The doctor sighed, glancing at the chart in his hands. “We’re doing everything we can, but there’s another complication"

"What is it doc?" Nick's eyes were staring with anticipation.

"Whatever drug he was given... it’s something we can’t identify. It doesn’t show up in any of our tests, and without knowing what it is, we can’t predict how it will affect him long-term, nor can we give him anything to reverse its action”

Nick’s mind raced, trying to process the information. “So what does that mean? What happens now?”

“We monitor him closely,” the doctor replied, his voice tinged with persistence. “We treat the symptoms as they arise, but without knowing what we’re dealing with, it’s... difficult. He could wake up in an hour, or it could be days, weeks even. And when he does wake up... we don’t know what condition he’ll be in.”

Nick’s heart sank, and he looked down at Noah, who seemed so small and fragile in the hospital bed. He reached out, brushing his thumb over Noah’s knuckles. “He’s strong,” Nick repeated, more to himself than to the doctor. “He’ll make it through this. He has to.”

The doctor nodded, though his expression remained serious. “We’ll do everything we can. I promise you that.”

As the doctor left the room, Nick leaned forward, pressing his forehead against Noah’s hand, his eyes squeezed shut as he fought back tears. “I’m so sorry, Noah. I should have done more. I should have protected you.”

Noah’s hand twitched slightly, a barely noticeable movement, but it sent a surge of hope through Nick. He looked up, his heart pounding as he searched Noah’s face for any sign of consciousness. But there was nothing. Just the steady rise and fall of his chest, the shallow breaths that were keeping him alive.

Nick’s hope faded , his voice cracked as he spoke again, his words thick with emotion. “Please, Noah... don’t leave me. I can’t do this without you, whereever you are,  you have to come back to me.” He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Noah’s temple, his lips lingering there for a moment as if trying to transfer some of his own strength into Noah. 

The minutes ticked by, stretching into hours as Nick remained by Noah’s side, his eyes never leaving his friend’s face. The weight of everything they had been through pressed down on him, but he refused to let go of Noah’s hand, refused to leave his side.

Because Nick knew that as long as he was there, as long as he kept talking, kept believing, Noah had a chance. Maybe Noah would use that as an anchor to come back to him And that was all he needed.

Sarah stood in the hallway outside Noah’s hospital room, her arms crossed over her chest as she waited for Nick after she called for him. Her eyes were tired, the weight of everything they had just been through visible in the lines on her face. When Nick finally stepped out, his face a mask of exhaustion and worry, she straightened up, meeting his gaze with a determined look.

Nick closed the door behind him softly, not wanting to disturb the fragile peace inside the room. He looked at Sarah, and for a moment, neither of them said anything, the silence heavy between them. Finally, Sarah broke it, her voice low but firm.

“We need to talk.”

Nick nodded, running a hand through his hair, his mind still half in the room with Noah. “I know,” he replied, his voice rough. “But before anything else, thank you, Sarah. For everything. I don’t know what would’ve happened if you hadn’t—”

Sarah cut him off with a shake of her head. “Don’t thank me yet. We have a lot to deal with.” She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. “Nick, what were you thinking? Getting involved with Adam and Damion, like Noah got involved... this could’ve ended so much worse.”

Nick’s jaw tightened, and he looked away, guilt gnawing at him. “I didn’t have a choice. Adam had Noah cornered, he threatened he would kill him. and I thought... we thought we could handle it. Keep it under control.”

Sarah sighed, her expression softening slightly as she reached out and placed a hand on Nick’s shoulder. “I know you were trying to protect him. But Nick, you can’t always carry this burden alone, provided wrong information and risked getting our team killed. Luckly i was the one hearing your talking and I figured things out"

"What..." Nick's eyes widened. "Do you know what happened next after that mission of mine failed? They fking tortured Noah and made me do it!''

Sarah felt her heart ache, shaking her head in disbelief. "I'm sorry for that Nick I didn't know what awaits you, but it had to be done, Nick... It had to"

"Had to be done...damn it" Nick didn't like this, but at least this led to them being out so he was still greatful, what happened happened. He decided to let it go because only thinking about it made him physically hurt.

After Sarah apologized and expressed her guilt again, she spoke firmly. "Now we have to deal with the fallout, Nick”

Nick looked back at her, his eyes searching hers for some sign of hope. “What happens now? To Noah, to me? Are we going to jail?”

Sarah shook her head, her hand slipping from his shoulder. “No. I’ve spoken to the higher-ups, and given the circumstances—how you were both forced into this and what you’ve done to help bring Damion in—they’re willing to drop the charges against you. But there’s still a lot of scrutiny on this. It’s not going to be easy”

Nick exhaled, a wave of relief washing over him. But it was short-lived as Sarah’s next words brought him back to the grim reality of the situation.

“But Nick, there’s something else. We couldn’t catch Adam. He escaped.” Her voice was laced with frustration. “Damion’s in custody, but Adam... he’s still out there, and he’s dangerous. The threat isn’t over.”

Nick’s fists clenched at his sides, his teeth grinding together. “So we’re still not safe. After everything...”

“There’s more,” Sarah added, her voice dropping even lower. She glanced around to make sure no one was listening before continuing. “The video, Nick. The one Adam has. He’s the only one who has it now. If he decides to use it...”

Nick’s eyes darkened, his expression hardening. “Let him. I don’t care anymore. If that video gets out, then so be it. It was the main reason everything started. Noah first got himself with Adam because of it, to protect me, and look where that got us, I couldn't even protect him”

Sarah stepped closer, her eyes locking onto his. “Nick, you can’t think like that. I'm the only one who knows it and you know your secret is safe with me, but if it gets out, If it reaches your superiors...I don't think I can do much”

Nick shook his head, cutting her off. “What’s done is done. If it comes to that, then I’ll deal with it  myself Right now, all I need is for Noah to be ok.”

"I understand Nick, but would Noah be ok alone if you went to jail?"

Nick paused and gazed at her, his eyes slightly widened. she was right but what else could he do.

Sarah looked at him for a long moment, seeing the resolve in his eyes. She sighed. “ my powers have a limit, but I’ll try and do everything I can to help you in that matter, it won't be easy"

Nick nodded and Sarah stepped closer. "You need to watch your back and keep your weapon close.”

Nick nodded again, grateful for her support but still weighed down by the enormity of the situation. “Thank you, Sarah”

Sarah gave him a small, sad smile. “We’re not out of the woods yet, Nick. But we’ll get through this. Together.”

"Also, they would call for you later to give your statements"

"Alright..." Nick sighed.

With that, Sarah turned and walked down the hallway, leaving Nick standing alone outside Noah’s room. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, before he pushed the door open and slipped back inside, where Noah lay waiting.

Nick sat vigilantly by Noah's bedside, every second feeling like an eternity. The heart monitor's steady beeping was a lifeline, linking him to the hope that his friend would pull through. He watched intently as Noah's fingers twitched slightly, a small but significant movement.

"Noah?" Nick whispered, leaning closer. "Can you hear me?" He squeezed Noah’s hand gently, his voice a mix of hope and desperation. But then, Noah’s fingers curled into his palm, as if clenching in fear, and his breathing began to quicken. Nick’s heart skipped a beat, sensing something was wrong. "Noah, can you hear my voice?" 

Suddenly, Noah’s body jerked violently, his legs kicking out as if he were trying to fight off an invisible attacker. His face twisted in agony, and a strangled cry escaped his lips. "Mmhmm... No... please... Nick... mmhm... I can't...," he mumbled with moans, his words slurred and incoherent, but the fear in his voice was unmistakable.

"HEY HEY HEY.. " Nick held Noah's face closely and firmly. "Noah, whatever you are witnessing, it’s not real. You’re with me, You’re safe. I’m right here." Nick said, his voice trembling as he tried to hold Noah down, to stop him from hurting himself. But Noah’s limbs flailed uncontrollably, his hands pushing Nick away with surprising strength,  wires and IV lines connected to Noah's body have been deattached causing little blood to seep out of his veins "Noah, please, Stop!" Then  Nick immediately pressed the call button, to alert the doctor that there was an emergency in this room.

Noah’s eyes remained closed, his mind trapped in a nightmare that Nick couldn’t pull him out of. His body convulsed as he gasped for breath, his chest heaving as if he were suffocating all over again. "Stop... stop... I can’t breathe...mmhm," Noah moaned, his voice breaking into desperate sobs. He thrashed against the bed, his arms swinging wildly.

Nick felt a sharp pang of fear and helplessness. He grabbed Noah’s hands pressing them against his chest, trying to keep him still. "Noah, you need to wake up! Please, wake up! It’s not real, you’re not there anymore!" But his words seemed to have no effect as Noah’s body continued to fight against whatever horrors his mind was reliving.

The heart monitor's beeping accelerated, the rapid pace reflecting Noah’s escalating distress. Nick’s panic grew as he watched his friend suffer, unable to break free from the nightmare that had ensnared him. "Noah, listen to me! You’re not alone! You’re safe, I promise you!" Nick’s voice broke, his hands shaking as he tried to steady Noah’s frantic movements. 

But Noah’s condition only worsened. He began to hyperventilate, his breath coming in shallow, rapid bursts. His skin grew cold and clammy, his face pale as if the life were draining out of him. His thrashing became more violent, his hands fighting against Nick's hold.

"Please, Noah! Stay with me! I’m right here!" Nick pleaded, his heart shattering as he watched his best friend spiral deeper into despair. He could feel Noah's muscles contracting under his grip, the terror radiating from his body. Nick pressed the call button again, frantically, yelling for help, his voice thick with desperation. "Doctor! Someone, please..."

The door burst open, and the doctor and nurses rushed in, taking in the chaotic scene. One of the nurses quickly but gently pushed Nick aside, while the doctor moved to Noah’s side, assessing the situation with grim urgency.

"He’s in severe distress," the doctor said, his voice calm but tense. "We need to stabilize him now before his condition deteriorates further." The nurses worked swiftly to prepare the necessary equipment, one of them grabbing an oxygen mask while another placed a new IV line.

Noah’s convulsions grew more intense, his body arching off the bed as he struggled for breath. "He’s hyperventilating. We need to get his breathing under control," the doctor ordered. The nurse placed the oxygen mask over Noah’s face, and the doctor adjusted the flow, trying to force oxygen into his lungs.

Nick stood back, his heart pounding in his chest as he watched the team work to save Noah. He could barely recognize his friend, who was now gasping, his chest heaving as if he were drowning in air. Noah’s eyes were still shut tight, his face contorted with pain and fear, his hands trembling as he gripped the sides of the bed.

"Noah..." Nick whispered, his voice breaking. He wanted to hold him, to comfort him, but he knew there was nothing more he could do. He felt utterly powerless, watching as Noah's life seemed to slip away right in front of him.

"Noah, stay with us," the doctor murmured, his voice steady as he continued to monitor Noah’s vitals. "We’re not going to lose you. Not now." But Noah’s breathing remained erratic, his pulse weak and thready. The room was filled with the frantic beeping of the machines, each sound driving another nail into Nick’s heart.
The doctor had no other choice but to give him a sedative.

Just when it seemed like Noah couldn’t get any worse, his body began to still, the violent thrashing subsiding into weak, sporadic twitches. His breathing, though still labored, began to slow, and the color slowly started to return to his face.

The doctor let out a breath, his expression softening slightly as he adjusted the oxygen mask. "He’s stabilizing. But we need to keep a close watch on him—whatever he was given, it’s still wreaking havoc on his system. We have to be prepared for anything."

Nick stumbled back to Noah’s side, his hands trembling as he gently took his friend’s hand once more. Noah’s fingers were cold, his grip weak, but he was still there—still fighting. "I’m here, Noah," Nick whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I’m not going anywhere. You’re going to be okay"

As the nurses worked to adjust the machines and clean up the room, Nick leaned in close, pressing his forehead to Noah’s. He could feel the faint warmth of Noah’s breath against his skin, and it was enough to give him hope. "You’re not alone, Noah. I’m right here. You’re safe now. Just hold on a little longer, okay? We’ll make it through this, I promise."

But deep down, Nick knew this was only the beginning. The road ahead was going to be long and fraught with uncertainty. Yet, he sat by Noah’s side, holding his hand and murmuring words of comfort, 

To be continued.

Chapter Text

Nick had been fighting his own battles these past three days, but not the kind he was used to. Every breath felt heavy, every second dragged on as he sat vigil beside Noah’s bed, calling his name softly in the quiet of the hospital room. “Noah…” Nick would murmur, his voice filled with an aching desperation, hoping that somehow his words would find their way into Noah’s unconscious mind and pull him back to the surface.

But Noah hadn’t moved a muscle since that last, terrifying episode. His stillness was a constant reminder of how fragile everything had become. Nick’s own state was deteriorating; dark circles hung under his eyes, his cheeks hollowed from days of neglecting food and water. He couldn’t remember the last time he had slept. His whole world had narrowed down to the rhythmic beeping of the machines and the rise and fall of Noah’s chest.

In between the moments of staring at Noah’s motionless form, Nick had been forced to face reality. He answered calls from his superiors, dragging himself away from the hospital to give his statements. The legal mess Adam had entangled them in was no small matter, but Sarah, with her determination and well-placed connections, like she told Nick, she had managed to pull some strings. It was a small victory, but it meant nothing to Nick if Noah wasn’t okay.

Now, back at Noah’s side, Nick sat slumped in the uncomfortable chair, his body curled forward, He clutched Noah’s hand tightly, pressing it against his lips as if willing his own warmth to seep into Noah’s cold fingers. His thumb brushed over Noah’s knuckles in a slow, repetitive motion, a silent rhythm of reassurance.

“You’re gonna come back to me, Noah,” Nick whispered, his voice hoarse. “I know you will. Just… hold on, okay? I’m right here.”

But even as he spoke, there was an edge of hopelessness in his tone. Three days felt like an eternity. Noah’s face remained impassive, lost somewhere Nick couldn’t reach, and every second that passed chipped away at Nick’s resolve.

The next day, exhaustion forced Nick to step away for just a moment. He left the room to grab some water, the sterile corridors of the hospital blurring around him as he moved mechanically, his mind still tethered to Noah.

It was in that brief absence that something shifted. Noah’s eyelids fluttered, a faint twitch that grew into the slow, uncertain movement of his eyes opening. They were unfocused at first, drifting aimlessly over the ceiling tiles, then down to the white walls, the machines, and finally, the empty chair where Nick was sitting. Noah’s gaze was distant, as if he was seeing the world through a thick fog, but for the first time in days, there was a flicker of life in those eyes. 

When Nick returned, he stopped dead in his tracks, water bottle slipping from his grasp as he took in the sight of Noah awake and sitting on the bed.

Noah sat there on the bed, eyes open, staring at his hands as if they were something foreign. His gaze was distant, still lost somewhere between the haze of the drugs and the reality that he had just returned to. The moment felt fragile, like the slightest sound could shatter it.

“Noah?” Nick’s voice was soft, almost disbelieving. He moved closer, every step measured and careful, as if he feared this was just another cruel dream. He reached the bed, sat on the edge, his hands hovering just above Noah’s knees, afraid to touch but needing the connection.

Noah’s eyes moved slowly to meet Nick’s, They were clouded, still foggy, but recognition flickered there. His lips parted as if to speak, but no sound came out, just a rough, labored breath. Nick, unable to hold back, leaned in, pulling Noah into his arms, feeling the warmth and the slight tremble of Noah’s body.

“You’re here,” Nick whispered, his voice cracking, barely holding back the surge of relief and emotion that threatened to overwhelm him. He wrapped his arms tighter around Noah, one hand cradling the back of his head, his fingers threading gently through Noah’s hair. 

“God, Noah... you’re here.” Noah leaned into the touch, his own hands weakly gripping at Nick’s shirt, trying to ground himself in the only anchor he could find. He still felt disoriented, as if the room was spinning slowly, but Nick’s presence was the one steady thing pulling him back from the edge.

“I thought… I lost you,” Nick murmured, his lips brushing softly against Noah’s hair. “You scared the hell out of me.” He pulled back just enough to look into Noah’s eyes again, his thumb brushing across Noah’s cheek, wiping away the faint traces of tears that neither of them had realized were there.

"Nick ... " Noah tried to speak, his lips parted barely able to form the letters of Nick's name as his mind was still foggy. 

"Yes Noah dear" Nick tilted his head waiting for Noah's next phrase.

"I... I know we...ta...talked about it when we were locked, but...but I need to sa...say it one more time"
Noah took alot of effort to speak those words and it concered Nick who noticed how hard it seemed for Noah to form a word.

"Talk to me, what is it that troubling you?"

"Wha...what...I did..." Noah inhaled trying to piece his thoughts together. "betraying... Yo...your trust...by giving....files...It was...I thought...." Noah avoided eye contact bowing bis head down and crossing his fingers together.

Nick interrupted him immediately and took both his hands enveloping them in his own.

"You still think of that? Look at me Noah"

Noah lifted up his gaze to meet Nick's.

"If anyone should apologize, it should be me, I let you go that night after saying mean things to you, my anger got the best of me, and I regret it every day, I blame myself for everything that happened to you" Nick's remorse was sensed deep in his cracked voice, those suppressed feelings he was hiding are now coming to the surface. "They way they torture you in front of my eyes and me not being able to do anything..." Nick let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and shook his head.
"That alone kills me every night, Noah, and I'm sorry for it, I'll be sorry for it every day in my life"

Noah listened to his friend's words carefully, although he didn't blame Nick for any of this, but he felt relieved to know that Nick forgave him, then Noah shook his head. " I don't blame you and...and I don...I don't care ab...about the torture...wh...what matters is...that we...we made it..." Noah offered a warm smile.

"We're gonna get through this" 

The doctor came in with files in his hand. "Oh Noah, you're finally up, you scared us buddy" The doctor offered a smile while assessing Noah's condition, checking the monitor and adjusting IV lines. He also examined Noah's pupils by aiming a light on them. "You're gonna be just fine Noah"  The doctor smiled reassuringly.

 "Mister Nick, can I talk to you for a minute"

"Sure"

"I'll be back" Nick smiled at Noah then got out of the room with the doctor.
 

Nick followed the doctor to the hallway. "Nothing was found in his system like I told you before, but that doesn't change the fact that the drug has been delivered to him like you said, and we already caught a possible symptom, when he half woke up erratically before. And now, because he was stable for those past days, we're going to monitor his status closely for the next 48 hours, then, if he is shown no error, he can be discharged"

"I see" Nick simply noded. 

"However, other thing is more concerning, his heart, as those past events occured to him, I've noticed a relapse in it's condition. I cannot do anything to it now, but I can say he was lucky that he endured that much without his heart failing him"

Nick listened carefully as the doctor spoke, his mind was a tornado right now, what if he lost Noah back then, how can he live with himself anymore?

"all we can do is bring him to check ups regularly as I said before, and do you still have that injection I gave you?"

Nick was brought back from his thoughts. "Yes doctor, I do"

"Good, keep it close in case you both went home and left the hospital, but do not worry, he passed the hardest days"

Nick listens carefully as the doctor explains Noah’s condition. Though Noah’s heart has taken a hit, it seems to have a chance to be on the mend, and the relief in Nick’s chest is palpable.

Nick simply noded. And the doctor was about to leave.

"Another thing doc" Nick's words stopped him. "Noah seemed to stutter while talking, I've noticed now when he woke up, should I be concerned"

"It's perfectly normal, he just woke up, maybe it's due to the fact that he's been traumatized recently, many things happened to him so it's fine, he'll be better with time" The doctor explained placing a hand on Nick's shoulder then walking away after gaining an approval nod from Nick.

-48 hours later-

The doctor confirmed that it was ok to leave the hospital since Noah did not show any bad signs, and he was stable, the doctor gave Nick many instructions, also, he gave him a sedative along with regular prescribed medications in case he needed it.

 They’re cleared to leave the hospital now, he was happy, maybe things were finally going back the way they were.

 Nick carefully helps Noah get dressed, every move slow and deliberate, like he’s handling something fragile.

Outside, the sun is setting, casting a warm glow on everything. Nick had planned this carefully. While Noah was unconscious, Nick found them a new apartment, somewhere far from their last home. Adam’s presence still haunts them, and Nick couldn’t bear the thought of Noah walking back into the place that held so many bad memories. Besides the fact that Adam knows it.

 The new apartment is modest but safe, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, and as they approach it, Nick squeezes Noah’s hand, guiding him inside. Nick informed Noah on the way, informed him about the truth, that Adam was still out there, Noah wasn't surprised though, so many things happened to be shocked anymore. He just didn't seem to find the strength to care.

The first thing Noah notices is the light; the place is bright and airy, a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere of their old place. Nick had taken care to set it up with all the little things that might make Noah feel at home—plants by the windows, fresh sheets on the bed, and his favorite blanket draped over the couch. Noah looks around, taking it all in, his steps slow as he explores the space. Nick watches him, a quiet pride in his eyes, hoping this new start will help them heal.

"So what do you think?" Nick asked looking at Noah waiting for his reaction.

Noah smiled. "I think it's nice Nick, You...you went through...the trouble...of...of preparing this place...alone..." He spoke intermittently.

"It was nothing, I hired workers, the important thing is that you like it" Nick grinned placing a hand over Noah's shoulder

"I do, very much, thank you Nick" Noah smiled in gratitude.

"Of course, anything for you Noah" Nick patted Noah's cheek lightly before walking away to give Noah some space and see where he should settle himself.

For the next two days, they try to settle into a normal rhythm. In the mornings, Nick wakes up first, quietly making breakfast. He scrambles eggs, makes coffee, and the smell fills the apartment, slowly coaxing Noah out of bed. They eat together at the small kitchen table, the silence comfortable, punctuated by the clinking of cutlery. Noah’s still a bit distant, the effects of everything that happened still weighing on him, but Nick’s constant presence keeps him grounded.

During the day, they go for short walks around the neighborhood. Nick is always vigilant, eyes scanning their surroundings as if expecting Adam to pop up at any moment. Noah notices but doesn’t say anything; he knows Nick’s just trying to protect him. They walk side by side, the quiet between them filled with an unspoken understanding.

Evenings are quieter. They sit on the couch, watching whatever’s on TV, the noise more a backdrop than something they’re truly invested in. Noah rests his head on Nick’s shoulder, finding comfort in the steady rise and fall of Nick’s breath. Nick strokes Noah’s hair absently, his mind wandering to thoughts of what might come next, but for now, he focuses on watching Noah and making sure he gets better.

Despite these attempts at normalcy, both of them feel the tension. Later, Noah’s sleep has been restless in some nights; he wakes up multiple times a night, startled and disoriented, and Nick is always right there, whispering reassurances and holding him close until he calms down. The doctor warned him about these outcomes, so it was supposed to be normal.

After one of those nights took action, Nick was beside Noah in a second, he embraced Noah tightly, Noah was seated on his bed drowned in sweat after the nightmare forcibly awakened him. "Shh, it's ok, I'm right here... I'm right here" Nick placed a hand on the back of Noah's hair, stroaking it gently aiming to offer whatever relief he could offer. 

Noah was panting heavily, burying his face against Nick's chest, knowing Nick was beside him made his breathing go slower and calmer, he clunge tightly into Nick. Nick hasn't seen Noah like this before, so fragile, his heart broke, He wanted to do anything to help him, he wanted to take all his pain away if he could. "It's alright dear..." He whispered lightly in Noah's ear. "Just a bad dream" 

Later on, Nick’s own anxiety would surface late at night, he feared for Noah's life, he feared the possibility of Adam's unannounced presence, he often checked the locks on the doors and windows repeatedly, his movements quiet but deliberate. He tried to keep it hidden, not wanting to worry Noah, but Noah noticed anyway, because Nick had done this many times since they got here.

On a second night, as Nick makes his third round of checking the locks, Noah approaches him. He places a hand on Nick’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “We’re safe here Nick,” Noah says softly, his voice tired but sure. Nick nods, though the worry doesn’t fully leave his eyes. He smiled, so grateful to have Noah by his side, he pulled Noah into a hug, holding on a little too tightly, and Noah leans into him, offering silent support. 

As the days passed , Noah started to feel the effects of the drug Damion gave him more intensely, even though it’s supposed to be out of his system by now, but apparently that wasn't the case. 

At first, it was just small things—simple disorientations, moments where he forgets simple stuff, He tries to brush it off, but Nick notices. It’s in the way Noah’s eyes glaze over during conversations, or how he stares off into space longer than usual. 

Later on, it was more noticeable to ignore.

One morning, as they’re having breakfast, Noah drops his fork mid-bite, his hand trembling slightly. He looks at it, confused, as if his own body is betraying him. Nick, who’s been watching him closely, reaches across the table and gently takes Noah’s hand.

“Noah, are you okay?” Nick’s voice is soft but edged with concern.

Noah blinks a few times, trying to focus. “Yeah, just… I don’t know. My head’s all foggy.” He squeezes Nick’s hand weakly, trying to ground himself. “for a moment I couldn't thi...think straight.”

Nick frowned, his thumb rubbing slow circles on the back of Noah’s hand. “It’s the drug, isn’t it? Damion, that mtherfker, did say it has long term effects”

Noah shrugs, his shoulders slumping as he leans back in his chair. “I don't know, I'm ok now though, it was just seconds" 

Nick watches him closely, the lines of worry deepening on his face. “Have you felt like this before? Since we got here?”

Noah nods, biting his lip. “Yeah, but it's nothing I can't handle, I think it's ok” His voice trembles slightly, the frustration and fear slipping through, but he tried not to worry Nick further.

Nick noticed and sighed, he knew how Noah hated to be the center of attention. But that was not something arguable right now. "Today is your doctor's appointment anyway, we should have these symptoms checked" he announced.

Later that day, they went to the doctor and informed him about everything that's been going on with Noah. 

"If what you mentioned were the drug effects and Since I don't know what type the drug is running in your system, I can't give you any antidote for it, and I also can't give you anything to relieve the symptoms except for a simple sedetive which you already have"

"But doc, what should we do?''

"As I told you, we should only wait for this poison to get out of his system on its own, though I highly doubt it's still there"

"What do you mean doctor?"

The doctor sighed then continued. "Another possibility, maybe these aren't even the drug doing, maybe it's mental, in that case, and if things got out of hand to unmanageable points, there are always rehabilitation centers"

Nick knew what the doctor was referring to, he couldn't help but get angry. Noah is not mentally ill, he is stable, no one knows him more than he does. Even after everything he had endured. There is a reason for this and it's the drug, only the drug.
"Thank you, doctor" Nick only said those words as he realized that even the man in the medical profession cannot help.

After being done with all the necessary tests, Nick returned home with Noah and just hoped that things would get better on their own.

However, the disorientation gets worse the next day when Nick decided to go out to buy groceries with Noah, hoping some fresh air will help clear Noah’s head. They walk down the street. As they enter the grocery store, Noah stops suddenly, his eyes darting around. 

"Nick… where are we?" he asks, a tinge of panic in his voice. Nick frowned, trying to keep his tone light. "We’re just at the store, Noah. Remember? To get some groceries?" Noah blinked rapidly, confusion etched across his face. "I… I don’t remember," he stuttered, his voice quivering. "I don’t… I don’t know how we got here."

Nick's fear took a hold of his features, chills were sent down his spine, he quickly takes both of Noah’s hands, grounding him with a gentle squeeze. "Hey, it’s okay," he soothes. "We came here together. I’m right here with you." Noah’s breathing quickens, his grip tightening on Nick’s hands. 

"I feel… lost.. Nick, when did we leave the apartment"

"Hey, don't worry about that" Nick steps closer, wrapping his arms around Noah protectively. "It’s okay," he whispers into Noah’s ear. "We got caught up in preparing and driving, it's fine, I’ve got you. Maybe it's all part of your healing process, Let’s just go home, alright? We don't need that much stuff anyway, it's ok" Noah nods, his body trembling slightly against Nick’s. Noah hated the fact that he is so weak and losing control over his mind, his body maybe, and himself.

And what happened was not ok and Nick knows it, however, he has to stay strong and unaffected so Noah wouldn't panic more. Although Noah is not a kid, he surely understands how messed up his condition is.

-At home-

Nick had to make a call to Sarah, he had appointed her to question Damion about the medicine he gave Noah. He headed to the balcony and closed the door behind him.

"Hey Sarah, tell me, what have we got"

"I'm afraid that Damion is denying injecting any sort of substance into Noah's body"

"But that is not true, I saw him Sarah, Noah lied limp in my arms after he messed him up"

"I know Nick, but you know how things work here, unless he confesses, there is nothing I can do to help" 

"I'm coming over, gonna make that son of a bitch spill it all out" without waiting for Sarah's reply, he hung up.

"Noah?" Nick called out for him after getting back inside.

Noah came out of his room. "Yeah Nick?"

"I need to be gone for a while, are you going to be ok?"

"Sure but is everything alright?" Noah knitted his eyebrows.

"Yeah, don't worry, lock the doors behind me Noah and don't let anyone in but me, do not trust any soul, also if anything happens just call me"

"Yeah Nick don't worry, I know how things are, I'm not a kid" Noah tensed at the overwhelming caring Nick was giving him. It was nice but it made Noah look Vulnerable. He didn't like that so much.

"Alright, pardon me" Nick just smiled warmly ruffling Noah's hair then he left the apartment. Nick hated that he had to leave Noah alone, it was a mistake but it was for Noah, he has to make Damion tell him of this drug or Noah will keep getting worse.

-interegation room-

Damion smirked when Nick came inside. Closing the door behind him, Nick sat in the chair across from Damion.

"I thought I would never see you again" Damion was the first to initiate the conversation.

"I'm gonna cut to the chase" Nick placed some files on the table then leaned on his elbows, intertwining his fingers together.  "What did you give Noah?'

Damion's grin grew wider. "I feel desperation in your tone, did something happen with Noah?"

Nick thought it was only wise to maintain his temper under control because he knew that Damion would try to tease him.

"Answer the question" with a steady tone, Nick commanded.

"Well, I would be delightful to help, but I don't really what you are talking about"

Nick looked around the room, then his gaze moved back to Damion. He leaned closer to make a point "Look, there are no active cameras here, also nothing is being recorded, I don't even care about this investigation anymore, all I want to know is what damn substance did you give Noah?"

"Umm..." Damion pouted his lips, nodding, then he bent toward. "And Why would I tell you? My dream was to watch you suffer and here is it, my dream coming true, I take it that Noah started to show some signs, didn't he?" 

Nick fury was evident on his face. "Damion ..."

"Did he start seeing things yet? Nightmares, amnesia maybe? No?"

Nick got on his feet and slammed the table with his hand making a loud thud. "Tell me the god damn name"

Damion smiled wickedly, his eyes sequeezing while locking them with Nick's. "I won't say a word, and you can't make me, ah and, I'm sure you'll love the ending to this game"

"What fking ending?"

"When things get out of hand, You'll know soon" 

The interrogation with Damion had dragged on for a long time, it was filled with evasive answers and twisted smiles and Nick got nothing useful out of it.

"Now, visiting time is over, I told you detective, I have no idea what you're talking about and I want my lawyer" Damion leaned back in his chair and changed his features back to normal, along with his tone.

Nick exhaled closing his eyes, attempting to withstand the new burst of the overwhelming anger exploded inside his body. He sighed deeply.

"Alright, Damion, just mark my words, if anything happened to Noah, I'll make sure your end is doomed" He grabbed his files and simply left the room leaving Damion slightly astonished.

"How did it go?" Sarah stood outside when Nick got out of the intoregation room. 

Nick gave her a small piece of device. "Listen for your self" 
Sarah widened her eyes. "You didn't..."

"I had no other choice"

"It's illegal, you know that, the cameras and recording were officially turned off by the knowledge of the suspect , it's..."

"Yeah, I don't care, it's not like I got what I wanted anyway and I don't know how much you can do with this recording considering it came in an unofficial method"

Sarah stared at the device in her hand and tightened her grip on it. "Nick, you know I got you out of the trouble way hardly, so..."

"Sarah" Nick sighed and turned to face her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "After what happened, and everything me and Noah went through, I can't care less about the way I obtain the truth from this mtherfker"

"Nick, that's not a reasonable way of talking, and you know I won't say a word about this, I always got your back but you need to be more careful, if anyone knew what you were doing...."

"Again, I can't thank you enough for believing in me Sarah, listen to this recording and tell me honestly if you believe that Damion didn't give Noah a drug"

"But I already believe your words Nick"

"It's ok, in our line of work, you must have doubts about everything and everyone, even if they are small" with that Nick smiled and left the building.

Sarah remained standing in her position not really knowing what her next step would be.

