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Chapter Text

"I dont love anyone but myself, and Cody. 'Cus he holds my money." People by Alex G

This was it.

September 5, 2010

After the Ridonculous race, Noah and Emma were happy, well, that was until she found a guy who was at least better than Noah in every way. Cleaning, cooking, studying, and working. Due to that, she lost motivation into loving Noah. Which led to Noah- or really, Emma, to break up.

You can't really blame her though, Noah wasn't that motivated to work. That dude had like four different jobs a day. In the next day; College had begun. How lucky was he.

It was a Religious Catholic University with different Majors. He stood at the building due to traffic they stopped in the middle of the road. Beside him was his doting, everloving, mother. "Noah, will you be okay?" She said with worried eyes. Dusting off his shoulders "You know, we can just change your college, so you can live with us instead of staying in dorms!" "I'll be fine." He would say with a snarky tone. "I'm nineteen. College, you know?" "Noah, do not give me that attitude at a time like this, you can't even clean your bedroom!" His mom scolded him before sighing cupping his cheeks, he was the youngest of eight older siblings, so he was "Just be well, मेरा प्यार" "Okay, okay, bye mom." Noah pat his mom's back as she reluctantly let go of his face "Noah, be good okay? this college is specifically one of the best in this country! so don't get into any trouble okay?" His mother sniffled as she got into their family car. "Bye." Noah waved depressingly before turning around. After all he had just broke up with Emma the day before.

He turns around to see Cody, struggling to carry a suitcase up the stairs.

Yeah, Cody, the Codester, the Codemeister.

Just what was he doing here...

And what did he even pack? why is it so heavy looking, as he walked to him saying "Gap, your here too?" Noah asked, with a bored look as Cody looked up before saying "Dude! Noah! Sup!" Cody's eyes brighten up with an eager grin forming on his mouth, his gapped teeth seen. Noah just raised brow, staring at Cody's hands trembling trying to pull the suitcase up before back at Cody's eyes. "...That's my question. But sure."

Cody just laughed saying "Oh thank god I know someone from here!" He breathed before gritting his teeth still pathetically attempting to carry the suitcase up. Noah sighs before saying "Oh just stop it you look like an idiot trying to carry it like that. I'll help." Noah then held the bottom of the suitcase, helping Cody carry it. "Geez, just what could you possibly keep in here? this things packed. Are you keeping metal in here?!" Cody just laughed rolling his eyes before grinning down at Noah on the steps "You know... I didn't think you could carry this, you can't even hold a briefcase of a million dollars!" "...Oh shut up." Noah scoffed back.

At the registrary. A middle aged woman sat behind, as she looked up, her face was chubby as she smiled up at them "Oh, why hello, kiddies!" as if they were still teenagers. "Ooh, could you please just write your name here in this paper? yes, you too" She said to Noah then to Cody who nods, Waiting for Noah to finish writing. Cody's face was real close as Noah grunts in discomfort, he could swear his cheeks were feeling warm if he wasn't so dark skinned. "Cody, I can smell your breath, you reek of candies." Noah mumbled with furrowed brows as Cody took a step back "Oh- hey!" Cody felt embarassed at Noah's words. Covering his mouth.

When Noah finished writing the lady gave Cody the pen, who wrote his name in an empty unfilled form. "Right, well, it seems in this list, you two are... roommates!" The woman said with a grin "Same room, Fourth floor room 30" "...Seriously?" Noah blinked with a raised brow "Are you serious?" "Yes, well, seriously. Now move along!" The woman quietly tossed Noah double keys. As Noah caught both of them with a sigh.

Cody just glanced down at Noah's hands as they walked. Whistling "Soo... roommates huh?" "Yeah right. Don't bother me." Noah scoffed. "Hey, I won't bother you that much you know? and if your worried about me inviting anyone I don't have any friends here anyway" Cody said defensively as if swearing an oath "Yeah well you better keep it that way, I hate parties." Noah said with an eyeroll as Cody just stared. With a frown on his pink lips just walking.

It stayed quiet before they got into their dorm. Cody had begun fixing his bed, covering the bed mattress, putting out his pillows, setting up some stuff, books... is that a manga? and some figurines. As Noah rolled his eyes just laying down on his side of the bedroom. On the naked mattress. As Cody glances, Before smiling "Oh, did you travel far or something?" Noah glances at Cody before scoffing then looking down at the book "You wouldn't get it." Cody blinked before nodding "Mkay..."

Noah didn't know why he was so depressed. The guy was just being nice. Cody was at least one of the tolerable contestants of Total Drama in his opinion. He had a happy go lucky personality, and he was so pathetic, this goofy grin and had a cute.. wait no.

Noah opened his eyes in surprise at his own thoughts. What was that? why was he thinking about Cody like that?

The guy was a perv. He had a whole teenage boy mentality. Absolutely pathetic!

Noah stared at the ceiling before glancing at Cody who was bent over sprawled under the bed fixing his suitcase under. Noah decided to start as he stood up "So, Gap, is Sierra still stalking you or something?" Cody's face darkened, frowning, glancing at Noah with a frown "Well..."

"Oh" Noah started thinking 'Did something happen?' Noah thought while raising his brow. "Yeah, in fact I think she's also in this university." Cody said with a look of pure on edge look on his round face. "But I mean, I haven't seen her yet if that's what you mean really." Cody shrugs as Noah blinks, his dark eyes softening staring at the frowning Cody.

A few minutes later it was time for classes, or first-year seminars. Since they are in college. Noah was walking by himself, not bothering to fix himself up. Cody ran up to Noah in a new set of clothes. Noah hadn't even changed...

"What, felt icky in your clothes?" Noah blinked down at Cody who read his schedule. Cody glances up at him before nodding "...Well yeah, your still not changed?" Noah just quietly hummed "Hmm... whatever." Cody stared at his notebook before starting, "Noah, whats your first class? " Cody asked the sarcastic boy. "Mine is.." Noah pauses, "Mathematics 101." as he stares at his watch. "Oh me too! we could walk together to the seminar!" "...I mean yeah sure." Noah shrugged with hands inside his pockets. They walked quietly, though when Cody said something, Noah replied all the time.

The room was giant, many chairs, "Wow it's like a cinema!" Said Cody, eagerly walking up the stairs. The nerd, Noah turned before shrugging "Eh... it's cool I guess." "What? it is cool!" Cody huffed at Noah's words. "Yeah but it doesn't mean college will be fun you know. This isn't really Highschool, Nerd...Besides you look like a kid." Noah scoffed rolling his eyes "-Well!" Cody glanced behind him, Noah who just raised a brow. He had nothing to say.

As they were walking, a little tiny voice comes from the back of Noah's head. "Soo... I think his hair is pretty. Like a girl's..." A small Noah sat on his shoulder. As Noah glanced up at Cody."...I mean yeah. But... who the hell are you" Noah said with a hushed tone.

Is this Izzy's doing or something?

"No way dont listen to that idiot!" Another tiny Noah was floating, only with a halo, wings and was in a toga. He was scolding.. himself? "Candy boy's a pervert! he behaves like a middle school boy." Angel Noah was now pointing at the boy infront of him. "Are you wearing a bath robe? seriously?" Devil Noah points at Angel Noah "For your infomation, it's a toga!" Angel Noah now has a coffee in his hand. "You both are idiots." Noah scoffs getting bothered by two tiny selves as they poofed, disappearing into oblivion.

As Cody sat down he sat beside him.... it's not like he cared about that gap. It's just Noah didn't want to talk to anyone else.

Nobody new.

It was all good until he could swear he saw a familliar pink haired girl peeking through the door. Sierra. Cody was oblivious. Obviously she was looking for Cody. Probably the reason she came into the university.

Noah just sighs, with an eyeroll he covered Cody with himself. Cody, confused as he is just asked "Uhh... Noah, your sitting realll close... ya know?" "Yeah but do you not notice Mrs Little creep over there? wanna get publically harassed again?" Noah said snarkily as Cody blinked

As Sierra walked in the classroom, walking towards the professor. Who looked up at the young girl. The professor was a balding man with hair on the back, had a fat stature, and wore glasses. "Excuse me professor... but have you seen a brown haired boy?" She asked in her annoying voice as the man raised a brow "Oh yeah sure, I saw a thousand of brown haired guys getting here. Now beat it and find your class." The man was grumpy and old

Noah knew damn well this guy was gonna give hell.

It was an hour into Mathematics seminar, Noah sat there with a bored look, slouched stature and all that. His hand on his chin, glancing at Cody, who was close to falling asleep, his notes all messy. Noah sighs before staring back at the board.

Before a woman came in, before walking up to Professor Grumps Cody's nickname for him

The professor just sighed "Calling Mr Noah Mudalair and Mr Cody Anderson." Noah blinked, glancing at Cody who struggled to stay awake. nudging Cody. "Psst. Geek." Noah whispered as Cody woke up, with a sleepy look "Huh...?" Cody slurred before Noah grabbed his hand and walked down, over to the woman

"Ah, your being called to the Auditorium, you forgot to take a picture of your IDs." The woman said as she pointed outside the door "Just go over there" The woman continued

Noah raised a brow as Cody was now fully awake. Though Cody was confused. He just woke up. "Noah, where are we going?" "Auditorium" Noah shrugged saying "Picture taking for our IDs." "Oh" Cody said surprised they still had to take pictures "Well... okay"

"Smile." A bored staff, a man with a beard said with the lights and the camera

As Cody grinned. Noah just frowned, before glancing at Cody.

(art by me hehe)

The Man took a picture before boredly looking up at the two boys "You two need to retake it." "Well why are we doing it in the same time?" Noah said gruffily as Cody blinked at his own picture. Too focused on his face to not even notice Noah was looking at him in the picture. "Look, you two are the last of today and I'm running out of film. So you better do as I say and stand there" The man said rubbing his face, tired, pissed. It's been hours of being flashed. "Well excuse you-?" Noah scoffed before Cody just says "Let's just take a picture.."

Noah was annoyed. So much for one of the best universities in Canada.

The day had ended. Noah and Cody went back in the same route.

Noah was checking the internet Yeah, it was 2010, the wave of the internet. Only to find a Codierra fanarts, sometimes extremely colorful comics. It was pissing Noah off to see a fan club? and it was Sierra herself that lead it. Since he looked at the username to see '@Sierra_Anderson'

He scoffed, "Of course, it's stalkerlicious." he muttered. Before making an alternate account, disliking the content. Commenting:

@Ilovemydog : Your a maniac, just leave the boy alone.

@Sierra_Anderson : whatever!!! your probably a noco shipper LOL!

he replied:

@Ilovemydog : So what if I am?

@Ilovemydog : At least Noah isn't actively harassing Cody and leaking his whereabouts to the public. You've been to one game and you think you know him. Noahs been in at least 3 games, so grow the fuck up you creep.

He had no thoughts while typing that, realising what he typed he tries deleting it only to be replied with;

@Sierra_Anderson : shut up! hes mine and only mine! you don't know anything you sore loser!!!! >:(

So fucking pathetic.

@Sierra_Anderson : @coolcodestr right???? :D

...did she just mention Cody?

Cody just sighs from the bed. He sat up lying on his stomach, Before typing

@coolcodestr : leave me alone

Noah just smiles at that, of course, Cody agreed with him in a way.

Chapter Text

"I'll walk down the mall, stand over by the wall. Where I can see it all, find out who you call. Lead you to the supermarket checkout, Some specials and rat food, get lost in the crowd. One way, or another, I'm gonna get ya!" One Way Or Another by Blondie

October 12, 2009

In the aftermath of Total Drama World Tour, Cody attempts to live normally. You know, like... go to school, get bullied by his classmates, probably get picked on for getting scared of some obsessed chick he'll never meet again.

But it wasn't that easy, it really wasn't easy.

He wishes it was just that simple, But fuck if it didn't scare him to death, she's such a creep!

