Archive of Our Own

Cody Anderson cherishes the fashion world. Ever since he was six years old, he'd remembered scavenging in his mother's closet on a whim.

He found a bunch of clothes that the guys didn't have. Skirts and dresses. Flare Jeans. Skinny Jeans — Cody even thinks he caught a pair of Mom Jeans in there too.

Cody wasn't just in adoration with the clothing, but also with her makeup. He'd never seen any guy wear makeup in his life. He especially loved the eyeliner that curved around your eyes, making them stand out more.

Six-year-old Cody Anderson made the terrible mistake of wearing his mother's makeup once his parents got back home from their date.

His father was discomfited and went up to his son, who had been watching cartoons on the big screen in the living room.

"What the hell's on your face?"

"I found it in Mom's room! It's like a makeup set."

His mother and father exchanged looks.

"Cody, I'm going to grab a towel, and you're going to wipe it off." His father sternly demanded.

"But I like it on me."

Cody's father squeezed his shoulder, digging his fingernails into his son's shoulder.

"Cody."

"Daddy, you're hurting me."

"Take it off right now. I don't want you wearing that in front of me, ever. Understood?"

Cody hesitantly nodded, which was the right choice since his father eased his grip and lightly patted him on the back as he went to grab a towel. His mother gave him a sympathetic look, but it only lasted a few seconds before she talked and changed the subject.

Cody wasn't listening; the only words recited in his head were from his father and his dislike for Cody's new look. He cried later that night.

Cody's father said he could never wear it in front of him, but he never said he was banned from wearing it when he wasn't around. So, that's how Cody ends up becoming a fashionista at eighteen. His father was pissed once he figured out that Cody applied to work at Fashion Nova.

Cody said that he was only working as the cashier behind the desk. His father laughed in his face after that, degrading him and his choices, but didn't say anything about it the next day.

Fashion Nova was worth working at. Cody ended up meeting his platonic soulmate, Heather. Sure she's ruff around the edges, but she overall was terrific. Cody heard of the — ex— Queen Bee and was surprised that she was working at one of the most empty Fashion Nova stores in Toronto.

The first day Cody arrived, he realized that Heather didn't have her long hair like before. She'd trimmed it to her shoulders and left it out. Heather threw him a uniform, telling him to get ready in the back. The uniform was a black blazer with a green vest and black cargo pants. He silently thanked whoever had them wear long-sleeved shirts as uniform. Cody came out of the breakroom, thinking he'd looked ravishing. He was a ladies—slash—gentleman man (?), after all, just a little off his game recently.

Heather snickered from the front desk when she turned to look at him, leaning on the counter for support. Nobody was currently in the store, and these two were the only ones working this shift.

Cody frowned, looking at himself up and down before glaring at Heather. "What? Is there something on me?"

He hoped Heather wasn't laughing at the eyeliner he'd put on after changing.

"You just look so fucking dorky."

Everybody falls from grace, and eventually, they pick themselves back up.

"Cody, your boyfriend's here!" Heather yelled from the front desk, already drained from today.

On May 11th, Cody quickly came out of the break room and up to the front desk. He saw Noah holding a bunch of outfits to purchase. Cody furrowed his eyebrows, the outfits Noah had were not in his style. He had a jumpsuit that Cody would've bought with his discount if he'd seen it first.

"Tried them all for you. Might've overdone it though." Noah said.

It's too early. Too early to say that Cody Anderson was in love with Noah Sterecra. He'd loved Gwen Ingrid before, but never like this.

Noah Sterecra walked into his life the week he started his job. He was looking for an outfit for his sister's birthday as a gift. Noah started flirting (Heather thinks so) with him the minute he'd gone up to the counter. It's different from his feelings with Gwen or Trent. Cody didn't even know he had these feelings until he had a dream about him a few days ago,

He'd asked Cody what his style was, so he could pick outfits for him because apparently, the uniform wasn't doing it for him. They were about the same size, so they weirdly fell into this routine of Noah buying clothes for him. Not just trying them on.

Cody never asked why, because the time he was about to, Heather slapped him on the back of his head and told him to "just go with it." If this is what would happen every single day, then Cody wouldn't say a thing for as long as he worked here.

Cody's a junior. But he never realized Noah went to the same school as him, just a year older. Cody was more into chasing girls for the fun of it, Noah was a lay-back student who'd blend in right into the crowd. Whenever Cody's on break — or when the store's empty in general — he tries on clothes with Noah as the two talk about anything.

Cody wished he had seen Noah in school before he graduated, he would've fallen Head Over Heels for him first interaction.