Nick’s frustration boiled over as he left the station. He had gotten nothing useful from Damion after spending hours with him, just more doubts, more uncertainty. The thought of Noah alone in the apartment gnawed at his mind. He needed to get back, to see him, to make sure he was okay.

The moment Nick reached the door of their apartment, He pushed the door open, calling out, "Noah? I'm back!" His voice echoed through the stillness, but there was no response. His heart quickened. "Noah!" he called again, louder this time, a hint of panic creeping in. The silence that followed was suffocating.

He dropped his keys on the table and walked quickly through the living room, his eyes scanning for any sign of Noah. "Where are you?" he muttered, frustration and worry bubbling up inside him. He checked the bedroom, the bathroom, nothing. The rooms were empty.

Then, a faint sound drew his attention. It came from the kitchen, a soft, rhythmic thud, like something hitting a cutting board. Nick’s heartbeat quickened as he moved toward the sound. 

He rounded the corner and stopped. There was Noah, standing at the kitchen counter, his back to Nick, his shoulders stiff. He seemed to be chopping vegetables. Relief flooded Nick, and he let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding.

“Noah! Here you are," Nick called, trying to sound calm, though his nerves were frayed. "Didn't you hear me call for you?"

But Noah didn’t respond. His hand continued to move up and down with the knife, slicing steadily. Nick frowned and took a step closer. "Noah?" he repeated, a hint of concern in his voice.

As he got closer, Nick’s eyes caught a glimpse of Noah's hand. His heart lurched—blood. There was blood on the cutting board, smearing over the vegetables, staining the knife. Noah’s fingers were covered in it, small cuts and deep slashes marring his skin, yet he didn’t seem to notice. He just kept chopping, his eyes blank, completely zoned out.

“Noah!” Nick shouted, his voice breaking. He lunged forward, grabbing Noah’s wrist to stop the motion. The knife clattered to the floor. "Noah, stop!"

Noah’s body jerked violently at the contact, his head snapping up as if waking from a dream. He blinked rapidly, looking at Nick with wide, confused eyes, then down at his own bloodied hand. “Nick?” he whispered, his voice thin and uncertain, his eyes darting around as if he didn't know where he was.

Nick’s chest tightened with fear. “Noah… what are you doing?” he demanded, trying to keep his voice steady, but the panic was clear. “Look at your hand! You were… you were hurting yourself!”

Noah’s gaze dropped to his fingers, trembling as he took in the blood, the cuts. His breathing quickened, his chest rising and falling in sharp, erratic gasps. “I… I didn’t…” he stammered, his voice trembling. “I wasn’t… I didn’t realize…”

Nick's heart sank. He could see the fear in Noah’s eyes, the dawning realization of what had just happened. Nick tried reaching out to touch his shoulder, trying to calm him. "Noah..”

But Noah flinched at Nick’s touch, backing away quickly, his eyes wide with terror. “No… no,” he muttered, stumbling back against the kitchen counter. “I… I don’t know what happened. I don’t know…”

Nick froze, his hand still outstretched. “Noah..." he said softly, his voice pleading.

Noah shook his head, sinking to the floor, pressing himself into the corner between the cupboards, his hands trembling violently. “I didn’t mean to… ” he whispered, his voice breaking with panic.

Nick’s heart broke at the sight of him, so vulnerable, so lost. He crouched down, keeping a small distance so he wouldn’t startle him further. “Noah, look at me,” he said gently. “Whatever just happened, it’s over. I’m right here, okay? Just breathe, take a deep breath with me, it's ok, I've got you...”

Surely it wasn't ok, and Nick knows that, he was freaked out as much as Noah was, but what can he do? Panic will make things worse, he needs to be strong and steady himself to prevent Noah from diving deeper into this abyss.

Noah’s breathing was ragged, his chest heaving as he tried to control the fear clawing at his insides. His hands were still shaking, blood smeared across his fingers. “I… I thought I was… I thought I was just… cutting the vegetables,” he whispered, his eyes wide and terrified. “I didn’t know…”

Nick swallowed hard, trying to keep his own panic in check. “I know,” he whispered. “I know. You got caught in your head, Noah, but you’re going to be okay. I'm always here to pull you out”

Noah looked up at him, tears spilling down his cheeks. “What if… what if I do something worse, Nick?” he whispered, his voice barely audible, fear evident in every syllable. “What if… I hurt you..."

Nick’s heart clenched, but he moved closer, he carefully reached for Noah's face, caressing it with his hand.“I won’t let that happen, to you or me” he said quietly but with determination. “I’m here with you, always. We’re going to get through this, no matter how bad it gets. Do you hear me? I’m not going anywhere" 
Noah nodded repeatedly as of was trying to convince himself that he'll pull through.

"and I certainly would tackle you down in one swift move before you dare to hurt me” Nick joked at the last sentence, gaining a smile and a head shake from Noah, and it made his heart warmer.

Then Nick felt tears of fear building up in his eyes, he was still trying to process the fact that he almost lost Noah just now, not wanting Noah to notice his tears, he quickly pulled Noah into a hug. Noah leaning into Nick’s touch, his eyes closing as he tried to calm the fear still lingering in his chest. Nick held him close, feeling the tremors of Noah's body.

Nick would be by his side, he'll help him until he feels better, last thing he wanted was to follow what the doctor said about attending a rehabilitation center, he knows what these places do to a man., what kind of therapy they do and the medications they give, He would never put Noah through this, even if he had to take care of him for the rest of his life.

Nick finally broke the silence, he stood and helped Noah on his feet slowly. "Let's get you batched up"

Nick’s hands trembled slightly as he guided Noah to the small bathroom off the kitchen. The adrenaline was still coursing through his veins, his heart pounding in his chest, but he forced himself to stay calm. For Noah. 

“Come on,” Nick whispered softly, his voice a mix of soothing and urgency. “Let’s get those cuts cleaned up.” 

Noah followed him, still shaken, his steps unsteady. His eyes were glazed with confusion and fear, his breaths coming in shallow bursts. When they reached the bathroom, Nick gently nudged him to sit on the edge of the bathtub. The harsh light overhead casts sharp shadows on Noah's face, making his pale skin look even more fragile.

Nick took a deep breath and grabbed the first aid kit from under the sink. His hands moved quickly but carefully, finding antiseptic wipes, gauze, and bandages. He turned the faucet on, letting the cold water run over his fingers for a moment before soaking a clean cloth. He crouched down in front of Noah, his eyes scanning over the cuts on Noah’s fingers, some were shallow, but a few were deeper, angry lines of red.

“This might sting a little,” Nick murmured as he took Noah’s hand, his touch feather-light. He dabbed the cloth over the blood-stained skin, his movements precise but gentle. The water ran pink as it touched Noah's wounds, and Nick winced inwardly at the sight.

Noah flinched slightly, biting down on his lower lip, his eyes darting away from Nick’s. 

“I… I’m sorry,” Noah whispered, his voice thick with guilt. “I didn’t… I wasn’t trying to...”

“Hey, hey,” Nick cut him off softly, lifting his gaze to meet Noah’s. “You don’t have to apologize. None of this is your fault. You were out of it, and that’s okay. We’re going to get through this, it's just a matter of time”

Noah nodded but didn’t look convinced. His shoulders were hunched, and he kept his hand limp in Nick’s grip, almost as if he were afraid to move it. Nick carefully cleaned the cuts, each swipe of the cloth revealing more of the damage. His chest tightened at the sight, but he kept his expression calm, not wanting to add to Noah's anxiety.

“You’re doing great,” Nick murmured, offering a small, reassuring smile. “Just a bit more, okay?”

Noah nodded again, his eyes still distant, but he seemed to take comfort in Nick’s steady hands. “I… I didn’t even feel it,” he whispered, almost to himself. “I just… it’s like I was somewhere else, and then…”

“I know,” Nick replied softly, his gaze softening. “But you’re here now, with me. Just focus on that, alright?”

Noah swallowed hard, his eyes meeting Nick’s, searching for something solid in the storm that was raging inside him. “I’m trying,” he said, his voice breaking slightly. “I’m really trying, Nick…”

“I know you are,” Nick whispered, his thumb brushing over Noah’s palm in a soothing motion. “I see it every day. You’re fighting, and that’s all that matters.”

He finished cleaning the wounds and reached for the antiseptic wipes. “This part might sting a bit more,” he warned gently, tearing open the packet. “Just squeeze my hand if it hurts, okay?”

Noah nodded, his grip tightening on Nick’s other hand. Nick carefully dabbed the antiseptic over the cuts, watching Noah’s face for any sign of discomfort. Noah winced slightly and gritted his teeth but didn’t pull away, his gaze locked on Nick’s.

“That’s it,” Nick murmured encouragingly, his touch tender as he worked. “Almost done.”

As he applied the gauze and carefully wrapped each finger with a bandage, Nick couldn’t help but notice the small tremors still running through Noah’s hands. He felt a sharp pang of concern, but he pushed it aside, focusing on his task.

When he finished, Nick gently lowered Noah’s hand and reached up to cup his cheek, his thumb brushing over his skin in a comforting gesture. “There,” he whispered, “all patched up.”

Noah exhaled shakily, his eyes closing briefly. “Thank you,” he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.

Nick’s heart ached at the vulnerability in his tone. “You don’t have to thank me,” he replied softly. “I’d do this a million times over and over again”

Noah’s eyes opened slowly, a small flicker of warmth returning to them. "Nick ...I don't feel things will get better” he admitted, his voice barely audible, like a confession.

Nick moved closer, his hand still cradling Noah’s face. “why would you say that, Noah?” he whispered, his voice steady, soothing. “You’re not alone in this, even if everything became worse, I'll always be by your side to pull you through, I'm not going to let you slip away, make sure of that. I’m right here with you, every step of the way.”

Noah nodded, his friend's words sent a wave of relief and reassurance into his soul. However, it didn't help much with the unease he felt, if he's gone that far in his condition, who knows what else could happen? What could he do in his unaware state. The idea ate up Noah's mind which was already fragile.

Nick his thumb brushing away a stray tear on Noah’s cheek. "Your eyes are saying a lot, I can tell you're having anxious thoughts right now, you good?“

"Yeah, I'm good now thanks to you"

"Let’s get you some rest,” Nick said softly, a small, comforting smile playing on his lips. Nick guided Noah to his bedroom, he gave him a calming pill and tucked him. “I’ll stay right here with you until you fall asleep”

Noah nodded, his eyes heavy with exhaustion, but there was a faint trace of relief in his expression.
"You don't have to..."

"I know, but I want to"

“Okay,” Noah whispered.

The fast acting pill was already working, the effects appeared on Noah's eyes as they got heavy, then closed themselves uncontrollably. Noah finally slept and Nick hoped it would be a quiet night and Noah would get the rest he's been deprived of for so long.

Nick left Noah's room quietly and sat in the quiet of the living room, leaning forward and burying his face in his palms. "God..." He murmured Still trying to process everything, his mind racing with worry. Every sound in the apartment felt amplified, the faint hum of the refrigerator, the distant traffic outside, and the occasional creak of the floorboards. His heart pounded in his chest, a reminder of the fear he was trying to suppress.

He replayed the moment he’d found Noah in the kitchen, the blank expression on his face, the blood dripping from his fingers. It was like a scene from a nightmare, one he couldn’t wake up from. He's been so afraid , Noah is worse than ever, he didn't know how he managed to maintain and hide the horror of this incident in front of Noah, having to pretend it was a regular thing.

Nick then spent time staring blankly at his phone. He’d spent the last hour scrolling through articles, forums, and medical websites, searching for any mention of the drug and symptoms that had wreaked havoc on Noah’s body and mind. But nothing he read gave him the answers he so desperately needed, all he found was like the doctor told him, these symptoms might be mental.
Nick was lost more than ever now, doubts crept into him, doubts of his possible inability of handling Noah alone. 

 With a frustrated sigh, he tossed the phone onto the coffee table and rubbed his tired eyes.He glanced at the clock—almost midnight. Noah had been asleep for a few hours, and Nick hoped, for once, it would be a peaceful sleep. He knew he couldn’t expect miracles, but he still held onto a weak hope that maybe tonight would be different.

To be continued.

Chapter Text

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the thin curtains, casting a soft glow across the apartment. Nick sat in the kitchen, grabbing a cup of coffee, his eyes fixed on the dark liquid as he absentmindedly stirred it. He hadn’t slept much. He’d stayed up most of the night, sitting in the living room by Noah's bedroom, checking on him    occasionally, making sure that there were no more signs of distress and Noah was ok. He sighed heavily, taking a slow sip, his gaze shifting to the hallway. 

The memory of the night before played over and over in his mind—Noah’s blank stare, the knife, the blood. He clenched his fist, feeling the cold ceramic of the cup pressing against his palm. He hated feeling so helpless, hated that he couldn’t do more for his friend, if he came home that night a little more late , if he let Noah bleed there ... These thoughts ate his brain the whole Night.

A soft creak caught his attention driving Nick back to reality, Noah appeared in the doorway, looking tired but somewhat rested, his movements slow and careful, as if testing the waters of reality, making sure it was all still real.“Morning,” Noah murmured, his voice hoarse, almost hesitant.

Nick forced a smile, trying to keep his tone light. “Morning. How are you feeling?” Noah shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. “ok I guess.. The pill knocked me out good.” 

Nick nodded, hiding the relief that swept through him at Noah’s coherent answer. “Yeah, you needed it,” he said softly. “I’m glad you got some rest.” Noah moved to the kitchen counter, glancing down at the bandage on his hand. "about last night.."

"We've talked about it enough, Noah" Nick interrupted as he knew what would come next.

"I know Nick, I just don't want you to think of me as..."

Nick put his coffee down. "You're not crazy Noah, I know you didn’t mean to hurt yourself.” his voice filled with determination.

Noah nodded slowly, though his eyes still held a flicker of doubt. “I just… I don’t want to be a burden, Nick. I don’t want you to feel like you have to take care of me every second of every day.”

Nick shook his head, getting on his feet and faced Noah. “You’re not a burden, Noah. Never. I chose to be here with you, remember? And I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” He let out a small chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. “Besides, who else would keep me on my toes with your random vegetable-cutting skills?”

Noah cracked a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I guess I do make life interesting, huh?”

Nick laughed softly. “You have no idea.” He paused, searching Noah’s face. “But seriously, Noah, I know I've said this a lot but you’re not in this alone, Whatever happens, we’ll handle it.”

Noah nodded, very greatfull for having Nick at his side.

"Well, you won't be able to handle much if you don't sleep right,  you look like a mess, have you been up all night?" Noah was concerned, he noticed Nick's exhausted figure the moment he walked into the kitchen. He felt guilty of course knowing this was due to his recent incident.

Nick chuckled at Noah's comment. "I guess you're right"

"Yeah, go into your room and get some shut eye, I'll be ok" Noah pushed Nick gently along the way to his bedroom.

"Noah.."

"Nick, I feel ok, please don't worry"

"Fine..." Nick's fatigue was overwhelming, so he decided to give it a rest and sleep. "Just wake me up if anything happens, I won't sleep much if I'm worrying about you"

"I'll do that, I promise"

After Nick settled in, Noah closed the door behind him and thought it was best to do house work to get his mind off things.

The rest of the day went just fine with things getting back to normal gradually.

** A Few Days Later**
  -At the clinic-

 Nick and Noah sat side by side in the waiting room, the quiet murmur of other patients around them creating a soft background sound. It had been a few days since the incident with the knife, and though Nick still felt a knot of worry in his chest, Noah had been more stable. Less agitated. A bit more himself.

Nick glanced at Noah, who was flipping through an outdated magazine, his fingers tapping a soft, nervous rhythm on his knee. “How’re you feeling?” Nick asked, keeping his tone light.

Noah looked up, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Better,” he replied, nodding. “A lot better, actually. I haven’t had any… you know, episodes in a few days.”

Nick’s face softened with relief. “That’s great to hear,” he said. “I’m glad.” He paused, watching Noah closely. “You’re not just saying that to make me feel better, are you?”

Noah laughed softly, a sound that felt almost like music after the tense days they’d had. “No, I’m serious,” he said. “I actually feel… normal. Whatever that means, besides if something happened in those days you would've known, trust me”

Nick chuckled. “true, but I think ‘normal’ is overrated Noah, but I’m glad you’re feeling it, at least a little bit.”

They both turned as the nurse called Noah’s name. “Mr. Noah? The doctor will see you now.”

Noah took a deep breath and stood, Nick rising beside him. They made their way to the doctor’s office, where a physician, Dr. Harper, was waiting—a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a gentle smile.

“Hello, Noah, Nick,” she greeted them warmly, gesturing for them to take a seat. “How have things been since we last met?”
They went to her first time after being referred to her by Noah's original doctor. He recommended having her consultation as she might be able to help the more severe cases like Noah's.

Noah glanced at Nick, who gave him an encouraging nod. “Pretty good, actually,” Noah began. “No major episodes in a few days. I feel… clearer, I guess. Like the fog is lifting.”

Dr. Harper nodded, making notes on her tablet. “That’s wonderful to hear, Noah,” she said. “It’s a good sign that your body is slowly processing whatever was in your system. I know it’s been a tough road, but you’re doing great.”

Nick leaned forward slightly. “We’ve been following all the instructions—regular hydration, light exercise, keeping things calm,” he added. “Anything else we should be doing?”

Dr. Harper shook her head. “You’re doing all the right things,” she assured them. “At this point, it’s about giving Noah’s body time to heal. We’ll continue with regular check-ups, just to keep an eye on things. And of course, if anything unusual happens, don’t hesitate to come in.”

Noah nodded, a flicker of determination in his eyes.

Dr. Harper smiled. “I’m optimistic that you’ll continue to improve, Noah. And remember, it’s okay to have setbacks. Healing isn’t always a straight line, whether it's due to the drug or it's a mental manner, either way you will heal.”

Then She reviewed the files on her disk. "Also, the other day your doctor informed me about the heart matter, have you been good these day? Any heart related issues you experienced?"

"No, my heart feels fine for now, and I actually wasn't paying attention to it since my major focus was on the episodes I had"

"Yeah , that's normal, anyway, nothing more left for us here, I assessed the situation and I can safely say you are on the healing path, Noah"

Nick gave Noah’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze, feeling a wave of gratitude for this small bit of good news.“Thanks, Doc.”

They wrapped up the appointment with a new round of blood tests and a few neurological checks. Everything seemed stable, and there was a cautious hope that things were finally turning a corner.

---

**Later That Evening**

Back at the apartment, the mood was lighter. Nick had suggested they celebrate the good news with a simple dinner, a comfort meal of spaghetti with tomato sauce, something they used to make together back then.

Noah grabbed a bunch of basil from the fridge, handing it to Nick. “Remember the time we tried to make this and ended up burning the sauce?” he asked, a playful grin on his face.

Nick laughed. “Oh, I remember,” he replied, chopping the basil. “And then we tried to pretend it was some kind of ‘smoky flavor’ experiment.”

Noah chuckled, the sound light and genuine. “I think that was the night we ordered pizza and swore never to attempt anything more complicated than toast.”

Nick nodded, feeling warmth in his chest at the sight of Noah’s relaxed demeanor. “Yeah, but look at us now. Total pros.”

As they cooked, they fell into easy conversation, talking about nothing in particular—old friends, silly memories, plans for when things felt truly normal again. The days had been steady, peaceful. The shadows of fear and uncertainty seemed to have retreated, if only a little.

They sat down to eat, the simple act of sharing a meal together feeling like a victory in itself. Nick watched Noah closely, noticing the light in his eyes that had been missing for so long.

“I’m proud of you, you know,” Nick said suddenly, his voice soft but firm.

Noah looked up, surprise in his eyes. “Why?”

“For fighting through this,” Nick replied. “For not giving up, even when it’s been so damn hard. You’re stronger than you think, Noah.”

Noah’s expression softened, a hint of vulnerability flickering across his face. “I wouldn’t have made it without you,” he admitted. “You’ve been my anchor through all of this, Nick.”

Nick reached across the table, squeezing Noah’s hand. “And I always will be,” he promised.

Noah nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I know,” he whispered.

The evening passed in quiet contentment, the fear that had gripped them loosening its hold. For the first time in days, things felt calm. Manageable. Almost… normal.

As they settled on the couch with a movie playing softly in the background, Nick felt a sense of peace wash over him. For now, that was enough.

-The next day-

 The doorbell rang. Noah frowned, glancing over at Noah, who was curled up on the sofa. "Did you order something?" he asked.

Noah shook his head, looking as puzzled as Nick felt. "No, not that I remember. Maybe it’s just a delivery mix-up or something."

Nick walked over to the door, opening it to find a young courier standing there, holding an elegant cream-colored envelope sealed with a gold crest. “Are you Nick?” the courier asked with a polite smile.

“Uh, yeah, that’s me,” Nick replied, taking the envelope.

“Have a nice day!” The courier waved and walked away, leaving Nick staring at the envelope, his brows furrowed in confusion.

Noah looked up, curiosity sparking in his eyes. “What is it?”

Nick shrugged, closing the door behind him. “I don’t know… looks like an invitation of some kind.” He moved back to the sofa, sitting next to Noah as he carefully broke the seal and pulled out a thick piece of card stock.

Noah leaned over, peeking at the invitation. “Well, who’s it from?”

Nick’s expression softened as he read the names written in elaborate calligraphy. “It’s from Jess and Michael… they’re getting married this weekend.”

Noah’s eyes widened in surprise, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Jess and Michael? Oh wow… I had no idea they were even engaged! That’s great news.”

Nick nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. “Yeah, they must have kept it quiet for a while. Jess always loved surprises.”

“They’re good people,” Noah said, his voice softening with fondness. “Remember how they helped us move that ridiculously heavy sofa into the old apartment? Michael practically threw his back out.”

Nick chuckled. “Yeah, he pretended he was fine for days, but Jess told me he couldn’t get out of bed for a week. Good times.” His smile faded slightly, and he glanced at Noah, studying his expression. “But, Noah… are you sure you’re up for something like this? I mean, with everything that’s been going on… maybe it’s too soon?”

Noah’s smile wavered for a moment, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face, but then he squared his shoulders and nodded. “I think it could be good for us, Nick. It’s been a while since we’ve seen our friends. It might help… you know, take our minds off things, even if it’s just for a few hours.”

Nick hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t know… what if something happens? I don’t want to put you in a situation where you’re not comfortable, or worse…”

Noah reached out, placing a hand over Nick’s. “I understand, but I’ve been feeling better these last couple of days, haven’t I? And besides, we can’t keep hiding forever. I miss them too, and I miss feeling normal…”

Nick sighed, his thumb brushing over Noah’s knuckles. He could see the determination in his friend’s eyes, the quiet strength that had always been there, even beneath all the fear and uncertainty. “Alright,” he said slowly. “If you really think you’re up for it, we’ll go. But the moment you start feeling uncomfortable or overwhelmed, we leave, okay? No questions asked.”

Noah nodded, a grateful smile breaking across his face. “Deal. And don’t worry, I’ll let you know if it gets too much. I promise, besides, you will return to work soon, so eventually you'll have to leave me alone, and maybe I'll return to work too”

Nick sighed, Noah was right, they have to get back to their regular life even if things weren't so normal yet. their jobs.l, their basic daily tasks. 

 “Alright then" Nick glanced down at the invitation again. “for a starter, Jess and Michael are going to have us at their wedding"

"It’s in the garden venue by the lake" Noah announced.
"I remember that place; they used to have the best strawberry lemonade there.”

Noah chuckled. “And the worst dance floor.  how Jess made us all do that ridiculous line dance at her birthday party there, Michael had two left feet, but he tried so hard.”

They both laughed, and for a moment, it felt like old times—like the weight of the past few weeks had lifted, if only slightly. 

Nick looked back at the invitation once more, his smile fading slightly. He wanted this to be a good day for them both, a day to remember how life used to be before everything changed. 

As Nick put the invitation on the coffee table, he glanced back at Noah, his heart filled with a mix of hope and apprehension. “Looks like we’re going to a wedding this weekend,” he said, trying to keep his tone light.

Noah grinned, some of the tension easing from his face. “Better find something nice to wear, then,” he quipped, a twinkle in his eye. “I don’t think they’ll appreciate us showing up in our pajamas.”

Nick laughed, shaking his head. “Yeah, you’re probably right. Guess I’ll dust off my one good suit.”

-At the wedding-

Nick and Noah arrived early, They navigated through the crowd, exchanging polite nods and small waves with familiar faces. After a few minutes, they spotted Anthony, one of their oldest friends, across the lawn. He broke into a wide grin when he saw them. 

“Nick! Noah!” Anthony called out, waving them over. His eyes sparkled with excitement, and he moved swiftly through the crowd to greet them.

Nick smiled, relaxing a little at the sight of his old friend. “Anthony, it’s been too long.”Anthony pulled Nick into a quick, friendly hug before turning to Noah.

 “Man, Noah, it’s great to see you. It’s been ages! I wasn’t sure you two would show up tonight.” Noah chuckled softly, his smile a bit more genuine this time. Anthony pulled him into another embrace and it made Noah unawaringly tense.

“Yeah, it’s good to be here. How’ve you been, Anthony?”Anthony’s grin widened. “I’ve been good, busy as always, but you know how it is. How about you guys? It feels like I haven’t seen you in forever.”

“We’ve been… managing,” Nick said carefully, glancing at Noah. “Taking things day by day.”

Anthony nodded, his expression softening. “I get it. I heard a little about what’s been going on. I’m glad you’re here, though. It’s good to see you both out and about.”

Before they could continue, another friend, Josh,  approached, hir arms outstretched in excitement. “Oh my God, Noah, Nick! You made it! I was hoping I’d see you two here.” Josh also offered physical greeting to both Nick and Noah. 

The conversations flowed easily between the four of them, reminiscing about old times, shared jokes, and stories,  then the pride and the broom showed and greeted them as well. For a moment, Noah felt like he was slipping back into a more familiar, safer version of himself—the one who could laugh freely and feel at ease in a crowd.

Nick watched Noah closely, relieved to see him loosening up, even if just a little. But he could sense the undercurrent of something still unsettled in Noah's eyes, a flicker of doubt or anxiety that never seemed to fully disappear.

However, Nick was hoping tonight would offer some much needed distraction. The gathering was supposed to be a chance for them to reconnect with friends, to break the tension that had held them captive since leaving the hospital.

Then, Anthony’s voice cut through his thoughts. "Come on, I was just about to head outside for a breather,” Anthony said, gesturing toward the garden. "The music’s great, but I swear my ears are ringing already." Nick gave a small nod, knowing Noah needed this time with his friends. "You Go Noah, I’ll catch up with you in a bit. I’m gonna grab a drink."

"Alright we'll be outside Nick, finish and catch up with is" Anthony exclaimed, 

With a nod, Noah followed Anthony who placed his hand over Noah's back leading him outside. Noah still felt uncomfortable, he wasn't like that, maybe it's his condition and everything he's been through. His whole body was tensed at the contact. 

In the garden. The cool evening air was refreshing against his skin, and the low murmur of conversation blended with the sounds of the night. For a brief moment, he felt almost at peace.

They walked down a stone path lined with lanterns, the glow casting soft shadows around them. Anthony chatted animatedly, talking about the latest drama at work, mutual friends, and the trivialities of everyday life. Noah tried to focus on the conversation, nodding and laughing at the right moments, feeling the normalcy again.

“Man, it’s good to see you Noah” Anthony said sincerely. “You’ve been through hell. It’s nice to see you smiling.”

Noah nodded, his smile faint but genuine. “Thanks, Anthony. I’m trying. It’s been... rough, but it's better now”

Anthony’s face softened, he sighed then started. "I know you guys like to keep things to yourselves, but I'm here to help, you can call me whenever you need" 

Noah offered a warm smile and a nod. "I know you are Anthony and thank you for that, it's just, we got caught up and no one seems to have any answers, and Nick, he was the one who mostly got affected, days had been hell for him because of my condition"

"I'm sorry Noah, you guys don't deserve that"

"It's alright... I think now we...". Noah tried to continue  when he felt a sudden tightness in his chest. He paused, pressing a hand against his sternum. At first, he thought it was nothing, just a bit of discomfort from standing too long, but then it grew sharper, a stabbing pain radiating outward, taking his breath away.

“Noah?” Anthony asked, noticing the change in his expression. “You okay?”

Noah tried to nod, but the pain intensified, spreading down his left arm and up into his jaw. His hand clutched his chest harder, his breaths coming in shallow, rapid gasps. Panic flared in his eyes as he looked at Anthony. “I... I'm...”

Anthony’s face fell. “What? Noah...”

Noah’s heart seemed to seize, a sudden crushing sensation that brought him to his knees. He gasped, clutching at Anthony’s arm for support, his vision blurring around the edges. "something’s wrong…,” he choked out, his voice strained with fear.

Anthony’s own heart leapt into his throat. “Oh God… Nick! Someone get Nick!” he shouted toward the hall, his voice breaking with urgency.

One of their friends heard Anthony and hurried inside to get Nick, shouting his name while running to him. Nick’s head jerked up at the sound of his name, panic lacing every syllable. Without a second thought, he bolted through the crowd, pushing past people as he raced toward.

"Nick, Anthony needs you in the garden, Noah, he's... " their friend hardly managed to speak as he ran out of breath. However Nick understood and without waiting for the man to continue, he hurried outside. 

“What happened?” he demanded as he reached Anthony’s side.

Anthony was holding Noah up trying to steady him, Noah was gasping for air. “Nick, I think there's something’s wrong with his heart!”

Nick’s stomach dropped. He had been dreading this moment, fearing it ever since they left the hospital. He leaned into Noah, placing a hand on his back. “Noah, look at me.”

Noah’s eyes were wide with terror, his breath coming in short, labored gasps. “can you hear my voice?" 

"can’t… breathe,” he managed to whisper, his hand clawing at his chest, he no longer had the ability to resist it, his legs weren't able to carry his weight anymore that he collapsed into the ground barely being caught by Anthony and Nick, his head on the grass, watching the sky as it started to fade to black.

Nick felt the world slow around him. “ Noah!” He pressed his fingers to Noah’s neck, searching for a pulse. His heart pounded as he felt... nothing. No beat. No movement. His blood ran cold.

He quickly lowered his ear to Noah’s chest, listening desperately for the sound of a heartbeat. Silence. Noah's eyes started closing. “No… no, no, no,” Nick muttered, his hands shaking. He knew this day might come, but he wasn’t ready. He would never be ready.

Nick’s hand darted into his pocket, pulling out the emergency injection that the doctor had given him for a situation just like this. He had always carried it around, prepared, thankfully.

His fingers trembled as he uncapped the syringe, positioning it over Noah’s thigh.

“Hold on, Noah… Please, hold on,” Nick whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He plunged the needle into the flesh, pressing down on the plunger, delivering the dose directly into the stream.

For a moment, there was nothing. No movement, no sound, just the oppressive weight of silence and the cold fear gripping Nick’s heart. “Come on, Noah… Come back to me. You have to come back to me,” Nick murmured, his voice a broken plea.

Anthony stood frozen beside them, fear etched across his face, praying silently, hoping. Other people have gathered around as well.

Then, Noah’s body jerked, a small, sudden twitch. Nick held his breath, leaning closer, his hand resting on Noah’s chest. He felt it—a faint, fluttering pulse. Weak, but there. “Yes… yes, come on,” Nick urged, his voice rising with hope.

Noah’s eyes fluttered open, his breaths shallow and ragged, but they were breaths. He blinked, disoriented, his gaze searching until it landed on Nick’s face. “Nick…” he whispered, his voice barely audible, a look of confusion and fear in his eyes.

“I’m here, I’m here,” Nick whispered, his relief flooding out in a rush. Noah got up and sat on the ground l, looking around him, still a little confused, 
Nick cradled Noah’s face in his hands, his thumbs stroking his cheeks. “You’re okay… You’re okay. I’ve got you.” Nick was nodding to assure Noah.

Noah’s breathing began to slow, his chest rising and falling in a more steady rhythm as the medication took effect. 

Anthony exhaled a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding, his shoulders sagging with relief. “God Noah, you scared us buddy"

"I thought I got better" Noah finally spoke. "that's why I suggested we come here, I... " he whispered, his voice shaky. Noah felt guilty now for ruining the party and corrupting the mood, he thought.

Nick murmured, his voice soothing. “You’re better, it's just a set back, it happens, the doctor said it would, and it's perfectly fine that we came here, it's alright Noah"

"Yeah Noah, good thing you're here today, and it's ok thanks to Nick and his emergency adrenaline or whatever that was"

Noah also wondered when did Nick obtained this injection as it wasn't among his prescribed medications. 