"Hey faggot!" His classmate called at him snickering "Your fucked up girlfriend is here!" He dropped his pen before standing from his seat, fingers trembling over the edge of the dusty, dirty, window. Her eyes were staring at him through the gate. Her long coloured nails gripping at the black metal gate as she smiled at him.

He didn't want those icky hands on him, those icky long nails trailing his body. His very own body. The feeling of them prickling down his back just made him want to puke right there and then.

She makes him sick to no extend.

Can't she leave him alone?

You know, he was rich, he could have anything he asked for. Well- maybe NOT whatever he wanted. Because even if he told her to stop she just didn't leave him alone! From emails, from sites like DeviantArt or fuck- even his Tumblr! She's taking over HIS life! Even as he stayed away from the internet the longest he finds post it notes under his front door!

Up until now. 

September 4, 2010

His college starts the next day, he's packed many things, he was never an organized person. He hasn't really left his house after October 14, turning into those internet dwellers who watch almost everyone their age grow older than them, Cody was a smart boy so he easily passed the entry. With a fuck ton of flying colors. He sat at the table looking down at his meal. A sad one at that, his mother wasn't a cook, there was no love put together in this dinner.

A stale bread and salad.

Of course, his mother couldn't care less if Cody was accepted into the most elitist university known in their country. His father would call him a pussy for expecting that they'd give a damn. And boy, he already says that.

The meal wasn't delicious, as always. 

"You need to lose weight, your gaining weight from eating too much sugar." His mother starts. He didn't even need to ask since he knew the answer. He's getting too fat, he's too short.

When honestly he's lost his appetite. He just nods.

His father raised a brow at him, raising a brow. "What the fuck are you acting like that for young man? Answer your mother!" His father screamed at him. 

Cody looked up at his father with a faint voice, his hand slightly shakes, ready to cover his head. "Okay..." "Okay!? are you serious Cody!? Answer properly! Be a man!" He stands up towering over Cody. Ready to beat the ever living shit out of Cody. It was like a cruel dare, because if Cody answered back he'd get his shit rocked.

And of course, like the weakling Cody was, Cody never replies

"Your a fucking pussy, your no boy at all." His father said with a growl "Go to your fucking room, your eating too much you fat fuck."

Cody flinches as his father almost hit him across the head. It was just a reaction. As he stood up from his chair, the chair would creak against the polished floor in a painful screech to Cody's ears. As he walked to the stairs

"Fucking idiot, can't even stand up to a girl. Talking about some restraining order.... You should be fucking glad a girl even chose to obsess over your bullshit! " He could hear the voice of his father as he walked upstairs, disoriented. Sure, maybe Cody really was a pussy of a son. Too boyish, too weak... yeah, he was never going to grow up at this point. In bed, he was lying on his stomach going through his Facebook, blocking Sierra was a daily chore.

Though as he went through his feed he saw a weird rumor on the web, on the Celebrity Gossip page of Facebook, Noah broke up with his girlfriend huh? with Noah looking pathetic, it wasn't usual to see Noah look emotional.

It just sort of... made Cody curious. Had him biting his nails, like some highschool girl going through her feed.

It was a picture of Noah sitting by himself in a shiny restaurant with eyebags in his eyes, hair longer... Maybe grew an inch?, that picture barely did him any justice. He couldn't tell. 

Poor Noah. He's got people on the web stalking him like crazy,

At least Cody wasn't alone?

Right.

Chapter Text

"Elephant on my chest. Another day passed again. I waste my energy, Looking for escape within. I thought about turning off the lights in here. But I still have things to do." Loose Cannon by Puzzle

Around 12:56 AM.

Noah was lurking on his Wii. He was grinding on Kosmic Kaos. His favorite classic game had a remaster. And all new levels were added in this. Sadly he wasn't exactly lurking in the dark, as his roommate, Cody, scolded him earlier. "You know? you shouldn't play in the dark! your eyes will get all blurry!"

Which was true, considering Cody himself secretly wears eye contacts. Anyway, as he went on in the game, he could hear the smaller boy murmur in his sleep. As he looked up from his Wii. Cody's brows furrowed in his rest, pillow above his chest. Legs wrapped around a second pillow. Curled up on his side. Blanket wrapped around him.

Noah stared at him, wondering if he was going to wake up. But again, if Cody gets a migraine from this, it was his fault. When Cody's eyes gently flutter open Noah looked back down at his Wii, crossing his legs in his bed. As Cody sat up feeling his forehead. 

"...Noah... still up huh?" Cody said as his hand trails to his eye, rubbing them. Before Noah looked back at Cody. "Yeah, I'll beat this one, just give me a few more minutes."

Cody lowly sighed something Noah couldn't hear before walking over to Noah's side of the room. "Noahhh, it's nearly 1 AM, we have a full day tomorrow. Beat it tomorrow... games are no fun like that..." Noah just pauses at Cody's gentle words. Before going back to his game. Cody just stares at Noah's screen before pointing "Your missing the checkpoint here. That's why you keep dying."

"I know that." Noah said blankly, slightly irritated. He didn't notice, and he had been retrying the entire platform for at least 53 times. Cody tilts looking at Noah's face. Why was he so close? before he heard a snicker from Cody's lips. "Am I annoying you? Noah?" 

Noah sighs before pausing the game and closing it. Before glancing at Cody. "Oh I don't know, maybe you are." He saw the eager way Cody smiled "I'll beat it for you, give it here!" "No way! you'll ruin my progress!" Noah immediately answers before Cody pouts. "Let me try? pleaseeee?" "No. Not in a million years." Noah shakes his head before Cody giggled lowly "Just this once?" "No." Noah replied before swatting Cody. Cody was literally behind him, he could feel the soft breath against his neck. 

Cody then smirks before tilting "Come onnn, I'm pretty good at Kosmic Kaos. I beat it in one day!" Hah, as if that was impressive. "I beat it when I was six." Noah said proudly before Cody tilts "Geez, okay, you beat me in the tryhard district........... Now gimme!" Cody said as he took the Gaming Console from Noah's hand. It surprised Noah so much that he couldn't even fight back.

Cody easily booted it up as he fully sat on Noah's bed. Noah was ready to snatch his Wii back from Cody's hands before Cody started playing. 

He could watch, a little. His fingers itched to just to grab the console. But damn it Cody was good at this, Cody's legs crossed. Obviously he was confident.

"The graphics really got better ay?" "No way, really?" Noah scoffed back. But of course it did. It was a remaster, obviously.

After an ungodly hour it was just Noah teaching Cody how to play. Of course, Cody's good. But Noah is better at it all. Feeling competitive Noah wanted to boast about his collection ingame. But being the lazy fuck he was he just lied there, Hands behind his head as Cody lied beside him, Console in his smaller hands.

It was 2:03 AM now,

And somehow, Noah fell asleep first, though not completely, as expected, like how he was one of the first to sleep during the Awake-a-Thon. As Cody saved game and placed the console by Noah's bedside table. Just yawning before murmuring "Did you know sea otters sometimes hold hands while floating on their backs to prevent drifting away from each other?" 

Noah slurred lowly "Hahah, knew that.

That's cute."

Chapter Text

"I'll chase Cody through the door in the wall. He says, "Never catch me, never miss me at all" Drool comes down from the corner of his mouth. I say, "I love you Cody, you cut it out."" Harvey by Alex G

September 6, 2010 6:23 PM in the aftermath of their long day of lectures.

Cody's hands were trembling on his smartphone, Dialing a number continuously. He was hiding in a corner on the building grounds. Face turned to the wall, looking like mold. "You finally got a girl's number huh?" A dry tone came from behind. Noah. Cody turns around, tilting "Dude... how did you find me?" He saw a smirk from Noah's lips "Oh I don't know, is it common for a brunette about 5'0 to stand awkwardly in a corner with those velcro strap shoes?" 

Cody just shakes his head, lost for word as if mind still depicting whatever Noah's smart mouth had said. Before scoffing "Hey, I'm 5'3! and velcro strap shoes are efficient!" "As if theres a difference. And efficient for what? mistaking you for a kid?"

"O-oh shut up" Cody looked back down at his smartphone. Still trying to make a call, but it never answered.

Noah caught of this before snickering "Dude... just give up, that girl definitely gave you the wrong number." "It's not some girl" Cody cut Noah off before continuing "I'm trying to call my sister"

Noah raised a brow, for all the years in Total Drama Cody had deemed himself as an only child. "You have a sister?" Cody nods fully facing Noah but his head still on his phone. "An older sister."

"Huh." Noah nods as Cody sits down on the nearest bench. As Noah followed with hands in his pocket. "You look calm." He said peeking over Cody's head. Cody didn't reply as eager as he used to be. "Why are you so... desperate huh? at least tell me what's with you now" Noah muttered. Cody looked up, frowning. "I just want to talk to her. She ran away from home when I was fifteen."

"Oh."

It was quiet from there on, just sitting there on the bench occasionally there'd be random Sophomores laughing as the sky became dimmer. ".....Best sister of 2010 huh?" He said awkwardly, for the first time it seems Noah was the awkward one. Cody just scoffs with a small giggle "Tell me about it. She just left me without a word... all she left me was her bedroom."

Another moment of silence came between them, this once Noah didn't know what to say. He didn't know how to comfort Cody.

"If it makes you slightly better my older brothers used to make me dance to the Macarena as a child whenever they caught me taking their gadgets as a child." Noah shrugs before Cody laughed "Seriously? you do know that's blackmail material right?"

"Yeah but you don't have proof I ever did." Noah smirked before Cody looked back down at his smartphone. "Not only did I have an older sister, but when I was about... four years old, my mother was expecting another baby. I was supposed to have a little brother." "Then what happened?" Noah tilts, curious to hear. Cody then glanced at Noah with a quiet huff of air "Then my mother had a miscarriage. Due to well... My father's drinking problems?" "Oh, I see." Noah nods. Before tilting again "I presume he really didn't want another kid?" "Bingo" Cody nodded, bringing the smartphone up to his ear. But after it ringing, of course, nobody answered. "...I should stop calling her. It's a waste of credits." "Yeah, you should... Don't let it get to you, she sounds terrible." Noah declared as Cody looks up, terrified "Emalia? terrible?"

Noah didn't know what to do when Cody looked up at him, Cody immediately shakes his head "No, she's...she's not a bad person. She'd never.." Noah waited until he noticed Cody couldn't even continue, shaking his head, he said quietly while looking at the ground "Sorry, I was wrong. I don't really know what happened..."

Cody stayed quiet before glancing at Noah. Feeling strong resignation, "Just forget it. You didn't see me doing this. I don't have a sister at all." Noah just stared at Cody's face before smiling, as if agreeing. "Yeah, you definitely don't."

Chapter Text

(dream) by salvia path The intro preferably.

Noah and Cody sat still by the bench, quiet, this was nice. Before Noah got a phone call, "Sorry, gotta take this, I'll see you, yeah?" Noah stood up as Cody nodded.

"Yeah, sure" Cody was fine at first. Clutching his smart phone to his lap. But a few minutes suddenly felt longer. And with how long this was taking... Cody was starting to feel the itchy feeling on his feet and legs again. Ew, ew, ew. He keeps feeling hands inch their way to each part of his body.

Feeling nauseous in the big space he awkwardly stood up. Oh damn he could swear he can feel eyes behind his head. He went back inside the building. Inside, it was nice and cool, that's how he should be,

Nice and cool.

Not really right now though because he felt fingers inch around his waist, long... nailed fingers.

Sierra

"Cody!" Her painfully high pitched voice, terrifying to his ears. As she held him from behind, her breath behind his poor ears.

"Get- get off of me!" Cody yelped, like a lamb in pain. Desperate for the feeling to go away. No more, no more!

"Yeah and also, Mama told me to tell you to head to the post office this week, she sent a box of things you forgot in the house." His older brother said through the phone call as Noah scoffs "Wow... let me guess, she packed a ton of clothes?" "Yep, good luck when you come back home." His brother teased as Noah rolled his eyes before nodding to himself "Yeah yeah, I'll be checking for it, .... gotta go. The city of Gotham needs me." "Wait what?-"

And he dropped the call, classic Noah. As he glanced back to where Cody was supposed to be, but alas... nothing on the bench. He squints his eyes before shrugging to himself. Probably made his way back to the dormitory.