"Yellow doesn't make my eyes pop out." Cody joked, taking the outfits Noah left on the counter.

"Yet they do, Cody. They do." Noah said, locking eyes with him.

Heather visibly gagged in front of them before heading off to the breakroom. This was a routine whenever Noah came, they'd gotten used to it the third time Noah came to the store. Cody and Noah would flirt over the counter, a customer would interrupt, and the same thing would happen tomorrow.

One day, Heather decided to switch it up. She was currently telling Cody not to come out when Noah came to the store at his regular time.

Cody furrowed his eyebrows at her, still not moving from the front desk. "Why?"

"Cody. He likes you." Heather deadpanned like she was saying the obvious. "I wanna see what he does when you're not here."

Cody broadened his eyes, looking around the store to see if any customers heard that. The only three customers were too occupied looking over the clothing.

"He does not. I do enough flirting to know if people are into me or not." Cody scoffed.

"Ah, so you do flirt with him," Heather said.

He doesn't know when, but Heather's found out about his bisexuality. Which was scary, because he was expecting her to punch the living fuck out of him, but she ended up telling him that she was a lesbian.

Cody frowned, cursing himself mentally for his mistake. He calls himself out too many times.

"It's in my nature," Cody muttered.

Heather raised an eyebrow at him, unconvinced. "My nature was bullying the weak, but do you see me doing that now?"

"...What's your point?"

"That you like him? And he likes you too! Do you not see the clothes that guy picks out for you?" Heather argued.

Cody couldn't even get his two–piece in the conversation, Noah was approaching the store when Heather looked around. She ducked Cody under the counter, ignoring his complaints.

"What the fuck Heaths?!" Cody groaned, not a fan of small spaces.

"Thank me later, dork," Heather whispered, looking at him once more before bringing her head up.

Cody didn't know what the hell was happening behind him, he so badly wanted to glance up and see Noah's face. It's silence around the counter for a while, the only thing covering it up was A hit song playing on the speakers.

"Hey, Heather, alone today I assume?" Noah asked.

"Yeah, my lap dog isn't here, he's off the schedule," Heather said.

Cody frowned and ended up kicking Heather's leg. Which led her to almost kick him in the face the minute she got defensive. Noah was silent during their brief quarrel, Cody could only assume he was looking at Heather as a crazy person now.

"Hey, what's that behind you?" Heather asked.

Cody heard Noah fumbling with something in his hands. "Nothing. Just for my brothers back home. By the way, you know when Cody's working again?"

"Tomorrow, so you're not getting anything?" Heather asked.

"Nah. I'll see you," Noah concluded as his steps went far and further away from the counter.

Heather watched the brunette's silhouette get away from the store, and kick Cody when he was out of sight.

"Ow! What happened to the bullying isn't in my nature anymore?!" Cody asked, still crouched underneath.

"He's gone. And he just looked as if he got kicked in the face." Heather said, watching Cody quickly jump up to his feet, worried.

"What?! What happened to his face?!" Cody freaked, looking out the windows to see if Noah was in sight. He couldn't imagine Noah with a bruised face from fighting.

"Nothing. He just looked upset that he didn't see you today. He didn't even buy anything!" Heather clarified.

"Or maybe he left because — Let's be honest, you're still imitating, even if you're an ex—Queen Bee," Cody argued.

"There's no maybe's Cody, that man was heartbroken when he didn't see you. Dare I say a tear was shed." Heather sneered.

"Shut up, Heaths."

Heather laughed but soon went back to scanning once a customer came up to them. Cody knew she was only trying to test a theory of hers, but he didn't want to believe that Noah liked him. What if Heather's just reading it wrong? He could deal with aimless pining for Sterecra. It'd just be more painful than any other crush he's had.

Heather's sick, and Cody's itching with guilt that he isn't at her house right now helping her. After he sees Noah, he's going straight there. For Heather's replacement, Justin, the manager who hired Cody, took over her shift for today. Justin has a good sense of style, it's just his cocky attitude that shines over that.

He doesn't even hide it either. Justin always reeks of sex and it always makes Cody sick, not because he's having sex, but because Justin instantly tells Cody about his night with the different mistresses every time they had a shift together.

Today is not that day. Well, it is but, Cody's purposely ignoring him now, getting away from him by at least 3 feet. Cody distracts himself numerous times by restocking jeans that are For Sale, but he's also looking at the clock all the time.

Most employees hate restocking. Cody loves it. He's glad that people get to see so many options that they could choose from. They get to have the experience he'd never got. Little Cody Anderson only wore khaki pants until 2 years ago, when he'd finally unbranched.