"The doctor gave it to me just in case something like that happens, his heart has a problem so..." Nick explained looking at Anthony then at Noah.

"And I didn't tell you Noah, I thought it's better not to. I needed you to focus on recovery and not anticipating something bad"

Noah didn't care much at this moment as he felt was desperation, this relapse took him back to his previous messed up state, he is not better, he never was. As he got on his feet with the help of Nick, he sensed that all the sounds around him were being muffled. He was paranoid, the idea of staying like this forever ate his mind. He felt foggy again, feeling like he returned to his first days just in this moment.

The atmosphere around Noah felt too loud, too close, even though the guests had returned to their conversations. The music, once a joyful background, now seemed a sharp intrusion in his ears. He could still feel the phantom ache in his chest, and the weight of Nick's worried gaze.Nick's hand rested on his shoulder, steady and reassuring, but it felt like too much, like an anchor pulling him deeper into waters he wasn't sure he could swim in. Noah's heart raced again, though he couldn't tell if it was from fear, embarrassment, or something else entirely. He had to get out, to breathe.

"Are you feeling okay?" Nick asked still placing a hand on Noah's shoulder.

Noah simply nodded without making an eye contact.

"Noah...you are no ok, talk to me"

"I need some air..." he mumbled, his voice barely rising above a whisper. He was about to walk away.

''I'll come with you.” Nick’s eyes narrowed with concern.

''No, no… I think I wanna be by myself, just for a minute.” Noah glanced around, his gaze darting like a caged bird. “I’ll be fine,” he added, more to convince himself than Nick.
Nick hesitated before replying "ok".

 Noah nodded quickly and turned, pushing his way through the crowd. The sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and music faded behind him as he headed outside, his steps quickening, his breath coming in short bursts.

 his thoughts were messy right now. The idea of him not getting better, the idea of draining Nick out, pulling him with himself into his dark abyss, fatigued his mind. He couldn't do that anymore. At least not to Nick.

Nick kept his eyes fixed on the way Noah walked on leaving, his worry growing with every second Noah was gone. Anthony, sensing his tension, nudged him lightly. "He'll be fine Nick, maybe he really needs a minute"

Nick shook his head. “He’s not fine, Anthony. I know him… something’s wrong.” Nick expressed his concern but decided to give Noah a breather and wait a little.

-The Parking Lot-

As Noah stepped outside, it was raining, the cool night air hit his face. He inhaled deeply, trying to steady himself, but it felt like his lungs were too small, like the air was too thin. The wedding lights barely reached the edges of the parking lot, leaving long shadows stretching over the asphalt.

 He could still hear the faint hum of music, but it felt far away, like he was hearing it underwater. Noah kept moving until he reached the car they had driven in. He leaned heavily against it, his forehead resting on the cool metal as he tried to ground himself. His mind was racing, thoughts tangling together into a frantic mess. He began to take deep, uneven breaths, but each one felt more difficult than the last. His ears started ringing, that high-pitched tone that always seemed to come with his panic, his head felt foggy again like he wasn't here, his eyes were half opened. This wasn't right.

He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out everything. He felt his hands trembling, his pulse hammering in his neck. It was happening again, but this time it's different, it's not related to his heart. He thought he’d gotten better — he needed to believe he had gotten better. But here he was, spiraling, losing control all over again. Then he uncontrollably started sobbing hardly but quietly.

----

Back at the wedding, Nick gave it a chance and waited for sometime, but anxiety was gnawing at his insides, so he couldn’t take it anymore. “I’m going after him,” he muttered, pushing past Anthony and heading to wherever Noah went. 

"Noah!" Nick called out his name when he made it to the place where Noah was.
Noah could only hear a muffled sound but he couldn't make anything out of it as he has been lost in his thoughts.
As Nick approached closer his voice went soft. "Noah..." He placed a hand on Noah's arm.

Noah flinched and came to realize that Nick was beside him, he quickly wiped his eyes.

"Hey..." Nick positioned himself in front of Noah to get a good view of his face. "What's wrong, talk to me" Nick held Noah's chin guiding his gaze up towards him. Nick noticed that Noah's eyes were red and shining. "Have you been crying, Noah" Nick asked knotting his eye brows. 

Noah didn't respond, his expression was blank and he only stared at Nick's face with cold yet innocent eyes.

Nick brushed some tears away from Noah's cheeks by his thumbs as he continued cupping Noah's face in his hands. "Noah, it's going to be ok, you got nothing to worry about, I'll always have your back" Nick forced a smile as he himself felt unease. 

Noah kept silence. 

"Noah...?" Nick feared if Noah was having one of his episodes right now because he was out of it.

"Nick..." He finally spoke, only his lips moved and Nick listened in anticipation.

To be continued.

Chapter Text

Nick watched Noah’s lips move, but his words barely registered. There was something in Noah's eyes — a distant, haunted look that sent a chill down Nick's spine. His friend's blank stare seemed to look straight through him, and Nick felt an uneasy knot tighten in his stomach.

"Noah?" Nick whispered, trying to bring him back to the present, his hands still cradling Noah's face. "Hey, stay with me, alright? What’s going on?"

Noah’s expression didn’t change, however, his  breath hitched, his body suddenly tensing and his eyes seem to recognize Nick as a threat, so without warning, Noah's hands shot forward and shoved Nick with a surprising force. Nick staggered backward, caught off guard, his back slamming into the nearby car with a dull thud. Pain radiated through his spine, but before he could react, Noah lunged at him, knocking him to the ground.

“Noah!” Nick gasped, his voice strained, but Noah didn’t seem to hear him. His eyes were unfocused, wide with panic, as if he was trapped in some unseen nightmare. Noah's hands went to Nick's throat, fingers digging in, his grip tightening. He straddled Nick's chest, pinning him down with his weight.

“Noah…!” Nick choked out, struggling for breath. His vision began to blur as he tried to pry Noah's hands away, his heart pounding wildly in his chest. "Noah, it's me...Nick!"

But Noah was gone, lost in whatever dark corner of his mind had taken over again. His face was blank, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he pressed down harder. 

Nick’s thoughts raced, his body instinctively fighting back. He could feel himself slipping, his lungs burning for air. He tried to speak again, but his voice came out in a strangled gasp. His hands clawed at Noah’s, but his friend’s strength was terrifying, his grip rigid.

Just when Nick thought he might black out, he heard a shout from behind.

“Noah! Stop!” Anthony’s voice cut through the fog, and suddenly, strong hands grabbed Noah, pulling him backward with a firm jerk.

Noah was yanked off Nick, stumbling back, and for a moment, his grip loosened. He blinked rapidly, disoriented, as if waking from a trance. His eyes darted around, and he saw Nick on the ground, gasping for air, clutching his throat. His own hands, which had been squeezing Nick's neck only seconds before, were now trembling violently.

“What… what did I…” Noah stammered, his voice filled with confusion and horror. He looked down at his hands, as if they belonged to someone else. Panic flared in his eyes as the realization of what he'd done began to sink in.

"Noah..." Anthony said softly, stepping closer, hands raised in a calming gesture.

But Noah was already backing away, his face pale, his eyes wide with terror. “I… I didn’t mean to…Nick...” he whispered, his voice breaking. Tears streamed down his cheeks, and his breaths came in short, rapid bursts. He glanced at Nick, who was slowly getting to his feet, eyes full of concern.

"Noah, please, it’s alright," Nick croaked, still clutching his sore throat. “It wasn’t your fault. I’m okay, just—”

But Noah couldn’t hear him over the roaring panic in his mind. His heart pounded in his chest like a drum, his head spinning. Without another word, he turned and bolted, running as fast as his legs could carry him. He heard Nick's voice calling after him, but he didn’t stop. He couldn't. He had to get away, far away from the people he cared about before he could hurt them again.

“Noah! Noah, wait!” Nick shouted, ignoring the sharp pain in his throat as he pushed himself up. He took off after Noah, desperation fueling his steps. “Noah, Come back!”

Noah stumbled through the trees, his breaths ragged and shallow, each inhale feeling like a blade slicing through his chest. The air was cold, biting against his skin, but his body felt hot, feverish with panic. He could barely see, his vision blurring with unshed tears and the darkness pressing in all around him. 

He didn’t know where he was going , he just knew he had to get away, far away from Nick, from the wedding, from everyone. The sound of his footsteps on the gravel path echoed in his ears, the only thing anchoring him to reality. But he could still hear Nick calling his name, a desperate, panicked shout growing louder behind him.

“Noah!” Nick’s voice cut through the night air, full of fear and concern as he kept running after him. “Noah, stop!” 

But Noah couldn’t stop. His mind was spiraling, filled with a noise so loud it drowned out everything else. He didn’t even notice where he was heading until he reached the edge of the lake. The moon’s reflection trembled on the water’s surface, and the dark water stretched out before him like an endless void.

He stopped, breathing heavily, his heart racing so fast he thought it might explode. He felt like he was standing on the edge of a cliff, teetering on the brink, his body shaking with a mixture of terror and adrenaline. His thoughts were tangled, messy, and he couldn't focus on a single coherent idea.

“Noah, please!” Nick’s voice was closer now, and Noah turned, his gaze unfocused, eyes wide with fear and confusion. He could see Nick approaching through the darkness, he was here, but everything felt distorted, distant.

"Noah..." Nick noticed the critical spot Noah was standing on. "Noah, come with me" Nick stretched out his hand and talked in a soft calm voice not wanting to agitat Noah furthur. Nick swallowed hard, afraid. He stepped closer calmly. "Why don't you step out from the edge, huh? Let's get back home, come on..."

Noah could see Nick's figure and he could hear a muffled sound of him speaking, but he was so lost , unfocused and scared.

The moment Nick took another step closer, without realizing, Noah took a step back, instinctively moving away.

“Noah, don’t—” Nick shouted, but his words were cut off by the sudden sound of Noah’s foot slipping on the wet grass of the ledge.

Noah felt his foot slide out from under him. His arms flailed, trying to catch his balance, but he was too close to the edge, and before he couldn't even realize what was happening, he was falling. The world seemed to slow down for a second, a gasp catching in his throat as he felt his body tilt backward. His arms reached out, but there was nothing to grab onto, nothing to stop his descent.

He hit the water hard, the cold shock ripping a gasp from his lungs. The icy lake swallowed him instantly, pulling him down into its dark depths. The cold was paralyzing, stealing the breath from his body, and for a moment, all he could do was sink, his limbs frozen, his mind blank.

Nick quickly reached the shoreline just in time to see Noah’s body slip beneath the surface. “Noah!” he screamed, terror lacing his voice. Without a second thought, he dove into the water, ignoring the freezing shock that hit him like a thousand tiny needles. He kicked hard, swimming toward where he had seen Noah go under.

Under the water, everything was a dim haze. Noah’s body felt heavy, as if weighted down by the panic that gripped his chest. He struggled to move, his arms pushing weakly against the water. He tried to kick his legs, but they barely responded, numb from the cold and from shock. His lungs screamed for air, but he couldn’t find the surface, couldn’t see which way was up or down.

He felt the water pressing in on him from all sides, dark and unforgiving. He opened his mouth to scream, but water rushed in, filling his throat, burning his lungs. His chest convulsed, and for a terrifying moment, he thought this was it, that he was going to drown here, lost in this darkness.

Nick’s eyes strained in the dark water, his lungs burning as he searched frantically. He could barely see, but he refused to give up. He dove deeper, his fingers reaching out into the cold nothingness, searching, searching… 

And then he felt it,  the faint brush of skin. His heart leapt in his chest as he grabbed onto Noah’s arm, pulling him close. He could feel the lifeless weight, the limpness in Noah's body. he clung to Noah’s waist, kicking hard with his legs to bring them both to the surface.

Nick’s head broke the surface first, gasping for air, pulling Noah up with him. “Noah, hold on!” he shouted, his voice shaking. He felt Noah’s body limp in his arms, and fear clawed at his chest. He could see the shore, but it felt a million miles away.

He kicked with all his strength, dragging Noah through the water. “Come on, Noah… don’t do this to me,” he muttered, his voice breaking. The cold was seeping into his bones, his muscles aching, but he pushed on, refusing to let go.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Nick's feet found the muddy bottom of the lake. He stumbled onto the shore, dragging Noah with him, collapsing onto the grass. “Noah...” he pleaded, his hands fumbling to check Noah’s pulse. His fingers shook as they found Noah’s wrist, and for a moment, there was nothing he could feel.

“Noah!” he shouted, pressing his ear to Noah’s chest, desperate for any sign of life. He couldn’t hear anything, couldn’t feel anything but the cold panic rushing through him. “No, no, no… come on,” he whispered, his voice breaking. This can't be happening again,  Noah just rose from the dead due to his heart and time didn't even pass that much and here he is, losing his friend once more.

His hands moved to Noah’s chest, pressing down hard, starting  compressions and counting each one in his head. “Come on, Noah… come on,” he whispered between breaths, his eyes stinging with tears that he refused to let fall.

After a dozen compressions, Noah’s body jerked, water spilling from his mouth as he coughed violently, his body convulsing with the effort. Nick let out a cry of relief, tears streaming down his face. “That’s it… there you go, Noah,” he whispered, helping Noah roll onto his side as he sputtered and gasped for air.

Noah’s eyes fluttered open, unfocused, his breath coming in harsh, uneven gasps. His hands clutched at the wet grass beneath him as he tried to ground himself, he pushed himself up into a sitting position, his body trembling from the cold and from fear. 

"Nick..." Without thinking, his hand stretched out to Nick's neck, seeing the bruise he caused earlier. "I'm ... sorry...Nick" he apologized with his voice trembling in every letter.

Nick held Noah's hand which tried to reach for his skin quickly and lowered it. His eyes softened. "I'm alright, Noah, here look at me" he replied noticing the shivering all over Noah's body.

Nick took off his jacket quickly placing it on Noah's shoulder hoping it would offer some warmth, then he pulled him close, wrapping his arms around him, feeling the tremors running through Noah’s body. “I’ve got you… I’ve got you,” he murmured, his voice choked with emotion.

Nick's own body was trembling from the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. The cold water soaked through his clothes, but he didn’t care. His breathing was ragged, his heart pounding as he clutched Noah tightly against him. He felt the rapid rise and fall of Noah’s breath. Relief washed over Nick, but it was thinly veiled by the terror that still clung to him.  His chest tightened, and for a moment, he couldn’t find his voice. The thought of  Noah slipping away for good, was a reality he couldn’t bear to face. Nick almost lost Noah. Again.

Noah's body shivered violently in Nick’s arms, and Nick held him closer, pressing his cheek against Noah's wet hair. He needed to feel the warmth of Noah’s skin, the rhythm of his breathing, to convince himself that this wasn’t another nightmare. His fingers curled into Noah's shirt, his knuckles white with the intensity of his grip. His mind was a storm of emotions—fear, relief, anger at himself for letting things get to this point. Noah had a near death situation, twice in the same night. This was so overwhelming for Nick that he didn't even know how he's still managing his nerves.

“Noah…” Nick whispered, his voice barely audible over the wind that swept across the lake. He could feel Noah’s heart beating against his chest, fragile and erratic. “Don’t scare me like that again, okay?” he whispered, half-sobbing.

Noah's lips trembled as he tried to speak, but all that came out was a faint, broken sound and Nick’s face softened as he noticed. He brushed a thumb over Noah’s wet cheek, wiping away the droplets of water that clung to his skin. “ It’s okay,” he whispered, though his voice was thick with emotion. 

Noah shook his head, water still dripping from his hair, mixing with the tears on his cheeks. "It's not ok, and I’m not...," he muttered, his voice barely a breath. “I’m not okay, Nick. I… I could have killed you.” His voice cracked on the last word, his body shivering violently from the cold and fear.

Nick tightened his grip, pulling Noah even closer, trying to make him feel anchored, present. “Noah, look at me,” he said, his tone steady, commanding. “I’m fine. You’re fine. We’re both here, and that’s all that matters.”

But Noah turned his head away, unable to meet Nick's eyes. “No, it’s not fine… nothing is fine.” His voice was trembling, the words spilling out in a rush. “I hurt you, Nick. I pushed you down, I—I could’ve done worse, I wasn’t even aware… I didn’t know what I was doing, and then…” His voice caught in his throat, and he swallowed hard, trying to push back the tears. "And then I almost—”. 
Nick’s hand moved to cup Noah's face, gently forcing him to look at him. “Noah, listen to me,” he insisted, his eyes burning with intensity. “That wasn’t you. You weren’t yourself, you were… having an episode, and you didn’t mean it. You’d never hurt me on purpose.”.  

Noah’s face contorted in pain, his expression crumbling. “But I did, Nick… I did hurt you,” he said, his voice breaking. “And I keep hurting you… every time… I pull you down with me, I make things worse.”

Nick shook his head fiercely. “No, Noah, you’re not pulling me anywhere. I want to be here.  You don’t get to push me away because you’re scared of what might happen.”. Noah clenched his jaw, his chest heaving as he tried to control the sobs threatening to escape. 

“I’m dangerous, Nick,” he whispered, his voice raw. “I don’t even know what I’m capable of anymore. I could’ve… I could’ve killed you back there. If it wasn't for Anthony... I ..."  he stopped, his voice catching again, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps. "A Part of me… wishes I had just drowned in that lake tonight."

Nick's heart clenched painfully at those words, a rush of fear and anger and sorrow all crashing together inside him. He grabbed Noah's shoulders, his grip firm but gentle. “Don’t you ever say that,” he snapped, his voice filled with a quiet, desperate intensity. “Don’t you ever say that to me, Noah.”. 

 Noah’s eyes welled up, his face crumpling. “Why not?” he asked, his voice a mixture of frustration and despair. “I’m just causing you pain, Nick. I’m ruining your life… I’m ruining everything.”

Nick’s hands moved to cradle Noah's face, his thumbs brushing away the tears that were streaming down Noah’s cheeks. “You are not ruining anything,” he said firmly. “You’re not a burden, you’re not a problem, and you’re definitely not a mistake. You’re the person I want to protect and be with, no matter what. You’re allowed to struggle, Noah. You’re allowed to have moments where it feels like everything is falling apart. But you don’t get to decide that you’re better off dead. Not when I’m here. Not when I need you."

Noah closed his eyes tightly, a tear slipping down his cheek despite his efforts to hold it back. “I don’t want to hurt you...” he whispered, his voice small, like a child confessing a terrible secret. Nick let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, his own eyes stinging with tears now. “You’re not hurting me,” he said softly. “Seeing you in pain, seeing you like this… that hurts. I would rather hurt a thousand times over than lose you, Noah.” 

Noah nodded against Nick’s chest, just enough to signal he was listening. Although, he wasn't convinced inside him. He wasn’t going to argue with Nick, not when he felt this raw. But deep down, Noah knew he couldn't just let things go, not after everything that had just happened. He knew he had to do something—anything—to make things right, even if he wasn’t sure what that was yet.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps approached, Anthony appeared, breathless and flushed, eyes wide with worry. "There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you guys!” Anthony exclaimed, his voice taut with concern. He noticed both men were soaked in water.  "What happened? You look like you’ve both been through hell" 

Nick and Noah turned to see Anthony, panting from the run, looking between the two of them, trying to piece together what he was seeing. Nick still held Noah tightly, both of them shivering slightly. Nick glanced quickly at Noah, who was wincing slightly as he shifted his weight, before answering Anthony. “Noah… he slipped and fell,” Nick explained, his voice tight with the memory of the panic that had gripped him moments before.

"Oh god, are you ok ?" Anthony's voice was edged with concern as he stepped closer to check on them.

"Yeah yeah" Noah answered quickly moving Nick  away gently and tried to get up, but as soon as he put weight on his foot, he hissed and winced in pain. “Shit…” he muttered under his breath, clutching his ankle.

Nick’s gaze immediately snapped to Noah’s face, then down to his ankle. "You hit your ankle pretty bad. I think you might have twisted it when you fell,” he murmured, his voice full of concern. He quickly moved to support Noah, wrapping an arm around his waist. “come here..”

Anthony moved closer, extending a hand to assist. “Here, let me—”

“No,” Nick cut in sharply, his tone firm but not unkind. “its ok, I’ve got him.”

Nick remembered how Noah had seemed on edge earlier, flinching at every unexpected touch and gesture at the wedding, even if Noah himself hadn’t seemed to realize it, but Nick noticed him, and he knows how physical connection sometimes triggers him. Noah didn't need that right now.

"Alright,” Anthony said softly, stepping back.

Nick guided Noah up again, slowly, supporting most of his weight. Noah winced, sucking in a breath as his injured ankle flared with pain. “Easy… easy,” Nick murmured, keeping his arm firmly around Noah's waist.

"Let's head to my car it's near, this way" Anthony paced in front of him leading them to his vehicle.

Nick and Noah moved slowly, Noah leaning heavily on Nick, his steps uneven and labored. Nick kept whispering reassurances. “We’re almost there… you’re doing great… just keep leaning on me,” he said, his voice steady and soothing.  

When they reached Anthony’s car, Anthony opened the back door, and Nick carefully helped Noah inside, easing him onto the seat. Noah rested his head against the window, his face pale and drawn. 

Nick sat in the front seat and the car engine started. "Let's head to the nearest hospital". Anthony announced.

"Yeah.." Nick replied, keeping an eye on Noah in the back seat through the mirror.

Anthony drove them swiftly to the hospital, there, The X-ray confirmed it was a sprain, not a break. The doctor explained that Noah would need to rest, prescribing pain medication to help with the discomfort. Nick listened intently, nodding along, while Noah remained silent, lost in his thoughts.

Finishing all the necessary examinations, Anthony drove them to their apartment and dropped them there.

 "thanks man, for everything" Nick confessed standing with Noah near their building. He was grateful for his friend's assesstance. 

"Don't mention it, Nick" Anthony replied through the car window, still sitiing in the driver seat.
He bowed his head to get a good look at Noah. "And Noah, you get better alright?" 

Noah nodded smiling and waved his hand, saying goodbye to Anthony. "See you guys" with that, Anthony drove away. 

"So much for returning to normal life through a simple wedding" Noah mumbled staring at the car as it got away.

"What? " Nick asked, he couldn't make out the words because Noah's voice was low.

Noah shook his head indicating that he didn't say something important.

To be continued.

Chapter Text

-The day after-
-the clinic -

"Well, Noah, the tests we've done just now appear regular , your brain scans are still normal, there are still no physical problems I could touch to confirm a diagnosis" Dr. Harber sitting on her desk, explained as she was examining Noah's papers. 

Noah's been seated in front of her, alongside Nick.

"But as I told you before, setbacks can happen whether it's due to Something in your body or mental issues"

Noah sighed deeply, he seems the only one who's not having any hope of this because he knows himself better than anyone, he's aware that he is not getting better, even in these last few days where everything seemed fine. It was still not fine.
Now, he started doubting himself, questioning his mind, maybe this is really mental? Maybe it's not Damion's drug...

"As for the heart matter, I'm giving you another emergency shot, commit to your medica and I highly recommend not doing unnecessary efforts, Noah"

Noah lost in his thoughts, didn't respond.

"Hey.." Nick nudged Noah as he noticed that he was disconnected. 

Noah looked at him then at the doctor. " no unnecessary efforts" he replied.

"With all due respect doc, his last condition happened when he didn't make an effort"

Dr. Harber nodded, her expression calm but attentive. "I understand, Nick," she replied, her tone reassuring. "Sometimes, things can trigger these episodes without any physical exertion. Stress, anxiety, emotional strain... they can all play a role, especially when the mind and body are still recovering from something traumatic."

Noah's gaze was distant, his jaw tight, and Nick could sense the frustration building inside him. He wanted to reach out, to take Noah's hand, but he knew that in this moment, Noah needed space to process.

"Is there… anything else you can do?" Nick asked, his voice quieter now, almost pleading. "Anything that might help?"

Dr. Harber paused, considering her words carefully. "I think the best course right now is to continue with your current treatment, to monitor for any changes, and to stay vigilant about avoiding triggers. I’d also suggest revisiting some cognitive behavioral therapy sessions… it might help Noah manage any anxiety or thoughts that could exacerbate these episodes."

Noah's lips tightened at the mention of therapy. He hated feeling like he was being sent back to square one. "So, basically… just wait and see," Noah muttered, his tone edged with resignation. 

Then Noah leaned closer, making sure what he would say will be heard. "Yesterday, I almost murdered Nick, murdered, you know as ending someone's life and not just anyone, it's the only person I have in my life and consider him a family, so, doctor, waiting isn't gonna cut it" Noah's tone was rising gradually.

Nick squeezed Noah’s knee gently, feeling the tension radiating from him.  "Noah, calm down..." Nick murmured softly, though his own fear and worry were evident in his eyes. 

"Nick, you see that there's no end to this, and they aren't doing anything" Noah sighed then turned to the doctor. "Dr. Harber, I'm sorry but I can't risk going through this again, hurting someone without being aware of it, I just..." Noah's voice cracked as imagines of the last night infiltrated his mind.

Dr. Harber hesitated, glancing briefly at Nick, who gave a subtle shake of his head. But Noah caught the look.“What?” he demanded, narrowing his eyes. “What is it?”

Dr. Harber sighed, folding her hands on her desk. "Noah, there is another option. We've discussed it before... with Nick." Her voice was cautious, testing the waters.

Noah's eyes flicked to Nick, who was looking more tense by the second. "What option?" he pressed, his tone becoming more urgent. “What did you discuss with Nick that I wasn’t told?”

Nick’s expression tightened, his jaw clenching. "Noah, it’s not what you think," he began, trying to calm the situation, but Dr. Harber continued, seeing Noah’s rising frustration.

"There are specialized rehabilitation centers, Noah," she said, her tone soft yet firm. "Places specifically designed for people going through what you’re experiencing. They provide round-the-clock care, therapy, and support. It’s an option we think could be helpful for you."

 “like psychiatric hospitals, mental health institutions?"  Noah replied furrowing his eyebrows.

 Doctor Harber just nodded.

Noah's eyes narrowed as he turned back to Nick.
"You knew about this?” he demanded, a hurt edge to his voice. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Nick's face was tense. “Because it’s not an option, Noah. I didn’t think it was necessary, and I still don’t,” he said firmly. “I didn't want you to even consider it, not when we still don’t know if this is due to the drug or something else.”

Noah stood on his feet pacing towards the infirmary wall, his back facing both the doctor and Nick. "Maybe it's the only way we cut this crap"

Nick looked pained, trying to explain. “Noah, those places… they aren’t what you need. You don’t need to be locked away somewhere. It could make things worse, not better.”

"But you should have told me, Nick. You should have let me decide for myself" 

Dr. Harber interjected, “Nick was concerned about how you might feel. It’s a big decision, Noah, and it can be frightening to think about.”

Noah sighed then shook his head. "I'm sorry, I need some air" he pushed down the door handle and went out.

"Wait Noah..." Nick tried to follow him when Dr. Harber spoke again.
"I'm sorry Nick, I too believe that that place is the only choice that might help him right now"

"With all due respect doc, I think you're wrong, I know maybe I made a mistake by hiding that possibility from Noah, but I did it for a reason, now he thinks he needs that crap you all do in those institutions when we all know that his situation was due to some chemical substance running in his system and none of you is doing anything to focus on it, you just assumed it was mental" Nick felt his voice trembling as he spoke, he was hurt, he seemed the only one fighting for Noah, the only one believed in him, even Noah himself gave up fighting for himself. It was like a mountain pressing heavily on Nick's chest right now.

After saying those words, Nick pursued after Noah Leaving the doctor in a puzzled state. She understood though, and couldn't be mad because she knows what these types of patients go through and how their loved ones suffer around them, whether it's due to a medicine or psychological.

Nick hurried after Noah, feeling his heartbeat quicken with each step. He called out again, “Noah, wait!” But Noah kept moving, his pace quickening as if he was desperate to get away from everything — from the clinic, from Nick, from his own racing thoughts. He had an idea in his head, that he would register himself into one of these hospitals the doctor mentioned. There wasn't any other choice in front of him.

When Nick finally reached him just outside the clinic's exit, he grabbed Noah’s arm. “Noah, stop!” he pleaded, his voice a mix of anger and desperation. “Don’t walk away like this.”

Noah yanked his arm free, his face flushed with frustration. “Just let me go, Nick!” he shouted, his voice breaking slightly. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore, I'm getting myself into the nearest center.”

Nick glanced around, noticing the eyes of a few passersby turning toward them. “Fine,” he muttered, lowering his voice. “But not here..” He grabbed Noah’s arm again, this time more forcefully, and led him around the side of the clinic, behind the building where they were away from prying eyes.

Noah stumbled slightly as Nick pushed him back against the brick wall, his breath coming in sharp bursts. “What the hell, Nick?” he snapped, anger flashing in his eyes.

“You’re not doing this, Noah,” Nick said firmly, his face inches from Noah’s, his hands braced on either side of Noah's shoulders against the wall. “I’m not letting you just throw yourself into some place where they’ll treat you like you’re insane, like you’re broken.”

Noah’s jaw clenched, and he pushed Nick’s hands away, his voice rising. “And what if I am, Nick? What if that’s exactly what I am?” His voice cracked with raw emotion. “You think I want to do this? You think I like feeling this way? I’m scared, Nick. I don’t know what’s happening to me, and maybe… maybe I need more help than you can give me.”

Nick’s face tightened, a flash of pain crossing his features. “Noah, that’s not true,” he insisted. “You’re not broken. We just need more time to figure this out, but not like this… not in a place like that.”

Noah shoved Nick back, his hands trembling. “What do you know, Nick?” he challenged, his voice breaking. “What do you know about what I need? I can’t keep doing this… I can't keep hurting you! Physically and emotionally”

Nick stepped back, his eyes dark with frustration and fear. “You think I care about that?” he shot back, his voice growing louder. “I’m not afraid of you, Noah. I’m afraid of losing you, Of you going into a place like that and coming out even worse… or not coming out at all.”

Noah slammed his fist against the wall, his knuckles scraping against the rough brick. “What if that’s what I need?” he yelled. “What if that’s the only way to keep you safe? To make it all ok”

"You seem to forget that I was the main cause you are suffering right now, Noah, you got into this mess in the first place  because you wanted to protect me, and now you're doing it again, shutting me out, again..."

"It's different this time, I have to protect the people i care about, keep you safe"

Nick moved forward again, grabbing Noah by the shouldes, shaking him slightly.

 “Safe from what, Noah?” he demanded, his voice thick with emotion. “From you? You think you’re a danger to me? You think I would be better off without you?”

Noah shoved Nick again, harder this time. “Maybe you would!” he shouted, tears welling in his eyes. “Maybe you would be better off without me dragging you down, without you having to save me every damn time!”

Nick's patience snapped, his own tears burning in his eyes. “Damn it, it's like talking to a wall" Nick muttered turning his head away for one brief second. "Noah, stop!” then he shouted back, his grip on Noah’s shoulders tightening, his fingers digging into his skin. He pushed Noah back against the wall, the impact jarring thud that made Noah gasp.

For a moment, there was only the sound of their heavy breathing, their foreheads nearly touching, the tension between them like a live wire ready to snap. Nick’s voice lowered, his tone almost desperate. “You’re not going anywhere, Noah. I'm not letting you”

Noah’s breath hitched, his eyes wide and glassy. “You don’t get it,” he whispered, his voice raw. “I have to do this, Nick. I have to, or I’ll lose myself. I already feel like I’m slipping away, and I’m scared… I’m so scared.”

Nick’s face softened, the anger melting into something else — something deeper, more desperate. He reached up, cupping Noah’s face with trembling hands, forcing him to look into his eyes. “You think I’m not scared too?” he whispered, his voice breaking. “You think I don’t wake up every day terrified of losing you? But I can’t… I won’t let you do this. Not alone. Not without a fight.”

Noah blinked, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Nick…” he choked out, his voice wavering. “I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

Nick shook his head, his hands still holding Noah’s face. “You’re not hurting me,” he said fiercely. “You’re not. But if you do this, if you go to one of those places… that’s what will hurt me. Losing you will destroy me, Noah. And I won’t let that happen.”

Noah swallowed hard, his breath coming in shuddering gasps. “I don’t know what to do, Nick,” he confessed, his voice small and broken. “I don’t know how to fix this.”

Nick pulled him closer, their foreheads touching, his voice a rough whisper. “We’ll figure it out,” he promised. “Together. But you have to trust me. You have to let me help you… please, Noah.”

"Then, you do it Nick..."

