The next morning, Noah leans back into Caleb's chest, a contented sigh escaping his lips as they watch their favorite show together. The steady rise and fall of Caleb's breathing, the comforting warmth of his embrace—it all feels so right, like this is exactly where Noah is meant to be. His small feet sway happily back and forth, tapping against the couch in rhythm with the show's theme song. In these moments, it feels like nothing in the world could be better than being together with Caleb like this. To Noah, Caleb is more than just his big brother—he's his savior, hero, idol, father-figure, and best friend all rolled into one. Caleb is the person who has always been there for him, through every scrape and scare, every laugh and tear.
In short, he's Noah's everything. And with their mom in the next room, bustling around the kitchen, the world feels safe, secure, and perfect. "I love you, Caleb," Noah murmurs, tilting his head back to look up at his brother's face. "Don't ever stop being my big brother, okay?"
Caleb smirks, a soft chuckle rumbling in his chest as he rests his chin on Noah's forehead. "What are you saying, idiot? Of course, I'll always be your big brother. Nothing will ever change that. I'll never abandon you." Their eyes meet, and they share a smile—a silent promise of unbreakable bonds and unwavering support. Caleb's arms tighten around Noah in a gentle squeeze before he suddenly launches a tickle attack, his fingers finding all of Noah's most sensitive spots. Noah bursts into uncontrollable laughter, wriggling and squirming as he tries to escape the relentless tickling. His high-pitched giggles fill the room, echoing off the walls in joy.
Just then, the doorbell rings, abruptly halting their play. The sound cuts through the air, and Noah immediately stops laughing, his curiosity piqued. "I'll get it!" he exclaims, springing up from the couch and racing to the door, his small feet pattering against the floor.
When he opens the door, he's greeted by the sight of a young girl with wavy, sun-kissed hair that cascades down her shoulders and big brown eyes that sparkle with warmth. Her smile is bright, and there's a playful glint in her eyes. Noah's excitement quickly fizzles out, and a sudden wave of shyness crashes over him. His tongue seems to tie itself into knots, and the words he wants to say get stuck in his throat. The girl chuckles softly at his bashfulness and says, "Happy Birthday, Noah! Well, I'm one day late, but we were on lockdown last night, he. May I come in for a bit?"
He barely manages to squeak out a response, his voice a timid whisper. "Th-thanks, Rachel. Come on i-in." His face flushes a deep red, and he steps aside to let her in, feeling like his heart might burst from how fast it's beating.
Rachel steps inside just as Maggie emerges from the kitchen, a warm smile on her face as she wipes her hands on a dish towel. "Oh, Rachel. I should've guessed it was you with how quickly Noah got silent," Maggie teases, reaching out to give Noah's cheek a gentle squeeze. The gesture only makes his blush deepen, and he looks away, embarrassed by his mother's playful remark. "How are you, Rachel? Has school been okay?"
"Yes, Mrs. Gremory, it's been going very well. I'm also doing just fine. Thank you so much for asking," Rachel replies politely, her voice sweet and respectful. "I'm sorry I'm coming so late when you're probably going to be having dinner soon, but I really wanted to visit Noah for a little bit, so I could give him my birthday wishes and gift in person. Would it be okay if I stay just until you've completed dinner?"
Caleb, who's been watching from the other room, rolls his eyes and makes exaggerated gagging noises at Rachel's sugary sweetness, his reaction hidden from the two ladies.
Maggie chuckles, clearly amused by Rachel's charm. "Oh, you are just the sweetest, Rachel. Of course, you may. Dinner won't be ready for a while, please enjoy yourselves. Don't mind me."
"Thank you so much, Mrs. Gremory!" Rachel beams, then grabs Noah's hand and pulls him down the hall toward the room he shares with Caleb, shutting the door behind them.
Maggie watches them disappear down the hall, a soft smile on her lips. "Well, aren't they just the cutest things? Don't you think so too, Caleb?" she asks, turning to her eldest son with a grin.
Caleb shrugs, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well sure, Noah's adorable, but Rachel…" He lets the thought hang in the air for a moment, a teasing tone in his voice. "Are you okay with that? Closed doors lead to secrets. Isn't that your motto?"
Maggie laughs softly, shaking her head. "Well, I do say that often, but that's more applicable when you don't have company. I understand wanting a bit more privacy to speak freely when you have friends over, but when you want to close the door for seemingly no reason, I feel like you're trying to shut me out."
Caleb leans back, crossing his arms over his chest. "Okay, so maybe I get that you'd be more suspicious of me because I'm a bit older, but you know I'm not interested in girls or anyone for that matter, and my body has no tolerance for drugs, so you don't have anything to worry about really. However, I don't think you should count Noah out just because he's young. Kids are growing up faster these days, just saying."
Maggie waves a hand dismissively, her laughter ringing through the room. "Oh please, what are you even getting at, Caleb? Noah doesn't know about any of that stuff. He's an angel. Anyway, be sure and leave them be, understand?"
Caleb sighs, letting the conversation drop. "Whatever you say, Mom. I just hope you don't regret that carefree attitude." He turns back to his show, pretending to be engrossed, though his mind lingers on the closed door down the hall. Maggie watches him for a moment longer, a flicker of doubt crossing her mind before she shakes it off and returns to the kitchen.
~
Noah sits on his bed with Rachel and is silent. Rachel grabs his hand and leans against him, waiting for him to make a move, but he doesn't, frustrating her. "Noah, can we kiss?"
Noah becomes immediately flustered. "K-kiss?! I don't know…that's a bit naughty."
"Well yeah, that's the point doofus!" She laughs. "I'm only asking for a kiss Noah, ok?"
"I wouldn't really mind, but first kisses are special. Mom says you shouldn't give it to just anyone. Are you sure you want to give yours to me? Maybe you'll find someone better."
"Don't be an idiot! I asked you to be my boyfriend because I thought you were the best guy ever! You've proven yourself worthy so many times already. You constantly show me that love means more than spreading your legs for a man just to feel special, like my sister does. I look forward to having many firsts with you. I want to be with you forever. I love you. I hope you love me too."
She leans up and places her lips on his. The sparks are immediate, the two separating only to look back with longing. "Wow…that was amazing! May we do it again?" Rachel nods with a big chuckle. She leans in again and Noah closes his eyes and accepts her love graciously, both eager to return. Noah's never been one to have naughty thoughts and has always been pure. However, suddenly new feelings and desires begin to aggressively flood his mind, and he thinks he likes it.