[2:01 pm]

[2:10 pm]

[2:12 pm]

[2:14 pm]

[2:30 pm]

Justin walked up to the brunette stocking jeans. Cody was overstocking jeans and pilling them on each other, causing an overflow.

"Okay, what gives? You're ignoring me, which is normal. You're just more out of it, what's with you?" Justin asked.

Cody jumped, quickly turning to Justin. He was standing right behind him, his hands on his hips while giving off a stern but concerned look. Sometimes, Cody wondered how the hell is this guy straight.

"Just waiting on a friend, macho man."

"Well, who are they? Because they're distracting you which is distracting me and—"

Cody looked over Justin's shoulder, and he saw Noah anxiously standing at the front, which was weird because Noah was always confident, even the first day when he stepped into the store. He'd been trying to peek inside the breakroom.

Cody briskly went around Justin, running over to the front desk. Cody's gonna rip him a new one, where was he?! Why is he late? Who was he with??

Cody plastered a smile on his face, not that it wasn't genuine, but it was a nervous but trying to look genuine smile.

"Hey, you," Cody said, leaning over the counter, already getting uncomfortable. Don't finger-gun, don't finger-gun.

Despite Cody dying in the inside, Noah sild a mixtape on the counter, consisting of a Mix A and Mix B side. Cody looked between the tape and Noah, it didn't last long though.

"It's a mixtape for you. It's most of my music choices, some of yours too. And I know I look like somebody who'd listen to a piano instrumental and shit but. It's just — never mind.." Noah rambled, grabbing the tape back.

"Pretend nothing happened. I'll see you tomorrow."

NO! Is what Cody wanted to shout, instead. he jumped over the counter and reached for Noah's hand, stopping the both from going anywhere else. He isn't used to running. Cody's the kind of man to straight up ask for a date, but this is different. He'd run for Noah any day.

Noah turned to him, flustered, which was a look Cody kept seeing recently. 

"What's your music taste like? You never told me yours, and preferably, I'd like to not be blasted with country." Cody sneered, but he was very serious. Any human that can headbang to country is a monster.

Although, if Noah listened to Country, he'd be half a monster, but Cody would still date him if he ever got the chance. He just wouldn't have radio privileges in Cody's car. Noah timidly smiled, fidgeting with the tape. Cody simmered him down by grabbing both hands, only to grab the mixtape, but to also calm the brunette in front of him.

"I don't look like it, but uh, Rock. Alternative/Indie." Noah told him.

Cody gaped at him, "No way, I love alternative! Brings something outta me. Maybe — maybe we could listen to it sometime?" Cody asked, tugging on a shy smile.

"Together?" Noah asked.

Cody nodded, trying to not look enthusiastic, "I don't see any other Sterecra here. And I'm not asking one of your siblings out."

He hoped he said the right thing, since Noah's face was all crimson, he decided that he'd done good. The Anderson charm was amazing in mysterious ways.

"When's your shift over?"

Cody raised an eyebrow, "Uhm-" He took a glance at the clock. "Seven O'clock."

"I'll pick you up!" Noah suggested. "You know, to listen to the mixtape."

Pick him up? Is he going to Noah's house?

"Okay." Cody agreed.

"Okay."

"I already said that."

"Right."

Noah left the store shortly after that, and Cody already missed Noah's warm fingers that interlocked with his. He hopes he isn't reading the signs wrong. He didn't even have time to ponder on it since Justin was sneaking up on him.

The fashionista shocked Cody by shaking him on the shoulders, Cody turned and almost kicked him in the face. Justin flinched, backing up a few steps.

"Where the hell did you learn self-defense like that?" Justin asked.

Cody already knew Justin wasn't fascinated, but just nosy. At least this will get his mind out of what the fuck just happened with Noah and his possible date with him.

"Watch Karate Kid. Don't sneak up on me, ever." Cody scowled.

Justin glared, crossing his arms. "Okay, but have what's-his-name come to the counter and you're all (Justin mocks his pose) 'Hey, you' to book nerd. Although I must say, those headphones around his neck are amazing."

The womanizer's eyes narrowed down to Cody's clammy, sweaty hands, revealing a mix tape.

"What's that?" Justin asked, trying to grab the tape, but Cody's reflexes were fast enough.

Cody thought of pushing him away and going back to aimlessly stocking jeans. But, Justin's a straight dumb model, he wouldn't find the tape weirdly romantic or anything. Plus, Cody needs something from him.