"What are you talking about?"

"Lock me up"

Nick laughed. Then his smile faded, he blinked, taken aback by Noah's words when he realized he was serious, his hands still holding onto Noah’s face. "What?" he breathed, his voice barely more than a whisper. “What do you mean, 'lock you up'?"

Noah’s eyes were still wide and glassy, his tears fresh on his cheeks. “If you think there’s another way… if you don’t want me in one of those places… then do it yourself,” he said, his voice strained. “Keep me away from everyone. Make sure I don’t hurt you.”

Nick felt a chill run down his spine. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. “Noah, that’s… that’s not what I meant,” he stammered. “I don’t want to control you… I want to help you. But I don’t want to lock you up like some… prisoner.”

Noah’s breath hitched, his hands coming up to grip Nick’s arms as if to steady himself. “I don’t trust myself, Nick,” he confessed, his voice trembling. “I don’t know what I’ll do next, I don’t know if I’ll snap again…"

Nick sighed. "Look, if my safety is your concern, then if you attempt another attack on me I'll beat the shit out of you before you could touch me" Nick tried to enlighten the darkly growing atmosphere.

"You won't Nick, last time you couldn't" 

Nick just sighed and shook his head. Noah was right, Nick is incapable of hurting Noah even if Noah tried to kill him.

Noah waited for Nick's response but there wasn't any. Nick can't do that and when Noah realized it، he tapped twice on Nick's shoulder. "You gotta let me go then, Nick" with that, Noah walked past Nick trying to get to the main street to take a cap, but before he got further, Nick grabbed him from his arm and pulled him into a tight embrace.

"Stop, just stop..." Nick buried his head in Noah's neck. "Noah...doing this, being stubborn, it drains me out". Nick exhaled, still burying his head into Noah's shoulder, holding him tight, afraid of letting go.

"Noah, you can't keep doing this to me, i feel hurt all of the time because of the way you think and want to act, considering me not here all of the time, not caring about how I feel"

Noah was startled, his eyes wide open. "But I'm doing this because I don't want to hurt you"

"No Noah, please, doing this is hurting me, wanting to act alone, taking all the responsibility  ..." 

"Nick..." Noah was about to talk but Nick interrupted.  "Noah...I won't let you do this, if you do this, you're gonna have to go through me first, because I'm not going to allow you period"

Noah came to realize that he was really pushing Nick to his limits, and not because of his condition, it's because he's acting this way. Maybe he needs to let Nick really help him and stop with his bride.
Nick does really seem hurt everytime Noah tries to act on his own, refusing his assistance. Maybe Noah would let himself go, let himself be taken care of by Nick, maybe just this time he would give in and lower his defenses.

"Aright ..." Noah whispered,

 Nick's grip loosened, he pulled back placing both hands on Noah's shoulder. "Promise me, you won't do anything stupid"

Noah sighed. "I promise.. not while I'm aware and in my right mind at least"  Noah shrugged his shoulders and smiled.

Nick chuckled. "Okay Noah, okay" Nick opened his mouth to say something but he noticed a familiar figure standing right behind Noah, his blood ran cold.

Noah's gaze moved to where Nick was looking, his eyes widened, shocked. Adam!

Nick’s hand instinctively moved to his holster the moment he spotted Adam, his heart freezing in his chest. Adam, the man who had dragged them both into this nightmare, stood just a few feet away, his usual cocky grin plastered on his face. But before Nick could draw his weapon fully, Adam lifted a hand, his fingers spread wide in a mocking gesture of surrender. A second later, red laser dots appeared on both Nick and Noah’s chests, slowly moving upward to their heads.

“Ah, ah, ah,” Adam tutted, wagging his finger. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Nick.” His voice was smooth, almost playful, but his eyes glinted with malice. “You wouldn’t want to make things messy, would you?”

Nick’s heart pounded in his chest as he noticed the laser dots, his fingers twitching on his gun. Every muscle in his body screamed at him to act, but he could not make a wrong move. There was a fear in Noah’s eyes, for the first time Nick noticed and it twisted something deep in Nick’s gut.

"Pretty stupid move to show yourself and you've been on our radar for long" Nick spoke, eyeing Adam up and down trying to break him.

"I wouldn't call it stupid"  Adam replied, his gaze moved to Noah. "I needed to see Noah"

"You better stay the hell away from Noah " Nick threatened, his tone firm.
 
Adam paced forward slowly and teasingly towards Noah and Nick held his arm. "I said, stay away"

"Nick, any wrong move and my guys will blow your heads both, you wouldn't want that to happen to Noah, would you?" 

Nick kept glaring at Adam , not removing his grip.
"Would you? If you would, my men already have a clear shot, so.. " Adam smirked and the red dot moved up and down Noah and Nick heads and chests.

Nick let go hardly, keeping an eye on Adam.

"I Just wanna tell him something real quick" Adam walked past Nick towards Noah.

Noah took a step back, pressing his body against the wall, instinctively trying to distance himself from Adam. But Adam moved with deliberate, calculated steps, closing the gap between them.
Adam looked down at Noah with a wicked grin, towering over him as if savoring the control he held in this moment.

 “Been a while, hasn’t it, Noah?” Adam’s voice dropped to a low, predatory whisper as he leaned in, his face inches from Noah’s. His hand came up, tracing a slow, teasing line down Noah’s arm, making Noah tense under the touch. “I missed you. Did you miss me?”

Noah clenched his jaw, his breath coming in sharp, shallow gasps as he pressed further against the cold brick wall behind him.

Nick’s fingers tightened around his gun, his knuckles turning white, every nerve on edge as he fought the urge to lunge at Adam. But Adam glanced over his shoulder, catching Nick’s movement, and grinned wider. “Careful, Nick. You make a move, and as I said, my boys up there won’t hesitate to paint this place red”

“Get away from him,” Nick growled through gritted teeth, his voice trembling with fury and helplessness.

Adam chuckled, a low, sinister sound, and leaned in closer to Noah. His lips brushed against Noah’s ear as he whispered, “You see, I’ve been thinking… maybe you should’ve stayed in my shadows, Noah. It was only you and me back then, Could’ve avoided all this. But no, you had to leave. Found yourself a new pal so quickly when I was like family to you"

Nick barely could stand still, he wanted to do something, he couldn't take that, not when he knew what kind of Trauma Adam had caused Noah and how Noah seemed afraid even though he was trying to hide it.

Once more Nick took a step forward, instinctively, then the red dot moved to Noah's face. Adam traces the dot with his hand, brushing Noah's jawline with his thumb. "I wouldn't recommend that, agent" Adam commanded without turning around, then he pressed further against Noah, leaning again to his ear.

"I gave you another chance for amends, but it didn't go the way we wanted and look at you now, look where your morals got you, So fragile. So breakable.”

Noah stiffened, his body shaking as Adam’s breath ghosted across his skin. “What do you want, Adam?” he managed to choke out, his voice barely above a whisper.

Adam smirked, pulling back just enough to look Noah in the eye. His hand reached up to grip Noah’s chin, forcing his head to tilt upward, trapping him in a gaze filled with venom. “What do I want? Simple. I want what was taken from me.” His eyes flicked to Nick for a brief moment, then back to Noah. “I want you, Noah”

Nick’s mind raced, trying to figure out what Adam was playing at.

"What do you mean you want Noah" Nick asked, confusion all over his features.

"Well, I had him before, if it wasn't for Damion who interfered and involved you Nick, my original plan was Noah only" Adam locked Noah in position by placing his hand against the wall, he tilted his head with eyes locked on Noah's. "I wanna get back to where we were, doing missions together, making up for the days Noah abandoned me years ago"

Nick’s heart raced with a mix of fury and fear, watching helplessly as Adam cornered Noah, their faces too close for comfort. Every word Adam uttered seemed to be another twist of the knife in Nick’s chest, and the sight of Noah trembling under Adam's control made him feel as if he was suffocating. His mind screamed at him to act, to do something—anything—but he couldn't, due to the deadly trap they were caught in. His hands itched, desperate to grip his gun, to put an end to this nightmare, but one wrong move could mean losing Noah forever.

Adam’s voice slithered through the air like poison, his words playing on Noah’s vulnerabilities, tormenting him. Nick’s fists clenched, nails biting into his palms as Adam’s hands lingered on Noah, brushing against his skin with a sickening familiarity. Every touch, every whisper felt like a violation. Nick’s blood boiled as he saw Noah’s shoulders slump under the weight of Adam’s presence.

Adam leaned in closer one more time, whispering in a low, dark tone. “You know, Noah, It could’ve been so simple, . Just you and me, but now..." Adam's hand reached up as if to caress Noah’s neck, "I told you, Noah… you can’t run from me. I’ll always be watching.” 

What neither Nick nor Noah saw was the brief flash of a needle, small, concealed, its sting hidden beneath the heat of Adam’s hand. With practiced precision, Adam injected a stronger, maintaining dose of the drug he and Damion had used before. This one would hit harder, keeping Noah bound to the effects that had already started tearing at his mind. But neither Noah nor Nick noticed—the act was too swift, too subtle, and Adam’s cruel grin masked everything.

Noah shifted uneasily, reaching up to rub the spot on his neck where he felt a strange sting. His brows furrowed slightly, confusion flickering in his eyes, but he said nothing. Adam just chuckled, stepping back with a grin, giving a dismissive wave. “Oops,” he muttered with a playful smirk, “my bad. Accessories, you know.”

Nick’s eyes narrowed, catching the slight motion, but he couldn’t piece it together. Something was off, but he didn’t know what. His jaw clenched as Adam continued to toy with them.

“Don’t worry, Nick,” Adam’s voice was smooth, mocking. “I’m not here to hurt him… yet. Just checking in, making sure things stay interesting, which seems like they are interesting since you are standing outside a psychiatrist clinic.” His gaze darted back to Noah, who was blinking a little too quickly, rubbing at his neck again, trying to shake off the growing sense of unease.

Nick’s stomach churned as he watched Noah stiffen, the fear in his eyes impossible to miss, but Adam didn’t let up. He turned his head slightly, giving Nick one last mocking glance before pulling away completely.

“Don’t worry, I’m done for now,” Adam said with a lazy shrug. “But we’ll meet again, soon.” He shot them both one last smirk before slipping back into the shadows, disappearing as suddenly as he had appeared. Then the red dots vanished, leaving Nick and Noah alone, surrounded by a crushing silence.

Nick ran after Adam tried to catch him, but Adam got into a black vehicle without a number plate and hit the road. Nick picked up his radio and informed the closest unit quickly to track Adam, giving them the location, time, car type and the direction he went to. Then he rushed to Noah’s side, grabbing his shoulders. “Noah, are you okay?” His voice was thick with worry, his hands shaking slightly as he searched Noah’s face for any sign of what just happened. But Noah didn’t answer right away. He looked… dazed. His fingers grazed his neck again, but he still couldn’t make sense of the dull ache there.

“Noah?” Nick’s voice wavered. “Talk to me.”

Noah blinked, his eyes slowly refocusing, but there was a lingering confusion in his gaze. “I… I’m fine,” he mumbled, though his voice lacked conviction. Something felt wrong, but he couldn’t place it.

"Let's go" Nick guided Noah to their car. They moved as swiftly and cautiously as possible. Once inside, Nick’s mind was racing. He needed to think clearly, but his primary concern was getting Noah to safety and ensuring that Adam’s threat was neutralized. The important question now, does Adam know where they live? 

As they drove away from the clinic, the silence in the car was heavy. Nick glanced over at Noah, who was staring out the window, lost in thought. The day’s events had taken a toll on both of them, and the  threat of Adam only added to the weight they carried.

---
Nick’s hand tightened around the steering wheel as they drove in silence. Adam’s face kept flashing in his mind. The grin, the calm, the threat, all of it. It didn’t make sense. How did he find them? They’d moved to a new apartment, taken every precaution. No one knew their location, not even close friends.

But Adam had a way of knowing things. It gnawed at Nick’s mind, turning over every possibility. Had Adam somehow tracked them down? Did he have someone following them, or worse—was someone inside their inner circle betraying them?

Nick glanced over at Noah, who was slumped against the car door, staring out of the window. His fingers grazed his neck absentmindedly, still unsettled from whatever Adam had done back in the alley. There was a strange absence in Noah's eyes, a distance that made Nick’s stomach tighten with concern. He would address that soon enough, but right now, the bigger question was looming.

When they pulled into the parking garage of their new apartment building, Nick parked the car and turned to Noah. "You're feeling ok?"

 “Do you think he knows where we live?” Noah avoided the question with another answer, The words were heavy, loaded with fear and frustration.

Nick shook his head slowly, but his voice cracked when he spoke. “I… I don’t know. He didn’t mention it, but he didn’t have to. You saw him, Noah. He always knows more than we think.”

Nick cursed under his breath, gripping the wheel harder. “I’m not taking any chances.”

They stepped out of the car, their footsteps echoing in the quiet garage. they hurried to the elevator, Nick’s eyes darting to every corner.

Once inside their apartment, Nick wasted no time. He locked the door and began checking everything. Windows. Locks. The tiniest crack in the doorframe. Nothing seemed out of place, but the paranoia kept crawling under his skin. What if Adam had been here already? What if he’d left something behind, some sort of trap or surveillance?

“Check the cameras,” Nick muttered to himself, pulling up the security feed on his phone. He had installed cameras in the hallway and around their door, but as he scanned through the footage from the last few days, there was no sign of Adam.

Still, it didn’t ease his mind.

Noah paced nervously in the living room, his eyes occasionally flicking to Nick. “Do you think he could’ve followed us?” His voice was small, almost defeated. Noah hated feeling helpless, but Adam always had a way of stirring that in him.

Nick stood and walked toward him, resting a firm hand on his shoulder. “If he followed us, we’d know by now. We’ve been careful.” He paused, searching Noah’s face. “But I’m not ruling anything out. We’ll check with the building’s security office to see if anyone suspicious has been hanging around.”

Noah nodded, but Nick could see the strain in his eyes. “I don’t like this, Nick. What if he’s just waiting for the right moment?”

Nick's jaw clenched. He didn’t want to admit that the same thought had been plaguing him. Adam never made empty threats; if he wanted to get to them, he would.

“Stay here,” Nick said, moving toward the door. “I’ll go talk to security.”

When he reached the front desk, Nick showed his badge the guard greeted him with a polite nod. “Anything wrong, sir?”

“I need to check the recent footage. See if there’s been anyone hanging around that doesn’t belong.”

The guard raised an eyebrow but complied, pulling up the footage from the last few days. Nick scanned the screens, watching as people entered and exited the building. There was nothing out of the ordinary. No Adam. No strange visitors. No signs of a break-in.

“It all looks clean,” the guard said, leaning back in his chair.

Nick frowned, but he nodded. “Thanks. Let me know if anything unusual happens.”

Back in the apartment, Noah sat on the couch, his knees drawn up to his chest, staring blankly at the floor. Nick sat beside him, running a hand through his hair, the weight of the situation pressing down on him.

“Security didn’t see anything,” Nick said softly, but there was no relief in his voice. “No one’s been hanging around. No break-ins. So far, we’re in the clear.”

Noah let out a shaky breath, but his eyes didn’t leave the floor. “You don’t believe that though, do you?”

Nick sighed, rubbing his temples. “No. I don’t.” He looked at Noah, his voice dropping. “I don’t trust Adam. He’s not stupid enough to let us catch him so easily. I don’t know how, but if he wanted to find us, he would.”

The room felt colder, the air heavy with unsaid fears. Noah finally looked up at Nick, his eyes tired. “What do we do?”

“We stay on alert,” Nick said firmly, though his gut twisted with uncertainty. “a police car gonna stay outside the building for protection, I'll add more cameras. Reinforce the locks"

"Alright..." Noah sighed burying his head in his palms.

Nick placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's gonna be different this time, we're going to haunt him, not the other way around"

Noah pulled his head out and looked at Noah. "Adam would never let it go Nick, we thought he was merely a side kick for Damion but that's not the case, he has his men, his isolated agenda"

"His beef is personal with you Noah"

"Yeah, and that is what bothers me, he would hurt everyone I care about just to make me submit to him, he'll find a way to hurt you Nick, because of me again you'll go through ...."

"Noah, stop..." Nick said shaking his head when he noticed that Noah speaking was fast and anxious.

"Again you worry about me forgetting yourself when you should be concerned about it especially that you are not well"

Noah just exhaled deeply, he didn't know what else should be said, no words matter anyway.

A brief moment of silence passed between the two before Nick cut through it. "I'm getting back to work, Noah, I received a call, they couldn't catch Adam nor his car, now they need me there,  the work from home is no longer an option for me”

Noah sat quietly for a moment, his gaze steady, before he nodded. “I understand, Nick. You’ve been by my side through all of this, but you have a job to do.”

Nick leaned forward, his voice softening. “It’s not that simple. I hate the idea of leaving you alone, especially after…” He trailed off, unable to bring himself to say Adam’s name. “With everything that’s happened.”

"No, it's fine, maybe it'll be for the best"

"I don't know Noah, I'm not comfortable with it, last time I left you, you were drowning in your blood Noah, I don't know how we could manage now...."

"Hey.." Noah placed his hand above Nick's. "I won't get near the kitchen or any sharp tools, I'll even lock the drawers" Noah said smiling but he was serious, they'll have to hide any sharp tools away just in case incident like the last time happens.

"I'm not sure Noah"

"I will be fine, Nick"

"And You wouldn't go behind my back to one of these 'asylums' you're so desperate to go to, would you?" Nick said teasingly.

Noah laughed brokenly because he did have this thought and he was willing to go with all his mind power, but he couldn't, not after he promised Nick, not after Nick did so much for him, not after Nick expressed how Noah's been hurting him by these thoughts, actions and stubbornness.

Noah's features went serious. "I won't, I promise.."

Nick nodded smiling and caressing the back of Noah's neck. 

Noah tensed at the touch without realizing it. It felt like a burn. 

"You ok?" Nick asked when he caught a glimpse of Noah's disturbed features.

Noah got on his feet. "Yeah, it's..." Before he could continue, the world around him began spinning, his body tilting eager to meet the floor however, Nick swiftly held him before he fell. "Hey... you ok?", 

"Yeah i don't know, maybe low blood pressure..." Noah replied gaining his normal posture back .

Nick sighed and thought again of how it's dangerous to leave Noah alone especially if something like that happens and he's not around. Maybe other worse things can happen. He couldn't believe minutes ago he was almost fine with that decision, leaving Noah alone ,Then, an idea came up to him.

"Noah, I'm calling Dr Harper, I'll ask her to provide a part time caregiver, he could be with you while I'm away. He won't do anything, just keep an eye,  on you to help you in case you need anything, and call me if something happens"

"That's not..."

"Please Noah, it's the only way I can make sure you're safe" There wasn't anyplace for argument for Nick.

"Alright Nick " Noah sighed.

To be continued.

Chapter Text

Nick called Dr. Harper that night, insisting on a caregiver for Noah. Dr. Harper understood the urgency of the situation and quickly arranged for someone. She assured Nick that she’d assign one of her most trusted professionals, someone who had experience with patients like Noah. This gave Nick a little comfort, though the anxiety still gnawed at him.

The next morning, the caregiver was scheduled to arrive before Nick had to leave for work. Noah, on the other hand, was calm but noticeably distant. He’d gone about his morning routine quietly, keeping his movements slow and deliberate, as if afraid of triggering another dizzy spell.

Nick looked up at the clock as a knock sounded at the door. “That must be him,” Nick muttered, and he opened the door to find a tall, thin man in his mid-thirties, dressed in scrubs with a warm but professional smile.

“Good morning” the man greeted. “I’m Ethan Garrison, your assigned caregiver for Noah.” He held out a hand, and Nick shook it, studying him carefully.

“Come in,” Nick said, stepping aside. “I appreciate you coming so early.”

“No problem at all,” Ethan replied, his tone calm and reassuring. “I’ve been briefed about Noah’s condition, and I’ll do my best to keep an eye on him while you’re at work.”

Noah, who had been sitting on the couch with his legs crossed, raised his head to look at the man. His eyes narrowed slightly, but he offered a polite nod. “Hey,” he greeted simply, not moving from his spot.

Ethan smiled kindly at Noah and stepped further into the apartment. “I’ll try not to be in your way,” he said. “I’m just here to make sure you’re safe and comfortable. If you need anything, just let me know.”

“You sure you’re gonna be okay?” Nick asked, his voice soft but filled with concern.

Noah offered a faint smile. “I’ll be fine, Nick. And this is too much, assigning a babysitter is just, i don't know...”

Nick chuckled.  “Noah, Ethan is not a babysitter"

"Nick, you worry too much and seem to be forgetting I'm a grown up man just like you and you don't have to do too much for my sake"

"If you're grown up man you will accept this then, Noah, it's the only way I can leave without worrying of what might happen to you" Nick's tone went firm and Noah understood deciding not to argue further, it was indeed a reasonable option for Nick to bring some one to keep an eye on him.

“ok Nick, ok" Noah rolled his eyes to the side.

Nick rose and turned to Ethan. “If anything seems off, you call me immediately. I’ll leave my number on the counter.”

Ethan nodded, his expression serious. “Absolutely, I'll take care of it and call you, You can count on me.”

Nick hesitated for a moment longer, then finally grabbed his keys from the table by the door. “Alright,” he muttered, exhaling sharply. “I’ll be back by five.”

---

Inside the apartment, Noah watched the door close behind Nick. He turned to look at Ethan, who was already setting up his things in the small living room.

“You don’t have to babysit me, you know,” Noah said, his voice flat as he leaned back into the couch.

Ethan chuckled softly, sitting down across from him. “I’m not here to babysit. Just to make sure nothing goes wrong. You can go about your day, and I’ll stay out of your way.”

Noah nodded, feeling a strange heaviness settle in his chest. He didn’t know what it was, whether it was the lingering effects of the drug Adam had injected him with that Noah had no idea of, or something else. Either way, his mind felt clouded, his thoughts fuzzy.

The dizziness from the night before still lingered, and occasionally, his vision blurred for a few seconds. He tried to shake it off, but it was like there was a fog he couldn’t break through.

“I’m going to make some tea,” Noah muttered, standing up from the couch. His legs felt wobbly beneath him, but he steadied himself, ignoring Ethan’s concerned gaze as he walked into the kitchen.

As he filled the kettle with water, the world around him tilted slightly. The soft hum of the water hitting the metal sounded distant, as if he were underwater. Noah gripped the counter for support, his pulse quickening. Something was wrong, but he didn’t know what.

He didn’t want to worry Nick more than he already had, but deep down, Noah knew this wasn’t just the aftermath of stress or low blood pressure. It was something else. 

Few days later, Dr. Harper called announcing that there will be a new caregiver assigned to Noah since Ethan had an urgent matter and he had to take some days off work. Nock and Noah understand.

In the morning, they were sitting together at the kitchen table, Noah was sipping on his tea, staring out the window while Nick packed his bag for work. The atmosphere was calm, even if there was a lingering unease that Nick could never fully shake when leaving Noah alone.

A knock at the door broke the silence.

“That must be the replacement,” Nick muttered, glancing at the clock. He walked over and opened the door to reveal a man standing there, wearing the standard scrubs of a medical professional. He was of average height, with light brown hair, neatly combed back, and a pleasant but slightly too-perfect smile.

“Good morning, I’m Alex Morrison,” the man said, extending his hand. “Dr. Harper sent me"

Nick hesitated for just a second before shaking his hand. “Thanks for coming on such short notice. I appreciate it.”

Alex gave a warm nod, then his gaze shifted to Noah, who was still sitting at the table. “I’m familiar with Noah’s situation. I’ll make sure everything runs smoothly while you’re gone.”

Noah looked up, forcing a small smile as he offered a quick, polite nod. “Hey,” he muttered, though there was something about Alex that made him feel slightly uneasy. Maybe it was just the fact that it wasn’t Ethan—someone he’d grown accustomed to. Still, he kept quiet, trusting Nick’s judgment.

Nick packed the last of his things. “Remember, if you need anything, Alex is here, and I’m just a phone call away.” he said, his voice soft.

“I’ll be fine,” Noah reassured him, though his tone was more subdued than usual.

“Alright.” Nick turned to Alex, offering one last reminder. “Keep me updated on anything, okay?"

Alex gave a reassuring nod. “Of course, I’ll keep a close eye on him.”

With that, Nick left, and the door clicked shut behind him, leaving Noah and Alex alone in the quiet apartment. Noah watched Nick’s car pull out of the driveway before turning back to Alex.
"I'll tell you what I told Ethan before, I don't wanna be Rude but I don't need a baby sitter, you're here just to keep an eye on me if something happened, that's all. 
 
"Sure, I understand, I won't be in your way" Alex offered almost too nice smile before heading back to sort out his things. 

---

Noah spent the first half of the day working from his laptop in the living room. Alex kept his distance, settling into a chair nearby, scrolling through his phone, and occasionally glancing up to check on Noah. The atmosphere was calm, though there was an underlying tension.

Noah’s health was still fragile, but for the most part, he kept it together, even if there were moments where the world tilted slightly, or his vision blurred. He chalked it up to fatigue.

By noon, Alex asked if Noah wanted lunch.

“No, I’m not really hungry,” Noah replied, his voice quiet, as he closed his laptop. He rubbed his temples, feeling a mild headache creeping in.

“You should eat something,” Alex said, his tone friendly but firm. “Even just a little to keep your energy up.”

Noah sighed, standing up from the couch. “I’ll grab a snack.” 

As Noah made his way to the kitchen, Alex discreetly watched him, his eyes narrowing slightly. He pulled out his phone and walked toward the hallway, dialing a number. After a few rings, someone answered.

“It’s Alex,” he said quietly, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Noah was out of earshot. “Everything’s going as planned. He’s not suspicious yet, but I’ll start administering the doses in a couple of days. I don’t want to rush it and raise any red flags.”

The voice on the other end of the line was unmistakably Adam’s. “Good. Keep it slow, subtle. Make sure he doesn’t suspect a thing. We need him vulnerable, physically and mentally.”

Alex smirked to himself. “Understood. I’ll give you updates as things progress.”

“Keep me posted,” Adam said, his voice sharp before the call ended abruptly.

Alex pocketed his phone and returned to the living room, where Noah was munching on a piece of toast. He gave the man a friendly smile, as if nothing had happened. “Feeling better?” he asked casually.

Noah nodded. “Yeah, a bit. Just tired, I guess.”

“Well, you’ve had a rough couple of months. Just take it easy today,” Alex said, his tone light. “No need to push yourself too hard.”

"Yeah, thanks" 
---

Over the following two days, Alex maintained his professional demeanor, acting like a normal caregiver. And not like some guy sent by Adam to carry on his devious plan of destroying Noah's life. 

Noah continued working from home, though his health seemed to decline incrementally. He started to feel more fatigued, his headaches growing worse, and his appetite diminishing. All those symptoms were due to the drug Adam secretly injected into him, however, the effects were subsiding since it had a short half life , so that was why Alex was sent.

Alex, true to his plan, waited before administering the drug. He made sure that Noah grew accustomed to his presence, becoming more comfortable with him, before making his move. On the third day, when Noah was busy, Alex offered to make some tea for him.

While preparing the tea in the kitchen, Alex carefully slipped a small dose of the drug into Noah’s cup. It was subtle, untraceable, just enough to start the process of weakening him further.

Noah sipped his tea absentmindedly as he worked, unaware of the added substance. As the minutes passed, he began to feel the effects, the world around him started to blur, his thoughts became muddled, and his body felt heavy. He blinked, trying to clear his head, but the fog only thickened.

Alex watched from across the room, a small, satisfied smirk pulling at the corners of his lips.

“Everything okay?” Alex asked, his voice carefully neutral.

Noah shook his head slightly, trying to focus. “Yeah, just… feeling a little tired Maybe I need to rest.”

“Probably a good idea,” Alex agreed. “Do you want me to get you anything? Water, maybe?”

Noah shook his head again, rubbing his eyes. “No, I’m fine. I think I just need to lie down for a moment.”

Alex nodded, helping Noah slowly to his bedroom, his steps unsteady. Once Noah was in,  Alex closed the room door saying. "get some shut eye" then he went out, pulled out his phone again and dialed Adam.

“It’s done, the first dose administered” Alex said quietly. “He’s starting to feel it.”

“Good,” Adam’s voice came through, cold and pleased. “Keep him in that state. Weak, confused. I’ll visit him soon, once he’s deep enough under the influence. He won’t know what’s real by then.”

“Understood, about the payment?.”
"Keep doing what you're doing and you'll get even more than you thought" Adam promised and Alex smirked on the other end of the line.

He hung up and leaned back in his chair, his eyes drifting toward the bedroom door where Noah had disappeared. The game had only just begun.

-7 PM-

The soft click of the front door echoed through the apartment as Nick stepped inside, the familiar weight of the day’s stress hanging on his shoulders. The evening light filtered dimly through the blinds, casting long, muted shadows on the floor. Everything was quiet.

Nick glanced around, immediately noticing how still the place felt. Usually, Noah would be up by now, maybe sitting on the couch, his laptop balanced on his knees, pretending to work while really just zoning out. But today, there was no movement, no sign of Noah. Just Alex, sitting in the armchair, casually flipping through his phone.

Nick’s brows furrowed as he dropped his keys onto the counter. “Hey,” he greeted softly, not wanting to disturb the quiet. His eyes darted toward the hallway where Noah’s bedroom door was slightly ajar. “How was everything today?”

Alex rose from the chair, his expression calm and professional. “Everything went well,” Alex said, smoothing down his scrubs. “Noah’s been a little off today, more tired than usual. He mentioned feeling dizzy earlier, so I suggested he get some rest. He’s been asleep for a couple of hours now.”

Nick’s frown deepened. “Asleep this early?” He crossed his arms over his chest, the unease already creeping into his stomach. “That’s... not like him.”

Alex gave a small, understanding nod. “It’s been a slow recovery, Nick. With everything he’s been through, the fatigue isn’t unexpected. He mentioned feeling a bit out of it after lunch, but nothing alarming. I made sure he ate something light, though his appetite isn’t great.”

Nick sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, that sounds like him lately.” He paused, glancing again toward the bedroom. “But the dizziness...”

“It could be from exhaustion or stress, maybe of not eating well,” Alex suggested. His tone was reassuring but professional, the way a doctor might talk to a patient’s anxious family. “His vitals were normal when I checked earlier. He’s just worn down, Nick. He needs time to rest and regain his strength.”

Nick shifted uneasily, his gaze returning to Alex. “Yeah, I just don’t want to miss something, you know? Last time I thought he was fine, and then... well, we know how that turned out.”

Alex offered a sympathetic smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I understand. It’s hard to watch someone you care about struggle, but we’re keeping a close eye on him. If anything changes, I’ll let you know immediately.”

“Alright,” Nick muttered, still unconvinced but willing to let it slide for now. “Thanks for being here. I appreciate you keeping an eye on him.”

“Of course,” Alex replied, glancing at his watch. “I’ll be back tomorrow morning. If anything seems off overnight, just give me a call. But I’m confident he’ll be okay tonight. Just needs some rest.”

Nick nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

Alex headed toward the door, pausing only briefly to add, “Just keep him calm, make sure he doesn’t overexert himself.”

Nick gave a final nod as Alex left, the door closing softly behind him. The apartment was left in silence once more.

With Alex gone, Nick stood in the quiet apartment for a moment longer, the low hum of the refrigerator the only sound filling the air. He took a shower, changed his clothes, did a lot of stuff and a lot of time passed, he expected Noah to wake up by now but he was still a sleep. 

He slowly made his way to Noah’s bedroom, pushing the door open with gentle care. The room was dim, the curtains drawn, Noah lay on his side, curled into the blankets, his face partially hidden by the pillow. He looked peaceful, too peaceful.

Nick’s heart clenched at the sight of him. He seemed so small, so fragile. The rise and fall of his chest was steady, but his skin was pale, his lips faintly dry. Noah had always been a little too stubborn for his own good, but this? This wasn’t stubbornness. It was exhaustion—something deeper, something that worried Nick more than he cared to admit.

Nick sat on the edge of the bed, his hand reaching out to gently brush through Noah’s hair. “Hey,” he whispered softly, his fingers trembling slightly as they glided through the soft strands. “You okay?”

Noah stirred slightly at the touch, his brow furrowing, but his eyes remained closed. Nick’s hand moved to his cheek, gently cupping it as he leaned in closer. "Noah..." Nick didn't want to awaken him but he was worried.