Just a hunch, really, nothing to it. As Noah made his way back inside the building. Before seeing what was infront of him.

Sierra, and what seems to be like a certain boy being weakly unable to escape her hold

"Hey, Stalker, is that you?" Noah called out walking to Sierra with a glare. As Sierra turned to him.

"Noah, hey!... how's it-" "Can you let go of Cody?" Noah said quietly. She raised a brow, immediately? how... brave of Noah.

"Oh... I don't know. This- this is my husband after all... and I'm his wife!" Sierra smiled at Noah before Noah pulled Cody's free arm. "Yeah and I'm the Queen of England. Just stop it-"

"Stop what?" Sierra blinked "Stop touching him. He hates it." Noah sneered as he fully pulled Cody out of her arms.

Cody was just frozen. Lord know what this boy was thinking.

"You don't know anything! me and Cody are... more than friends!"

"Bullshit, don't make it sound like it's innocent you fucking creep."

 And just like that, Cody had fainted.

He was just scared to the max, long fingers inching to his stomach. Like spiders crawling through his spine. Just waiting to burst his stomach open.

It was funny, he likes touching.

But he hates being touched.

An hour later at best he wakes up in his bed. Noah's hand above his head. He turns his head slightly to see Noah reading a book before glancing at Cody

"Hey, good day isn't it, Gappie." Noah's snarky smart tone started. It was at best, 2:37 AM. "What... happened?" Cody slurred lowly as Noah scoffed "You fainted, that's what. Did she touch you?"

What?

"Who?" "Sierra."

It was just a few seconds before Cody answered "...Why did I faint?" Noah just stared before scoffing "You don't know either huh." "Well yeah, one second I was breathing and with her nails and all clawing at my guts I just..."

"Just?" Noah would raise a brow "I just don't-.." Before Cody heard frantic knockings on the door. 

"Yeah, she's been out the door for ages. You know, I had to run with you on my back." Noah rubbed the back of his neck. Cody blinked "Oh- I'm sorry Noah... look I'll deal with her if you-" "It's fine" 

Huh?

"Really?" Cody blinked before Noah scoffs "Actually, no. But that means we can beat Kosmic Kaos while we're at it." "Really? yesterday you didn't even want me touching it." Cody smiled, leaning into Noah as Noah dropped the book somewhere near Cody's legs and went to his bed to get the console "Who said your playing it? just watch me beat it" 

"Oh, your no fun." Cody scoffed to himself as Noah came back to sit beside him. "Whine all you want, just get your mind off of Sierra." "Oh, so you can be nice!" Cody smiled "Don't get used to it Gap." Noah scoffed lowly as the game started

"You'll let me play right?" Cody tilts "Yeah, In your dreams." Noah rolled his eyes before weakly nudging Cody away "Dude, just go change!

From that on, Noah and Cody stayed up until 3:42 AM. Where in one hour, it would have been the start of their day. For once in Noah's life, something did work out. Cody did somehow forget Sierra, by a little at least.

Though the problem was, he was probably not going to be able to wake up the next day. Noah could only hope.

Chapter Text

Carnival by The Cardigans idk i was going for something joyous besides this chapter makes me a lil fuzzy in my insides

Yeah, yesterday's idea was dumb. Why did they stay up until 3 AM again? Noah slouched against his chair, beside him was a Cody sloppily writing, the writing turning into what seemed like squiggly lines. Noah sighs rubbing his eyes. "You two on the backrow! get a hold of yourself!" A professor would scream with this loud speaker. Though there were at least a hundred in this session, Noah wondered who as he glanced at Cody who jumped in his seat,

At lunch they had sitten somewhere too bright for their liking. As Noah did his creditial work, before glancing up to Cody, faceplanted on his salad. Cody didn't even like salad. He scoffs before smirking at Cody "Well, aren't you just energetic today, hm?" He heard a low murmur from Cody's lips as Cody sluggishly sat up, rubbing his eyelids.

"Is your faul... we stayed up all late... Sier... hu..." Cody managed to slur before resting on his hand. As Noah casually flicked a leaf away from Cody's bangs. "Yeah I guess it's my fault. How was I supposed to know she gave up after 15 minutes." Noah then continued "You should try the coffee, it'll keep you up" As Cody's eyes lazily flickered to look at Noah's before lazily pointing at Noah's nose "'m not a fan... of cofey...... make me short..." He then slipped once again landing facefirst on his salad. Noah rolled his eyes "Yeah as if coffee is the reason your short." "Is too bitter for me tongue...." Cody scoffed lowly. "Your too picky, Codemeister." Noah raised a brow as Cody looked up again "M not picky!"

"Yes, you picky. I bet you never even drank coffee, but your still as short as you were in Total Drama! just give up now dude." Noah smirked at Cody who murmured something incoherent.

Then the time came once again. "Dude, Cody, get up, we gotta go." Noah stood up gently shaking the brunette. "Gime more time......... I..." "No, no more time, up, Now." Noah said before somehow being able to pull Cody's weight slightly. Cody weakly wails "....Nnnnoooooooooo." as Noah dragged Cody gently by the shirt. "Leave me here.... I don wan to go to school" "I'd rather hang out with you than these bunch, now get up, your gonna get me late" Noah said as he accidentally drops Cody. Well yeah, it was an accident, but he didn't really feel bad about it. Cody whined as he stood up before using Noah's shoulder as support.

"Dumbo" Noah said with a slight smirk, how amusing of Cody.

Now it was noon, and how the tables have turned. Cody just huffed at the sleeping Noah on his bed. "Dude! get outta my bed!" 

Noah looked up lazily "Huh... why? it's nice and soft..." "Because it's my bed! dude! everyone will think we're gay if we keep sleeping beside eachother!" Cody puts hands on his waist puffing his cheeks at the Noah on his carefully neat bed

Usually, Cody was no neat freak. But Noah was a lazy fuck.

"....So what..." Noah raised a brow as Cody pointed at Noah's abandoned bed "So go!" Cody probably knew Noah was ragebaiting him, but sometimes you couldn't tell when Noah was going to stop the joke or not. As he heard Noah snore before Cody huffed.

When he attempts to walk to Noah's empty bed Noah somehow grabbed Cody's hip. "...Just stay here..." It was quiet as Cody stared down at Noah who pulled Cody closer "I don't care if we look gay... let's do this everyday." He mumbled as Cody sighed before carefully climbing on his bed. Somehow managing not to fall above Noah as he trembled before landing on the other side of the bed. Before taking a few minutes taking in the view of the sleeping Noah "Dumbo." With an irritated yet sleepy look.

It almost did work, forgetting Sierra. Maybe Noah was alot more kinder when his teasing antics were frequent. Because surely, today Cody wasn't able to worry much about the woman watching him from the vents. Seething with jealousy and anger.

Chapter Text

"I hide in the closet, "but I'm not a faggot!" My friends never found out, my mom was a Christian- My dad is an Alchie, I bet that he kills me. I don't know how God thinks, but God, do you love me?" Trees by McCafferty

2:46 PMish, it was September... 7?

Sierra doesn't know how to stop. As Cody sat staring at his laptop screen. What was he supposed to do now? Sierra was threatening to send to the public pictures of Noah and him

@Codierra : ill send these to the public if you keep acting like this cody

Is she serious? as Cody's hands trembled over his keyboard. At the moment Noah was gone to pick up some package his mom sent. Pictures of Cody and Noah being so near eachother, Cody couldn't help but feel a sense of dread ;

"But I'm not a faggot!" He'd cry out, somewhere 10:43ish AM as his classmates laughed at the outside. "Faggot Cody!"

He was like... third grade that time. He remembers when they would take his shoes and hide them somewhere in the campus, then he'd be left with dirty socks in the end of the day. He remembers how mad his mother would be. "Would you stop fucking losing your shoes Cody!? I'm tired of washing your fucking socks! You STUPID child!"

Then when his dad would get home he'd get hit right on his knees. He would wince as his father screamed at him "Stop fucking crying! are you a fag?! You deserve it!" He remembers the belt being cold and painful to his knees. "Faggot!"

@coolcodestr : sierra please dont send it ill do anything please dont do it

@coolcodestr : dont do it please i cant have my mom and dad finding that

@coolcodestr : ill let you touch me please justdont pleaspleaseplease ill do anythig

He typed out feeling himself lose control of himself. No! they couldn't see that! Stressed, afraid, fearful.

@Codierra : lol

@Codierra : bet!!! :3

@Codierra : ill beat the shit out of noah if i catch you two doing that again

He didn't want Noah getting hurt because of him. He can't.

@coolcodestr : dont bring him into this

@coolcodestr : please

@Codierra : okay i wont ! :3

@Codierra : aslong as you dont hang out with him again!

Was it worth it? was it worth it to let it happen so Noah won't get harmed?

@Codierra : i wonder why you want to be with him so much.... he loves emma more than u 

@Codierra : ill always love u tho <3

@Codierra : youll do the same for me right?

In that hour Cody was feeling sick to the stomach, Telling the police would harm his parents' image. Possibly also getting them to find out he acts like this with Noah.

Cody wasn't gay, he wasn't.

Just like how he doesn't have a mental illness, his mother was a psychiatrist, she knows best for him. She'd know if he even was that fucked up in the head.

No, there wasn't anything wrong with him. Naivete and fear were just a natural reaction to his limp body lying on his bed. He heard the door click open

"I'm home" 

Noah.

Chapter Text

Facebook.com by Memo boy

September 9, 2010

Noah's never been one to show affection, he's not romantic or anything like that. And he doesn't really care for other people.

So why was he so out of it today?

It's been two days, Noah was sitting by one of the tables of one of the greasiest restaurants in the city, a little hang out for their little weird friend group. Noah didn't know how they'd even stay in contact after all these years. Owen stood behind Eva by the line as he could see, and Izzy, well, she was just rambling about something.

To be honest he wasn't really listening, his eyes have been skimming the letters on his book, but to be fair he wasn't focusing on that either.

He was out of it today.

"Hey Nono!" Izzy grinned ear to ear "You've been really quiet today? still thinking about Emma huh?" Emma? oh, surprisingly not. Noah just shrugged. "Funny! did something happen?" Izzy leaned in "Is it Cody?"

That caught Noah off guard, Cody?

Cody hasn't spoken to him since two days ago! Nearly three days!

But it wasn't exactly wrong either....

"What! No." Noah crossed his arms as Izzy sat back down "It isss!" she gasped "Let me guess! He's mad at you!" "Mad at me? For what?" Noah raised a brow, immediately interested. Cody couldn't have been mad because Noah lazed around all day right? Cody wasn't that much of an overachiever either... "Nah, that's not it" Izzy shrugged as she saw Noah's reaction "Cody isn't mad, I dunno... how's he acting these days?"

Well, for once, Cody was behaving weirdly. 

"I'm home." Noah said as he held a huge parcel in his hands. At the time he had a problem trying to open the door and holding the box of whatever his mom packed for him at the same time, Naturally, he wasn't very stong, so he'd ask, "Will you help me out here? Codemeister?" But Cody didn't turn his head, as he quietly scrolled on his laptop.

"Psh, rude. You used to be a gentleman." Noah softly teased, but once again, no reply. It was just a silence, no one talking, no one bickering. That night Cody had fallen asleep first.

The next day Cody would be gone by the time Noah wakes up, how strange. Not to mention, without a word. 

When Noah finally spots Cody in the halls he'd say, "Hey, wait up" but Cody didn't stop, no not at all. He walked even faster. Was he avoiding Noah? him? the smart guy?

Wasn't this supposed to be the other way? Cody was the pathetic one between them after all...

"Have you checked his laptop or something?" Izzy said with a tilt, hands on her face. "His laptop? Izzy, that's illegal." Noah scoffed "Not if he doesn't find out! and besides, you never know what's happening with him if your not curious...I think" She would reply playfully. 

