Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

 Wes and Noel were long-time friends; they've known each other since kindergarten, basically. They talked with each other almost every day, up until Wes got a girlfriend. Noel felt jealous, but he didn't want that to ruin their friendship, so he started pulling himself away.

It was a week before the end of winter break. Noel, wanting to talk with, decides to text Wes. It felt a bit heartbreaking to him, thinking that he'd probably forgotten about him.

N: Hello, Wes. Would you like to gather together at some time? We could have some hot chocolate if you'd like. We can also catch up with each other during our break. Would appreciate a reply.

Noel waited nervously, checking his phone back every few minutes.

"What if he doesn't like me anymore? He probably prefers his girlfriend now. Oh gosh, how I miss him." Noel stops himself from thinking. Did he really miss Wes? Noel heard his phone ring. He quickly grabs it and swipes up.

W: Hi, Noel! Of course, I'd love to meet up with you again! It's been a little while, so I'd love to hear how your life is now. I'll meet you at the Blackwood Cafe! Ciao! :)

Oh, the way Wes made Noel's heart flutter. Noel gave a thumbs up to the meetup location. He grabs the best clothes: a wool sweater, black pants, some gloves, and ear mitts. Noel sprayed the best cologne he had, smelling like the river. He grabs his car keys and heads over to the Blackwood Cafe, excited and feeling his heart beat fast.

Chapter Text

As soon as Noel walked into the shop, letting in some of the cold air into the warm space, he started to look for Wes. He spots Farmer in an isolated area and immediately heads over to the table. Noel sat across from the boy, letting out an awkward smile at him. Wes smiled back, starting to scratch the back of their neck.

"So, did you order yourself a drink?" Noel spoke up, breaking the silent space between the two of them. "I mean, if you didn't, then I wouldn't mind going up there and ordering the drinks for the two of us," Noel says as an offering. Wes looks up at Noel, slowly smiling.

"I mean, you really don't have to do anything for both of us. I could go up there and order my drink myself. I want you to save your money for when you go to France." Noel felt his heart drop. How could someone, someone he pulled himself away from, remember such a small detail? Noel slowly smiles and crosses his arms, laying them on the table and resting his chin atop his arms. "

How do you remember something like that?" Noel asked with sincerity.

"Well, I sorta just remember the important stuff," Wes smiles.

An hour passes by, and the boys both got their drinks; although Wes insisted on paying, making Noel feel a tang of guilt. They're both caught up in each other's lives. That's when Noel dropped a big bomb.

"How are you and Trishna?" Wes's eyes got big. From having a shining smile to not having one at all. Noel noticed, he reached out to put his hand on Wes's arm. "Look, I promise you don't have to tell me. I'm sorry I brought it up. We can switch to another topic," Noel smiles. Wes looks up at him and slowly smiles back.

"Well, things didn't really work out. Trish came out to me sorta recently-ish. She just figured that she liked women more. I support her, really," Wes says before taking a sip of his hot chocolate. Noel looks at him, sorta confused. Does that mean he's not the only gay person there? 

"Well, there's... more people in the world, honey," Noel lets a sigh. "Okay, well, actually there isn't, but just know there's more to the world than Uranium City girls." Wes lets out a chuckle.

"Noel, you're just the funniest guy."

"...You really think so?"

Wes nods his head. Noel felt his face flush up and smiled. "Thanks, you're such a sweet guy."

Another hour passes by, and the guys are getting ready to leave. Noel notices that Wes doesn't have a ride home. 

"I can drive you home if you'd like. Take it as a way of repaying." Noel tells Wes to wait at the front, bringing the car to him. He helped Wes settle into the passenger seat. 

"Noel, I'm gonna be honest, I'm so glad we got back into contact. I've felt so much happier," Wes says with a wide smile. Soon, they reach Wes's house, Noel helps him yet again to get to his house. 

"Well, see you next time," Farmer says with a bit of a disappointing tone.

"Cheer up, sweetie, we both have choir together."

Noel went back to his car and drove back home.