Noah’s eyes fluttered open slowly, blinking in the dim light as he struggled to focus. He looked disoriented, as if he wasn’t quite sure where he was. His gaze finally settled on Nick, but there was a haze in his eyes—something distant.

“Nick?” Noah’s voice was raspy, barely a whisper.

“I’m here,” Nick reassured him, brushing his thumb gently across Noah’s cheek. “How are you feeling?”

Noah blinked a few times, his hand reaching up to rub his eyes. “Good, just tired...” he muttered. His voice sounded heavy, like he was speaking through a fog.

Nick’s chest tightened. “You’ve been sleeping for a while, I'm sorry I woke you up, i was worried. Alex said you were dizzy earlier.”

“Yeah... just felt weird today and it is fine I needed to get up any way,” Noah murmured. He tried to push himself up, but his arms shook under the effort and a wave of dizziness returned to him. Nick quickly placed a hand on his shoulder, urging him to stay down.

“Don’t push yourself,” Nick said softly. “Just rest.”

Noah let out a small sigh, his head sinking back into the pillow. “I hate this...”

“it's ok, I've got you” Nick whispered, his heart aching at the exhaustion in Noah’s voice.

Noah’s eyes drifted closed again, and for a moment, Nick thought he had fallen back asleep. But then, Noah’s voice, soft and strained, broke the silence. "How was work today"

Nick smiled. "It was fine Noah"

"Any lead on Adam?" 

"The guys are working on it, but I don't have high hopes we'll find him, he hides his tracks well" Nick explained then placed a hand on Noah's hair. " don't worry about that though"

"How can I not..." Noah words were merely a whisper as he was drifting back into sleep. 

"It's ok, get some rest Noah" 

No response came from Noah, Nick tucked him with the blanket then left the room. Nick could tell something was right but in the same time he thought maybe this is a good thing, Noah resting, calm, sleeping, it's better than his situation returning to him.

-The next morning-

Alex arrived at the apartment, Nick was by the door, dressed for work, he glanced back at the bedroom as he tugged on his coat.

"Morning, Alex," Nick greeted, his voice low. "He's still out cold."

Alex smiled faintly, nodding. "Yeah, it’s probably best he sleeps as much as possible. Don’t worry, I’ll be here all day, taking care of him."

Nick hesitated, his fingers fidgeting with his keys. "I don’t know, something is not right, the only time he slept like that was when I had to use sedatives to calm his condition, you are not giving him any, right?"

"Of course not, I didn't have to and you didn't tell me to, I would've told you" Alex’s voice was steady and reassuring.

"Right, sorry" Nick said, exhaling. "It's just..." Nick sighed before completing his sentence and Alex spoke.

"I'm sure he'll be ok don't worry, maybe his body is compensating with sleep"

"Yeah...yeah.." Nick seemed like he was trying to convince himself that it was going to be alright.

 With a final glance toward the bedroom, "ok see you  at night" Nick left the apartment, the door closing softly behind him. Alex stood there for a moment, his eyes shifting to the bedroom door. He walked over to the kitchen, pulling out the small vial from his pocket. His fingers twisted the cap off as he measured out a  larger dose than before. The drug had already started taking effect the previous day, but today... today Noah would begin to fall deeper.

He prepared a glass of juice, dissolving the drug into it. This time, the effect would be more intense—enough to start twisting Noah’s perception of reality. With everything ready, Alex moved toward the bedroom.

---

Noah stirred in bed, blinking as the door creaked open. His body felt heavy, like he was dragging himself through thick fog. He squinted, disoriented, as Alex’s figure appeared in the doorway.

“Morning, Noah,” Alex said, his voice smooth. “I brought you fresh juice. How are you feeling today?”

Noah rubbed at his eyes, his movements sluggish. "My head feels... weird."

Alex approached, placing the glass on the bedside table. "You should drink this. Staying hydrated should help with the dizziness."

Noah nodded weakly, reaching for the glass with trembling hands. He took a few sips, barely registering the taste. His head felt heavier than usual, the world around him dimming slightly as he blinked, trying to shake off the strange fog clouding his thoughts.

“I just need to sleep a little longer,” Noah mumbled, his voice barely audible.

“That’s okay,” Alex replied gently, watching him closely. “You just rest. I’ll be right outside if you need anything.”

Noah settled back into the pillows, closing his eyes, his mind already starting to drift away. Alex stood there for a moment, he left the room, his phone already in hand. He stepped into the kitchen, dialing Adam’s number as he glanced back toward Noah’s room.

“It’s done,” Alex said quietly into the phone. “I gave him the increased dose. He’ll get worse soon”

On the other end of the line, Adam’s voice was cold and calculating. “Perfect. That means it’s time for me to visit. I want him confused. Vulnerable.”

Alex replied. “He’s in no state to resist.”

“I’ll be there soon,” Adam said, his voice dark with satisfaction.

Alex hung up, glancing back toward the closed bedroom door. The game was progressing perfectly for Adam.

---
-2 hours later-

Noah drifted in and out of sleep, his mind struggling to grasp onto reality. He blinked, his vision blurry as he stared up at the ceiling. The room felt... strange. Shadows seemed to move at the corners of his eyes, distorting the familiar shapes of the furniture. He blinked again, rubbing his eyes, but the shadows wouldn’t go away.

He sat up slowly, his head spinning. The dizziness was worse now, and his body felt like it didn’t quite belong to him. He tried to focus on his surroundings, but everything felt wrong. His vision shifted, the room bending and warping in ways that didn’t make sense.

“Alex...” he called out, his voice hoarse. He wasn’t sure if Alex was even still there. His voice echoed strangely in his ears, as if the walls were closing in around him.

The shadows seemed to grow darker, shapes forming in the corners of the room. Noah blinked rapidly, shaking his head, trying to clear the fog from his mind. But the shapes only got clearer—indistinct figures lurking at the edges of his vision, moving closer.

He tried to stand up, but his legs buckled under him, sending him stumbling to the floor. His breath came out in shallow gasps as he crawled toward the door, his mind screaming that something was wrong, but unable to figure out what.

Suddenly, the door opened.

Noah blinked, squinting up at the figure standing there. His heart pounded in his chest, confusion flooding his mind. The figure stepped forward, and for a moment, Noah thought it was Nick.

But as his vision cleared just slightly, he realized with a sinking feeling that it wasn’t.

It was Adam.

Adam crouched down beside Noah, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he watched the younger man struggle to focus. “You don’t look so good, Noah,” Adam’s voice was soft, almost mocking.

Noah blinked up at him, his mind reeling. “You... you’re not real. It can’t be...” Noah's voice was barely auditable.

Adam smirked, reaching out to gently brush a strand of hair away from Noah’s face. “Oh, I’m very real, Noah. You just can’t tell the difference anymore, can you?”

Noah’s breath hitched, his mind spinning. He tried to pull away, but his body wouldn’t respond the way he wanted it to. Everything was wrong. Nothing felt real. Was Adam really here? Or was this just another hallucination?

Adam leaned in closer, his voice a whisper against Noah’s ear. “I'm going to enjoy this ..." 

Adam’s grip on Noah was firm, his fingers digging into his arms as he lifted him off the floor with disturbing ease. Noah’s legs wobbled beneath him, barely able to hold his weight as Adam half-dragged him from the room. His vision swam in and out of focus, each step a struggle to stay conscious. His mind was clouded, torn between the surreal nature of what was happening and the dread settling in his stomach.

“Come on, Noah,” Adam sneered, his voice low and dark as he yanked Noah through the apartment. “Stay with me. You can’t pass out on me yet. Not when the fun’s just beginning.”

Noah stumbled, his shoulder slamming into the doorframe as they moved into the living room. He groaned, his body aching from the sudden force. His eyes darted around the room, panic rising in his chest, but everything felt distorted, unreal. The shadows seemed to stretch, twisting the familiar space into something unfamiliar and menacing. Was this even real?

“W-What do you want?” Noah’s voice was shaky, barely above a whisper.

Adam’s smirk widened as he shoved Noah onto the couch, looming over him. “What do I want?” He chuckled darkly, his eyes gleaming with malice. “I want you to understand how weak you are. How powerless. I want you to break, Noah. Completely.”

Noah tried to push himself up, but Adam was on him in an instant, pressing him back down with a hard shove to his chest. His fingers wrapped tightly around Noah’s wrists, pinning them above his head. The pressure was painful, sending sharp pulses of discomfort through his arms, but the drugs still swirling in Noah’s system dulled the sensation enough to make it bearable—though not for long.

“You’re pathetic, you know that?” Adam’s voice dripped with disdain as he leaned down, his face inches from Noah’s. “You think you’re so important, so needed by Nick, by anyone. But you’re nothing. You’re a plaything for people like me. And soon, you’ll be begging me to take control. To decide everything for you.”

Noah struggled weakly beneath him, but his limbs felt heavy, his movements sluggish. His mind screamed at him to fight, to scream for help, but his voice was trapped in his throat. His vision blurred, tears stinging his eyes as he tried to pull away from Adam’s suffocating presence.

Adam’s grip tightened painfully, his fingers bruising Noah’s wrists. “You’re going to beg me, Noah,” he whispered, his voice laced with cruel satisfaction. “You’re going to beg me to stop. But I won’t. Not until you break. Not until you realize that I own you.”

Noah whimpered, a small, broken sound that only seemed to amuse Adam further. His body ached, his chest rising and falling in shallow breaths as fear clawed at his insides. Adam released one of Noah’s wrists and grabbed a fistful of his hair, yanking his head back roughly.

Noah winced, biting down on his lip to stifle a cry of pain as Adam’s fingers twisted in his hair, pulling harder. “I'll make you submit eventually” Adam’s voice was almost playful, mocking. 

Noah gasped, his voice barely audible. “Stop...”

“Stop?” Adam chuckled, yanking harder on Noah’s hair. “Oh no, we’re just getting started. You don’t get to tell me what to do. You don’t get to say no, I told you, what you've done in the past can't be forgotten, I mean I was ready to forgive you when you joined me months ago, but now I've changed My mind, I'll break you instead”

Adam’s other hand came down to grip Noah’s chin tightly, forcing him to look into his eyes. “Look at you. Pathetic. You can’t even fight back. You’re weak, Noah..I bet Nick is so done with you, you're nothing but a burden to him"

Noah’s breath hitched, his chest tightening with fear.  He was not weak! The drug never left his system before, making him sluggish and now with these extra doses of god knows which new drug Alex was giving him, he is even more Varunable. 
"And I also bet that Nick's hiding the fact that he wants to just move out and settle in some place, away, far away from you and all the drama and troubles you brought into his life"

Noah's eyes were wide opened, Adam's words only confirmed what Noah's been believing inside him and him being in that fragile state wasn't helping. He tried to shake his head, but Adam’s grip on his chin was unyielding. He felt a tear slip down his cheek, Noah hated that, but he couldn't help it. Adam’s eyes flickered with cruel satisfaction.  

“Oh, are you crying?” Adam taunted, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. “Good. That’s good, Noah. You should cry. You should feel how helpless you are.”

Noah’s heart raced, panic surging through him as Adam’s hand released his chin and moved to his throat. The pressure was light at first, a warning, but it was enough to send Noah spiraling further into fear.

“Adam...” Noah’s voice cracked as he tried to plead, but Adam’s fingers tightened around his throat, cutting off his words.

“You’re going to beg me, Noah,” Adam hissed, leaning in so close that Noah could feel his breath on his skin. “Beg me to stop. Beg me to take you back with me, like we used to be,  I want to hear it.”

Noah’s vision started to darken at the edges, his lungs burning as he gasped for air. His hands clawed weakly at Adam’s arm, but it was useless. He could feel the control slipping away from him, feel the crushing weight of Adam’s dominance pressing down on him.

“Say it,” Adam demanded, his voice low and dangerous. "Nick is going to leave you, It's a matter of time, so you better beg me to take you in before that happens"

Noah’s chest heaved, tears streaming down his face as he choked out a broken sob. Noah didn't know why he was crying, in fact he wasn't sure of anything that was happening right now, he felt like floating, but the pain was there. “ Adam, stop...”

But Adam only smirked, releasing his grip on Noah’s throat just enough for him to gasp in a lungful of air before tightening again. “That’s not what I want to hear. Try again.”

Noah’s mind was a whirlwind of fear and pain. His thoughts were a jumbled mess, too overwhelmed to think clearly. He was trapped, helpless under Adam’s control. The drugs in his system clouded his ability to resist, to fight back. All he could do was try to breathe, try to survive this reality or dream, Noah couldn't tell right now.

Adam leaned in closer, his lips brushing against Noah’s ear as he whispered. "Come on, Noah, you don't want Nick to see you like that, he would come to rescue you again and again and if that happens I would have to hurt him, because he's getting in our way one more time"

Noah’s breath hitched, terror spiking through him at the mention of Nick. His mind scrambled, desperation clawing at his chest. He didn’t want this, didn’t want to give in.

“F*k  ..you...” Noah whispered, his voice trembling with anger.

Adam’s grin widened, He released his grip on Noah’s throat, standing up as he looked down at Noah’s trembling form. "It's alright..."

Adam adjusted his clothes. “You’ll come to realize, Noah,” he said, his voice smooth and cold, “that the only way out of this is me”

Noah lay there, his body shaking, the weight of Adam’s words crushing him as he stared up at the shady, blur figure of Adam who had just broken a piece of him he wasn’t sure he’d ever get back. He tried to get up, do something but his body was limp, his eyes were closing and his vision fading. "Nick..." Noah unconsciously murmured Nick's name as he was fading away.

Adam leaned closing Noah's eyes with a gentle brush from his fingers. "Sweet dreams, Noah" 
Noah’s body was sinking into the fog again. He felt Adam’s hand, cold and steady, before everything went dark.

When Noah was out, Adam called out for Alex who was nearby. "Let's get him back into his bed"

Nick stepped into the apartment, the soft click of the door closing behind him barely audible in the quiet space. The first thing he noticed was how still everything felt. No noise, no movement, just a strange heaviness in the air. His heart tightened with worry.

"Alex?" Nick called out softly as he entered the living room, but there was no immediate response. His eyes darted toward the closed bedroom door where Noah was still asleep. He sighed, setting his keys on the counter before moving quietly down the hall.

He hesitated then with a soft knock, he cracked the door open. "Noah?" he whispered.

Noah didn't stir. His body was curled up tightly on the bed, his breathing shallow, as if he were caught in a restless dream. Nick stepped inside, his footsteps careful and quiet. When he reached the bed, he knelt beside it, gently placing his hand on Noah's hair, brushing it gently to wake him. He had to wake him up, Nick didn't help but feel that there is something wrong with how much Noah was sleeping. 

“Noah… How are you feeling?” he asked softly.

Suddenly, Noah flinched violently at the touch, his body jerking away as his eyes shot open in panic. He scrambled back against the headboard, his breath coming in rapid, shallow bursts. Fear, pure and raw, flickered in his eyes, and Nick froze stretching both his hands in assuring gestures. "Hey hey, it's me..."  Nick said gently, his voice laced with concern. But Noah wasn’t hearing him. His lips moved, forming a name that made Nick’s heart stutter.

“Adam…” Noah whispered, his voice broken and terrified.

Nick’s blood ran cold. "Adam?" He repeated, the confusion thick in his voice. His mind raced, trying to make sense of Noah's reaction.

Before Nick could ask more, Alex appeared at the door. “Hey,” he said, his voice calm but with an edge of urgency. “Noah’s been having some bad dreams. He mentioned that name earlier too. Seems like whatever he's going through is messing with his head."

Nick’s eyes flicked to Alex, searching his face for answers. "What..."

Alex stepped closer, keeping his voice soothing but firm. "Nick. He’s been disoriented since this morning. He might’ve dreamt it or imagined it."

Noah, still trembling, clutched at the sheets, his breathing slowly leveling out as the confusion began to settle in. He looked at Nick, his brow furrowing, as if trying to piece together what had just happened. "Nick...I… I thought he was here…"

Nick glanced between Noah and Alex, uncertainty gnawing at him. He reached for Noah again, this time more slowly, cupping his cheek with a soft touch. "It was just a nightmare, yeah? Adam isn’t here. He’s nowhere near us."

Noah hesitated, his eyes flicking to Alex for a brief second before lowering again. "yeah...okay" he murmured nodding, though his voice wavered with doubt.

Alex stepped in closer, folding his arms across his chest. "It happens, Noah. Dreams can feel real, especially when you're unwell. But it's not real. Whoever that guy was, Adam, he wasn't here, I would've known, I've been here the whole time" Alex offered a smile leaning down to Noah a little to make sure he sees his face.

Noah’s face softened slightly, the fear that had consumed him moments before now giving way to a fog of uncertainty. He nodded slowly, convincing himself of the lie. "It felt so real…"

Nick, gently pulled Noah into his arms, pressing his cheek against the top of Noah's head, his fingers running through his hair in an attempt to soothe him. " It's okay, Noah..." he said, though the lingering unease in his gut told him something was still off with Noah again, is he beginning to hallucinate? Or maybe it's just a simple dream? Nick asked in his mind while keeping his grasp firm around Noah's body,  trying to anchor his unsettlement.

Alex stood quietly by the door, watching the two of them closely. "If anything else comes up, just let me know. I’ll keep an eye on him while you’re at work tomorrow."

Nick didn’t respond immediately, his focus still on Noah. Eventually, he nodded, giving Alex a quick glance. "Thanks, Alex."

Alex gave a small nod and turned to leave, his hand tightening briefly on the doorframe before he exited the room and left the apartment.

 "Noah..." Nick pulled back to look at him. "Maybe I should ask for more days off" 

"No..." Noah shook his head, his mind becoming clearer now. "That is not necessary Nick, I'm fine"

Nick sighed. "I'm gonna talk to Dr. Harber tommorw" 

Noah nodded, still taken back by what he experienced , his mind circling around, thinking of how real Adam felt, hurting him, taunting him and saying these words to him that dug deeply into his soul. He lifted his gaze back at Nick, seeing his concerned eyes looking through him. " I brought us cheese burgers, your favorite with the mushroom" Nick smiled standing up, extending his hand for Noah to hold. "Come on Noah, it's been a while since we shared a meal"

With shaky hands, Noah grabbed Nick's hand, getting up slowly. It's good that the drug effects were fading away faster this time, only residual symptoms left.

Then, The night was spent quietly.

To be continued ...

Chapter Text

Noah sat on his desk, fingers tapping on the keyboard. His vision blurred slightly as he blinked, his thoughts scattering before he could catch hold of them. His work felt distant, like trying to grasp smoke, and his concentration slipped further as the minutes passed. He rubbed his eyes, feeling the tiredness in his bones, even though he hadn’t been up that long.

From behind him, Alex’s footsteps padded softly into the room. Noah barely noticed until Alex’s voice cut through the silence, smooth and calm.

"How’s it going, Noah?" Alex asked, leaning casually against the doorframe, his arms crossed.

Noah exhaled slowly, not turning to look at him. "It’s alright. Just hard to focus today."

Alex tilted his head slightly, watching Noah carefully. "Maybe you’re still feeling the effects of yesterday. You’ve been pushing yourself too much lately. I bet your body’s telling you to take a break."

Noah frowned, glancing up briefly. "Yeah, maybe." He returned his gaze to the screen, feeling the frustration gnaw at him. He had to get things done, but it felt like he was walking through thick mud, everything slow and sluggish.

Alex stepped closer, his presence just on the edge of Noah’s awareness, like a shadow lingering too long. "You know," he started, his voice dropping a little, "Nick would want you to take care of yourself. He’s worried about you—hell, I’m worried about you."

The words settled uncomfortably in Noah’s chest. Alex rarely spoke about Nick, and the sudden concern made Noah pause, his fingers stilling over the keyboard. "I’m fine," he said, though even to himself, his voice sounded uncertain.

"You don’t look fine." Alex’s voice softened, almost too gentle, as if he were coaxing something out of Noah. He pulled out a chair and sat down beside him, too close for comfort but not close enough to push Noah away. "Look, I know we don’t know each other well, but I’m here for you. You don’t have to keep everything bottled up."

Noah swallowed, his throat feeling tight. Something about Alex’s words crawled under his skin. He shifted in his seat, uncomfortable, though he couldn’t pinpoint why. "I’m just tired," Noah murmured, his gaze dropping. "It’s probably nothing."

Alex’s eyes lingered on him, watching the subtle way Noah’s body tensed, the way his fingers twitched, betraying the strain he was trying to hide. He nodded slowly, like he understood more than he was letting on. "You know what? How about we switch it up? Maybe get away from the screen for a bit. It might clear your head." Alex wanted Noah to trust him because he felt that Noah's been avoiding him and he didn't want to raise suspesions.

Noah glanced at him. "I don’t know, I should probably keep working."

Alex leaned forward slightly, just enough to make Noah feel his presence even more. "You’re going to burn yourself out, man. Five minutes. Let’s just step outside, get some air. You need it."

Noah hesitated, feeling the exhaustion creeping into his bones. Maybe Alex was right. His thoughts were muddled, his head heavy. "Okay," he said quietly, finally relenting. "Just for a few minutes."

Alex smiled, standing up with a kind of forced ease. "That’s the spirit." He waited for Noah to get up, watching carefully as he stumbled slightly, catching himself on the edge of the desk.

"Easy," Alex murmured, his hand reaching out to steady Noah’s arm. His grip was firm but not forceful, and Noah pulled back, feeling a strange chill crawl down his spine.

They stepped outside into the cool morning air. Noah breathed in deeply, trying to shake the fogginess from his head, but the unease was still there. Alex was watching him, Noah felt his gaze too attentive, like a hunter observing its prey. Noah caught Alex’s eyes for a brief moment, something unreadable passing between them, before Noah looked away.

As they stood there, Noah spoke quietly, more to himself than to Alex. "I don’t know what’s going on with me. I just… feel off."

 "That’s probably just stress. Maybe it’s catching up with you after everything. Don’t worry, though. I’ve got your back."

Noah nodded, though the reassurance felt hollow but Noah shook these ideas, Alex was his caregiver, appointed by his doctor, he had only good intentions. "Thanks." Noah replied.

They stood in silence for a moment longer before Alex’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and his expression shifted—briefly.

"Everything alright?" Noah asked, his voice uncertain.

Alex slipped the phone back into his pocket, his demeanor slipping back into the calm, easy-going persona. "Yeah, just some stuff I need to handle. Work stuff."

Noah nodded absently. "I think I’ll head back inside. Get back to it."

"Sure," Alex said, following behind him.

Inside, while Noah returned to his desk, Alex’s mind was elsewhere. His phone buzzed again, a message from Adam: I’ll be there soon. Make sure Noah’s ready.

Alex glanced over at Noah, a slight guilt creeping in, but he pushed it down. There was no turning back now.

Alex went and brought Noah's pills along with a glass of water that was filled with the everyday hallucinogenic drug.

"Here, your heart medication" Alex offered and Noah took the bait again, swallowing his pills and drinking the water.

Alex sighed and sat away, waiting for the drug to take effect.

---
At noon, Noah started hearing things, his mind became disoriented again, this time it was stronger, he closed his laptop and rubbed his eyes.

Noah's phone buzzed, a message from Nick. 
'hey, Noah, I wanted to check in on you, how are you feeling today?'

Noah stared at the screen, his fingers trembling as he tried to type a reply to Nick. The letters blurred, twisting and distorting into strange symbols that didn’t make sense. He squinted, trying to focus, but his mind was slipping further away, his thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind.

I'm ok, he meant to type, but what appeared was a jumble of nonsensical letters:

I’m o#&kay...*

He frowned, blinking hard as if that would clear the fog from his brain, but it only made things worse. The phone felt heavy in his hand, his grip loosening as his body swayed slightly in the chair. The buzzing in his head grew louder, the low hum turning into a sharp ringing that echoed inside his skull.

Without thinking, he hit send and watched the garbled message shoot off to Nick. his vision swam again, the room tilting and swaying around him.

His phone buzzed once more, a new notification from Nick, but Noah’s hand fell limply to his side. He couldn’t bring himself to look anymore. His heart raced in his chest, but his mind was drifting further, the world around him blurring.

"Here," Alex’s voice broke through the fog, and Noah flinched, his head snapping toward the sound. Alex was standing beside him now, holding out the same glass of water trying to reinforce the drug effect as he was instructed by Adam. “You should drink this.” 

Noah stared at the glass, his mind too disoriented to understand what was happening. He glanced up at Alex, his eyes wide and filled with uncertainty. Something felt wrong—everything felt wrong—but he couldn’t place it. He couldn’t trust his own thoughts anymore.

“I don’t… I don’t need…” Noah muttered, his voice barely audible as he leaned back, trying to create some distance between himself and the glass.

"Come on, Noah," Alex said, his tone soft but insistent, pressing the glass toward him. “It’ll help. Trust me."

Noah blinked, his vision blurring again as the hum in his ears grew louder. His head throbbed, and suddenly, the idea of resisting felt too hard. He couldn’t think straight. Maybe Alex was right. Maybe the water would help clear his head.

With shaky hands, Noah reached out and took the glass, his movements sluggish and uncoordinated. He brought it to his lips and drank, the cool liquid sliding down his throat.

Noah let the empty glass slip from his fingers, his body sinking back into the chair, the drug hitting him stronger this time, faster. His mind was slipping further and further away, the boundaries of reality starting to fray.

Alex watched him quietly from across the room, his expression unreadable.

Noah’s phone rang this time, but he barely noticed, the world around him dissolving into a disorienting blur. And the ringtone seemed magnified in his ears.

Alex watched that Nick was calling Noah, and Noah was too out of it to notice, his eyes half-closed as he slumped in the chair, slipping further into the drug’s grip. Then the phone was silent, no one picked up. Alex glanced over at the screen and saw Nick's name pop up. His eyes narrowed slightly, and with a quiet sigh, he reached for the phone. The last thing he needed was for Nick to get suspicious.

Unlocking the phone, Alex quickly typed a response, keeping it simple.

"I'm fine, Nick, sorry I'm working and I can't pick up, but don't worry I'm okay"

He hit send, watching the message go through. That should keep Nick off their backs for now. Alex glanced over at Noah, who was still sitting motionless, his breathing uneven as his body swayed slightly in the chair.

Noah's eyes were glassy, staring at the floor, and suddenly, his head snapped up, his gaze flicking around the room in confusion. His breaths came in short, shallow bursts, and a low murmur escaped his lips, barely audible.

“Noah,” Alex called softly, testing his response, but Noah didn’t seem to hear him. Instead, his eyes darted to the corners of the room, wide and unfocused, as if he were seeing something that wasn’t really there.

“No... no, stop...” Noah whispered, his voice trembling. His hand shot out, gripping the armrest of the chair, his knuckles turning white as he squeezed it tight.

Alex watched in silence as Noah started to unravel, slipping deeper into the hallucinations.

The air in the room seemed to grow heavier, suffocating, as Noah began hearing things—whispers, distorted voices that seemed to swirl around him, echoing in his head. His breaths quickened, the panic rising in his chest as the voices grew louder. They were everywhere, filling his mind with words he couldn't make sense of.

"Nick...?" Noah whispered, his voice strained. He looked around, his eyes landing on the shadowy corners of the room, as if expecting Nick to walk in any moment. 

Alex approached and placed a hand on Noah's shoulder But Noah flinched, his body jerking back as if he’d seen something horrible, his eyes wide with fear. “No, no... stay away... stay the hell away...”

Alex’s jaw tightened, knowing exactly what Noah was seeing. The drug was taking its full effect now, and Noah was lost in his mind, battling his worst fears. This was what Adam wanted—Noah trapped in a prison of his own making, unable to trust what was real anymore. However, Alex felt a little uneasy about this, But He shook off the guilt when he remembered Adam's threats.

Suddenly, Noah’s breath hitched, and he scrambled to his feet, nearly tripping over himself as he backed away from the chair, his eyes locked on something invisible in the room. He stumbled toward the wall, his hands pressed against it like he was trying to escape.

"Nick... Nick.." Noah cried out, his voice desperate, echoing through the empty apartment. His face twisted in anguish, and he pressed his palms harder against the wall, like he was trying to push through it. His breathing was ragged now, his body trembling as he slid down to the floor, curling up, lost in his hallucinations.

"Hey, hey..." Alex quickly tried to steady him understanding what he was going through. "It's ok, shh" Noah's eyes flickered towards Alex. “It’s not real, Noah, nothing you're seeing is real” he whispered in a low, soothing tone. 

"Alex...help..." Noah pleaded and it made Alex's heart ache for a second.

“I’m here,” Alex continued, his voice soft. It's ok, hang on,  It’ll all go away soon.” Alex guided Noah to the couch and seated him on it. "Rest a little"

Noah stared at him, but his gaze was distant, unfocused, the fear still gripping him. His body trembled, but slowly, under Alex’s calming voice, his breathing began to even out, the panic receding just enough for him to collapse into exhausted silence.

Then Alex's phone buzzed quietly in his pocket, interrupting the moment—it was Adam.

'I'm here...' Adam texted and Alex hurried to the door letting him in.

"You took your time, Alex" Adam said as he stepped inside.

"Sorry, it's..." Alex tried replying but he was cut off by Adam urgent question.

"Whatever, where is Noah?"

Alex guided Adam to the living room.

Adam stepped into the living room, his presence immediately darkening the space. His eyes flicked to Noah, who was stretched out on the sofa, eyes half-closed, still reeling from the drugs Alex had administered. A smirk curled Adam’s lips as he approached, his footsteps slow and deliberate.

“Noah…” Adam’s voice was low, mocking. He crouched beside the sofa, his fingers brushing lightly against Noah’s cheek, causing him to flinch instinctively. “it's good to see you like this”

Noah’s eyes fluttered open slightly, and for a moment, he tried to focus on Adam’s face, but his mind was too clouded, too lost. He blinked, his brow furrowing in confusion, unsure if this was another hallucination or if Adam was really here. His lips parted, but no words came out.

Adam chuckled darkly, enjoying the sight of Noah’s disorientation. “You probably think this is just another nightmare, don’t you?” He leaned closer, his lips barely inches from Noah’s ear. “But it’s not. I’m here, and you’re trapped with me”

Alex stood by the door, his jaw clenched, arms crossed. He could feel the tension rising, the sick thrill Adam got from seeing Noah like this. Alex felt like he didn’t like it—he felt this was going further than he’d anticipated. But Adam had him under his thumb now, and there was no easy way out.

Adam’s hand tightened on Noah’s shoulders, jerking him slightly upright to a sitting position. Noah’s body was weak, his limbs uncooperative, but he winced in pain as Adam’s grip dug into his skin.

“Tell me, Noah,” Adam murmured, his voice dripping with malice. “How much can you take before you break? Hmm? How much more of this can you handle?” He grabbed Noah’s chin roughly, forcing him to look up. Noah’s vision blurred, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps as he tried to make sense of what was happening. "How can Nick protect you while you are completely under my mercy"

"What do ...you..want?.."

Adam held Noah's wrist. "You asked me this before, Noah, but I'll answer again, Believe it or not, all I want is to break you Noah, take my days back, the days you put me through hell in the past, and when I'm done with you..."  Adam leaned down to Noah's ear again to whisper as he tightened his grip on Noah's wrist making his grip painful and causing bruises. "I'll go after Nick..."

“Stay...away... from Nick,” Noah managed to mutter, he moaned in pain but tried to keep it muffled, his voice was weak. He was barely holding on, and Adam's grip wasn't making it easy.

Adam’s smile faltered for a moment, his eyes narrowing.  "Get up"  Then, without warning, Adam pulled Noah up bu his wrist and hissed as he spoke his next words leaning closer to Noah's face. "I'm really sick of seeing you defending him, sick of seeing how loyal both of you are to each other"

 Then Adam pulled back and looked Noah in his eyes directly before his fist collided with Noah’s stomach, hard and unforgiving. Noah gasped, his body wracked with pain as he staggered back barely keeping himself from falling. He coughed and held his stomach tightly.

Adam sneered, his voice cold. “You’re not in control here. I am, and whatever I say and do, goes” Adam forced another blow into his stomach, this time stronger, making Noah collapse on the ground. 

Noah’s body shook with each ragged breath, his mind spinning, but Adam wasn’t done. He grabbed Noah by the collar,  dragging him toward the bathroom. Alex watched in tense silence as Adam pushed Noah into the small space.

Adam’s eyes gleamed with cruelty as he turned on the faucet in the bathtub, letting the water run cold filling the container. 

Knowing what is going to happen, Alex grabbed Adam's arm. "This went too far Adam, I didn't... didn't sign up for this"

Adam gazed at Alex's grip then his gaze moved up to meet Alex's eyes. "I couldn't care less about what you signed up for, Alex" Adam yanked Alex's arm away, "be quiet and wait outside" Adam ignored him, turning his full attention to Noah.