"Mixtape," Cody admitted, displaying the mixtape in full view. "By the way, have any hair spray on you?"

"Why? Heather already told me about you wasting her two cans the other day." Justin sneered.

"Because, unlike you, I have a date! Not one for meaningless sex but, a d-a-t-e. I think." Cody admitted, already feeling doubtful.

Justin laughed, somehow having the energy to walk back to the counter, Cody following suit. "You, Anderson, have a date? How long's it been, months?"

"I'm not a man whore, I take my options with well thought," Cody said, earning a glare from Justin, but continued. "And I don't even know if it is a date?"

Justin was picking his nails through Cody's rambling, already annoyed with Anderson's behavior. "What do you mean 'I don't know if it's a date!' "

Cody scoffed from the terrible impression. "Well, she said that she wanted to pick me up after my shift. But, never said where? And never said it was a date. But it's only going to be us two!"

it feels weird to say she. Cody wished that he could've said he and not have the worry about getting fucking killed over it.

Justin looked over Cody's face which reeked of worry. "..Are you sure you're not talking about Heather?"

Cody almost looked as if he would vomit over the suggestion. "What?! No! Me and Heather are pl-"

"Platonic with a Capital P, I know. So then, who's the lady? Maybe I know her."

"I don't take sloppy seconds. Trust me, you don't know them." Cody declared. "Now, where's the hairspray?"

Track 1: Everlong — Foo Fighters

Seven O'clock. Right on the fucking dot, and Cody's still freaking out. Just because of two reasons,

   1) he's still in his uniform, which apparently doesn't look great on him. but does on everybody else.

   2) he still doesn't know if this is a date.

Justin did say it was, only because Noah asked him out. Which he thought was pathetic, but Cody didn't care about the specifics of who asked who what. Unfortunately, Cody doesn't have enough time to freak out. Noah's walking up to him all flamboyant. At least he got to change into something, well.

Comfortable.

And he looks fucking hot in it. The headphones around his neck do bring out his whole outfit though. He really is an amazing date. If Cody wasn't a wuss, he would jump off his damn counter to kiss him. Ravish him even. To tear him off piece by piece. Maybe that's too fast. He's not Justin. He'll do this slow and right, like a true gentleman.

"Shit." Justin groaned, lifting a heavy box. "Why the hell do I have to look for this?"

Cody ignored his whining and continued to watch Noah's shadow get closer and closer to the store. It's just him and Justin in the store. Justin's in the breakroom looking for the keys that Cody didn't misplace.

All Cody had to do was tell Justin to lock up by himself tonight, assuming that he'd be too busy to look at Cody and boom! Out of the store with his hot date. Cody kept the tape in his back pocket to keep anybody from stealing it from him. He wanted to listen to the mixtape already. Noah put so much effort into even making a B–side!

Cody heard the doorbell ring, revealing Noah with his bright smile to light up a damn room. His outfit was clearer than from the blurry window.

"Seven on the dot, pretty boy," Noah said.

Cody brightened. watching Noah watch up to the counter with a dopey smile.

Justin hastily came out of the breakroom, exhausted from hearing a second voice. He stopped once he saw Cody and Noah at the counter.

Cody turned, pretending as he if wasn't melting at the sight of Noah. "You can uh– lock up on your own, right?"

Justin raised an eyebrow, "Didn't you say you.." He looked over to the clock. Cody started to feel his palms sweat. Okay, never mind, Noah should've been a bad goddamn date and shown up late.

Justin's looking back at Cody as if he's figured out everything.

"Yeah, I can." Justin warily said, darting his eyes between Noah and Cody.

Cody nervously nodded, going over to the counter. Justin wondered why doesn't Cody be a regular human being and walk around it.

"Okay, later Justin!" Cody quickly spoke, giving him a wave before leaving. He grabbed Noah's hand for them to exit. Cody didn't want to turn around and see the disgust on Justin's face.

"Cody, you okay?"

Cody turned over to Noah, whose face reeked of worry and concern but still kept a grip on Cody's hand.

"Yeah, 'M just nervous, that's all."

Noah took a look at him, trying to figure him out. But decided to let it go. Instead, Noah took the lead in bringing Cody to his car.

Cody glistened his eyes, amazed. "Noah, if you were rich — you could've just said so!"

Noah sneered. "Far from rich. I think you're the rich guy around here. 'Member you telling me about your mansion?"

Cody flushed in red, only nodding as Noah unlinked their hands to open the passenger door for him. Cody smiled, letting himself in. The car smelled like strawberries mixed with cigarettes. Weird combination. Noah hopped in the driver's seat shortly after, watching Cody's face to see if he spotted any discomfort.