"You think?." Noah scoffed rolling his eyes. But maybe, maybe Noah should.

"Hey! I'm back with your dumb meals!" Eva said agressively slamming their orders on the table. "Ooh! hey, wheres Owen?" Izzy looked up before Eva scoffed "He ate his meal immediately, and now he's shitting fireballs!" 

Ouch.

6:18 PM,

Cody wasn't in the dorm, obviously he was outside for who knows what, as Noah lurked on Cody's little laptop. Cody's laptop had random pokemon stickers pasted on top of it, though obviously he was attempting to peel it off, but now it's stuck there.

Cody had a password, and Noah, being a genius and gifted in smart tech, managed to disable it. Thank God he was smart. 

At the home screen there was too many notifications from a user named... @Codierra. And Noah had to admit, she texts like a creep. As he backreads the conversation Noah can't help but feel angry, why was he mad? he can't even fight. But this was Cody, and Cody was pathetic. 

Pathetic that it was... just too naive. Cody cared too much about Noah's life than his very own. 

Pathetic.

Obviously Noah guessed it was Sierra, 

And Sierra was even more pathetic, who gets mad at people just... cuddling?

Okay, maybe cuddling isn't normal. Noah didn't understand why he wanted to sleep next to Cody. It was embarassing for the bookworm, to be seen wanting to be all touchy. But still, Sierra had no right to threaten Cody like this.

It was just an innocent cuddle, it wasn't... gay or anything.

Noah shuts the laptop off, he was very angry. What was he gonna do about it?.... Maybe a few reports, shit like this never get taken seriously though.

But on Noah's very own important life, he will beat the shit out of that pink haired fuck of a stalker. Not with his bare hands...

"Let's see how she'll do if it's her getting blackmailed."

Chapter Text

"Yo who's that? That's Cody. That's my (boy)friend. Stay the fuck away from him alright?" Cowboy by Tyler the Creator idk, vibes I guess.

September 9 2010, 1:17 AM, unfortunately, not on the devil's hour. But it will be, soon.

Cody was on his bed from the other side of the room, back turned from Noah. As Noah was on his own bed, typing on Sierra's public wall on tumblr. He had it planned, just anominously post on her wall,

"hey your sierra from total drama world tour! well, i wanted you to ask you something!"

Noah felt like such fake, you couldn't even pay him a million dollars to make him act like a fan of this... painfully brightly coloured Cody diehard fan... thing. But this was for Cody, And maybe because he didn't want Cody to be tormented by this pink chupacabra. He's literally said no a million times and still, She's out here like a dog in heat.

Sick fuck.

But hey, she replied immediately... guess she will never beat the Chronically Online allegations. 

"Aww your so sweet! what's your question? ill gladly answer!"

"oh idk... oh i know! how does it feel to sexually assault cody? ruin his privacy? not to mention breaking into his house? RUIN HIS ENTIRE LIFE??? does it feel good to you? does it turn you on that he's batshit scared of you? P.S, those leggings dont make you look hot, and yes, YOU ARE DELUSIONAL!!!!!"

Oh, that felt good. But she replied with,

"i did NOT sexually assault him or ruin his privacy! and also! I KNOW ITS YOU NOAH!"

...Well shit. 

Well unluckily, Sierra's followers were also online at the time, probably lurking around and about, after a few heavy topics of Noah calling out Sierra in her own tumblr, Though, she full on switched to Twitter on him.

@SierraAnderson : guys do NOT believe the allegations spread on me, I swear I didn't do all that! #BitchesBeLying!

This fucking bitch....

He can LITERALLY see this as the tweet was on the Trending page, as he replied

@ComedyisDead : Oh so you didnt attempt to blackmail Cody? I seeee I seee.... Let's pretend you didn't stalk Cody since Total Drama! You got JEALOUS that we cuddled so you attempted to make it look like we had something between us! #YourTheBitch!

Then he would post the private messages of her and Cody's conversation to the WORLD.

Somewhere in Twitter, in the replies, the entire thing came to the attention of a certain ginger.

@FREAKAZOIDIZZY : lol sierra im literally going to send a hitman up ur area!!! just to be funny hahahaha! #BitchesLoveMe!

What the fuck?

@SierraAnderson : funny. sooo funny.

@FREAKAZOIDIZZY : lololol! really? its that funny?dont say i didnt warn uuu!!!!

Sierra was enraged, as she typed angrily on her laptop, when suddenly she heard the door bang open! As she turned around immediately! Eva!?

"Eva? what are you-" "Come here you little shit!" As Eva lunged towards Sierra, full on doing a whole quarterback on her.

1:42 AM, and Noah hears the siren of some Police car get even closer to the university building. As it stopped right infront of the building as a few police ran inside. What's happening?

By 2:03 AM, Noah was sitting with two girls, being questioned. Sierra's face was busted, he would be laughing right now, but not infront of the Police. And Eva, a very angry looking Eva sitting beside him with her lip busted, her hands tied to a chair, huh, they really tried to restrain her from beating the shit out of Sierra. Then another officer came in with a girl who was manically giggling, oh he recognized that tone. Izzy. "Hahah! Yes officer! I did hire Eva to beat her up!"

"Your crazy! You know that? you bitc-" Sierra said screaming before the officer infront of them said "Shut up! Now, here's what I want to know. How did this happen!?" 

And by 2:23 AM, They were all in little cells. Now why was Noah in one? He didn't know either, perhaps they didn't have believe him EVEN THOUGH it was ALLLL proven in National Television or whatever the show was broadcasted in. Tch, Dumb Cops.

Then Cody ran inside the station, in a hurry. He immediately ran towards Noah's little cell "What the fuck Noah! Why did you do that!" "Gee, a little thanks would be nice-" "Did you go through my laptop while I was gone!? Why would you-" "Hey, hey, don't mind me. Your the one who was avoiding me for three whole days, besides, someone needed to teach Mrs Stalker over there." Noah said with a now noticeable grin. Was he happy that he was in jail now? No, this would be bad on his resume. But he was happy that Sierra was now in trouble.

"Ahem, Mister Anderson? A word?" The officer in the desk called, as Cody turned, glancing at Noah with a soft look of anger then walked away. Noah only smirked at the boy, his reaction was...

Endearing? Amusing? In a Pathetic way. It's like watching a dog get frustrated.

At the moment, Noah couldn't really hear Cody and this Officer's little conversation but Cody kept glancing at Noah. Noah was amused, Damn right did Cody care for him. 

Sierra was in her cell crying out loud, trying to get Cody to look at her. Attention seeker at it's finest.

The officer would then stand up with a low scoff, getting a key then unlocking Noah's cell. "Your free to go then, just don't make that mistake again or you'll be here for Fifteen whole years." "Yeah, cause I'm right, What a terrible, terrible crime to be the one in the right." Noah scoffed back as the officer glanced upwards, glaring at Noah. Opening the gate of the Cell. As Noah walked towards Cody with hands in the pockets of his pyjamas. "Ruined your beauty sleep huh?" 

"O-oh dude Shut up!" Cody gasped, weakly punching Noah by the shoulder. "Owww... that really hurts." Noah said sarcastically rolling his eyes. "You shouldn't have done that! Now my parents-" "Your parents are dipshits, end of story, now let's go and sleep and pretend that never happened." "You just- you literally almost went to jail!" "And I'm the mastermind? puh-lease, do I confess I stole cookies too?" "Noah!" "Codyyyyy." As they walked out of the station. Bickering like an old couple.

"Dumb fucking kids." The officer scoffed to himself shaking his head.

And that's how Noah almost went to Juvie! As for Sierra, she was going to be sent to Prison. Eva? Juvenile, again. And Izzy was going to be sent to one of the most facilitated Prisons, until well... she broke out of the cell not too long ago. For other crimes, that may need to stay unnamed.

Chapter Text

"I want you to notice, when I'm not around. You're so fucking special, I wish I was special." Creep by Radiohead for the ending

Honestly where do we begin, today was... September 10, 2010. And oh boy was Noah once again trending. Yeah, the entire thing was on the internet. Cody was super stressed out about it so after managing to finish their daily lectures Noah obviously wanted Cody to chill the fuck down. 

"Gee, Cody, your awfully peaceful right now, keep checking on your phone like that and your parents are sure to give you a call." Noah started, surprisingly, HE was the one trying to lighten up the mood AGAIN. Seriously, Noah was never optimistic. Cody looked up before shaking his head "No way! dude their so gonna kill me when they find out I was included in another drama!" "You call that drama? please, your a victim Cody. Its called trauma." Noah smirked leaning downwards, close to Cody's face "Not funny!" Cody said, his attention too focused into the smartphone.

Again? Noah softly sighed standing straight before tilting "Was it wrong for me to stand up to her?" Cody glances up, lips trembling before shaking his head "...No?...Noah your.. worth more than trying to help me."

"Then why are you so worried? Your parents never even did anything to help you with your problem with her I bet, I did you a favor" Noah raised a brow, Come on, Praise me Codemeister. I'm your Saviour.

Noah could be a bit desperate too, sometimes. He was human after all.

Cody just looked up at Noah before shaking his head "Look, I'm grateful and all but you harmed your own reputation just to get her in jail. I don't want you to jump out a cliff after me like that! You could've gotten suspended for "Misleading Information" or something Noah! A-and then everyone will start questioning us if we`re gay and stuff and Eva and Dizzy were nearly jailed and-"

Ah, Cody was worried about their public image.

"No, no, I get it." Noah shut Cody's mouth with his own hands before letting go. Cody looked before raising a brow "...You do?"

Noah raised a brow back "Uhh, no, Yes! of course! Of course I get it!" Noah said sarcastically, before a long moment of pause happened. "....But you have to admit, it worked." Noah watched Cody's reaction before looking back down at his phone

Damn, this gap wont look at me.

"....Tell you what, as an apology for being oh so reckless behaviour... Even though it was all planned, I'll treat you to a restaurant." Noah said with a reluctant voice. Cody looked up before grinning "...Dude are you asking me out on a date?" "Don't flatter yourself Gap." Noah scoffed. Now Cody was teasing him "What was that? could you repeat that again?" "Shut. Up."

7:37 PM, The candles were nicely scented and it was... quiet.

Well, was until Owen was in the same booth.

Genuinely he wasn't even sure why Owen was bugging him right now. "Hey Noah! Noah! Noaaah! Noah, Noah, Noah," He said as he sat between Cody and Noah. How did he even get here. Cody awkwardly shrugged "Yeah... well uh, Earlier while you were ordering I saw Owen outside the window, So I kind of wanted him to join us for our little meeting." "A meeting!? is this secret???" Owen interrupts Cody as Noah scoffed "No, it isn't a secret... but why are you here my Chubby friend?" 

Owen nodded "Good question... well Izzy just told me to follow you since she's going to be busy making Sierra livid in that Azkaban looking prison, heh." "Azkaban prison?" Cody blinked and Noah raised a brow "Why would she send you? And what is this implying? Has she been watching me?" "I mean she did put a beeper on you if you didn't notice, But also because she said your viral so I'm gonna go full sumo mode on the papparazi" Owen shrugged back. 

"Sumo mode? Oh... is Noah that famous again?" Cody squinted his eyes, He was happy for Noah, he didn't need to be around him... "Yeah, I heard the guys on Celebrity Manhunt are kind of out for him, Izzy and Eva. Apparently." Owen shrugged as Noah scoffed "Finally, some people recognize me for my genius."

"Yeah but your kind of a huge deal now." Owen shrugged "Well am I famous?" Cody titled before Owen nods "Yeah kind of, but like now people speculate your gay" "Huh!?" "What, you and Noah aren't dating???" "N-no! No way!" Though Noah couldn't see, Cody had a little red on his cheeks. "Hah! Everyone thinks so!-" "I like Gwen??? Dude my parents are so going to skin me!-"

"Order under Noah?" A woman at the registrary called before Owen gasped "Dude! Noah's paying!? Oh come on man!" "I am not paying for you." Noah stood up with a low murmur.