"Now, where were we..." He grabbed Noah by the back of the neck, forcing him toward the tub. “You need to be taught a lesson,” Adam hissed as he brushed Noah's hair from behind.

Noah struggled weakly, but his body was too drained to fight back. His hands clawed at Adam’s wrist, but the grip was too strong. Before he could protest, Adam shoved him forward, plunging his head under the icy water.

Noah gasped, choking as the water engulfed him, his mind spinning with panic. His heart pounded in his chest as he tried to push up, but Adam’s hand held him down, his voice a cold whisper above him. “You think Nick can save you? You think anyone will save you from this?”

Adam pulled Noah back up, leaning forward, his lips brushing Noah's ears as he whispered. "From now on, you're mine to take, torture and play with, no one is coming for you ..Noah.. " Adam hissed Noah's name before shoving him back into the water. 

Adam kept Noah’s head submerged, the icy water biting into his skin as his lungs burned for air. Every second felt like an eternity. Panic surged through Noah’s veins, his body reacting with desperate survival instincts, flailing weakly against Adam’s grip. The world started to blur, his thoughts slipping away as the cold wrapped around him like a shroud.  

Just when Noah thought he couldn’t take it anymore, Adam yanked him up again and Noah gasped desperately for air, Water streamed from Noah’s soaked hair and face, his gasps loud and frantic as he tried to suck in the much-needed air. His vision was blurred, and his body felt like it had been through a storm, muscles trembling from shock and fear. "Stop ... stop..." Noah's words were exhausted getting out of his mouth, barely understandable.

Adam grinned, the satisfaction evident in his eyes. “what was that? Stop? Oh Noah... this could happen everyday. And You're probably wondering why I did not take you away already and do what ever I want in some isolated place, I will do that eventually, but I gotta prove a point first, prove that Nick is not able to protect you, and you could see that clear, I mean I'm literally in your home, tormenting you and no one knows about your suffering"

Before Noah could say anything, Adam’s hand gripped the back of his neck again, shoving him dangerously close to the water once more.

“Do you understand yet?” Adam’s voice was low, filled with venom. “You’re mine. And there’s nothing you can do about it. You’ll break, Noah. Sooner or later, you’ll beg me to end this. And by then, it’ll be too late.”

From the corner of the room, Alex stood frozen, his hands clenched at his sides. He hadn’t signed up for this, and yet here he was, watching Noah being drowned and tortured right in front of him. His mind raced, guilt settling like a heavy stone in his chest. He hadn’t planned for it to go this far.

“Adam...” Alex’s voice wavered, but Adam ignored him completely.

Noah’s head spun, the lines between reality and nightmare blurring. The room felt distorted, and every breath he took felt like a struggle against the water. Somewhere in his mind, he tried to hold on to Nick’s image, his reassuring voice, the way Nick grounded him. But Adam’s words, and the icy grip of the water, pulled him further into despair.

Adam, satisfied with the pain in Noah’s eyes, dragged him up one last time. Noah coughed violently, water spilling from his mouth as his chest heaved. His body slumped, too weak to even stand on its own anymore.

Adam got on his feet. "Now, Let's prepare your cocktail" his voice smooth and cruel, pulling out a syringe and a vial from his pocket.

Noah lay crumpled on the cold floor, shivering and soaked, his eyes half-open but glazed with exhaustion. His mind was fractured, trapped between the nightmare and the cold truth Adam had forced him to endure.

Adam turned to Alex, the mockery in his voice evident. “Make yourself useful and clean him up, will you? I'll have this administered directly into his system"

"But I already gave him the dose, twice"  Alex argued but no use.

"I'm starting to have doubts about your loyalty, Alex, so unless I see the drug ran into his veins with my own eyes I won't rest”

Alex’s stomach twisted, walking over to Noah’s limp form. Guilt gnawed at him as he gently touched Noah’s shoulder, but Noah flinched at the contact, his eyes filled with fear, though his vision was hazy.

Adam gave one last smirk before turning on his heel, leaving the bathroom and waiting in the living room. Alex stared down at Noah, he didn’t know if he’d ever be able to crawl out of this.

Alex crouched down beside Noah, his voice soft, almost apologetic. “Noah, I’m sorry...”

But Noah didn’t seem to hear him. His mind had slipped too far, lost in the echoes of Adam’s voice and the icy grip of the water.

Alex stood, unsure of what to do next. He wasn’t strong enough to stop Adam, it's true it was his choice to get into this with Adam, the money was good but he didn't expect it would reach that point, after all, Alex had no idea who Adam was.

"Alex ... Where am I? Adam...." Noah muttered softly as he was being held by Alex who was guiding him to his room now.

"You are home Noah..." That was the only response Alex gave, ignoring Adam's part.

"Adam..." Noah insisted, exhaling hardly. 

"No one else is here but you and me Noah" Alex lied and kept his tone steady to convince Noah. 

Noah shook his head, he is messed up, he knows that, but he was sure it didn't seem like a dream.
"No..no..Adam..he... Water... drowning..I was , minutes ago..." Noah's words were uncoordinated and his speech was slurred and could not be put together.

"Hey, it's ok.. you don't have to worry, no one else is here, you're safe" Alex felt guilty, seeing what Adam is capable of, it did not come to his liking. He really didn't want to be a part of this anymore, but he had no idea how he would withdraw without Adam doing something to him.

When they made it to Noah's room, Alex changed Noah's clothes into something dry and warm, Adam instructed him to dress Noah in a way to cover his neck and wrists where the bruises were mostly obvious. 

Then Alex guided him out of the room. "Alex..." Noah stopped walking. "I need to ... speak to Nick..."  Noah pleaded as his eyes were closing and he was slipping out of consciousness and barely standing but Alex was holding him tight "I need to ...." He muttered again.

Alex kept his tone soothing and reassuring." Alright... we'll call him, we just have to make it to the living room, Noah." Alex kept his voice low and barely above a whisper. 

Adam’s gaze darkened as he watched Alex guide the dazed and disoriented Noah to the sofa. Noah slumped there, eyes fluttering, barely coherent but still mumbling Nick’s name like it was the only thing grounding him to reality. Adam approached, his movements slow and deliberate, the syringe gleaming in the dim light of the living room.

“You’re making this too easy, Noah,” Adam sneered, rolling the syringe between his fingers as he knelt beside the couch. “You should’ve known better than to trust anyone.” His words were laced with venom, each one striking Noah’s fragile state.

Noah’s head lolled to the side, his breathing shallow. His body trembled, soaked in sweat and the lingering chill from the earlier ordeal. His lips moved, but only incoherent murmurs escaped—his mind trapped between the drug and reality.

Adam smirked, gripping Noah’s wrist, feeling the fresh bruises beneath his fingers. Noah flinched, a weak whimper escaping his lips. The sound only seemed to fuel Adam’s twisted sense of power.

“Shh, Noah. It’ll be over soon.” Adam’s voice was almost a mockery of comfort, he lifted up Noah's shirt sleeve and he slid the needle into Noah’s arm. 

"No...no ..no.." Noah whimpered as he could notice what was being inserted into his arm. Adam pushed the plunger down with slow, deliberate force. Noah yanked his arm away as a reflex, causing the needle spot on skin to cut open and bleed, the red liquid slipped down Noah's forearm and into his hand. "Ts ts ts... look what you have done ..." Adam shook his head in a taunting way. 

But The drug managed to flow into Noah’s system, and within seconds, the effects began to take hold. 

Noah’s body jerked slightly, his pupils dilating as the drug intensified the already disorienting haze he was in. His vision blurred further, the room spinning violently. He tried to pull his hand away, but his strength was nothing more than a fleeting attempt and Adam held into him forcefully. Noah's muscles felt like they were turning to liquid, and his heart raced unevenly in his chest.

Adam’s grin widened as he watched the confusion and terror bloom across Noah’s face. “That’s it,” Adam whispered, leaning closer, his lips brushing against Noah’s ear. “Let go, Noah. There’s no point in fighting anymore”

Noah’s breath hitched, his body reacting to the drug in violent, erratic shudders. He gasped for air, the room warping in his vision, Adam’s voice melding with the darkness creeping in at the edges of his consciousness.

Alex stood by, watching helplessly as the scene unfolded. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, but fear kept him rooted in place. The guilt was suffocating, but the terror of what Adam might do if he interfered was far worse. He watched Noah’s body slump further into the couch, his breathing shallow and irregular.

Adam wiped the blood away and without regard to medical care and to sterilization, Adam just pulled Noah's sleeve back down. 

Adam got up, gathering the used syringe and any other evidence, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes as he looked at Noah’s limp form. “He won’t be able to even move a muscle anymore" Adam said,  brushing off his clothes. 

Alex swallowed hard, the weight of Adam’s words crushing him. He nodded, barely able to find his voice. “What… what about Nick?” he asked quietly.

Adam’s eyes flickered with amusement, a dark smile curling on his lips. “Nick? Oh, don’t worry. He’ll find out soon enough.” He stepped closer to Alex, his tone dropping to a menacing whisper. “But not yet. For now, we let Noah break just a little more. When Nick finds out, he’ll be too late to fix it. Maybe I'll even take Noah away from him then”

With that, Adam turned on his heel, leaving the apartment with the same cold indifference. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Alex alone with a drugged, broken Noah, the silence in the room thick and suffocating.

Alex knelt beside the couch, his heart pounding in his chest. “Noah...” he whispered, guilt lacing every word. But Noah didn’t respond. His body was limp, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. Alex reached out, gently brushing his fingers against Noah’s bruised wrist, and Noah flinched in his sleep, a small whimper escaping his lips.

Alex’s stomach twisted painfully. He stood, backing away slowly, unable to bear the sight of what they had done to him. He grabbed his coat, leaving the apartment as quietly as he could, slipping out into the night.

The apartment was still, except for the soft ticking of the clock and Noah’s labored breathing. He lay there on the couch, his body broken, his mind shattered under the weight of Adam’s cruelty and the drugs coursing through his veins.

Somewhere deep in the recesses of his mind, Noah could still hear Adam’s voice, whispering threats, promising more pain. He tried to reach for Nick in his thoughts,  but the darkness was too strong. It pulled him under, leaving him lost in a sea of confusion and fear.

Noah’s body trembled one last time before he fell into unconsciousness, his mind slipping away completely, consumed by the nightmare Adam had created. 

----

To be continued.

Chapter Text

-Later on-

Nick was finally here, he stepped through the door, tossing his keys on the counter and heading to the living room, his eyes scanning the place.

"Alex?...." He called for Alex, no answer, he seemed that he was already gone—he left too early for Nick’s liking.

“Noah?” Nick's voice echoed calling Noah's name this time, but it was swallowed by the silence. No response. 

A sense of dread started creeping in, inching its way under his skin. Noah wasn’t one to just vanish without a word. Nick felt his heart begin to pound faster as he moved through the rooms, scanning every corner. The kitchen was empty, as was the bedroom. No sign of him anywhere. His mind raced with every possibility, each one darker than the last.

Desperate for any clue, Nick turned and rushed out the door, his breath coming in short, anxious bursts as he descended the stairwell. And that’s when he saw him—Noah, crumpled on the steps, barely conscious, his body slumped weakly against the railing. Nick didn't see him before  when he arrived, because he used the elevator.

“Noah!” Nick’s voice cracked as he hurried to him, dropping to his knees, his hands immediately finding Noah’s shoulders, his heart thundering with a mixture of fear and relief. Noah’s face was pale, his breathing shallow, and his skin was clammy under Nick’s touch. But worse, his eyes were glazed and unfocused, drifting in and out as if he were stuck in a dream he couldn’t wake from.

“Noah, can you hear me?” Nick whispered, holding Noah's face with his palms and brushing the damp hair from his forehead. “What happened? And Why is your hair wet?”

Noah’s head barely moved, his eyes flickering open with visible effort, seeing the blurry figure of Nick. “Nick...?” he mumbled, his voice hoarse, like he’d been fighting through some fog, his eyes scanned his parameters. “Where am I ..I…?"

"Naoh, you're on the stairs..are you ok?" He squeezed Noah's shoulder gently.

"I.. thought… I was home, I don't know how...I got here ...” Noah's eyes were locked on Nick's now, pleading.

Nick’s heart twisted painfully as he took in Noah’s state. Something had happened, something he couldn’t yet piece together, but whatever it was, it was written all over Noah’s face—the fear, the confusion, the exhaustion that seemed to cling to him like a shadow. Is it really all part of Noah's normal everyday condition?

"Nick..." Noah's voice trembled, he was clearly confused, afraid and it made Nick's heart ache.

"Hey hey, it's ok..I’ve got you,” Nick whispered, he didn't know what else to say, he needed to understand what the hell is going on first. 
He placed an arm around Noah to help him to his feet. Noah could barely stand, his weight slumping into Nick as they slowly made their way up the stairs and back to the apartment. Once inside, Nick eased him onto the couch. Once Noah was on the smooth surface, he started fading away again, eyes closing, and head lolling to the side.

Nick crouched down by the couch, his hand gently brushing over Noah's hair. “Noah, Can you hear me?” His brow furrowed, concern creeping up his spine. Noah looked pale, beads of sweat on his forehead, his breaths uneven.

Nick reached for Noah's hand, planning to gently shake him awake again, Nick touched the skin and felt it hot like fire, he felt the warmth before on the stairs but he didn't pay attention as his main concern was helping Noah inside.

Nick's fingers curled around Noah’s  wrist to check further, but a pained hiss escaped Noah’s lips. His whole body tensed, his eyes shut, but the sound that came out of him was sharp, filled with agony.

“Noah?” Nick pulled back instantly, alarmed. His heart raced as he gently took Noah’s arm to inspect, lifting his sleeve a little, Noah’s face twisted in discomfort, and Nick’s breath hitched when he saw it, ,dark bruises wrapping around Noah’s wrist like handcuffs.

“What the hell…” Nick whispered knitting his eyebrows, his voice trembling. His stomach dropped, dread pooling in his chest as he gently rolled Noah’s sleeve up further. The bruises were deep, ugly, a violent imprint of someone’s hands.
 Nick had seen enough abuse cases in his line of work to know that it was caused by a person. Nick’s hands shook as he touched Noah’s skin, afraid of hurting him more.

Noah stirred, groaning, his voice slurred and incoherent. “Noah,” Nick said again, his voice growing more frantic. “Noah, what happened to you?” Nick reached for Noah's forehead, placing his hand on it, pushing Noah's hair back. Nick could feel the warmth in Noah's body, the fever. 

Noah didn’t respond. His head lolled to the side, eyes half-lidded. Nick leaned closer, his eyes scanning Noah’s face for any sign of recognition, but there was nothing but confusion.

Nick swallowed hard, panic rising in his throat. Someone had done this to him. His fingers trembled as he pulled up Noah’s other sleeve—his other wrist was bruised as well. Fresh and raw. 

Nick cursed under his breath, his chest tight as he looked at Noah’s face, his body flinching involuntarily from the pain even in his half-conscious state. Nick's jaw clenched, and without thinking, he gently pushed Noah's shirt up to check further revealing a dark, blotchy mark across his stomach from where Adam had given him a blow there today. Nick's hand hovered over Noah’s skin, afraid to touch, afraid of what more he might find.

“Oh my God…” Nick whispered, his voice breaking. His fingers grazed one of the bruises on Noah’s ribs, and Noah gasped sharply, his body jerking as if the touch burned.

“No, please...” Noah mumbled, his voice cracked and weak. His eyes fluttered open for a moment, dazed, but there was something in them—horror. Nick’s heart shattered at the sight, Noah's mind seemed lost.

"Shh, shh, it's ok, it's just me Noah" Nick didn't know what to do, he was trying to stay calm for Noah though his voice trembled with his own fear. He reached for both Noah's hands and held them as Noah started to stir more violently.

Noah’s head rolled back against the couch with a great force, his breathing shaky. “Adam...no...stop...” he whispered, barely audible, squeezing his eyes shut as if he was expecting the worst.

 Nick’s blood ran cold. His mind spun, Adam's name again. Is it possible that Adam has gotten to him? And if that was the case, How did Alex let this happen? What about the patrol 🚓 that was placed on the street near their home waiting 24/7? Rage flared in his chest, but he forced himself to stay calm. He had to think and understand further and he had to protect Noah.

"Noah, look at me, hey" 

Noah's head was turning left and right, his body still agitated, he was trying to move away from Nick's touch, holding into Nick's arms aiming to push them away in any way possible.

"Hey, Noah, eyes on me!" Nick escaped Noah's grip gently and held Noah's face with both hands guiding his gaze back to him despite being resisted. "You're ok, it's just me Noah, please..." 

Then, Noah's movement settled, he looked at Nick and blinked slowly, his breathing steadying as he reached for Nick's face slowly, trying to tell the difference, trying to figure out what's real and what is not. "Nick..."

Nick quickly held Noah's hand pressing it gently against his own cheek. "There you go..." Nick smiled nodding, making Noah feel safe.

"I...m sorry..." Noah muttered 

"No, it's ok, I think I need to make a phone call, I'll be right back" Nick didn't want to force Noah right now.

After making sure Noah was comfortable, Nick got on his feet quickly, heading for the kitchen, he reached for his phone with shaky hands, dialing Alex’s number, his heart pounding in his chest. It rang once, twice, but no answer.

“Come on,” Nick muttered, pacing the room as he waited. His eyes kept darting back to Noah, lying there so vulnerable, so hurt. He clenched his fists, feeling the anger burn hotter with each passing second.

After several more rings, Alex finally answered. “Nick...”

“What the hell happened here?” Nick's voice was low but deadly and direct. 

Alex paused, the silence on the other end unbearable. “Nick, I... I’m sorry I left early. There was a family emergency, and I had to—”

“Noah’s covered in bruises, Alex. What went on while I was gone?” Nick interrupted him, he was desperate to understand!

"I don't know Nick, What happened to him?"

 Nick snapped, his voice breaking with frustration. 
"I'm fking asking you that, Don't play dumb, Noah is covered with blue and purple marks" Nick was losing his temper.

Alex sighed then answered. “I didn’t know it was that bad,” Alex stammered, creating a False truth. “Today, Noah lost balance and fell, hurting himself in the process, but I swear, Nick, when I left, he was fine, i made sure of it. He was just resting. Again, I didn’t think it was that bad...”

“Don’t lie to me!” Nick shouted, gripping the phone tighter. “The bruised spots were clearly made by someone, He said Adam’s name. did Adam get in here? Was anyone else here?”

“I... I didn’t see that guy Adam. I swear. I wouldn’t have—what happened is that Noah just felt dizzy and fell to the ground, that's it, maybe that's what caused the bruises, and I'm sure Noah's just delusional again, about Adam, like the other day, you know, because of his situation” Alex voice was shaky as he tried his best to keep the lie alive.

"Don't you fking talk about Noah like that, and if you think I'm stupid, you better think again, Someone fking did this to him and I'm going to find out the truth soon" Without letting Alex reply, Nick hung up, his heart racing, unable to listen to any more excuses. He held his head closing his eyes, His mind was swirling with rage and fear, every fiber of his being focused on Noah. Alex wasn't telling the truth, and Nick doesn't even know that Alex was involved.

"Mhmm" Noah's voice was broken and it reached Nick's ears interrupting his thoughts. He left the nearby kitchen and dropped the phone as he heard him moaning, rushing back to Noah's side, his fingers brushing through his hair gently. "Noah..."

"Nick..." Noah barely uttered Nick's name and it made Nick's heart shatter at Noah's Varunability.

“Noah..please, I need you to try and tell me what happened to you...I can't think straight, I don't know anything, nobody is telling me shit" 

"I ... " Noah was barely able to talk and before he could finish, he started coughing violently.

Nick reached out, his palm gently pressing to Noah’s forehead.

“God, you’re burning up,” he muttered, brushing his thumb along Noah’s cheek. Worry clenched his chest. “I’ll be right back, okay?”

Noah murmured something Nick couldn’t make out, his eyelids fluttering as he tried to focus. Nick got up, hurrying to the bathroom to grab a cloth and some cold water. But as he flicked on the light, he froze.

The bathtub was filled and In the corner, Noah’s discarded clothes lay soaked and twisted. Nick’s jaw tightened. What did happen here?

Nick's mind was a mess right now, He grabbed a clean cloth, soaked it, and wrung it out, all the while his mind racing with questions. Moving quickly, he returned to Noah’s side, placing the cool compress on his forehead. Noah’s eyes fluttered open at the touch, though he looked distant, his gaze unfocused.

“Noah,” Nick said, his voice low, struggling to keep steady. “I need you to tell me what happened. Can you do that for me?”

Noah nodded lightly, gulping, aiming to try his best.

"Alright, start by telling me what were you doing on the stairs Noah.." Nick tried to keep it simple, not wanting to trigger Noah with the heavy questions at first. Nick's voice low and gentle.

Noah swallowed again, his hands trembling as he held onto the edge of the couch, as if steadying himself. “I… I thought I was home, but… it was like… everything was shifting around me.” His voice was fragile, lost. “I tried to… stay awake, but it felt like… I was falling, it was like… like I couldn’t control it. I kept thinking… that I had to leave. I didn’t know why” 

Nick’s heart sank, a new realization settling over him. This wasn’t just exhaustion or confusion—something had deeply messed with Noah’s mind.

"It's ok Noah" Nick noticed how Noah's hand was shaking, he brought it up and wrapped his hands around it lightly. "Noah, why were you mentioning Adam's name now?"

Noah's gaze moved to meet Nick's, Noah’s lips parted, but his gaze was distant, like he wasn’t even sure if what he’d been through was real. “I… I don’t know if it’s real, Nick,” he said softly, his voice raw and broken. “I… I don’t know if any of it’s real.”

"Why don't you let me worry about that? Let me decide what’s real, okay? I just… I need to know what happened, Noah. Whatever you can remember.”

"I woke up feeling foggy again, but ... I could handle it, then later it got worse ...I .. then later, I didn't know how I got onto the couch, and  Adam was there, he was talking to me...holding my wrist....I..." Noah's voice broke as he started remembering more. "He kept talking...and smiling, I could see him through my blurry vision..then..."
Noah stopped, he exhaled, his breath trembling.

"Noah...."

"He grabbed me, Nick… pulled me into the bathroom.” Noah whispered, his voice barely above a breath.

Nick's skin turned white at the realization of earlier, he did see the bath tub filled with water and he had an idea of what Noah might tell him next.

Noah’s gaze fell, his breath coming in shallow, ragged gasps. “He… pushed me down, into the tub,” he continued, his voice faltering. “Said I needed to… learn a lesson. That I needed to understand…” His voice cracked, his eyes darting back to Nick, filled with fear and uncertainty. “He kept saying… that I was weak. That I was… worthless.”

Nick’s heart twisted painfully at those words. "Noah..." He tried to speak but Noah continued.

“He… kept holding me down, Nick, I couldn’t… breathe. I thought I was… I thought I was drowning.” His body shuddered, and he closed his eyes, as if reliving the moment was too much to bear. “I tried to get up… tried to push him off, but I was too weak...I didn't know what was wrong with my body ” Noah took a deep breath then he made eye contact with Nick. "Nick... I'm losing myself... I don't even know if what I've been through is real, but it felt real" Noah tried to bend his arm to rub his face and he winced at the pain and held his own arm.

 The place Adam injected him still burns, Nick didn't notice before but now his eyes are locked on something under the already rolled up sleeve.
He gently removed Noah's hand and rolled the fabric higher exposing a needle spot. Nick froze in his place, Noah was injected with something, again. He quickly grabbed Noah's arm firmly that made Noah hiss at the force. "Noah, did anyone give you anything? Medicine,drug?" 

Noah could not even see the bruises on his body, maybe if he could see them, he would know that all what happened was not some nightmare “I don't know,...I tried to push him off, but I couldn't He… he grabbed my arm,” he murmured, his gaze shifting toward the bruises there. “I felt something—sharp. I struggled but ended up bleeding. I think… he did something, Nick. Something to make me feel… feel like this but I don't know if that actually happened ... But I'm feeling it, the pain in my body, could all be a nightmare..." Noah seemed disoriented, he was forming words hardly.

Nick swallowed hard, he didn't know what to say, that was the truth right in front of him, everything Noah said, happened, that wasn't some delusion nor a dream, it was all real and Nick didn't know, he wasn't here, he couldn't protect Noah again.
All these thoughts kept racing in his mind that he went limp for a minute, he felt his body wore shackles, he didn't know what to do with all the informations he just learned. Then, Nick also remembered the first night Noah mentioned Adam's name and he didn't believe him, both him and Alex were convincing him it was just a bad dream.

And there is Alex which Noah was sure by now he was involved too.

 "Oh my god..." Nick whispered to himself at the realization of everything, he lifted his head to meet Noah's eyes, his own eyes were filled with terror and tears. "Noah..."

Nick felt an icy chill run down his spine, tempered only by the fierce anger boiling within him. He got on his feet, The room seemed too small to contain his rage as he paced, his phone clenched tightly in his hand.

He lifted his phone and dialed quickly, the seconds ticking like thunder in his ears until Jack picked up.

“Hey, Nick. What’s going on?”

“Jack, I need you to track a number. I’m sending it over now.”

Jack’s tone shifted, clearly caught off guard. “Sure thing, but… what’s this about?”

“There is no time for questions. Just track it Jack, and when you have the location, take Alex into custody. I’ll be there first thing in the morning to handle it.”

“Wait—who’s Alex? What’s happening?”

"I just need you to trust me, take a unit with you and head to the place when you find it, I'll send you his description along with the number, this person is involved in a messed up crime Jack,maybe he's even involved with Adam"

Jack paused, but he knew better than to question Nick when he sounded like this. “what? Adam? How could it be, we don't even have a trace of him.

"Yes, I'm  telling you it's dead serious"

"Alright, Nick. I’ll get it done.”

Nick ended the call, he wanted to go himself but he was not able to leave Noah, he wouldn't dare. He felt glued to him right now, he just could not part away from him. Nick let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. With Jack on it, he could focus on what mattered most right now. He turned back to Noah, who lay still and pale on the couch, his chest rising and falling in shallow breaths. Nick thought of taking him to the hospital but for some reason, even the idea of letting Noah alone with a doctor scared him. It wasn't rational of Nick to think like this but then again, none of what happened is rational and nick could not swallow any of it.

Nick helped Noah to the bedroom, replacing a hand behind his head and laying him gently on the bed. Noah sighed when his body made contact with the mattress. 

"Noah..." Nick began, he took a seat on the chair next to Noah's bed, leaning forward stroking Noah's face. "How do you feel right now?"

"Honestly, I don't know,... everything is hazy, but at least you are... here, now...," Noah smiled though it seemed broken.

"Of course I am Noah, I'm always here...''

"But ... you weren't today...Nick..." It wasn't in Noah's character to show his need, Varunability , or blame Nick for anything, but what he experienced... what he went through, made his tongue lace with those words, as well as his drunk-like state that he couldn't manage.
"I was so scared,..  I called you ..."

"When did you call me?" Nick's features looked puzzled.

"It wasn't me, Alex supposedly called you to tell you... I was messed up, I didn't know what was wrong with me, ...even Alex couldn't help, ...I told...Alex ...that I need to speak with you... Nick, that I needed you here...I felt like losing it, so...so  He said..." Noah's breath wasn't stable again, he gasped frequently as he explained.

"Easy Noah... What did Alex say?"

"He said he called you, and you're coming ... "

"No one called me Noah" Nick placed his hand on Noah's arm reassuring him. "Alex didn't call me and I tried calling you earlier today but you hung up and sent me a message, saying you were fine and working"

Noah knotted his eyebrows. "I didn't send you that message...." Noah stuttered.

It's obvious now, Nick connected the dot, he skin went pale as he realized the first message saying okay with messed up letters was Noah's but then it wasn't, Alex wrote the second one, trying to push Nick away and make the road clear for Adam.

Nick didn't have a term to describe what he was feeling right now, desperation, self loathing, fury and pure hate. And many other emotions towards Noah, sympathy, guilt and over protective instinct right now.

Then, Nick noticed something, he could see new bruises on Noah's neck, he unbotten Noah's shirt revealing them, Nick's hands froze, he knew what these marks and their location meant, Adam was strangling Noah, and even digging his fingers into the skin as he could see the scratches and blood. Nick didn't even need to ask Noah about it and make him re-live it again.

He wasn't sure he wanted to hear it himself. He knew what it meant and no one could describe the rage building up inside Nick's guts at this moment.

 Nick tried to stay calm, he brought an ointment and decided to take care of Noah's bruises.
his hands moved carefully as he applied the ointment to Noah’s bruised wrists, the skin beneath turning red and tender at each touch. Noah flinched, hissing softly, and Nick paused, his hand gentle and apologetic as he murmured, “Sorry… I’m just trying to make it hurt less.” But even as he said it, Nick knew that some wounds weren’t just skin-deep.

Nick continued, tracing each bruised spot with careful fingers, tending to the purpling marks along Noah’s arms. He was meticulous, as though each gentle press of his hand could somehow erase the memory, the pain, the nightmare of Adam’s grasp. Every flinch from Noah sent a pang through Nick’s chest, but he didn’t stop; he’d make sure Noah felt comfort, warmth, safety—even if it took all night. 

Nick felt each shiver that ran through Noah, every small flinch under his touch. His hands were firm but tender, determined to offer as much comfort as he could. He reached Noah’s collarbone, his fingers tracing over the delicate skin marred by Adam’s grip, and Noah tensed, letting out a shaky exhale that sounded close to a whimper.

Then, Noah's neck, the last and worst of the bruises. Nick's fingers lingered there, shaking just slightly, and he swallowed hard. Seeing the pattern of Adam’s violence marked so deeply there stirred an anger he could barely contain, but he forced himself to be steady for Noah’s sake. Gently, he applied the ointment, fingers moving slowly over the bruised skin as Noah gritted his teeth, his breath hitched, he hissed at the stinging pain, a faint tremor passing through his body. , and a quiet, pained moan slipped past his lips.

 Nick’s throat tightened as he pressed the ointment there, his own voice strained with the effort to stay calm. “I know, Noah… I know it hurts,” he said, brushing his thumb lightly over the bruised skin as if to reassure him. 

Noah whimpered softly, a low sound of pain escaping his lips again. "Mhmm.." he rolled his head to the side, writhing under Nick's touches, grabbing Nick's hand to prevent him from applying the ointment as the pain was too much.
"Easy, easy Noah I'm almost done"

Nick backed down as he finished, wiping his hands after. "It's ok now, it's over" Nick's voice was merely a whisper.

However, Noah's eyes were red and his skin was flushed. The fever started to get overwhelming.

Nick decided to give Noah a fever lowering pill, then Nick poured a glass of water, bringing it to Noah’s lips. He held the glass steady, whispering reassurances as Noah took a few small sips along with the pill.

 then, he worked on him from outside. Nick’s hands trembled as he pressed the cool, damp cloth to Noah's forehead, watching as his chest rose and fell in shallow breaths. He knew the fever was climbing, stealing what little energy Noah had left, but he held back his fear, focusing on gently taking care of Noah instead. He dabbed the cloth over Noah’s flushed face, brushing back stray locks of his hair. 

Nick’s heart pounded as he sat beside Noah, gently sweeping the cloth across his brow. With each soft dab, he could feel the heat radiating off Noah's skin, his fever stubbornly holding on. Nick didn't look away, watching every little twitch of Noah's face, every small shift in his breathing, and he felt a pang of helplessness. But he wasn’t about to give up. He whispered, as much to himself as to Noah, “I’ve got you, Noah, Just hang in there for me, okay?”

After laying the cloth aside, Nick took Noah’s hand in his own, rubbing his thumb along Noah's knuckles. He tried to put everything he was feeling into that touch—comfort, strength, everything he knew Noah needed right now. Nick’s mind kept replaying the image of those bruises, that unmistakable pattern of fingers wrapping around Noah’s neck. Many scenes, awful scenes came into Nick's mind as he pictured how Adam might've hurt Noah, how he tortured him and It burned a fire inside Nick.

Noah stirred slightly, his brow furrowing as he muttered something incoherent under his breath. Nick leaned closer, bringing his lips near Noah’s ear. “I’m here, Noah,” he murmured, his voice a gentle promise. "I'm not going anywhere." He placed a hand on Noah's cheek, thumb tracing slow, calming circles over the flushed skin. The heat from the fever lingered there, but Nick's touch was steady, soothing.