"Didn't take you for a smoker," Cody said but backtracked once he saw Noah frown and lower the window after. "Not that I care! You know, we're adults."

"Just don't want to make you uncomfortable. Bridgette smoked up my car." Noah laughed. "I occasionally do it, not all the time though."

Cody smiled, buckling his seatbelt, a little tense at hearing Noah having somebody else with him before he came to pick him up. "Okay."

Noah started up the car, "We're not going far, by the way. But it's a surprise."

"Better not take me to Lovers Lake and think we'll make out there." Cody laughed.

He would so want that. Even though it's a cliché, he'll kiss Noah anywhere at this point, even in this strawberry-scented car.

Noah sneered, "You're not one of my makeouts. You're more than that, at least to me."

Cody swore that he'd be dead if Noah wasn't driving already. Thankfully, Noah didn't say anything as he started moving out of the parking lot.

An R&B album began to play along on Noah's radio. He was right, he doesn't listen to piano instrumentals. The songs took over the car's silence for around 5 minutes at least. Cody doesn't deal with silence well, especially if he's mentally freaking out about the hottest guy sitting across from him in the guy's car! Which doesn't happen at all.

"Wanna play twenty questions?" Cody asked.

Noah looked at Cody for a moment, surprised form the outburst, but nodded as he looked back at the road.

"Okay! hmm, favorite color?"

"Wow, real original." Noah sneered.

"I will throw us off the road right now Sterecra. Take my questions."

"Ask something else Cody Emmett Jameson Anderson," Noah caught his breath, "and I might answer your questions. Long last name, by the way, shit is ridiculous."

Cody full-on snorted at that, surprised himself to find it so funny. "Fine, What do you work as?"

"I'm very much still in the looking stage. I'm in a duo band with my friend, Bridgette." Noah hummed, patting the steering wheel to the beat.

Again, with Bridgette. Cody shouldn't be jealous of a girl, Noah's gay (or at least he thinks) "Oh, that's cool! What do you play?"

"Electric Guitar."

Cody smiled, "A little suave, don't you think? I bet all the girls are fawning over Noah Sterecra."

"I'd rather you," Noah confirmed, turning to Cody for a glimpse before looking back. "My turn. Why'd you want to work at Fashion Nova? That place is practically dead."

Cody stammered, a bit takeback, "I, Well– When I was sixteen, my dad was all like 'Cody, you're turning into a real man! It's time for you to get a job instead of freeloading on us!' "

Cody looked over to see Noah laughing from his impression, which made him continue.

"And this happened on my birthday too. So after, I started looking for easier jobs, you know? Like McDonalds."

Noah full-on snorted from that. "Oh, you would love to eat all the food there, would ya?"

"Exactly! But I was more into fashion than food. When I was going to Mcdonalds to apply, I passed Fashion Nova, and trust me it was packed before. I just wanted to work where I would enjoy. Fashion Nova just had a calling for me."

Noah hummed, tapping his fingers along with the radio.

"You've ever played and performed before?" Cody asked.

"Yeah, Bridgette convinced me into that shit but, when we did get high, we ended up playing in a bar to five drunks."

Cody smiled, "I have to get invited to that next time. I could be the sixth drunk!"

Noah rolled his eyes, not bothered at all though. "There's no next time. Now, favorite movie?"

"That Space Jam Movie!"

"Space Jam?"

——

Come down and waste away with me,
Down with me,
Slow, how you wanted it to be,
I'm over my head,

——

This cannot be happening. There's no way Cody is at Noah Sterecra's house. It's not a huge house like his, but it looks like a genuine home where people live. While Noah settles his coat down, he looks at Cody to see him gazing around. Noah nudged his shoulder into his.

"I know, it's not Anderson material but—"

"No, I like it!" Cody quickly said,

Noah's house is overbearing with photos of him and his family. Cody caught a photo of a younger Noah before he followed him to his room. It's happening, holy shit. Cody could be reading this all wrong but, fuck he hopes he's right about this.

The moment he steps into Noah's room, the smell of cologne hits his nose. Noah's room was covered with posters and photos. Posters with rock and indie bands while photos with his friends. Most included a blond guy and a ginger-haired girl. Cody fiddled with the mixtape before Noah asked for it,

Handing it off to Noah, he smiled, telling Cody to make himself comfortable. How the hell was he suppose to do that? For all he knew, they could be making out the minute Noah came back. Cody slid down on the mattress, huddling his knees in. The more Cody looked around Noah's room, the more he felt sad, but also nervous.