Why was he just a little hurt?

Chapter Text

"If you really love me (ooh) Let me be your fool" Come Back, Buddha Remastered 2001 by The Five Stairsteps

Okay, so by this point, maybe Cody did something wrong? it was weird. Walking by Noah's side as Owen kept chalantly talking and switching subjects. Cody's fingers kept nudging into Noah's, just... a little. He was trying to get Noah to get mad or something. Noah was acting a little differently,

Owen spoke, "So then like- Eva told me I could totally fit a whole ice cone in my nose! Though now I'm thinking about it- that was probably a threat. Eesh." Noah replied dryly "Really. No wonder." "Yeah right? I want an Icecream, Noah lets get an icecream!" Owen said eagerly as Noah shakes his head "Dude you inhaled both me and Cody's meals. How can you possibly- no, don't answer that." "How can I what?" Owen asked as Noah didn't reply, glancing at Cody who stared at his stupid velcro strapped shoes.

Cody didn't know what time it was, probably 8:45 by best?

They sat on a bench by the park holding Ice Cream in their hands. Owen was... well ordering more flavours, damn. Cody just...sneaks a look at Noah before looking back down at the sky. Pretty dark, can't even see the stars in this light polluted place.

"...Why the hand nudging earlier, huh?" Noah started, also staring at the sky as Cody blinked surprised "Oh- uh, I don't know..." Noah raised a brow, immediately judging Cody's nervousness "You don't know?" "Man I really don't know!... you know that feeling when you wanna hold someone's hand?" Cody glances at Noah again. Noah inhaled through his nose before giving that half-assed smirk "Smooth Romeo, try making that move on Gwen, It'll definitely work." It sounded sarcastic, it sounded like a tease.

....Seriously?

Cody immediately stared back at his sneakers, biting his lip before nodding. The floor seemed so much more interesting right now. "...Mhm, yeah, I'll... do that." His strawberry icecream melting at the evening air. 

Noah bit his tongue, holy shit, Gaps was serious? Why did he say that? He could've just held his hand right there and there, maybe tease a little, lean in. He could have, damn it, he almost wanted to.

Owen came over with a single ice cream cone that was topped with all twelve flavors. "Thanks for the money buddy! Let me scootch in right there... 'Scuse Cody." Owen chose to sat between Cody and Noah. Cody looked up "Oh yeah, sure.." As he moved. The bench squeaks, stressed to it's limits as Owen added weight to the wooden bench. "Oh uh- Owen maybe don't move too much?.. the bench is- ah!" Cody gasped as the bench cracked by a little. "....My fat friend, you might wanna stand." Noah stared down at the spot where the bench must have nearly broken in half. "Oh, okay!" Owen stood up, balancing his impossibly tall icecream in his plump arms. As both Cody and Noah glance at the spot, damn right did this bench nearly break.

"...Yeah, Owen we're gonna go back to the university... thanks again. For nearly getting us jailed." Noah muttered, eyes half lidded, stood up. As Cody carefully stands up "Mhm! Cya dude!" As Owen grinned, obliviously saying before turning "Oh, yeah, bye guys! Have a fun date!" As he waved at the two smaller guys.

Now they were walking back, Ice cream in their hands, Noah glances at Cody's now free hand. Before nudging Codys fingers with his, now it was Noah's turn to look for a reaction.

Cody was a very obvious person, as he tried to pretend that Noah wasn't bugging him right now, Noah could tell he was conflicted.

What a funny reaction, He really should have held his hand earlier.

"So are you going to talk about that bandage on your finger? Codester?" Noah raised a brow as Cody glanced at Noah's eyes. "Oh, uh- I got a burn from the microwave, that thing might explode soon." "Hmmm... I'll take a mental note of that." Noah replied dryly. "Yeah, they really need to replace that soon..." Cody shrugged licking at his ice cream "Oh, yeah, that too." Noah shrugged, mimicking Cody as Cody looked up "What do you mean that too?" Then Noah scoffs "I don't know, Maybe the burn, or the way you pretend not to notice my hand." 

Cody blinks surprised "... I'm not..!" "Yeah, no, I know, it's a lot more amusing like this though." Noah smirked again "...Amusing?" Cody blinked "Yeah, your very amusing like this." Noah shrugged licking his chocolate icecream. "Your just, I don't know, fun to tease?"

Another casual bump of Noah's hand against Cody's on the way to their university. It was... well, not gay if there really was no hand holding.

Maybe it was gay that Cody wanted to hold hands the whole time. That entirely wasn't a straight feeling.

Truly, a fun date.

yearning/ˈjəːnɪŋ/ - a feeling of intense longing for something.

Chapter Text

"I guess I should stop looking out for you, like I always do. When will you start looking out for me too, Instead of leaving me staring at my shoes?" Looking Out for You by Joy Again

It's not everyday you hang out with the girl you like! So why was Cody.... not feeling the putty feeling in his heart like usual?

September 11, 2010, 1:12 PM. Before the Lectures. Cody was fumbling over his milkshake as Gwen mindlessy typed in her laptop. Before she glances up to eye at Cody.

See, as a favor, Cody begged to go on little dates with Gwen after the Trent situation, and Gwen just gave up and just nodded at it. So this was like a once every six months.

The feeling was always one-sided.

"....So, Cody, I heard the entire thing in the internet." She started as she typed away in the laptop. Cody just nods "Uh, yeah...."

Cody was still staring at his shoes, Usually he'd be out trying to flirt with Gwen as she tried to study. This used to be interesting.

Cody was being unusual to Gwen. Cody was... usually annoying. Gwen kept him around though for a few reviewers, her annoying tutor basically. "....Didn't know Noah had that in him, all prince charming." Gwen just put a hand on her chin

"Huh, yeah, that's... funny." Cody nodded again. Gwen raised a brow, "Yeah, okay, now your acting weird. Usually your loud, How's Noah anyway?" Cody tilts, "....What do you mean?"

"....I mean, aren't you dating Noah?" "What? No! No not at all! I'm straight!" Cody started freaking out "I like you!..." He said hesitantly, his fingers itching over his lap. "...Dude, it sounds like your trying to convince yourself" Gwen smiled, "Are you sure your straight at all?"

"I'm straight!" Cody shrieked back. As Gwen laughed "Oh, this is hilarious! you like Noah!" "No!" "Yeah! you do! don't hide it!" Gwen broke out laughing.

Awkwardly this is the first time Gwen laughed at Cody, and worst of all, it wasn't even a joke. 

"Oh come on, you light up more talking about Noah than you do sitting here with me.” Gwen smiled knowingly. Cody froze, clutching his drink. Voice cracking “…That’s not true!” The goth girl just gave him that knowing look, like she’d just solved a puzzle. "Mhm, yeah, totally. Like cuddling with your roommate is a natural thing. We all saw the pictures, don't even kid about it man." 

"It's not gay! that's super platonic!" Cody said, more tense in his seat.

He likes Gwen, He likes Gwen, He likes Gwen!

"Yeah okay, whatever keeps you sleeping." Gwen sipped over her black coffee before typing. 

He clenched his jaw, repeating it in his head like a broken record. I like Gwen, I like Gwen, I like Gwen! But the more he said it, the less it sounded true. His stupid heart didn’t do the fluttery thing it used to. Instead nothing happened, because all he could think about was Noah’s dry voice cutting through his thoughts

From the display window Noah stood there, brows furrowing. He wasn't the jealous type. He was too lazy to even mind. But he was curious, what was Gwen telling Cody that got Cody biting his lips like that.

Yeah, he somehow found Cody, No, he didn't follow him. He wasn't! Okay, a little. But it's because obviously Owen can't hide around and follow Cody. That'd be like an Elephant following a mouse. You never know who'd be following that Gap.

Speaking of following, "Heeey! Heeey Noah! Noooahhh! Noah! Hey! over here! Nono! Ahah!" Izzy bounced around behind Noah. "Yooohooo!" "Izzy, shut up," Noah glared before looking back at Cody through the glass window. Trying to hear. "Oooh! Coolio! Your like- trying to be a spy! but your kind of doing bad it like this one time-" "Izzy!" "Eeh! Sorry!"

Noah was not jealous. He knew better, Gwen was not interested in Cody. But what was getting Cody's cheeks all red like that? His hands were all twitchy and his eyes were big...

He wasn’t jealous. He was just… concerned. Roommate solidarity. Yeah. Totally normal to track your roommate across city and spy through a café window just to make sure he wasn’t getting his heart stomped on. Normal. Completely normal.

…God, he was pathetic.

"Hey look, your boyfriend's here." Gwen snickered, nodding to Noah in the window as Cody looked. "Oh, he's here!" Cody stood up, almost eager. "He's up early" 

"What, he wakes up late?" Gwen tilts "Always! Anyway, bye Gwen!" Cody was about to run outside waving to Noah who waved back awkwardly, caught in the act. Before Cody paused, glancing back at Gwen "He is not my boyfriend." Before Gwen smirked, "Sure Cody, sure."

"Hey!" Cody smiled at Noah who frowned "Hi." "How'd you find me here?" Cody stood beside Noah who just attempts to nonchalantly shrug "I don't know, I wanted coffee." "Oh, okayy..." Cody nodded back as they walked. 

Behind them was a sly Izzy, going through bushes. 

"....So what were you talking about with Gwen in there? trying to smooth talk?" Noah raised a brow to Cody who shrugged back "Ah, it's nothing!"

"....Yeah, Nothing." Noah scoffed back indifferently. Cody could only notice the bad mood.

Dunno, maybe it's because Noah didn't have his coffee, probably.

Chapter Text

Scrawny by Wallows idk it gives noah in this au

Screwed, Noah was screwed. It's like the entire aftermath of breaking up with Emma except this time it's over this.... absolute virgin. Do you know what Noah was? a Valedictorian! Highest in his class, Highest in his school, Highest of all schools!... you'd be surprised how he hasn't ruled the world yet with his genius state. Oh he absolutely would, if he wasn't lazy. That was a curse, he was so smart that he needed cons in his pros, a curse. But enough about himself, he was.... well prideful mostly, but other times he could barely give a damn about anything. So he didn't understand why he didn't care about the current discussion. A monotone voice buzzing through the entire room, and the room was damn big. Some were asleep, some were half asleep, and people like Cody was just... well, nearly asleep.

Usually by now Noah would be sleeping, No need to study, He knows all this. He'd be snoring no doubt, but noooo. He just had to be staring at Cody, quietly hoping Cody would feel the burn through the side of his head. 

He scoffs quietly as Cody's eyes blinked, head slightly lulling before sitting up, it would repeat like forever. His pen drifting from his noted as the letters turn into gibberish, slurred and all that. Noah was screwed because :

He was distracted by something.

And it's not usual for Noah to show strong interest like lousy things like love or movies or just passion for anything. Other than gaming more bullying little children on games like Grand Theft Auto but he's just like that. That game wasn't even for kids.

And you know what was distracting the great strong minded Noah? Cody. A mere young adult who tends to flirt with girls and yet, never has had even one little kiss. Talk about not getting bitches.

But he couldn't wrap his head around something. Something challenges the smart Noah. The genius was confuzzled, absolutely impossible. 

What made Cody cower like that before Gwen? had him biting his lip, drink shaking and fingers gripping the cup of his drink. Eyes looking around, cheeks red... Gwen was not exactly someone who Noah needs to worry about. She simply wasn't interested.

Damn it, Cody fell asleep. Noah sighs before pinching Cody's cheek "Up, up, little beaver." "Noah get off of me!" Cody spat, struggling. At least it worked. "This is important, at least stay awake." Noah shrugged letting go of Cody's soft cheek. Before glancing again at Cody who attempted to reread his messy writing. 

Something to keep Cody awake and not to satiate Noah's dying thirst for questioning.

"Do you hang out with Gwen all the time?" Noah muttered, hands on his chin, slouched over the desk. Cody looked at Noah before shaking his head "Nah, it's just at times when she needs something" "Oh, so every six months what not." "Yeah! basically it's just a review, she asks me I ask her."