When Noah’s eyes fluttered open, bleary and unfocused, Nick’s gaze softened, and he offered a small smile. “Hey,” he said quietly, brushing a stray lock of hair back from Noah's forehead. “You’re okay. Just try to rest.”

. A subtle sigh of relief escaped Nick, and he set the glass aside, his hand finding its way back to Noah's.

After a while , Nick thought Noah fell asleep, his lips parted from exhaustion, Nick leaned into Noah's face, his lips lingering on his forehead. "I'm gonna take care of you, Noah, I'm gonna take care of everything" with that, he pressed a soft kiss then Pulled away.

Nick was about to leave Noah's side  when Noah grabbed Nick's hand, his fingers clung weakly into Nick's as he didn't have any strength. NIck flinched as he thought Noah was a sleep.

“Was it real, Nick?... Am I crazy, or was Adam really here?” Noah's voice was soft, tinged with uncertainty that struck Nick right in the heart. That question said everything. Noah couldn't see himself the way Nick saw him—couldn’t see the bruises all over his body, the proof of everything he’d endured. That he even had to ask if it had been real… It tore Nick up inside. it was too much, it only reflects how messed up Adam is that he made Noah like this.

Nick leaned down immediately, pressing a gentle kiss to Noah's forehead and brushing back his hair. “You’re not crazy, Noah. You’re the sanest person I’ve ever known.”

“Thank you… Nick,” Noah mumbled, his eyelids already heavy, voice trailing as he drifted back into sleep.

Nick clenched his jaw, muttering, “Damn it…” He knew this exhaustion wasn’t just from what Noah had been through. The drug was still sapping his strength, making even the smallest effort a battle.

Nick leaned back and stood there watching Noah. He exhaled deeply, he lifted his head up staring at the ceiling, taking a minute, trying to figure out what to do. 

Nick sat beside Noah till 2 AM, making sure Noah was ok, daping the freshly soaked cloth against his skin, measuring his temperature, Noah was still a sleep. 

Then Nick went outside, he didn't realize it was that late that he called Jack asking for updates.

"Hey Jack"

"Nick..? It's 2 Am are you alright" Jack's voice was hoarse and of someone just awakened.

"Hey, Jack, I'm sorry I didn't check the time, I just wanted to know if you got him"

"Uh.. Alex you mean, Yes he's in custody but Nick you have to be here first thing in morning, because we have no warrant and his lawyer will show up soon" 

Nick felt relieved knowing that Alex was taken in. "Good, yeah I'll be there ... Thanks Jack" Nick hung up.

Then, Nick dove into the living room, scanning the place again, imagining what Noah had to go through as he took in the place into his vision, there were actually signs of struggle when he looked up close, the rag wasn't placed right, the middle table was pushed away a little and not in it's right place, also, Nick noticed two drops of blood near the couch, he crouched down to inspect, it must be from when Noah. "Fuck..." He whispered, standing on his feet.

"FUCK!!!!!" He growled and pushed all the stuff that was on the table (vase, glass decorations, a clock) making them break against the floor and shatter into pieces.

 "Fuckkkk" Nick shouted louder this time, trying to find a way to release his anger, he paced to a nearby wall and started slamming his fist multiple times against the concrete, extracting loud groans and effort sounds from his lungs.

"Fuck, fuck fuck" he yelled, each shout louder, feeling the anger erupt. His fists kept slamming the wall sending jolts up his arms.

In the bedroom, Noah flinched at the sounds echoing through the walls. Nick’s voice was muffled, but the rawness of it was clear. Gathering what little strength he had, Noah pushed himself up, stumbling as he made his way toward the doorway, needing to reach Nick, see what is happening with him.

Noah's heart pounded as he staggered toward the door, leaning against the frame to steady himself, the noise of Nick’s anger pulling him forward. Despite his bruises, despite the throbbing pain that screamed at him to stay in bed, he forced his body to move. He had to reach Nick.

The sight that met him hit hard. Nick was a storm, fists slamming against the wall, his breath ragged, shoulders heaving as if he were carrying a weight too heavy to bear. Pieces of broken glass and shattered porcelain littered the floor around him, the aftermath of a rage that Noah had never seen Nick show so openly. Nick’s back was turned, and his fists moved like he wanted to punch right through the wall, voice hoarse as he let out another growl of frustration.

Noah didn’t think. Pain was secondary. He just moved.

He slipped around Nick, wrapping his arms around him from behind quickly, pressing his chest against Nick's back, even though each movement stung. “Nick, stop” He whispered, his voice soft but firm, tightening his grip as much as he could, ignoring the way his body protested every movement.

However, Nick was lost in his anger that he didn't even realize Noah was holding him, the tension of every blow he slammed into the wall driving him further into frustration. He was so wrapped up in it that he didn’t hear Noah shuffle into the room in the first place. In one swift motion, Nick’s elbow swung out reflexively, catching Noah in the face.

Noah staggered back, wincing, his hand instinctively covering his face. The shock brought Nick back to reality, he turned around quickly, his heart twisting in panic and regret as he came to his senses and saw Noah.

“God, Noah—I'm so sorry,” Nick whispered, his voice shaking. “I didn’t know—I didn’t mean to—”

But before he could finish, Noah reached out again, ignoring the pain, and wrapped his arms around Nick one more time.

Nick was taken by surprise and froze under Noah’s embrace, his muscles tensing as he felt Noah’s arms around him. For a moment, he stayed rigid, his hands clenched tightly by his sides, shoulders still trembling with the force of his anger. But as Noah’s hands pressed against him, grounding him, his fists slowly unclenched. The realization that Noah was right there, that he’d gotten out of bed despite everything, began to sink in. 

“Noah…” Nick’s voice cracked, his head dropping forward as he exhaled sharply, the tension in his body beginning to melt. “You shouldn’t… you should be resting, I'm sorry, I...” Nick sighed and he made no move to break Noah’s embrace. Instead, his hands came up to grab Noah's face, pulling him back gently to get a good look at him.

Nick gritted his teeth as he noticed the blood on Noah's lip that was caused by him. "I'm sorry... God I'm so sorry Noah..." His thumb trying to wipe the blood away.

“It’s okay,” Noah murmured.

He took Noah's face whole in his grasp. "No, fuck, it's not" Nick took a deep breath, closing his eyes then opening them.  he gently brushed his fingers  over Noah’s cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin and the fragility there that reminded him how close he’d come to losing him so many times.

"You didn’t have to come out here Noah" Nick's chest tightened as he looked at Noah, his exhaustion visible, The fact that Noah had pushed himself to get up, to come to him, ignoring his pain—it hit Nick in a way he couldn’t put into words. And he repaid him by directing a blow right into his face. 

"I was worried, Nick ..." Noah said, his voice barely above a whisper and he was clearly struggling with standing up.

Without saying a thing, Nick slid one arm around Noah's waist, supporting him as he guided him over to the couch, all his anger dissolving into a fierce gratitude. 

"Come on," Nick whispered softly, steadying Noah as they walked. He gently helped him sit down, his hands lingering on Noah's shoulders, reluctant to let go. He kneeled beside him, gaze softening as he took in every bruise and scrape again, with a mixture of heartbreak.

 "I’m sorry," Nick muttered, voice thick, "for not being there. For everything he did to you" he murmured, brushing a stray lock of hair from Noah’s face.  

Noah gave a weak smile, leaning slightly into Nick’s touch, and Nick’s fingers traced down his cheek, brushing lightly across his jaw before they moved lower, gentle against the bruises on his neck. His fingertips ghosted over the places where the bruises were darkest, careful, almost reverent.

Nick let his hand linger, brushing Noah’s arm with his thumb, and then he took his other hand, entwining their fingers as he sat beside him on the couch.

 "So it wasn't a nightmare after all ..."  Noah finally spoke making Nick flinched at the words.

 Nick's gaze moved up facing Noah. "No it wasn't, I'm sorry"

"How ..did he manage to get to us...I don't..."

 "I'll make everything ok, and I will certainly make everyone pay" Nick promised more to himself then to Noah, his gaze seemed to look past his friend.

"Nick..." Noah exhaled. "Don't...do.. something that will get you...hurt.., please..." Noah's words were intermittent by labored breaths

Nick wasn't gonna lie to Noah so he just  smiled warmly."Let's get you back to bed"  He helped Noah up again.

Noah only frowned at that and allowed himself to be led by Nick as he was still foggy and exhausted.

One thing Nick was sure of is that, he will do literally whatever it takes to avenge Noah, even if that means getting himself killed, one thing Noah didn't know that, right now, nothing else mattered to Nick.

Chapter Text

The first rays of morning light crept through the curtains, warming the room with a soft glow. Noah blinked awake, his body weighed down by exhaustion, but his mind was clearer. He pushed himself up slowly, feeling a dull ache in his muscles and a sharp sting on his wrists and neck.

In the bathroom, Noah caught his reflection in the mirror and froze. Red and purple bruises ringed his neck and wrists, marking his skin with vivid reminders. He pulled up his shirt, his heart sinking as he saw the same dark bruises scattered over his stomach. Those memories…weren’t just dreams. He remembered Nick being there too, helping him, caring for him. The realization settled over him heavily, a mix of gratitude and disbelief.

Noah sighed, shaking his head as he tried to clear his thoughts. The drug’s effects still lingered, clouding him. He stepped into the shower, wincing as the warm water ran over his bruises. Standing under the steady stream, he closed his eyes, trying to steady himself, trying to accept that everything he’d been through wasn’t some illusion—it was real.

When he finally emerged, the faint smell of coffee and something savory drifted through the hallway. Noah followed it to the kitchen. There, Nick was at the stove, his shoulders tense, his movements sharp yet controlled. He plated breakfast with care, his hands steady, though a storm of worry and anger lurked behind his calm expression.

Noah’s gaze fell to Nick’s right hand—swollen, bruised, and scraped raw. Right, Last night, in a fit of anger and frustration, Nick had slammed it against the wall, and he’d left it untreated. Seeing it now made something in Noah’s chest tighten. When Nick noticed him standing there, his face softened, a hint of relief breaking through his usual guarded look. But his eyes quickly found the bruises on Noah’s wrists, his jaw clenching at the sight as they appear clearer now in ths morning light.

“Good morning,” Noah said quietly, his voice soft but steady.

Nick’s lips curved into a small, weary smile, his gaze never straying far from Noah’s bruises. 

Nick didn’t answer right away. Instead, he took a step closer.  Noah noticed the way Nick’s hand hung at his side, unbandaged and raw. "Nick your hand..." Without being able to finish his sentence, Nick paced towards him, his hands wrapped themselves around Noah tightly, he buried his head in Noah's neck. 

"Nick.." Surprised, Noah muttered.

"I'm just glad to see you ok...you have no idea when I felt yesterday, stepping into our place and not seeing you there...I. ..just ..." Nick didn't finish and he pulled back his gaze locked into Noah's.

Noah didn't say anything, he was focused on Nick's hand, he reached for it, frowning as he inspected the cuts and bruises. “Nick, your hand…”

Nick started to brush it off, shrugging like it didn’t matter, but Noah’s expression didn’t soften. “You need to take care of it,” he insisted, guiding him to the sink and grabbing the first aid kit. Nick didn’t protest, watching in silence as Noah gently cleaned his wounds, the air between them thick with unspoken emotions. Gratitude and guilt intertwined in Nick’s gaze as he noticed the split on Noah's lips, the one that was caused by him. 

“Noah…” Nick finally murmured, his voice rough. “About last night…”

Noah’s movements stilled, his fingers hovering over Nick’s bruised knuckles. "Nick, it's ok, you didn't mean to" Noah sighed then continued.

 "But I ..."

"No Nick, stop, I'm ok thanks to you" Noah sighed and continued. “and I remember, Nick. Everything. I thought maybe I was just… imagining things. But…” He glanced at the bruises on his own wrists. “It’s real.”

Nick met his eyes, the pain and frustration raw in his expression. “Noah. I need you to tell me everything you remember. Especially about Alex, since you are sober now...”

Noah looked down, finishing the bandage on Nick’s hand before letting go. “What about him?”

“Alex was here while Adam was…” Nick’s voice trailed off as he struggled to keep his anger in check. “Noah, Adam has been in our apartment two days in a row, with you, and Alex was there too"

Noah froze, his eyes widening slightly as another memory came back to him. He’d never really thought about it before, but… “Alex… he’s been bringing me juice or water almost every day. I never really got up to get it myself since I’m always busy working. But… I remember every time I drank it, I’d start feeling hazy. Like I was… drifting.” He shook his head, almost in disbelief as he processed the thought.

Nick’s face hardened, his jaw clenched so tightly his teeth might crack. “That bastard,” he muttered, his voice barely a whisper, anger flashing in his eyes. “He drugged you, Noah. He let Adam get close to you.”

Noah’s fingers trembled as he tried to make sense of it all. “Alex… how could he…” His voice broke, confusion and betrayal mingling in his expression. “I trusted him, Nick. How… how did I not see it?”

“Stop.” Nick’s tone was gentle but firm, his hand reaching out to steady Noah, grounding him. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the fire in his veins. “You couldn’t have known, Noah. They took advantage of you.”

Noah nodded, though his mind was still reeling. He cast his gaze down, staring at the bandage he’d just wrapped around Nick’s hand. “I still can’t believe it.”

Nick exhaled slowly, letting the tension leave his shoulders as he placed a hand on Noah’s back. “Let’s eat. You need to get some food in you, I'm gonna take care of everything, do not worry” he murmured, his tone softer now, a hint of warmth breaking through his anger. He motioned to the breakfast he’d made, the plate filled with Noah’s favorite dish.

Noah offered a faint smile, though the weight of everything that had happened still pressed on him. He followed Nick to the table, a sense of comfort in just having Nick by his side.

----
Nick’s hand lingered on Noah’s back as they finished breakfast, and he glanced at the clock, already aware that the day ahead was about to test every ounce of his patience and strength. He knew he had to head to the FBI office to interrogate Alex, but the idea of leaving Noah alone, especially after everything that had happened, was out of the question.

“Noah,” Nick said gently, “I need you to come with me to the office.”

Noah looked up, surprised. “To… the FBI office? Are you sure?”

Nick nodded, his eyes firm. “I can’t let you out of my sight, not after all of this. I don’t trust anyone else to keep you safe, not even for a minute.”

Noah's mind still a bit foggy because of the drug Noah nodded quietly, no place for arguments, no telling Nick that he's fine and that Nick didn't have to worry about him. Things were never fine and Noah needed Nick now, more than ever even if he doesn't admit it. . understanding the weight of Nick’s words and With a determined resolve, he followed Nick out the door.

At the FBI office -------

 Nick led Noah through a series of hallways before bringing him to a private room. “Wait here,” he instructed softly, squeezing Noah’s shoulder. “I’ll be back""

Noah nodded, giving him a reassuring look, though the tension was clear in his eyes. 

"Jack, this is Noah, take care of him for me will you?"

"Absolutely, hey Noah " Jack offered his hand for Noah to shake and was met by a pleasant smile.

Nick gave him one last glance before stepping out and heading into the interrogation room.

Inside, Alex sat at the table, his hands cuffed, his gaze cold as he looked up at Nick. The smugness in his eyes set Nick’s blood boiling, but he forced himself to stay calm, gripping the edge of the table as he sat across from Alex.

“Alex,” Nick began, his voice low and controlled. “I don't even know where I should begin.."

Alex remained quite. 

"Tell me, how did you get involved with Adam?"

"I honestly don't know Ada...."

"Alex shawn, You were placing drugs for Noah to take without his knowledge in order for Adam to break into our place and intimidate Noah and abuse him mentally and physically"

Alex looked terrified and he kept shaking his head in denial. his features were a painting of a broken confidence, maybe he's guilty but he's also selfish.

"I don't know anything about what you're saying..."

Nick had it up to here with him right now, he wasn't willing to prolong this, he ordered his colleagues to turn off the mic and cameras. 

"See that? Everything is off now, which means it's only you and me, which brings me to this..." Nick pulled his own phone to show Alex a picture. 

Alex's eyes widened as he stared at the screen .

"Her name is Ellie right?... she's an addict, and a hacker, but also, she's your everything am I right?"

"Where did you get this???" Alex tried to reach for his phone but Nick pulled it back.

"Doesn't matter" Nick leaned forward making his tone firm and steady. "I know Adam was in our place, I know You're cooperating with him and I fking know you've been drugging Noah, and..."
Nick exhaled and attempted to get a hold of his temper. "Now, I need to know where Adam is, tell me and I won't go after your girl"

Alex’s eyes widened just slightly, caught in the sudden threat. He swallowed hard. "I... I don’t know exactly where he stays, but—"

"Go on," Nick demanded, his tone biting.

Alex looked down, visibly shaken. "He first made a deal with me in one of the old warehouses near the docks."

"Write it down," Nick slid a pen and paper across the table. his voice unwillingly softer now, though the strain in his expression betrayed just how much this was hurting him knowing what Noah had to go through, and how he himself brought this for him.

Nick tried to keep it together, but beneath the anger, the betrayal gnawed at him. The thought of Noah—broken, drugged, manipulated—and how he’d let it happen... it tore him apart. "This is why Ethan got replaced, isn't it? What happened to him?"

"Adam... he threatened his family. Ethan had no choice but to back off, that's when I came in and Adam offered me that mission..." Alex replied, his voice flat.

Nick’s fists clenched as he stared at Alex, tears threatening to spill. "And you still went along with it? Noah... he’s already fighting his own battles, already messed up enough without you dragging him into this."

"For what it’s worth, I tried to pull Adam back when he took things too far, but he wouldn’t listen," Alex said, his voice hollow.

Nick looked away, lowering his head to hide the pain that was breaking through his anger.  he did not say a word as he was afraid of his voice betraying him.

"The next days, things got dirty, Adam tried to drown Noah... and I told him to stop," Alex added, his voice barely audible. "I told him this game went too far... I didn’t sign up for this,"

Nick lifted his head, locking a fierce, icy stare on Alex. "You could have called me," he hissed. "But that’d make you look guilty too, wouldn’t it?" He couldn’t hold back anymore. He got in his feet, grabbed Alex by the collar, hauling him up before slamming his fist into his jaw, sending Alex sprawling to the floor.

 "You greedy selfish mother fker" Nick was on him in a heartbeat, fists flying as he let his anger loose. His hits were filled with everything he wished he could have prevented. It was only when his colleagues burst in."Hey Nick! Stop!!" They grabbed him by the shoulders, and he finally stopped, breathing hard as they pulled him back.

Alex stumbled to his feet, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. He dabbed at it, his expression a twisted mix of anger and resignation.

"Is that bastard going to come for Noah today? To our apartment?"  Nick demanded, barely restraining himself.

"I don’t know... he hasn’t called yet," Alex muttered, wiping the blood from his face.

Nick pulled himself away from his friends' grasp and handed Alex's phone to Alex. "Call him now"

Alex hesitated, his hand trembling as he reached for the phone. He dialed Adam’s number, putting it on speaker.

"Adam. .." Alex stuttered the name when Adam picked up from the other end.

Nick clenched his fists at his sides, not withstanding the voice he is so familiar with, the voice haunting him, reminding him of everything bad happened to Noah.

"Alex, First time you call me. What’s up?" Adam’s voice was smooth, almost cheerful, sending a shiver of hatred down Nick’s spine.

"Yeah, I...I just wondered if you will stop by today.." he paused a little looking at Nick careful as he added the  next words. "Wondered If I should get...Noah ready for you..." Alex stammered already feeling Nick's fire that was getting out of his eyes.

"Umm, since when you call to ask, didn't you try to stop me the other day? going all morals on me?"

"Yeah...but not anymore, I want this job after all"

"Good kid, however I'm busy today I have some other matters, but you keep on twisting Noah's mind with the drug I gave you and make sure Noah’s kept... compliant"

"Alright...." Alex replied and the call hung up.

Nick gritted his teeth, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles went white, the rage almost blinding him. He’d made a promise to himself, right then and there—Adam wouldn’t walk away from this.

When the call ended, Nick couldn’t stand to look at Alex another second. Without a word, he stormed out of the room, his pace quickening as he made his way down the hallway. He needed to see Noah. He pushed open the door to the small room where Noah and Jack were waiting.

"Hey, how did it go?" Jack asked and Noah watched with anticipation.

"Sorry Jack, could you give us a minute?" Nick asked his tone calm yet on edge.

"Sure.." Puzzled, Jack left the room closing the door shut.

As soon as they were alone, Nick sank into the chair beside Noah. He tried to speak, but the words caught in his throat. Instead, he reached out, taking Noah's hand in his, his fingers trembling slightly as they curled around his friend’s.

"Noah... I know I said it yesterday but I'm not sure if you were hearing me" he began, his voice breaking. "I didn’t know. I should’ve known, should’ve seen it, but I didn’t." He shook his head, fighting against the tidal wave of regret. "I should’ve been there. I should’ve protected you from all this, I failed and it's not the first time"

Noah watched him, his own eyes reflecting a mix of confusion and lingering pain. He opened his mouth to respond, but Nick kept going, the words spilling out faster now.

"I hate myself for it, Noah. For letting you down. For letting him touch you, control you like that. If I could take it all back, if I could go through it myself just to spare you... I would. In a heartbeat." He gritted his teeth, his jaw tight as he tried to contain his emotions. "I swear..."

Noah shifted slightly, squeezing Nick’s hand back. "Nick... you didn’t know. It’s not on you. I was... I was so messed up, I didn’t even realize half the time."

"That makes it worse Noah, the state you were in, the level it reached and I let it happen,  Noah. I left you alone to deal with him. I thought I was protecting you, trusting an outsider, all I did was give him space to hurt you more."

"Alex is a caregiver, there was no way you could've known"

"Yeah but ..."

"Nick, stop, I know it's messed up..and.."

Nick shook his head. "It's more than that, Noah, I fking let Adam get this close to you, torture you, in our fking place that supposedly Adam didn't know where it is" he sighed and continued.
 "I don want you to make up excuses for me, I'm not here for that, I'm here to apologize although I know it won't do much for me unless I end this son of a bitch"

"Don't throw yourself into danger Nick...please ..." Noah stopped suddenly.

"You feeling ok Noah?" Nick ignored the last sentence when he noticed Noah squeezing his eyes and subtly holding his head.

"I don't know...my vision is starting to get blurry"

"I have no idea what he gave you this time" Nick reached for Noah aiming to comfort him. "I don't know if the hospital can help but I need to take you there" 

"No.. I don't want to, just give me five minutes and it will go away..." Noah kept rubbing his eyes.

"Noah..." Nick cupped Noah's face and Noah's gaze was fixed on him now. "for the first time, I don't really know what to do, I'm afraid if every action I take will hurt you in the end... Even if it's just a hospital, I feel like I don't know how to protect you anymore and you're slipping through my hands"

Noah's eyes were wide at Nick's words, realizing how he made Nick think like that, confused, hurt and even doubting himself and his decisions, it hurt Noah badly.

"Nick..." He reached for Nick's  face, touching it with his strangely cold hand. "I'm here now, am I not? It means your actions were the reason" Noah smiled warmly which made Nick's heart melt, that what he always liked about Noah, he seems strong even at his worst shape, fighting and never giving up, and most importantly, the blind loyalty and care for the people he cares about, for Nick especially. Nick wanted to protect Noah even if it meant sacrificing his own life, he wanted to lock him somewhere remote just to prevent any harm from coming his way. That is how much he cares for Noah.

"You... " Nick wanted to speak but no words came out when his eyes laid on the bruises on his neck, so instead he reached for it, running his fingers all over it. "You're so innocent and pure hearted Noah, you didn't deserve any of this" Nick muttered as he continued tracing the red marks on Noah's neck, eyes locked on them.

"Nick..." Noah began but he was interrupted by a sudden burst of the door.

"Nick, we're ready" Jack announced.

Nick finally snapped out of his daze and turned to face Jack. "Good, I'm coming" he replied calmly as he stood up.

Noah couldn't help but feel tightness in his chest and as a reflex he held Nick's hand quickly. "Nick.."

"Don't be afraid, we might have found that mother fker, and I'm gonna make him pay" Nick smiled and stroked Noah's cheek gently.  

"Don't go too far Nick, please be careful, I don't wanna lose you to him" Noah's words were firm, he got on his feet as he spoke. 

Nick smirked and pushed a strand of hair behind Noah's ear. "He already went too far with you Noah"

Nick bent his head down. "Now, despite that I hate it, but I have to leave you again, I told Sarah to take care of you"

"Don't worry about me Nick, I just need you to be ok"

"You, you be ok Noah, I don't care about me much right now.." Nick patted on Noah's shoulder then without waiting for Noah to reply, he paced across the room and went out with Jack, leaving Noah standing alone in the room puzzled. He knew Nick, he was afraid he would do something stupid that Noah would not be able to live with himself after it, however, he doesn't have a choice right now but to let him go as Nick wasn't seeing or hearing anyone out at this moment.

-----
The drive was hours long,  when Nick and Jack finally arrived at the warehouse, They broke in cautiously, armed and ready. The place is eerily quiet. Dust covers everything, and it looks abandoned—at first. As they move deeper inside, they find signs of recent activity: discarded syringes, bloodied rags, and a chair with frayed ropes still tied to it. It’s obvious someone was held there, recently, no surprise considering Adam's work, but the place is empty now.

Nick is livid, feeling like they’re always one step behind Adam. His anger intensifies when Jack discovers a taunting note taped to the chair:

*"Nick,
How does it feel, always being too late?

A"*

Nick stared at the note in his hand, his chest tightening with a mix of fury and dread. The words blurred slightly as his grip crumpled the paper. Adam wasn’t here—but he knew. He knew they’d come. The bastard wasn’t just taunting him. He was making a statement.

Nick crushes the note in his hand, his jaw clenched. He knows Adam is playing with them, messing with their heads. But mostly he was afraid if Adam knows where Noah is, Adam is capable of doing anything. "Fuck"

Nick’s mind raced, a sickening thought taking root: If Adam knows we’re here, then he knows Noah’s not with us.

Noah. Alone, back at the office, even if Sarah was there, even if the whole FPI was there, Was that really enough? At this point Nick's thoughts weren't making any sense but then again this is Adam, he had already proved he could slip through their defenses before. The thought of Adam anywhere near Noah again made Nick’s stomach churn.

His voice was tight as he spoke to Jack. "We’re leaving. Now."

Jack frowned. "But we haven’t checked—"

"It’s a trap," Nick cut him off sharply. "We’re wasting time here. He might just wanted us out of the way." He was already heading for the door, his pace brisk and unrelenting. "I’m not risking it. We’re going back."

---
The drive to the FBI office felt endless, the place was already too far and the previous trip took hours and now it was almost night. Nick’s fingers gripped the wheel so tightly. Every red light felt like a personal attack, every slow-moving car a barrier between him and Noah. They both tried calling the office but for some reason no network. Which made it worse, even the wakie talkie was making random noises.

Nick tried to convince himself Noah was safe. He was in the most secure place possible. But Adam doesn’t play by the rules, a voice in his head argued. The thought gnawed at him: What if this was his plan all along? Lure me out, leave Noah vulnerable?

Nick clenched his jaw, trying to push the fear down. But it was there, growing, tightening his chest with every passing second.

---
By the time Nick pulled into the lot, it was pitch dark outside. The building loomed ahead, its lights casting a pale glow in the night. He didn’t wait for Jack as he bolted from the car, his heart pounding in his chest.

The doors slid open, and Nick rushed inside, his boots echoing in the quiet hallway. Every step felt like an eternity, his mind replaying worst-case scenarios over and over. What if he kidnaps Noah without anyone noticing, what if ... 

Nick could almost hear Adam’s mocking voice in his head: Too late again, Nick.

He reached the room where Noah and Sarah were supposed to be, barely pausing before throwing the door open.

Noah was there. Sitting on the couch with Sarah, a cup of tea in his hands. His head turned at the sound of the door, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"Nick?" Noah stood quickly, setting the tea down on the table. His voice was uncertain but steady.

Nick exhaled sharply, the tension leaving his body all at once. His shoulders slumped, and he leaned against the doorframe, letting out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding.

"You're safe..." he muttered, his voice low and thick with relief. His eyes moved over Noah, scanning him from head to toe as if checking for invisible injuries, needing to be sure nothing was wrong.

"I was worried," Noah said, his voice trembling slightly. "You were late, I tried to call you, but..."
 
Without a second thought, without hesitation, Nick crossed the room and pulled Noah into a tight hug. His arms wrapped around him with an almost desperate strength, like he was anchoring himself to the fact that Noah was right there, safe, and unharmed. For a moment, he just held him, his face buried in Noah’s shoulder, his breaths uneven.

Noah froze for half a second before his body relaxed against Nick’s. He gently patted Nick’s back, his tone laced with confusion. "What happens Nick?"

Nick didn’t answer right away, his voice muffled against Noah’s shoulder. "I thought..." He pulled back just enough to look Noah in the eyes, his hands still gripping his arms. "I thought he might’ve gotten to you, even here. I couldn’t stop thinking about it"

Sarah looked at Nick, clearly puzzled. "We've also been worried, we couldn't reach you, what happened Nick?"

Nick let go of Noah but kept one hand on his shoulder, grounding himself. "we didn't find Adam there, he knew we were coming and I found something—a note. It was left at that warehouse Alex mentioned. It was a message from Adam."

Sarah's eyes narrowed, her usual composed demeanor cracking slightly. "A message? What did it say?"

Nick swallowed hard, glancing at Noah for a brief moment before focusing on Sarah. "Just one line: 'How does it feel, always being too late?" His jaw clenched, the weight of the words sinking into the room like a stone in water. "It was too direct. Too deliberate. I couldn’t ignore it. I had to get back here."

Sarah sighed heavily, running a hand through her hair. "Alright, so we know Adam’s playing games again. But we’ve got agents outside, surveillance. There’s no way he’s getting close to this place without someone knowing."

Nick chuckled mockingly and shook his head. "He managed to get to Noah despite every measure I took, that mother fker can do anything"

Sarah bowed her head down thinking it was true.
"Damn it, who does he think he is?" 

"He crossed many lines that I might not hold myself if I caught him"

"You're right"  Sarah nodded.

"The thing is..." Nick was about to speak but he noticed Noah grabbing the edge of a table and he wasn't looking good.

"Noah?" He paced towards him in a haste. "Hey" Nick held Noah by the back of his Neck brushing his hair gently. "What's wrong? Are you feeling ok?"

Noah winced slightly at Nick's touch, his knuckles whitening as his grip on the table tightened. His breathing was shallow, and his eyes fluttered shut for a moment, as though the effort to keep them open was too much.

"Hey, hey," Nick said softly, his voice laced with urgency. His hand moved from Noah’s neck to his arm, steadying him. "Look at me, Noah. What’s going on?"

"An hour ago he didn't seem well either, I asked him if I should get him someone but he said he's ok" Sarah explained.

Nick listened to Sarah then turned his attention to Noah again.

"I’m fine," Noah mumbled, but his voice betrayed him—weak, shaky, a far cry from convincing.

"Fine, my ass," Nick snapped, his grip tightening. "You’re pale as hell, and you’re barely standing. Sit down." He guided Noah toward the couch, his movements careful but firm, like he was afraid Noah might break under his touch. 

Nick brushed Noah's hair back, he placed his hand on Noah's forehead measuring his temperature. "Your fever is back again"

Nick's figure was blurry in Noah's eyes, he blinked many times to adjust his vision but no use.

"We need to get you to a hospital, that seems the only option I have right now" Nick kept stroking Noah's hair with his thumb. 

"No, Nick, I'm fine, I think I'm just... tired"

"No, actually it was supposed to be the first thing I do, taking you to a hospital but my hands were tied by what I've learned  about what happened to you and I ..."

"Nick, I'm fine, I don't want to go through it again, hospitals, doctors who don't even know a treatment plan" Noah squeezed his eyes as if he's trying to endure an invisible pain he couldn't locate where.

Nick's jaw tightened, his worry bleeding through the cracks of his usually controlled demeanor. He crouched lower, resting on the balls of his feet, his hand never leaving Noah's hair. His thumb continued its soothing rhythm, brushing through the dark strands like it was the only thing keeping him grounded.

"Noah," Nick said softly, his voice almost a whisper. "Don’t give me that ‘I’m fine’ crap again. You’re not fine. Your fever’s back, your hands are shaking, and you can barely look at me without zoning out." His other hand reached for Noah’s, holding it firmly. 

"Please Nick, if these are my last days, I don't want to spend them with doctors even if it's for a brief time" Noah’s breathing hitched, his head leaning slightly into Nick’s hand as if seeking the comfort it offered.