Cody's room didn't look as lively as his. His mother picked out every aspect of his room, and it hasn't been changed in four years. Noah's room looks like him, his whole personality. By the time Cody dozed off, Noah soon came back into the room with a stereo by his side.

"I come back with a 90's radio!" Noah announced, barging in to find Cody at his bedside.

Cody tried to hold in a laugh. "That looks so old."

"Okay, rude. So you don't want to hear the mixtape I made you?" Noah asked, preparing to leave.

Cody quickly moved over to grab Noah's arm, "I didn't say all that."

Noah laughed, resisting as he slid down next to Cody, still trapped with his hand around his arm.

"Okay, so this might be terrible, if it is don't blame me, I've never done these before," Noah muttered, looking at Cody.

Cody's heart twisted at knowing that he was the first Noah ever made a mixtape for. Luckily, he masked it,

"Whatever, just let it play." Cody grinned.

Track 2: Two Wuv — Tally Hall

Noah couldn't have gone wrong with inviting Cody over. He could've just played it off and said he assumed Cody would've wanted to meet his family or something. No other reason to be brought to the Sterecra's.

But, with Cody between his hands and his lap, tongue shoved down his throat while Nirvana played? Literal heaven. Noah wondered how long Cody had been thinking about him, maybe as long as him,

Noah ran his fingers over the younger boy's rib cage, counting each one until he made it up Cody's torso. Cody broke the kiss and moved Noah's hand, muffling his laughs.

"You're tickling me," Cody giggled.

"Is that so?" Noah said, bringing his fingers back against Cody's rib cage. He jerked back laughing as Noah continued to touch him, Cody's hair sprawled in front of him. His lips, swollen from the kiss, pulled into a gentle smile as he looked up at Cody. He brushed a loose strand of hair out of his face.

"You're gorgeous," Noah breathed.

Cody felt his heart stop for a moment. Nobody's ever called him gorgeous. Noah noticed and leaned down, pressing a quick kiss against Cody's lips. "I'm serious,"

Cody smiled and soon started to laugh once the lead singer started screaming into the microphone. Noah laughed as well, holding Cody close to him.

"When people said rock is just people yelling at me, I didn't think they were serious," Cody giggled,

"They exaggerate it, you'd start yelling with them," Noah said.

Noah briefly let go of Cody, leaving him to whine in the loss of contact as he turned his hand into a fist, bringing it to his mouth.

I feel stupid and contagious, Noah sang, swaying his body around as he pretended to hand the mic to Cody. He rejected it at first, bringing his face into the crook of Noah's neck.

"I don't know the lyrics," Cody muttered, moving closer to Noah, "and I like hearing you sing,"

"Mmm, do you now?"

Cody nodded, still laughing over the metalhead screaming while singing. Noah brought up Cody's chin to face him, allowing them to gaze upon each other.

"You'll like my singing tomorrow?"

"Mmm, I don't know. Will you keep holding me like you did tomorrow?" Cody asked, a bit timidly,

Noah swooped his free arm over Cody's waist, tugging him to his side as Cody gripped onto his t-shirt. "If you'll let me,"

Cody's smile radiating off Noah had made both of them lock lips with each other, with Noah holding at the base of Cody's head, Never in his life would he think he'd be making out with Cody Anderson, yet being the one holding him in his lap,

The two almost didn't hear the front door opening, making them jump apart at each other's lips,

Who??  — Cody mouthed at him, which Noah shrugged at, his family's much in and out, at the end of the day, they'd all be at the breakfast table by nine am,

"We're back!" Miguel sung,

Oh no, Noah's brothers. Older brothers to be exact, came back from their long holiday to Australia, Cody looked back from the closed door to Noah, eyebrow raised,

"S my brothers, they don't bite," Noah calmly said, holding Cody's hand as they both rose to their feet,

At least he hoped they didn't make a fool out of themselves, meeting his siblings was not on the agenda of tonight.

Before Noah led them to the door, Cody pulled him back, stopping the both of them, "Are you — are you going to introduce me as a friend, or...."

Noah paused his train of thought, what were they..? Not friends with benefits, he'd rather go back to square one than that, but he doesn't want to pressure Cody as if they're already together over one make-out session,

"Not just a friend," Noah smiled, feeling that was enough. And it was, because Cody smiled back, tightening his hand on Noah's,

Noah opened the door, seeing his two brothers already settling their stuff on the couch, along with tons of gifts. The two turned to the noise, seeing their younger brother behind them, a smile broke upon their faces,

"Noah!" Thomas smiled,

"Were we, interrupting something?" Miguel asked, eyebrows raised,

Noah visibly jolted from that, photos engraved of what happened a few minutes ago, he looked over to Cody, who looked as if he'd want to be anywhere else right now, the two brothers glanced at each other before laughing quietly once they looked back at the couple (?)