"Hm..." Noah squinted before thinking highly, Just why did Cody need Gwen when he's got a super ultimately impossibly smart roommate with the IQ of 180? Noah knew alot more than Gwen did. What, was Cody being humble and chose not to bother Noah? The smartest man of the Century? Well apart from Izzy, but she's an anomaly.

"Why even bother with Gwen when I’m right here?" Noah said, voice casual, leaning over Cody’s desk. "I can teach you everything she can. Or are you… just pretending to care about her to… what… feel something?"

Cody blinked, a tad bit confused, ".....Why would I pretend to care about a friend?" He would tilt like a dog.

Damn it Cody just say something bad about her to make me feel better about my dying insecurity.

"Just a friend?" Noah raised a brow. Funny, Cody would say something stupid like, I wanna make out with her!!! she has to someday!!! Something as naive as that.

Ah, Gwen has lowered her rankings in Cody's book. So then what would explain the way she supposedly teased him? which got him looking like he was found out? Just what was it that made him do all that!

Cody cowered before his seat as Noah stared even longer, leaning in. Cody's cheeks slowly turn redder and redder. 

Noah’s eyes narrowed, like he was solving some impossible riddle. Red cheeks. Tight grip on the pen. Refusal to look him in the eye.

He leaned in closer, close enough that Cody flinched back in his chair, nearly knocking over his notebook. "How... interesting..."

Noah muttered, lips curling at the corners. "So… it's not Gwen. Can't be. She doesn't have this kind of… power."

Cody’s mouth opened, closed, then opened again, like a fish gasping for air. "Power??? I-What?"

"Don't play dumb," Noah cut in, tapping his finger against the desk like a gavel. "You don’t turn red because of a pop quiz. And definitely not because of Gwen."

Cody’s eyes darted away, his leg bouncing under the desk. "Dude just... just stop that, your imagining things...." "Ohhh, I don't imagine," Noah hummed, voice lowering as if they were sharing some conspiracy. "I calculate. I observe. And right now, you’re practically a human stoplight. Which means…" He tilted his head, letting the silence press in. "…there's someone else."

Cody swallowed hard, throat bobbing, his blush spreading down his neck. And Noah felt his own pulse jump, because suddenly he wanted the answer to be obvious. To be him. But Cody only ducked his head further, muttering, "Dude.... it's really nothing..."

Noah smirked, though it faltered at the edges. Theres someone else who's getting Cody all... feverish looking. 

Who can it be? It can't be someone Noah doesn't know. Gwen probably knows this person. Obviously not Izzy, God not Eva, and Holy shit, if it's Owen Noah was going to bawl his eyes.

Not that he cared, it was just cursed.

"N-noah, can you just stop looking at me like that?" Cody murmured as Noah blinked, realizing, before that half-assed smirk came back "Aww, the Codemeister can't handle proximity that he cant even look at me in the eyes." "Sh-shut up" Cody lightly scoffed

Oh, Noah finally got that reaction he saw.

Chapter Text

"Mrs. Magic to and fro, Just let me be myself." Mrs Magic (Strings Version) by Strawberry Guy

 

You may have heard of the four fear responses: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. “Fawning” refers to when an individual copes with a perceived danger by attempting to appease whoever is causing the danger in order to prevent them from causing harm.

 

It was after lectures, Noah sat by his desk doing his creditial work. Cody was somewhere, where? He didn't know. Before suddenly the door of their dormitory opened, "Oh great, your back... just when I was enjoying the serenity. Where have you been?" Noah stood up, turning to Cody who stood before his own bed. He could hear small sniffles.

Holy shit, he's crying.

Noah blinked once, and twice before walking towards Cody, before grabbing his shoulder "Hey, look, I didn't mean that. I wasn't enjoying the serenity I-" "It's not that" Cody said with a small sob, hiding his face in his palms

Cody’s words came out broken, muffled behind his palms. "They- they--" A sob came out before he continued "D-don't want me home anymore… my mom said—she said it’s because of those stupid rumors online, that thing with Sierra… t-that I humiliated them!... B-because we cuddled-" A sniffle came, his shoulders shook. "-They said they’re not g-going to pay for my college tuition anymore. I don’t—Noah, I-I don’t know what to do now!..." Cody sobbed again.

"Hey, calm down." Noah said awkwardly wrapping his arms around Cody, his hands resting on the smaller boy's shoulder.

"I can cover for you." Noah said quietly "You can't" Cody muffled against Noah's shirt "I can, you can live with me and Owen when this is over." Noah shrugged, rubbing Cody's arm "N-Noah it's not that easy! I-" Cody sniffled before Noah lightly scoffed "Look, I caused this, but she threatened to blackmail you to take advantage of you. It's really for your own good man. What's done is done."

Noah didn't have much plans for his future. His expenses were covered parents, his bank account was actually packed (Because he borrowed from his older siblings, and thet luckily forgot). And he was already planning to just laze around the apartment in which he'd be Owen's roommate as planned.

"....Y-you" He sniffled "...Really mean it?" Cody peeked to look up at Noah who pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a dramatic sigh. "Wow, Gap… your parents sound like prime candidates for a Darwin Award. Kicking you out over some dumb rumors? Genius." Cody sniffled, burying his face in Noah’s shoulder. "B-but… I messed up. I humiliated them… I made everything worse…"

Noah rolled his eyes, letting his sarcasm drip. "Oh sure, because standing up for yourself and not letting someone like Sierra run you over? That's totally humiliating. Yeah, call the press, Cody’s ruined the family name because some guy cuddled him and his stalker attempted to blackmail him." Cody blinked through his tears, a faint smile threatening the edges of his lips. "…Y-you really think I didn’t screw up?"

"Nope," Noah said, brushing Cody’s hair back with a mock-serious frown. "You didn’t screw up. You just proved you’re smarter than the people who are supposed to care about you. Big surprise, right?"

Cody sniffled again, voice barely a whisper. "…I just… I wanted them to like me…" Noah let out a laugh that was half amused, half exasperated. "Gap… newsflash: wanting people to like you doesn’t obligate you to live through their brainless reasoning. You like me, right?"

Cody froze for a second. "…Yeah...?" Before they paused "A-as a roommate."

"Good. Because I'm stuck with you now," Noah says with a shrug. "Lucky you. And honestly? I'd say your parents are assholes, but that's putting it nicely." Cody let out a shaky laugh, letting himself lean into Noah more. "You… you're so mean..." Noah shrugged, a grin tugging at his lips. "Mean? I'm just brutally honest. And also,… you're lucky I'm too lazy to actually kick you out of my life."

Fawning is sometimes referred to as “people-pleasing.” When someone is fawning, they may appear overly cooperative or helpful, sometimes to their own detriment. They might minimize or fully deny their own needs, struggle to say “no” even to unreasonable requests, or agree with those around them even if this does not reflect their real feelings or values.

And Cody is the best example.

Chapter Text

Unslept by Miraidempa

September 12, 2010, 6:14 AM, Pretty damn early wasn't it?

Noah would keep sleeping but a certain person, A plump guy named Owen, called him this early into the day for "emergency", but he doubts it's even important. Probably just ate all of the food in his own apartment. 

Now he was walking there, it was at least a few miles from the campus, it's literally somewhere in the city.

Noah lightly scoffed at the cold air as he came out of the campus in his pyjamas. He looked stupid and lazy but at least the campus was open early. 

He wanted to go back to the dormitories, Cody was still asleep, Because what dumbass wakes up at 6:00 AM? it's too damn early and the lectures would start at 1:50 PM.

He could stay in bed. He could ignore the world. But no, the universe insists he walks three miles for… whatever Owen calls an "emergency." Brilliant.

He walks a few coffee shops, he should probably drink a coffee but he wanted this to be quick as possible. So he can return to the dark depths called his dorm and slumber like an animal in hibernation.

But he got stopped as suddenly some idiot in a skateboard and a whole damn camera gets shoved into his face. Damn his life.

He could hear the camera guy shouting, "Noah! Noah! Over here! How does it feel to have Sierra in jail?"

Noah blinked once, then slowly twice, his brain processing the absurdity. Right. Because at six in the morning, answering questions about a criminal case is exactly what I wanted to do.

"Uh… fantastic?" he said flatly, voice dripping with sarcasm, like he was offering a Nobel Prize-winning performance in monotony.

The guy leaned closer, jabbing the camera lens like a spear. "You single-handedly took down one of the stalker of former Total Drama cast Cody! Don’t you feel… proud?"

Noah glanced at the camera, deadpan. "Thrilled. Absolutely elated. Can you hear my excitement from three miles away, or do I need to jump on your skateboard and scream it?"

The cameraman blinked. Maybe he didn't get sarcasm. Maybe he didn't survive the IQ test Noah just gave him in two seconds flat.

"C’mon, just a few words for the TV!" the guy pleaded, notebook shaking in his hands. Noah pinched the bridge of his nose. "Sure. Here’s my statement: Go away, I’m getting late for an emergency."

And that’s when the first of the real chaos began-reporters had arrived. The second guy, third guy, someone even had a microphone sticking out like it was going to probe his soul. Noah groaned.

I leave my dorm for three miles into the city. I encounter sunlight. Idiots. And now… a celebrity manhunt? Incredible.

He started walking faster, only slightly jogging. Sarcasm fuelled his stride. "Yes, paparazzi! Chase the genius in pyjamas! I always dreamed of being a raccoon in the wild!" Noah was not athletic in any circumstances, as he pathetically ran through the streets for a good fifteen minutes until he finally got to Owen's building.

He somehow got the elevator to shut before their faces. He presses like two different buttons on the elevator.

When he got into Owen's floor he frantically knocks into the guy's door. No reply, again then finally the chubby man answered. "Dude! I've been chased across the street, what the hell's your emergency now!"

Owen rubbed his tummy before sheepishly saying "...Uhhhh, My fridge is out of food.... I was calling you so-"

Noah shuts the door on Owen's face.

Cody yawned, stretching before the door opens. Noah's up really early.... all slouched and lost of energy as he face planted to Cody's bed.

"Dude, where have you been? It's- it's 7:55 AM!, you know that right?" Cody blinked, glancing the alarm clock back at Noah, and Noah softly sighed "You don't wanna know."

Chapter Text

About A Girl by Nirvana the intro

7:43 AM

When Noah was walking back to the dormitory you didn't think anything happened did you?

On the way he ran into a certain girl, Emma was simply coming out of a coffee shop. Before she notices Noah. It was awkward, Noah didn't know what to feel.

It's only been like a week or so, but yet it felt so long ago. With how long the days are. (And the many days he spent around Cody)

"...Noah, hey" Emma waved with a weak smile. Noah paused, raised an eyebrow, and let out a dry laugh. "Wow. Didn’t think caffeine addiction alone could get you out this early. Guess even the perfect girlfriend can’t brew her own coffee, huh?"

Emma blinked, a little taken aback, but smiled anyway. "It's… really early. I didn't expect you'd be out here." "Yeah, well, fame has its perks," Noah said, gesturing vaguely. "Camera guys, skateboards, people shouting questions at you like you're the next president, and your batchmates staring at you from every corner, Really makes a person want to wake up early."

Emma looked uneasy. "I… I heard about the entire thread with Sierra. I just wanted to see if you were okay." Noah snorted. "Mission accomplished, I guess. Thanks for checking in." She sighed, shifting her weight. "Noah… about us. look, I didn't want to hurt you, okay? I just… I needed someone who actually, you know… tried. With everything. Not just the easy stuff..."

Noah’s jaw tightened. "Ah. Right. Someone who doesn't think leaving bed before noon is a crime against humanity. Got it." Emma flinched slightly. "It's not about punishing you. I just… I had to make the choice I thought was best. For me."

Noah shrugged, leaning casually against the wall. "Yeah, sure. Mission accomplished there too. Gold star." Emma's lips pressed together. "I hope… I hope you find someone who really gets you, Noah. You deserve that."