Nick froze, his hand still resting on Noah's forehead. For a moment, the words didn’t register, like his brain refused to process what he’d just heard. Slowly, he pulled back, his eyes narrowing as they searched Noah’s face for any sign that he didn’t mean it. But Noah’s gaze was steady, his exhaustion not dulling the seriousness of his statement.

“Last days?” Nick echoed, his voice low and dangerous, like he was daring Noah to say it again.

Noah looked away, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Nick, you know what I mean,” he murmured, his tone soft but resolute. “I don’t want to waste whatever time I have left stuck in some hospital room, hooked up to machines while people poke and prod me.”

Nick’s jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. “Don’t. Say. That.” Each word was deliberate, sharp as a blade. “You’re not dying, Noah. Don’t talk like that. Don’t even think like that.”

“Nick—”

“No,” Nick interrupted, his voice rising slightly. He shot to his feet, pacing the room like he needed to burn off the storm of emotions brewing inside him. “You don’t get to say shit like that. You don’t get to give up on yourself when I’m here and all  I'm fighting for is you”

“I’m not giving up,” Noah said, his voice cracking as he tried to sit up. “I’m just... being realistic. We both know what Adam did, who's to say he didn't give me a slow death poison. Not to mention what Damion give me before, all my actions, symptoms, We both know I might not—”

Nick whirled around, his eyes blazing. “Stop it. Just stop it, Noah!” He stalked back to the couch, dropping to his knees so he was at eye level. His hands found their way to Noah’s shoulders, gripping them firmly but not enough to hurt. “You’re not going anywhere. Do you hear me? You’re not.”

Noah flinched slightly but didn’t look away. “Nick...”

“No,” Nick said again, his voice softer now but no less intense. “You’re not spending your last days anywhere because there are no ‘last days.’ Not yet. Not while I’m still breathing.” His grip loosened, and one hand moved to cup Noah’s cheek, his thumb brushing against the fevered skin. “You’ve been through hell, Noah, but you’re still here. You’re still fighting. Don’t you dare act like that fight’s over.”

Tears welled up in Noah’s eyes, his resolve cracking under Nick’s unrelenting determination. “I’m just so tired,” he whispered, his voice trembling. “I don’t know how much more I can take,” 

Nick’s expression softened, and he leaned in closer, his forehead resting against Noah’s. “Then let me carry it,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “Let me be the one to take the hits, to fight Adam. Just don’t... don’t give up on me. Don’t leave me, Noah.”

Noah’s tears spilled over, and he nodded weakly, his hands clutching at Nick’s shirt like it was the only thing anchoring him.

Nick exhaled shakily, relief and heartbreak mingling in his expression. “That’s all I need,” he whispered. “That’s all I’ll ever need.” He pulled Noah into a tight embrace, holding him like he could shield him from the world, from Adam, from everything that had hurt him.

Noah seemed on edge and Nick didn't want to argue further and make his condition worse. Besides, maybe the hospital would be Adam's first targeted place since he participated in making Noah like this. At least that's what Nick thought to convince himself not to press on Noah.

"Just lemme take you to a motel and take care of you then, you need rest"

Noah just nodded before holding his head tightly and wince again. "Ah.."

"What's wrong?"

"It’s just... my head," he mumbled after a moment, his voice so faint Nick had to lean closer to hear him. "It hurts. Feels like it's... spinning. Like everything’s too loud and too bright at the same time." He shut his eyes tightly, wincing as if even the dim light of the room was too much.

"Let's get going" Nick helped Noah up and adjusted Noah in his arms, his movements gentle but purposeful. Noah's head lolled against Nick’s chest, his breathing shallow and uneven. Nick gritted his teeth, his chest tightening at the sight of Noah so fragile.

Sarah has been watching in silence, not really knowing what to do or say,

"Sarah, I'm sorry about all of trouble but I need one more favor "

"No it's fine, what do you need"

"I need a trustworthy doctor who can come to the motel I'm going to, since I won't be taking Noah to a hospital "

"Sure, yeah I think I know someone "

"Thank you Sarah, I'll send you the exact location once I'm there "

"Sure Nick, just be ok, both of you, I'll send a patrol to watch over the street you're going to"

"Yeah, you be careful too, now I have to go, take care"

"You too"

---
“You’re going to be okay,” Nick murmured, more to himself than to Noah as he guided him out of the building toward the car parked outside. The cool night air hit them, and Noah stirred slightly, his eyes fluttering open but barely focusing.

“Nick...” Noah’s voice was faint, slurred with exhaustion. His fingers weakly gripped Nick’s jacket. “I can... walk...”

"Sure whatever you say" Nick ignored his words and kept supporting him knowing how stubborn Noah is.

Noah made a sound that could have been a protest, but it dissolved into a soft groan as Nick adjusted his weight. “Don’t need... all this... I have to get stronger, Need to count on myself... " The fever was taking a toll on him apparently. 

“You can argue all you want once you’re in bed,” Nick replied, reaching the passenger side of the car. He shifted Noah carefully and opened the door. one arm around his back and the other beneath his knees. “Alright, there you go.” With practiced ease, Nick maneuvered Noah into the seat. Noah’s head lolled to the side, and he blinked sluggishly, his hands fumbling uselessly at the seatbelt.

“I... I got it...” Noah muttered, his hands brushing against the strap but failing to grip it.

“Yeah, no, you don’t.” Nick bent down beside him, pulling the seatbelt across Noah’s chest. “Stop fighting me on this, Noah. Just let me do it, okay?”

Noah mumbled something incoherent, his head tipping forward like he was losing the battle with consciousness. Nick’s heart clenched as he gently pushed Noah’s head back against the seat. “Stay with me, Noah,” he said firmly, snapping the seatbelt into place. “Just a little longer.”

He brushed a hand over Noah’s damp hair, his fingers lingering for a moment. “Your fever is not cooling down," he muttered under his breath and was about to shut the door when Noah held his hand pulling him slightly.

 "Nick... Don't leave...me" Noah spoke in a barely understandable phrase and he was out of it, he didn't realize anything he was saying. He seemed fragile.

Nick's heart shattered as he took Noah's hand pressing it against his cheek. "I'm right here Noah"

 "I ..." He tried to continue but his eyes closed and gave up to darkness pulling him within.

"I'm gonna take care of you"  Hurrying to the driver’s side, Nick slid into the seat, glancing at Noah out of the corner of his eye. Noah’s eyelids were heavy, his breathing shallow but steady. “We’re almost there,” Nick said, even though he wasn’t sure if Noah could hear him.

To be continued 

Chapter Text

The drive to the motel was tense, every glance at Noah making Nick’s grip on the steering wheel tighten. By the time they arrived, Nick wasted no time. He parked close to the entrance, got out, and circled around to Noah’s side.

“Hey, we’re here,” he said softly, opening the door. Noah blinked sluggishly, his movements slow as he tried to sit up but failed.

Nick sighed, leaning in to unbuckle the seatbelt. “Alright, I’ve got you.” 

"Uhm..." Noah moaned, he seemed in pain but he himself didn't know what hurt him, his mind was foggy again.

"I'm here..." He slid an arm under Noah’s shoulders pulling him out effortlessly.

Noah’s head dropped against Nick’s chest, and he murmured something Nick couldn’t make out. “There you go, you're gonna be fine, I'm gonna take care of you” Nick whispered gently, as he dragged both of them inside.

The room was small but clean, and Nick wasted no time laying Noah down on the bed. He pulled off Noah’s shoes and adjusted the blankets, making sure he was as comfortable as possible.

“Nick...” Noah’s voice was barely audible, his hand reaching weakly for Nick as the later was about to turn away.

“I’m right here,” Nick said, sitting on the edge of the bed and taking Noah’s hand in his. “I’m not going anywhere."

"I'm sorry... I'm... I let Adam ...in .." Noah mumbled in a tone barley above a whisper but Nick managed to understand.

"Hey hey..." Nick turned his body to fully face Noah's laying figure, leaning closer and stroking his face. "This was not your fault, do not talk like that again"

Noah just looked at Nick with glassy eyes saying nothing, be had a fever so he couldn't really get a hold of his emotions and his words.

"Let me soak a cloth, I'll be right back" Nick offered a warm smile squeezing Noah's hand before letting go and heading to the bathroom.

2 minutes later Nick returned with the damp cloth, he placed it gently on Noah's forehead. Noah winced at the contact. "It's ok Noah, I've got you"
Nick continued damping the cloth against all areas of his face.

Noah started to relax a bit. 

---30 minutes later---

There was a knock on the door. 

"It must be the doctor" The doctor Sarah sent finally arrived, Nick headed to the door and let him in.
 
The doctor stepped into the room, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a calm demeanor. He carried a small medical bag, nodding at Nick. “You must be Nick. Sarah briefed me. Where’s the patient?”

Nick stepped aside, gesturing to the bed where Noah lay, barely conscious, his breaths shallow and uneven one more time. “He’s right here. Fever’s been high, and he’s been... out of it. Can you help him?”

The doctor set his bag down and approached the bed, his expression growing serious as he took in Noah’s condition. He leaned over, pressing the back of his hand to Noah’s forehead before checking his pulse.

“Noah, can you hear me?” the doctor asked gently.

Noah stirred slightly, his lips parting as though to speak, but no words came out.

“He’s been in and out,” Nick explained, his voice tight. “And he’s in pain. He keeps saying everything hurts.”

The doctor nodded, pulling out a thermometer and an oximeter. He worked efficiently, his movements calm but deliberate. “Fever’s high,” he murmured. “His pulse is a bit weak, though.”

Nick hovered at the edge of the bed, his jaw clenched. “What does that mean?"

“It means he’s exhausted, dehydrated, and his body’s under a lot of stress,” the doctor interrupted gently but firmly. 

The doctor’s eyes lingered on the faint bruises on Noah’s wrists and neck, his brow furrowing as he adjusted the blanket to examine them more closely. “What’s this?” he asked, gesturing to the marks.

Nick stiffened. His jaw clenched, and he hesitated for a moment before answering. “He was... abused,” Nick said tightly, his voice low but firm. “By a criminal we're after, he drugged him for days too"

The doctor’s expression grew grim. “Drugged? And you’re sure it’s out of his system?”

Nick ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in every movement. “I took a blood sample the other night, Sent it to a lab hoping I'll get something but, It came back clear—no traces of anything. It happened before as well, the doctors couldn't identify the substance in his blood. They're  probably using something that doesn’t show up on standard tests.”

The doctor nodded thoughtfully, pulling out his stethoscope and leaning closer to Noah. “That could explain some of the symptoms—weakness, confusion. If it was a fast-metabolizing drug or something experimental, it would’ve left his system, but the aftereffects could linger.”

"It appears that way" Nick replied.

"I encountered one case similar to Noah's, it indeed was a challenge since we didn't know the exact substance to detox it or give some anti dot, but I was able to reduce some of the symptoms that were similar to what Noah's having"

"I would really appreciate it, doc if you could help his condition"

The doctor pulled out pen and paper and wrote him a prescription of a drug. "Here, get it from the nearest pharmacy tomorrow , it should help ease his mental stress"

Nick took it quickly, hope in his eyes. "I will, thank you doc"

“Now I'll do what in my power and give him this injection, it will help bring his fever down and ease the pain,” The doctor said, glancing at Nick, He started preparing an injection from a vial he’d brought.  “Hold him steady for me.” the doctor ordered as he took Noah's arm and saw a resistance from the latter.

Nick moved without hesitation, sitting on the bed and wrapping an arm around Noah’s shoulders to keep him upright. Noah’s head lolled against Nick’s chest after seeing the needle, and all he could think of was the time Adam forced the drug into his arm. "No... I don't want it ..." Noah mumbled and was writhing under Nick's grasp and the doctor's touch.

“Shh, I'm right here” Nick murmured, his lips brushing against Noah’s ear. “It’s okay,  It’s just to help you feel better, Noah.”

Then, a soft, pained sound escaped Noah's lips as the doctor administered the injection. "That's it, it's over Noah" Nick hand moved from Noah's shoulder to stroke Noah's temple with care.

The injection was over in seconds, but Noah’s body sagged even more against Nick, his breaths coming in uneven gasps. Nick laid him back down carefully, tucking the blanket around him again. "You did good Noah"

“hopefully he would sleep at ease for the next few hours,” the doctor said, packing up his things. “Make sure he stays hydrated when he wakes up. Small sips of water or an electrolyte solution. And keep an eye on his fever. Here is my number”

Nick nodded, his gaze fixed on Noah. “Thank you, doctor” he said, his voice low.

As the door clicked shut behind the doctor, the room fell into a heavy silence. Nick sat down in the chair beside the bed, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. His hands rubbed over his face, the weight of the night pressing down on him.

He looked at Noah, who seemed smaller than ever under the blanket, his face pale and damp. Nick couldn’t shake the image of him from earlier—his eyes unfocused, his body limp.

“Damn it, Noah,” Nick whispered, his voice breaking. “Why do you always have to make me so scared..."

-------------------
The motel room was heavy with the quiet hum of the heater and the weight of exhaustion. Nick sat beside Noah, his heart finally beginning to ease after hours of tending to him. He watched as Noah's fever seemed to subside slightly, his face pale but calm for the first time in what felt like days.

Once Noah drifted off into an uneasy sleep, Nick hesitated before lying down himself. He propped himself up against the headboard, keeping one eye on Noah, until the pull of exhaustion became too much to fight. Finally, he let himself lie on the other bed, boots kicked off but fully clothed, ready to spring up at the first sign of trouble.

---
It's almost dawn now, Noah stirred, his body drenched in sweat, his breaths shallow and erratic again, The fever was just dulled now, replaced by vivid hallucinations that blurred the line between nightmares and reality.

“No…” he whispered, his lips trembling as his fingers clutched at the blanket. “Adam, don’t…” His voice cracked as he twisted in the bed, his mind playing fake scenes.

Then, Noah’s eyes fluttered open. The motel room was dark and disorienting, shadows crawling in his peripheral vision. For a fleeting moment, he thought he saw Adam in the corner, staring at him with that same predatory smirk.

“No,” Noah whispered, panic climbing up his throat, turning to the other side where Nick was peacefully sleeping on the other bed, he saw in the back of his mind Adam, he stood over him, eyes cold and calculating, that familiar smirk tugging at his lips. In his hand, a gun aimed not at Noah—but at Nick. "This can't be..."

 He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, his movements slow and shaky. He glanced toward Nick, who was still sound asleep, his face calm despite the chaos swirling in the room. Noah’s chest tightened with guilt. "You can’t drag him into this, leave" Noah was clearly talking to an invisible person thinking it was Adam standing there. 

"Come with me then"  the imaginary Adam suggested and headed for the door. "If you don't want me to hurt Nick" 

Adam's image was getting out of the motel room. Noah didn't hesitate, he rose to his feet. His knees buckled, and he caught himself against the wall, gasping for breath. “I need to… I need to get out...” he muttered under his breath, the words tumbling out in a mix of confusion and fear.

The door creaked softly as Noah opened it, his movements sluggish and unsteady. The cold night air hit him like a slap, but it barely registered. He staggered into the outside darkness, mumbling incoherently as his hallucinations intensified.

“Adam,” he whispered into the empty parking lot, his voice trembling from both cold and nervousness. “where are you..." His pace quickened despite the dizziness clawing at him, his feet dragging across the pavement getting red as the cold seeped into his barefoot.

“Nick,” he murmured again, this time softer, as though calling out for him would banish the nightmares. “I didn’t mean to… I didn’t know it’d be like this…” His words faded into sobs now, he started getting memories of his dark past with Adam.

"I don't want to..." Noah stumbled into a narrow alleyway, the shadows around him twisting and morphing into familiar horrors.

He collapsed against the cold brick wall, trembling violently as his fever spiked again. “I can’t go back,” he gasped, his voice cracking. “I can’t do it" His hands clutched his head, trying to block out the whispers of his past, but they only grew louder. “Nick…” His voice broke, barely a whisper now. “Nick, I’m sorry…" Noah was trembling violently.

“Hey there, pretty boy,” a slurred voice called from deeper in the alley interrupting Noah's thoughts. Noah’s head snapped up, his fevered eyes locking on a two men, their movements lazy and predatory. They reeked of alcohol and their eyes glinting with opportunistic intent.

“What’re you doing out here all alone?” one of them asked, stepping closer. He reached out, his hand rough and calloused, gripping Noah’s arm. “Don’t you know it’s dangerous?”

Noah’s vision blurred, his mind struggling to comprehend what was happening. “Leave me… alone,” he muttered weakly, trying to pull away. His body, frail and trembling, offered little resistance.

“Aw, don’t be like that,” the other one crooned, stepping closer. “We’ll take good care of you…”

Noah’s breathing quickened, panic clawing at his chest. “No… I don’t… I need to go,” he stammered, his voice cracking. He pushed weakly against the man’s grip, his fingers trembling. “Let me go…”

The man holding him chuckled, tightening his grip. “Where you gonna go, huh? You’re shaking like a leaf.”

Noah’s vision swam, the alley spinning around him. The shadows of the men merged with the ghosts of his past, Adam’s smirk flashing in and out of focus, mixed with the smug expressions on the faces of the individuals surrounding him with malicious intentions.
---
-At the motel-

Nick stirred, he opened his eyes slowly, pausing for a moment, he felt the the chill creeping in from the door left ajar by Noah. instinctively eyes reaching for the spot where Noah had been, his stomach dropped when he noticed Noah's bed empty. “Noah..” His voice was sharp, panic already clawing at his throat. He shot out of bed, scanning the dimly lit room, and froze when he saw the door of their room was slightly ajar. 

“Fck...” he muttered, slipping on his boots, grabbing his jacket, gun and bolting outside. The cold air bit at his skin as he scanned the parking lot, his heart racing. “Noah!” he called, his voice echoing into the still night. "Noah! Please answer me if you can hear my voice"
Nothing came back to him, he cursed again under his breath, his mind racing with many bad ideas.
---
"Speak, did the cat eat your tongue?" The man trapping Noah teased him and Noah For a moment, the fog in his mind lifted—just enough for instinct to kick in. His free hand curled into a fist, and with every ounce of strength he could muster, he swung it upward, connecting with the man’s jaw in a sharp, brutal hit.

The man staggered back, cursing loudly as he clutched his face. “You little shit!”

Noah stumbled backward, his vision blurring again, the effort draining what little energy he had left. His body swayed, his fever making him lightheaded and unsteady.

The second man grabbed Noah by his face roughly, anger flashing in his eyes. “You’ll regret that.” 

"Wait" The guy who was hit, got back on his feet and paced towards Noah. "Let me have this honor" The man slammed Noah against the wall and forced an aggressive hit into his stomach. Noah's knees buckled and he was about to fall but the man caught him. "I need compensation, for what you did" 

Noah could only see a blurry figure of this man, he groaned as the pain was unbearable, his head swaying left and right, eyes unfocused.

"Didn't you hear me? Give me everything you have right now, where is your wallet?" The man's hands were all over Noah searching him and Noah could only close his eyes and squirm under that man's touch as he didn't have the energy to do anything. 
---
 Nick continued scanning the area then he stopped when a faint far sound of men murmuring, barely audible voice, caught his attention, coming from a nearby alley. He followed it, his boots crunching against the snowy gravel as he headed for the alley.

“Where is it, you piece of shit?” the man demanded, his voice slurred with alcohol and rage. When Noah didn’t respond fast enough, the man drew back his fist and slammed it into Noah’s face making his nose bleed along with his already split lip.

Noah groaned, his body going slack for a moment before he forced himself to stay upright. His legs trembled, barely holding him, and his hands weakly pushed against the man’s chest. But it wasn’t enough. The man shoved him harder against the wall, his hand wrapping around Noah’s throat now.

“Didn’t you hear me?” the man snarled. “Give me everything you’ve got!"

The alley was dark, cold, and eerily silent, except for the murmers, Nick followed the sound, his heart racing with dread. Every step he took was deliberate, his boots crunching against the icy gravel beneath him. His eyes scanned the shadows, and then he saw them—two men looming over a frail, trembling figure pressed against the brick wall.

'Is that Noah!??' Nick's heart sunken deeper as he dove deeper into the place to make sure.

Noah moaned in pain, his vision blurred, the alley spinning around him. His fever had sapped all his strength, leaving him a trembling, defenseless mess. He could feel the other man’s hands searching him, roughly patting down his pockets, invading his space with violent urgency. While the other man's hands were  still on his throat and Noah felt the air running out of him and he was about to faint.

Nick froze for a heartbeat as he realized that the figure was actually Noah, the sight sending a wave of cold fury through him. Noah’s face was pale, his skin damp with sweat and smeared with blood from a split lip and a bleeding nose. His body sagged against the wall, barely able to hold itself upright. One man had him by his neck, while the other searched him roughly, his hands invasive and cruel.

"Get the fuck away from him!" The gun was in Nick's hand in an instant, the cold metal steady as he raised it and aimed. His voice was calm, controlled, but it carried a deadly weight.

The men turned at the sound of Nick's voice, their eyes landing on the gun aimed directly at them. For a moment, the air was thick with tension, the threat of violence hanging. However, they seemed UN bothered by Nick's presence as their drunken state of mind couldn't distinguish. 

“Is that your boyfriend?” the man holding Noah sneered, his arrogance unfazed by the weapon. He leaned closer to Noah, his breath hot against his ear. “Maybe he’s got something worth taking.”

"Ughm" Noah couldn't help but moan at the pain radiating from the firm grip on his neck and the discomfort of the situation.

Nick’s finger tightened on the trigger, without any hesitation, Nick pulled the trigger and a gunshot rang out, Loud and sharp, cutting through the cold silence of the alley. The man holding Noah screamed in pain as the bullet tore through his leg. He crumpled to the ground, clutching the bleeding wound.

“Shit!” The other man’s eyes went wide with panic. He rushed to his friend, grabbing him under the arms and hauling him up. “That mother fker is crazy, let's go" 

Nick tried to run after them and kept the gun trained on them, his eyes cold and unyielding, until they staggered away, their curses and groans fading into the distance.

Noah was more important now than some random thugs, Nick’s focus snapped back to Noah, who slid down against the brick wall, barely keeping himself awake, trembling from the cold.

“Noah!” Nick shouted, his voice trembling with barely contained emotion. He moved without hesitation, shrugging off his jacket and draping it carefully over Noah’s shoulders, wrapping him in its warmth. His hands lingered for a moment, adjusting the fabric to cover every inch of Noah’s shaking frame.

Kneeling in front of him, Nick reached out, his fingers brushing Noah’s face, examining it, His thumb traced the split in Noah’s lip, now swollen and stained with blood. "F*ck, Noah.." He lingered there, as if trying to understand how things had gotten to this point. His touch was feather-light, but even that made Noah flinch. "Ugh..."

“Hey, easy..,” Nick said softly, his voice a soothing anchor. 

“Nick…” Noah whispered, the name escaping his lips like a lifeline. Noah’s eyes, wide with confusion and fear, darted around before finally settling on Nick’s face. For a moment, recognition flickered through the haze. His body sagged slightly in relief, though the tremors didn’t stop.

“What the hell were you thinking Noah? Why are you here...” Nick's tone was angry now as he shook his head in disbelief.

 Noah's breathing hitched, and his eyes filled with something between guilt and fear. “I—I didn’t mean to… I… had to leave.” his voice trembled as he spoke, he kept nodding his head struggling to form the words.

Nick’s brows furrowed in concern, his hands gently cupping Noah’s freezing face now, holding him steady as if afraid he might disappear. “Why, Noah?” His voice broke, equal parts desperate and worried. “Why did you fking leave? Help me understand ,I woke up, and you were just… gone, I don't even know how I'm maintaining my sanity right now"

Noah swallowed hard, his throat dry and tight. His eyes darted away from Nick’s, staring at some invisible point beyond him. His voice was barely a whisper, shaking as much as his body. “Adam… he was there. In the room. He… he had a gun pointed at you while you were asleep...” His eyes glazed over with fear as the memory—or hallucination—played out again in his mind. “He said he’d hurt you… unless I left with him.”

Nick’s heart clenched painfully. He knew Adam hadn’t been there for real this time, because there was no way, there were things that could make sense, but this wasn't one of them. The fever was clearly playing with Noah's mind, maybe the drug too. But hearing Noah speak like this, so certain, so terrified—it shattered something inside him. "Noah..."

“I—I went with him,” Noah continued, his voice faltering. “But then… he was gone. I couldn’t find him. And… I ended up here. I don’t remember how.” His gaze finally returned to Nick, vulnerable and searching. “I tried to get back, but I lost my sense of directions and I didn’t know ...where... else to go” Noah's voice cracked and he felt like he was breaking apart.

Nick’s chest tightened. He fought the urge to tell Noah the truth—that it was all in his mind, a fever dream twisted by exhaustion and trauma. But he couldn’t. Not now. Not when Noah was looking at him with such raw fear and confusion. He wanted to fight with him, to scold him but there was no point, it wasn't Noah's fault, none of it is.

“shh, It’s okay.., I've got you now..” Nick sighed and murmured, his thumbs brushing away the cold tears on Noah’s cheeks. His voice was steady, reassuring because that was the only thing he could do. “I'm Just... So afraid of losing you, and you... Doing something like that especially in this bad condition of yours...,"

Noah's body sagged further, leaning into Nick’s touch as if it was the only thing tethering him to reality."I'm sorry..."

Nick exhaled slowly, his own heart pounding in his chest. He wrapped the jacket tighter around Noah, then carefully slipped out of his own hoodie, placing it over Noah as well, layering him in warmth. Bringing down the hoodie cap above Noah's head. Nick's hands never stopped moving—adjusting the collar, pulling the fabric over Noah’s trembling hands, brushing stray strands of hair from his forehead.

“Come on,” Nick said gently, his arms sliding around Noah’s waist. “We need to get you out of this cold.”

Noah nodded weakly, his body pliant as Nick pulled him to his feet. He swayed, unsteady, but Nick’s grip was firm. One arm around Noah’s waist, the other holding his hand, Nick guided him out of the alley, every step slow and careful.

Noah leaned heavily into Nick, his head resting against Nick’s shoulder,  Every few steps, Nick would glance down, checking Noah’s face, his breathing, making sure he wasn’t slipping away.

“I've got you"Nick whispered again, more for himself this time. “We’re almost there.”

"Noah’s breath hitched, his steps faltering. “Nick.. I… can’t… anymore,” he whispered, his words slurred with exhaustion. His eyes fluttered closed, and suddenly his knees buckled. He collapsed, his body going limp as Nick barely caught him before he hit the ground.

“Noah!” Nick's voice cracked with panic as he sank to the ground with him, cradling Noah’s head against his arm. He felt the cold seeping through his jeans, the snow biting against his knees. “Damn it Noah, are you ok?”

Noah stirred weakly, a soft, incoherent murmur escaping his lips. “Mhm… Nick…” His voice was sluggish, his words blending into a soft whimper as he buried his face into Nick’s chest, seeking warmth and comfort.

“I’m here, Noah.” Nick’s voice softened, a mix of fear and tenderness. He shifted, pulling Noah closer, wrapping his arms tightly around him like he could shield him from everything. “You need to get up Noah.. We’re almost there.”

Noah’s body trembled violently against him, his breathing shallow and uneven. His eyes flickered open, unfocused and glazed over, as if he were somewhere else entirely. His lips moved, barely forming the words. “I… I didn’t want to kill…”

Nick froze, his heart pounding in his chest. “Noah… what are you talking about?” His fingers threaded through Noah’s hair, stroking it gently, trying to bring him back to the present.

“He… he made me do it…” Noah’s voice broke, trembling with a pain that seemed to cut through time. His body tensed, and his eyes squeezed shut, like he was reliving something horrible, something he couldn’t escape in the past. “Adam… made me pull the trigger…”

Nick’s stomach twisted into knots. He could feel the weight of Noah’s words, the raw agony behind them. “Jesus, Noah…What are you talking about?" Nick was really concerned as he watched Noah fading in and out, his eyes closing tightly like he was enduring something horrible. His voice was barely a whisper, filled with a helpless kind of heartbreak.

Noah’s breathing grew uneven, his chest rising and falling in ragged gasps. His fingers clutched weakly at Nick’s shirt, as if grounding himself in the only thing he could still trust. “It… it wasn’t me… I didn’t want to do it… I didn't..."

Nick’s heart shattered. He could see the torment etched into every line of Noah’s face, the way his body shook, not just from the cold but from the memories tearing him apart. He didn’t know what to say, how to ease the pain Noah was drowning in. Noah didn't really tell him about his past with Adam, he left that part of his life behind and he wasn't willing to talk about it and dive into it again. 

All Nick could do now was hold him tighter, his hand stroking the back of Noah’s head in slow, soothing motions. Nick could ask Noah later about that, right now he needs to stabilize Noah's mentality.

"It's fine Noah ..just breathe, I'm Right here"

Noah gasped for breath, and he tried to slowly take the air in, guided by Nick. 

"Breath, slowly, That's it, you're doing good" Nick smiled nodding , encouraging Noah.

Noah took the air slower now, exhaling it calmly while keeping an eye contact with Nick's.
"There you go.."

"You're going to freeze" Nick took Noah's hand in his. "Let's go, your body feels like ice, Do you think you can stand now?"

"I ..think.." Noah nodded.

Nick helped Noah up again, taking most of his weight and making him lean on him.

The motel wasn’t far, but each step felt like a small victory. Nick kept his pace measured, never rushing, ensuring Noah didn’t stumble or fall. By the time they reached the door, Nick could feel the exhaustion in Noah’s body, the way he leaned more heavily with each passing second.

"We're here..." Nick announced before pushing the door open. 

Inside, the warmth of the room enveloped them like a soft cocoon, but it didn’t ease the tension in Nick’s chest. He guided Noah to the bed with gentle hands, easing him down as if he might break. Noah’s body was still trembling, his skin pale and clammy beneath the layers of fabric Nick had wrapped around him.

Nick knelt beside him, pulling the blankets up and tucking them around Noah, ensuring he was warm and secure. His fingers lingered for a moment, brushing against Noah’s cheek, feeling the icy cold that still clung to him. "Rest well" Nick offered a broken smile.

Seconds later, Nick flinched at Noah's sudden move.

“No—!” Noah spoke, he shot up into a sitting position, his chest heaving as he gasped for air. His hands clawed at the blankets, his entire body trembling violently. The shadows in his mind were still chasing him, pulling him back into the dark. "Nick!... Nick please..."

“Noah, hey—hey, it’s okay!” Nick moved without hesitation, wrapping his arms around Noah tightly, pulling him close.

Nick’s hand found the back of Noah’s head, fingers threading through his hair and holding him gently but firmly. “It’s okay...,” Nick whispered, his breath warm against Noah’s ear. “I'm here, I’ve got you.”

Noah’s body shook with quiet, broken sobs, his face buried in Nick’s chest. He clung to Nick like a lifeline, his fingers gripping the fabric of Nick’s clothes.

Nick tightened his hold, pressing his cheek against Noah’s temple, his heart aching with every shudder that wracked Noah’s body. “Breathe, Noah. I’m right here. Nothing’s going to hurt you. Not anymore.”

Noah’s breathing hitched, each inhale shaky and uneven, but Nick stayed steady, his arms a constant, reassuring weight around him. His fingers traced slow, soothing circles against Noah’s scalp, grounding him, anchoring him in the present.

The room was silent except for the soft hum of their breathing and the distant sound of snow tapping against the window. Slowly, the tension in Noah’s body began to ease, the trembling subsiding as Nick’s warmth seeped into him.

Noah’s head tilted slightly, his cheek brushing against Nick’s shoulder, and for a moment, he just let himself be—safe, held.

Nick pressed a soft kiss to Noah’s hair, his lips lingering there as if he could transfer some of his own strength to him. “it's ok, it's over.." Nick whispered, the words a quiet mantra. “its over, Noah"

Nick pulled back a little to see Noah's face, pushing some strands behind his ear. "Can you hear me Noah?"

Noah's eyes were half closed as he tried to focuse on Nick.

"Damn it" Nick noticed the dried blood in Noah's face again, He damped a cotton with alcohol and started cleaning Noah's bloody nose and split lip. "Bastards"

"Ughm.." Noah winced when his skin came in touch with the disinfectant and he tried to pull back.

"Shh Noah you're going to be fine, just let me..* Nick kept Noah in position, one hand on his shoulder and the other is working.

The night went on, Noah finally fell into a restless sleep and Nick kept watching over him during that time.

To be continued.