"No, and what are you two doing home so early?" Noah asked, deflecting the topic from them as Noh led Cody to the living room,

"We're done with our semester. Meaning we'll be here all summer," Miguel bragged as Noah slumped on the couch, groaning as in result,

"But, we can see that you're — busy, with your boyfriend. Who's very cute by the way," Thomas smiled once he pointed at Cody,

Cody flushed a little once the spotlight was on him, quickly burying his face into Noah's shoulder, Noah brought Cody's face closer to his chest,

"Hey, no making moves on Cody,"

Thomas rolled his eyes before moving his suitcase into his room, leading Miguel to leave while saying his goodbyes. The two were now left by themselves, (again) it was quiet now to the point where they could hear back the mixtape throughout the Walkman,

Cody felt the headphones slowly scoop his ears, he only peeked one eye up to see Noah putting them on for him, and he only smiled in return,

"You want something to eat?" Noah asked,

Cody thought about it, almost about to say yes, but shook his head instead as he nuzzled his head on Noah's shoulder, "Don't 'wanna lose the warmth," But his stomach refused with protest of grumbles, making both laugh,

Noah got up soon later (to Cody's disappointment) and went into the kitchen to grab something to eat. All Cody's been thinking about is how he's even got to this moment,

It's all weird. He's seen Noah in the halls before, but never really gave him much thought. Whatever, what matters is that Noah is here now, and he's with him. Noah came back later with a meal in his hands, bringing it to Cody once he sat up. When Noah said a snack, he thought he'd get chips,

When Cody looked at him baffled, Noah rolled his eyes, sitting next to him, "You were hungry, I'm not having you starve,"

Yeah, liking Noah a lot was easy,

———

I hope you understand,
That I love you a lot
and I wanna be your man,
And I think,
That'd be totally cool
if I hung around your apartment,
And enrolled in your school,

———

Anytime you'd see Cody, Noah was a part of the package, and vice-versa. If they weren't seeing each other at Fashion Nova, they'd see each other at Cody or Noah's house, if not, they'd spend the day in Noah's car. It all started when Noah invited Cody to his graduation. Since then, it'd had felt as if they were bonded.

Cody's been spending all of this summer being one thing only, Noah's. Sure, they haven't officiated things yet. It's not like they're married, of course, they're dating! Heather's even commended Cody for getting a boyfriend, he can tell she's a tiny bit jealous over not getting a girlfriend first though

During the summer, Cody's meets Noah's dog — Biscuit, who is the cutest, by the way, Cody never detached from her the moment he reaches Noah's house,

In rare times, they don't spend time together, like today, when Noah's practicing with Bridgette for his band. Cody pouted when Noah told him he couldn't watch the rehearsal, only because he wanted Cody to hear him play when it's 'the real deal,'

Which doesn't make any sense. Doesn't he know Cody's all alone when there's no Noah to bother? Worst of all, he's working with Justin again. The rare occasions where Cody and Justin work together are always the same, arguing, talking about girls (which Cody's starting to hate slowly), and sex stories from Justin,

While Cody's scanning tags for a customer, he could hear Justin's ranting from last night to him. Cody wondered if the person who regularly shared shifts with him killed themselves yet,

"—And she just, leaves me with the check?! I told her we'd just pay for our meals!"

Cody sighed, preparing to pull out a receipt for the customer in front of him,

"She used that 'I'm going to the bathroom' line! All just for thirty dollars,"

Cody scrunched his nose, holding the urge to facepalm, "Why is thirty dollars a big deal for you?" He asked, packing clothes into the store bags,

Justin glared, and went to his side, " A big deal..?"

Cody silently made him loaf in astonishment as he packed the final clothes, putting the receipt in as he handed it to the girl, smiling as he wished her a good day, she smiled back, thanking him as she walked off,

Cody finally turned to the fashionista on his side, "It's your karma dude,"

"Karma? For what, getting laid? Yeah okay, yet you and that girl you've been going out with haven't done anything,"

They've done more than he'd expected them to. But, he wouldn't go into specifics with Justin. He thought Justin would've known about Noah and him since the day Cody left with him, but nope, no word of it the next shift,

"We're talking about your women problems, not my non-existing ones," Cody glared,

Once he finished speaking, Cody heard the phone ring, which gave him a reason to leave Justin angry at him as he walked up to the phone,

Cody took it by the hand and got himself comfortable by leaning against the wall, trying to not sound as bored as possible,

"Fashion Nova, this is Cody speaking,"

"Ew," Noah scoffed "I hate your worker voice, it's all butchered up to be nice and sweet,"

"You love it,"

"Not a chance babe, anyway, I finished my last set for the day,"

Cody lights up, starting to play around with the dangling cord. Even though it was nothing new for them, it still made him weak in the knees to be called babe, "Maybe you could play a set for me right now?"