Noah looked at her, gave an empty small, humorless laugh. "Tell that to the tabloids." There was a long pause, then she nodded. "Bye, Noah." "....Yeah, bye Emma." he said, turning away. He didn’t feel bitter. Just.. tired, and pissed. Softly scoffing under his breath "...Should have stayed in bed."

"Dude, where have you been? It's- it's 7:55 AM!, you know that right?" Cody blinked, glancing the alarm clock back at Noah, crossing his arms like a scolding wife. Noah softly sighed, murmuring into the bedsheets "You don't wanna know." Cody raised a brow, tilting his head like a puppy. "Hey, don’t go back to sleep! You’re up, then stay up!"

Noah peeled an eye open just enough to glare. "…Seriously?"

Cody bounced slightly on the bed, grinning. "I mean… c'mon, the day's just starting! We could… do something productive! Before our lectures start!"

Noah turned fully to glare at him. "'Productive,' Cody, is code for ‘you want me to run around and do something pointless while you watch'." Cody laughed, waving his hands defensively. "What?! No! Okay… maybe a little… but it's fun! And… uh… maybe I just like hanging around you."

Noah froze. Deadpan. That wasn’t supposed to sound… nice. He coughed awkwardly. "Yeah. Totally. I'm… a blast, I know." Cody leaned forward, eyes wide, grinning like he just discovered a secret level in a video game. "Exactly! That’s why you’re my roommate!"

Noah rolled his eyes, sarcastically mumbling "Right. Because apparently chaos needs a slightly taller, grumpier version to moderate it."

Cody laughed again, oblivious to the small pang of warmth in Noah’s chest at his unabashed cheerfulness. "Come on, get up! Breakfast? Coffee? Or we could… I dunno, beat Kosmic Kaos and get all the secrets?"

Noah groaned dramatically, flopping onto the floor with a mock scream. "Why do I even live here?"

Cody leaned over, poking him in the side. His gap teeth showing, "Because you secretly love it!.... And because the receptionist said so," Noah froze mid-groan. Secretly love it? Who even… He sighed, sarcastically: "Yeah, yeah. You win. I’m clearly incapable of resisting this level of… relentless enthusiasm."

Cody cheered, bouncing slightly. "Yes! Victory!" Before doing a stupid electric guitar motion, making guitar noises. "Now… coffee first or breakfast first?"

Noah rubbed his eyes, silently acknowledging that somehow, despite himself, Cody made days… slightly more tolerable. Maybe even… fun.

Chapter Text

"On sunny days, I go out walking. I end up on a tree-lined street, I look up at the gaps of sunlight, I miss you more than anything" Francis Forever by Mitski : Sessions

It was 11:54 PM, Cody couldn't sleep. As he lied beside Noah in his bed. He stared at the ceiling, glancing at Noah, then reached for his smart phone which lied somewhere behind him. He was just... well maybe desperate for a response?

He paused at Emalia's number. Sighing before standing up and leaving the dormitory. Standing behind the door before calling.

Ringing in the dark hallway,

He expected no reply, but he didn't expect it.

"Hello?" A woman's voice answered. And by then Cody didn't know what to say. He's waited for five whole years. His stomach clenches over her soft voice.

"...Who is this?" She said again with that familliar tone of hers, It's me! Cody! Emalia? 

His mouth opens but no sound comes out, "Uh-- Hello?" She said quieter. Cody stood there, mind a mess, gripping the phone tighter. His chest ached. He wanted to say it. It's me! It’s your little brother. I've been waiting for you to come back! But his tongue stayed heavy, useless. He wanted to sob, he wanted to beg her to return to him like a small child wanting to curl beside his mom after having a nightmare.

"…Wrong number," he whispered finally, the words cracking as they left him. His thumb hovered, then ended the call before she could answer. He stood there wondering what she could be thinking, did she recognize the way his voice would crack?

The hallway swallowed the sound, leaving only the dim buzzing of the overhead light. Cody stood there for a long moment, phone shaking in his hand. Five years. He's waited five years, and he couldn’t even say anything.

When he slipped back into the dorm, Noah was still on the bed, pretending to sleep. Cody eased down beside him, careful not to make a sound. He'd slip into the bed, curling up beside the dark skinned boy. Shutting his eyes with force.

Cody did have fragile masculinity after all, he didn't want to be seen as someone who cried.

Noah cracked one eye open in the dark, watching the stiff line of Cody's shoulders. He didn’t say anything - not yet. But he knew.

And Cody didn't notice : so much for being geeky.

Cody sat staring at the presentation right in front of them, his head miles away. The professor's voice was just a muffled drone, like static.

Noah tilted his head, watching him zone out, before cracking a smirk. "Wow, Gaps, didn’t know you found PowerPoints so moving. Should I pass you a tissue?" he whispered, low enough so only Cody could hear. Cody would glance before snickering "Noah? starting a conversation?"

"Oh shut up" Noah rolled his eyes, brows slightly furrowing before tilting his head slightly, turning to Cody who squinted at the slide. He wasn’t really reading it, just trying to make his eyes look busy.

"You didn't hear whatever I said, did you?" Noah muttered, tapping his pen against the desk. "Uh- I did!” Cody replied quickly, voice too sharp that it cracked, like he was defending himself from something that hadn't even been accused.

Noah raised a brow. Yeah, right.

"Alright then, what did I say?" he challenged, lips curling into a half-smirk. Cody opened his mouth. Closed it. "Uhh…Something about… tissues?" Before biting away the dead skin of his lips, Noah smirked wider. "Busted."

Cody snorted, shaking his head. "You're insufferable, you know that?" "Mmm. And you’re distracted," Noah shot back, tone deceptively casual. But when Cody stiffened in his chair, he caught it. Filed it away. Didn’t press yet.

Instead, Noah leaned back, pretending to take notes, eyes flicking sideways at Cody’s hunched posture. Whatever's eating him… it’s bigger than this boring lecture.

As for now, all he can do was bump his leg against Cody's. Looking for a reaction. He was just trying to make sure the Codemeister is still paying attention.

"Dude, stop- this is why everyone thinks we're gay" Cody said quietly, As Noah leaned back more into his chair before whispering back "You know we might as well let them think that. We don't have any other friends in here." "Dude! I have friends!" Cody scoffed, all ruffled. 

"Woah, didn't know you knew cooler guys" Noah rolled his eyes "Seriously all you do is bug me in the room what friends could you possibly have other than me?"

Cody scoffed louder this time, trying to sound offended but coming off more defensive than anything. "I do have friends. Tons!"

"Oh yeah?" Noah’s eyebrow arched. "Name three." Cody opened his mouth, then stalled. He fiddled with his pen instead. His teeth biting his lips before adding "…Owen counts as, like, two people."

Noah smirked, satisfied. "So basically, just me." Cody huffed, eyes glued to the presentation, cheeks heating in that way Noah knew wasn’t just irritation. "Theres Geoff and the guys, you know, your not the only guy I knew." He tried to laugh it off, but the sound came out thin.

Cody's eyes once so magnetic, Now just looked empty.

Noah let the silence sit for a beat, tapping his notes idly. Then, softer, he added, "Hey… if you’ve got something going on, you could always..." He trailed off, words catching in his throat before they could sound too much like concern. "...you know. Tell me. Or don’t. Whatever." Cody's grip on his pen tightened. For half a second, he looked like he might actually answer. Then he shook his head quickly, eyes fixed forward. "It's nothing dude."

Noah leaned back again, smirk carefully plastered back on. Lying twink he thought. But he didn't wanna push it, not yet.

Just wait till Noah catches the gap, it'll surely be easy. Like an easy videogame.

how emalia looks like btw 🤫🤫 also i think they both have a type(roommates)

Chapter Text

"When you laid down with me. You took the other side. When you laid down with me, You never slept that night" Fucking Boyfriend by the bird and the bee

September 13, 1:52 PM.

Cody dragged his tray across the cafeteria line, eyes fixed on the mystery meat like it had personally wronged him. Noah trailed behind, balancing a soda can in one hand, watching Cody move like he was running on autopilot. "You planning to eat that, or just glare at it to submission like those Reddit Alphas trying to make their point?" Noah said, sliding into the seat across from him.

Cody blinked, slow, then forced a laugh. "Oooh, Noah's jealous of my gourmet taste? This is.....protein...!" He poked the meat with his fork. It jiggled. "Mmm. Definitely alive." Noah took a sip of his soda, eyes narrowing just slightly. "Like Chef's cooking? Back at the show?" Cody was trying too hard, his jokes landing flat. He only did that when he didn't want people to notice something.

"Yeah......." For a second, Noah debated. Push? Or let it slide? His smirk settled back into place.

"So, when you're done with your food romance over there, you’re coming with me." Cody froze, fork halfway to his mouth. "Huh? Where?" "In the Library." Noah said smoothly. "You've got that essay due." Noah then glanced upwards "Don't tell me you were planning to wing it. Again."

Cody groaned, dropping his head onto the table. "No... not at all...... and what do you mean again! I-"

"Yeah, yeah. Cry about it later. You're coming." Noah leaned back, satisfied when Cody didn’t argue further. If Cody wasn’t going to talk about what was bothering him, fine. Noah would just stick close enough until the cracks showed themselves.

And judging by the way Cody's hands were trembling just slightly around his fork, it wouldn't take long.

The library was quiet, too quiet for Cody’s liking. He hunched over the table, tapping his pencil against the blank page like maybe it would magically start writing for him. Noah sat across, not even pretending to work, just watching.

"You know," Noah finally muttered, Crossing his arms, leaning down at Cody, "Most people use libraries to actually... study." Cody rolled his eyes. "Noah, You dragged me here, I didn't wanna be here..."

"True. But I figured you’d at least fake it better." Noah tilted his head, catching the way Cody’s pencil shook slightly. "What’s up with you?" Cody froze. Too fast, too sharp. "Nothing.... What do you mean?"

Noah smirked, but his voice softened just a little. "Please. You've been acting like Chef's meatloaf got reincarnated and is haunting you."

Cody let out a weak laugh, ducking his head. "Dude… shut up." His smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Noah didn’t push further, not yet. But he leaned forward on the table, close enough that Cody noticed, close enough to make sure he couldn’t just slip away.

"Somethings bothering Codemeister? huh?" Noah breathed behind Cody's neck which Cody would jump "Dude! don't do that again!" His neck getting red, blushing at the tickling feeling.

"Hmmm…" Noah tilted, standing straight, hands in his pockets, eyes glinting with mischief. "You know… I could probably get it out of you, if I tried hard enough."

Cody froze mid-breath, pencil hovering above the blank page. "N-no! No way! You wouldn't!" "Oh, I totally would," Noah said smoothly, leaning a little closer, voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "But maybe I'll just wait and watch you burst it out"

Cody’s hand twitched, dropping the pencil onto the table with a soft clatter. "..Noah...." His voice cracked, just a little.

Noah smirked wider, tilting his head, pretending not to notice. “Hmm… yeah. Definitely something eating at you. Want to tell me, or should I just keep guessing?”

Cody looked down at his blank page, silent, fingers tightening around the pencil. He wanted to tell him… he wanted to. But the words got caught somewhere between masculine pride, fear, and the ache of waiting for someone who never came back to you.

Noah leaned back again, but this time, just a little closer than usual. “Alright… twink." "I am not a twink!" Cody said with a small grunt. "Twink" Noah then messed up Cody's impossibly large mess of brown hair.

12:31 AM, Exactly the time when creatures lurk around and about in the dark.

Creatures like Noah. As he crept up closer by Cody's side in the bed before pinching Cody's cheek. Painfully. Obviously he had a plan but he couldn't exactly help but pinch the guy's cheek off. 

What? He had a round face! No one deserves to look that young at the age of twenty! "Ow!Oww- stop! Noah!" Cody gasped as Noah pinched for another few seconds

"Come on, we're going out." Noah scoffed, letting go as Cody looked up at Noah "It is exactly 12 AM! Where are we going???" Noah gave his usual half-assed smirk, standing and stretching like a predator who knew Cody had no escape. "Somewhere you can’t hide, Somewhere we can talk. Duh."

