"Yo, Noah, dinner's ready. So, come—" Caleb's voice trails off as he steps into the room, his casual demeanor freezing as he catches sight of Rachel leaning over Noah, their lips locked in a kiss. The moment is so intimate, so unexpected, that it feels like time stops. Noah and Rachel immediately separate, both of them startled by Caleb's sudden appearance. Noah's face turns crimson, his embarrassment clear as he looks down, unable to meet his brother's eyes. Rachel, however, seems unfazed. She simply scowls at Caleb, while he glares back, his expression hard and disapproving.
"Well, I guess I should probably go home now," Rachel says, breaking the tension in the room with a nonchalant tone. She gives Noah another quick peck on the cheek, her lips brushing lightly against his skin, and then stands up, smoothing down her skirt as she walks past Caleb.
He continues to glare at her, his frown deepening with every step she takes. She smirks, a mischievous glint in her eyes that only Caleb can see, but all she says is, "See you around." Her voice is sweet, almost mocking, as she saunters out of the room.
Caleb waits, listening to the front door open and shut, making sure she's truly gone before he slams Noah's bedroom door shut and turns to his brother, his expression a mix of anger, concern, and disappointment. "Bro…what are you doing? What did she do to you?" His voice is sharp, laced with an intensity that Noah isn't used to hearing from him.
Noah's heart sinks as he stares at the floor, feeling a heavy sense of shame weighing down on him. He can't find the words to explain himself, his thoughts jumbled and confused. The silence stretches on, thick and uncomfortable, until Caleb speaks again, his voice softer but no less troubled. "What? You can't talk to me anymore?"
The hurt in Caleb's voice is unmistakable, and it hits Noah like a punch to the gut. Caleb lets go of Noah, his hands falling to his sides as he steps back, looking so dejected that it almost breaks Noah's heart. "It's not that!" Noah blurts out, finally finding his voice. "I just…I'm afraid you'll think less of me. I know you've always told me not to grow up too fast, but despite how hard I've been trying, I can't resist. I'm not like you. I want to do those things, Cae."
Caleb's eyes soften, the anger fading as he listens to his brother's confession. "Noah, listen to me. I'm not upset because you kissed your girlfriend. You should enjoy it if you want to. I just think you're letting that excitement blind you from the real issue. That girl is not good, Noah. I know you love her and you're more than a bit naïve, but I'll be your eyes in this case, and I'm telling you, Noah, she's no good. She acts all innocent, but she's the most evil and conniving girl I've ever met."
Caleb pauses, searching Noah's eyes for understanding. "I'm not doubting that she loves you, but it's in a way that's not pure. She likes to talk about her sister and how slutty she is, but even her sister isn't as bad in comparison. I know you don't want to hear this, but please, break up with her before she corrupts you. You're good, Noah. You're so good it sometimes makes me sick. Don't let her steal that!"
"No!" Noah shouts, the word escaping his lips before he can stop it. In a burst of anger, he pushes Caleb back, the force sending him stumbling into the desk. Several items crash to the floor, the sound loud and jarring in the quiet room. For a moment, Noah is consumed by a rage he can't understand, a fury so intense it scares him. But then he sees Caleb wince in pain, and the anger dissipates as quickly as it came, replaced by a flood of guilt. "Caleb!" Noah cries, rushing over to his brother and wrapping his arms around him in a tight hug. "I'm sorry, Caleb. I didn't mean to push you. I'm sorry, please forgive me. I didn't mean to…." His voice breaks as tears begin to stream down his face, his sobs muffled as he buries his face in Caleb's chest, snot dripping onto Caleb's shirt.
Caleb places his hand on Noah's head, gently patting it, his heart aching at the sight of his brother's distress. "No, I'm sorry, Noah. I went too far. I could never hate you or anything, so don't worry." His voice is calm, soothing, as he tries to comfort Noah, even though his own emotions are in turmoil.
Before they can say anything more, the door swings open, and Maggie stands in the doorway, a spoon in hand, her eyes wide with concern. "What's going on in here? What was that crash? You two aren't fighting, are you? Why's the door closed anyway? Rachel left already."
"Sorry, Mom, that was all me," Caleb quickly responds, pulling back from Noah but keeping a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I just scared Noah a bit too much, and he pushed me by reflex. We're both just fine now though, right Noah?" He looks at Noah, who nods, though tears are still clinging to his eyelashes and a bit of snot still peeks from his nostrils.
Maggie takes in the scene before her, her worried expression softening into a smile as she watches her two boys. Despite the mess and the tension, there's something undeniably sweet about the way they care for each other. She can't help but laugh softly, shaking her head. "You two really are the cutest."
~
"Okay, children, it's time for bed." Maggie's voice is gentle but firm as she steps into the living room, where Caleb and Noah are curled up on the couch. The movie they were watching has long since ended, and both boys are half-asleep, their heads drooping as they struggle to stay awake. Caleb blinks groggily, rubbing his eyes as he sits up, while Noah stretches and yawns, trying to shake off the drowsiness.
"I'm not ready to go to bed yet though, Mom. I want to watch more of the movie," Noah protests, his voice small and sleepy. "I didn't even get to cut my cake. Just a little bit longer, please?" Maggie smiles, walking over to ruffle Noah's hair affectionately.
"It's a bit too late for those things now, Noah, but I promise tomorrow is another day. We'll have plenty of time to enjoy the cake and watch movies when you're wide awake."
"Come on, Noah," Caleb adds, standing up and offering his hand to his little brother. "Mom's right. We'll enjoy all of that much more if we're wide awake." Noah sighs, his shoulders slumping in defeat.
"Okay, I guess I can wait then. Goodnight, Mom." He takes Caleb's hand, allowing his brother to lead him toward their bedroom.
"Thank you, boys," Maggie says, watching them go with a tender smile. "I'll be there in a moment to tuck you both in. Sweet dreams." She waits until they've disappeared down the hall before she starts tidying up, clearing away the remnants of the evening.
Once the living room is clean and the kitchen is back in order, she heads to the boys' room to tuck them in as promised. But when she arrives, she finds them already fast asleep, curled up in their respective beds, the events of the day forgotten in the peaceful world of dreams.