Cody blinked, tugging the blankets closer around his shoulders. “Talk? At... midnight? Noah, it’s--" “ -the perfect time, Codemeister. Trust me" Noah’s said with lidded eyes as he held out a calloused hand. Cody hesitated, then, with a small sigh, let Noah tug him out of bed. "I didn't take you for someone who can break the rules...."

The night air was cool, brushing against Cody’s flushed skin. They walked in silence through the empty dorm courtyard, the only sounds the distant hum of streetlights and their own footsteps.

Noah led him to a small field behind the dorms, the grass still soft from the morning dew. He collapsed onto his back, staring at the stars, arms folded behind his head. Cody sank beside him, careful not to touch too much, yet not far enough to feel completely separate.

 Cody sighs before starting, voice small in the vast night. "This date's a little dumb"

"Hmm, I guess staring at the moon is a bit stupid." Noah shrugged before Cody raised a brow "Why'd you take me out genius?"

Noah didn’t answer at first. He just tilted his head toward Cody. "Oh just spit it out will you?" Raising a brow.

It was quiet, staring at the moon. Damn they can't see the stars in this fuckass city.

Cody swallowed, hands gripping the grass from his sides. "Uh... well I tried calling my sister the other night," he admitted, voice cracking. "She didn’t know it was me. Then I got nervous and put the phone down on her."

Noah didn't reply until he murmured "It's the way your looking for the stars even when their not even visible to you" "And what's that supposed to mean?" Cody blinked raising a brow at Noah's words

"The big fat moon infront of us, and your too busy looking for the stars that you can't even see due to Light Pollution." Noah said as if it was easy to understand before scoffing "I mean, she's still there. Even when you can't see her, she's just there dude."

Cody didn't get it. 

"Oh my- dude, I mean, you have all the time in the world. Take it slow, maybe she's the one waiting for you." Noah sat up before flicking Cody in the forehead "Idiot" 

Cody shrieked before whining "So harsh!" "Oh get over it gaps." Noah lied back down before another silence kicked through them.

"She's probably waiting for you, it's probably the guilt of being the older sibling. She misses you too." Noah shrugged as Cody nodded before again, silence went through between them

"....You know, You see the moon everyday, .....it's almost like maybe you should... pay attention to it too you know?" Noah said hesitantly, not his usual snarky mean voice. "It's there everyday when the stars aren't."

Cody then stayed quiet as if he was loading before sitting up, finally replying "....You suck at giving hints." "You realize that now???" Noah said before tackling Cody down to the grass, which gave him advantage to top Cody. "Speak for yourself Gap! You get shy trying to ask me to sit next to you!" "S-Stop getting close to me!" Cody gasped, covering his face. "Hah! in your dreams, bunny teeth!" Noah leaned in closer before pausing. "Pff, you really cant handle close proximity." Before getting off of the smaller guy.

Yeah, maybe they are gay. 

Was Noah going to kiss him?

Not that Cody was thinking they were....

......Ew.

Chapter Text

"You're pouting in your sleep, I'm waking still yawning We're proving to each other that Romance Is Boring!" Romance Is Boring by Los Campesinos!

September 14, 2010. It was after lectures, 8:46 PM. Cody was typing away at his laptop, lying on his stomach like a teenage girl on myspace editing her profile for the thousandth time. 

Noah was getting a job, surprising wasn't it? but well he was gonna be one of those depressing cashiers in one of those little groceries in each corner of the city.

Suddenly BAM! The door bashed open by three familliar men! Trent, Harold and Justin! "S-seriously! You guys couldn't open the door like nornal people??? I left the door unlocked for a reason!"

Trent grinned like this was a normal Tuesday. Harold was already halfway across the room, gawking at Cody’s open browser tabs. Justin leaned casually against the doorframe like he was posing for a cologne ad, as if they hadn’t just made a WWE entrance. Trent grinned like he’d just invented chaos. "Yeah, but where’s the flair in that? Come on... you always liked scaring us!"

Harold adjusted his glasses, completely unbothered. "Dude, statistically speaking, a dramatic entrance increases group morale by 36%."

Justin was already checking his reflection in the black screen of Noah’s TV. "I think it’s more like… 86%, if you’ve got me in the group." 

"Come now, let's make a song! We need a new song for our diehard fans out there!" Trent says as he dropped a heavy ass guitar on Cody's bed which made Cody bounce from the weight "Hey!" Cody would gasp

A little while later after busting tunes,

"Guys, do you ever uh, feel curious" Cody said while pressing a random key on the piano keyboard. The dudes look up, before Justin raised a brow "Curious? like... what?"

"Like... is it... straight if you keep... wanting to perform things with... your... roommate-? I-in a totally platonic way!" Cody said cutting his own words, trying not to make it suddenly R rated. They all just look at eachother before Justin scoffs playfully "Isn't your roommate Noah?" "Er... yeah" Cody fidgeted with his fingers. Trent tilts, "Mmmm, seems to me man, your gay." Trent said while strumming a guitar.

Wait WHAT! "What!" Cody shrieks, hands landing on a few keys on the piano.

"Dude, calm down, we're not judging," Justin peeked from his sunglasses, which is weird since they were indoors. "Yeah dude, it's awesome and all." Harold said "But we thought you knew by now..."

"What do you mean by that!" Cody blinked, looking for absolute reason. "Dude, you've been talking about Noah in the group chat, haven't you noticed? sometimes we even thought you were replaced by a girl!" Harold raised a brow. "I don't- I don't talk about Noah that much!" Cody crossed his arms.

They all raise a brow at him, with this... knowing look. We know what you are...

Cody puffed his cheeks out like a kettle ready to explode. "Okay, just because I mention Noah sometimes doesn’t mean I'm- I'm like- Obsessed with him or something!”

"Bro," Trent chuckled, strumming a lazy chord. "Half your texts are like, "Guess what Noah said today, haha he’s sooooo sarcastic!, haha he called me twink again."" "That's just- that's just- just roommate commentary! Like- notes! He's like this science experiment!" Cody sputtered, his eyes shifting around nervously

Harold tilted his head. "You sent us a six-minute voice note about the way his hair sticks up in the morning." Justin pushed down his shades, smirking. "Not to mention the paragraph on how his voice gets all low when he’s tired. I was wondering if a girl managed to replace our Codemeister!"

Cody’s entire face went red. “T-that’s just me being observant! You know! Like, I never had a roommate as cool as him! E-except in the island I guess but..." The guys all snorted, exchanging looks like they didn’t need to say out loud what they were all thinking.

"Oh your in too deep," Trent grinned, shaking his head. Harold added "Like, Titanic deep. Iceberg’s already hit." "WHAT?!" Cody slapped random piano keys again in a discordant shriek of sound.

And, of course—because the universe hated him.... this was exactly the moment Noah strolled into the room, hands in his pockets, eyebrow raised.

"What did I miss?" he asked dryly, scanning Cody’s tomato-red face. Justin looked behind him before turning to the Indian-Canadian at the door, "Miss? oh man, I think Cody here missed-" "Miss? Miss what? You didn't miss a thing!" Cody threw his emu plush at Justin like a boomerang. "Oowwuh" Justin said dramatically. "If I missed anything I miss Gwen!" Cody says as if trying to believe it himself. "Gwen's been out of the picture the whole time, Noah's got no competition-" Harold raised a finger before Cody hit him with his emu plush.

"Well, it looks like Cody's husband's back." Trent zipped his guitar back into the bag. Justin had a small devious smile on his face "Good luck Cody." Noah blinked at them, eyebrows raised like he’d just walked into a sitcom. "Husband? Really?" His voice was dry, but the corner of his mouth twitched. Cody buried his face into the plush, muttering, "I-I'm not married… and he's the laziest person I have ever met!"

Trent leaned on the bedframe, grinning like the cat that got the cream. "Uh-huh, sure. Totally platonic roommate vibes." Justin smirked, wiggling his fingers. "Yeah, don't worry, Cody. We’ll keep an eye on you two. Public service, obviously." Cody squeaked, almost dropping the plush again. "You guys are the worst!"

Noah finally stepped forward, tilting his head, voice low and teasing. "Hmm… I think you might be more flustered than you realize." Cody froze, cheeks heating even more. "I-I am not flustered!"

Harold, who’d been quietly observing the chaos, just adjusted his glasses and muttered, "The textbook definition of flustered right there."

Cody groaned, tugging the plush closer to his face like a shield, while Noah simply smirked and leaned casually against the wall, clearly enjoying every second. As all three guys exit the roon. Noah shuts the door quietly before lazily making his way to Cody. "So, about not inviting anyone here..." He plopped himself lazily on Cody's bed, crossing his legs as Cody peeked from the emu plush. "Oh shuddup, You know I didn't plan this." "Speaking of plans" Noah said throwing an envelope at Cody "Saw this in our mailboxes, pretty sure Jeff's feeling Japarty." "Japarty? seriously..." Cody read the letter.

"He couldn't just send it to us via email? geez, guy's making it impossible to miss his parties" Cody huffed before Noah raised a brow "Well I'm not going." Cody looked up before smiling "I am!"

Noah looked up, raising a brow "...Oh really?" "Yeah really!" Cody rocked his legs, before putting his elbows on the keys, hands on his cheeks. Noah tilted his head, watching Cody’s little celebration like a cat observing a particularly enthusiastic mouse. "Huh… you, at Jeff's party? I don’t think I've ever seen you voluntarily leave this room before."

Cody shot him a cheeky grin, eyes sparkling behind the emu plush. "Hey! Sometimes Codemeister’s gotta do what a Codemeister’s gotta do. Plus… maybe I want to see what all the hype is about."

Noah smirked, leaning back on his elbows. "Mm. So this is your big social experiment, huh? Observe, mingle, survive the small talk?"

Cody shrugged, plopping the plush down so he could fully lean on the bed. "Exactly. And who knows… maybe I'll make an appearance so legendary, people will talk about it for weeks." Noah's smirk widened. "Or maybe you’ll hide in the corner, clutching an invisible plush like it’s your life support." Cody gasped dramatically, pointing a finger at him. "Excuse me! I do not! This plush is… tactical. For emotional support, obviously. And my sister gifted this to me!"

Noah chuckled, shaking his head. "Right… tactical. Well, I guess I'll see you survive this ‘dangerous social outing tomorrow then. Try not to cry when Jeff corners you with a dance request and a whole music request from your little boyband." Cody groaned, flopping back dramatically. "Oh, shut up, you’re supposed to be supportive, not- ugh-mocking my bravery!" Noah just leaned closer, whispering with a teasing glint, "Bravery or… reckless endangerment?"

Cody froze, cheeks heating as he realized Noah wasn't joking. The playful banter had always had a side effect, his heart rate tended to spike whenever Noah got close.

The quiet hum of the dorm room felt almost intimate now, and Cody wondered how he was supposed to survive the party without Noah hovering around his thoughts… even if Noah himself wasn’t planning to attend.

Then they lied in bed together, Lights off, In Noah's bed this time. Cody awkwardly shifted beside Noah. Noah looks at Cody before tilting. "Do you wanna go?" He leaned in closer to Cody, Cody with shut eyes would mumbled "....Where?" "Jeff's party, do you have to go?" Noah muttered lowly, coffee breath on Cody's nose. "I wanna go.." Cody said with a tired mumble.

"Hm... okay." Noah scoffs lowly. Then they fell asleep just like that, under Noah's thin blanket. "...How do you manage to stay warm in this incredibly thin blanket?" Noah huffed to himself, spooning Cody's blushing body.

Cody didn't reply, his stomach was already tied into knots, He tried to ignore Noah's breath on his nose. His cheeks were so warm. Why would Noah ask a question he already knew the answer to? All Cody could utter under his gapped teeth was : "Tricky bastard."

And from that reply, Noah smiled in the dark. "Guilty as charged, ladiesman."