Noah laughed, "Not a chance,"

"Please? I miss you, it's boring working here with Justin,"

"No partner in crime today?"

"She's auctioning for a chance at the choir, has this huge crush she wants to impress so she's trying to get front row," Cody smirked,

"Heather wants a boyfriend? That's new,"

"Yeap, a boyfriend," Cody trailed off, sighing afterward, Cody doesn't understand why Heather won't tell him she's gay, they're all gay.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I just — umm, wantyoursettobeoversowecanspendmotetimetogether,"

It took at least a minute of wheels to turn in Noah's brain, but eventually deciphered what Cody said to him, and huffed a laugh, he was oddly getting better and better with Cody's rambling every second,

"Maybe if you talk in that sexy worker voice, I'll just drop everything and come over," Noah suggested, so he does love it,

Cody blushed, quickly looking around to see Justin not ease–dropping, bit helping out a customer with his mouth running a mile a minute,

"Only if you play for me," Cody sang, already giddy from the exchange,

Noah slouched down in his chair, smiling, "Guess we're both not getting what we want,"

Cody shrugged, pretending to not be bothered, "Yeah, guess not. You're technically torturing yourself, I'll hear the real deal soon,"

"Keyword; soon, while I get to hear it now," Noah said, smugly,

Cody rolled his eyes, beginning to stand properly, "Bye babe," As he hung up, he heard the quick 'bye sweetheart' before slamming the phone into the receiver,

What a way to make Cody even more sad. How did he ever get his... fill-in-the-blank to be so mean? Cody should've ended up with somebody nicer,

By the time Cody started self-loafing, Justin's voice intervened his thoughts — back to talking like rapid fire,

"Okay, you bitch at me for talking about my girlfriends (hookups, Cody corrects in his mind) on the clock but, you. Cody Anderson were acting all cutesy on the clock,"

Cody splattered words on the spot, not forming a second for a while, instead just making random offended sounds,

Eventually; "I wasn't acting cutesy! We were just talking,"

Cody looked back up to his regular spot, where there was an impatient guy around his 70s waiting on one of them to scan his clothes,

Cody walked over, welcoming yet apologizing to him as he heard Justin going into the back, taking his 'break,' and Cody swore he saw the guy flinch once he got a proper look at him,

"I didn't know gentlemen work here," He muttered to himself,

Meanwhile, Cody was trying to figure out whether he should pester Noah the minute he gets off or if he should wait until he puts out,

"Did stores like these just start to hire men?" The guy asked,

"Uhh, no. I've been here for a while," Cody answered,

"Oh," Is all he said, as he wrinkled his eyes, "Don't you want to — work somewhere better?"

Cody squinted at him, but already started to pack his clothes into the bag, "Like where?"

"I don't know, engineering? Stores like these make you less masculine,"

Cody already started to slouch, not wanting to start an argument with a customer, not worth it. Cody just smiled at the customer, moving on to print out their receipt,

"When I was your age, I applied straight to the military for a better life,"

A better life included paying for cheap clothes? Yeah, okay. Cody swore if that receipt didn't print faster — he was going to lose it,

"Mhm," Cody wordlessly agreed, watching the machine like a hawk,

"You could still apply. It's best you did,"

Cody glared at him, trying to maintain his half-smile to the man. "It's best I stay here, thanks,"

The man silently looked at Cody as if took the receipt out, quickly stuffing it in the bag as he handed it to him,

"Have a nice day,"

He only grumbled in response, thanking him as he left, Cody sighed and ran his hand into his greasy hair. Masculine? Cody's masculine! Maybe not a body-building type but, he has some muscle in him, and working here at least gets him a discount anywhere in the mall,

Cody brushed off the dust off his sweater vest, he turned to the break room, "I'm taking my 30-minute break!"

He walked out of the store before Justin could rebuttal, he technically wasn't on his break, so he could use his first, A fresh breath of air could clear his mind. Just because Cody isn't exactly doing his dream job right now doesn't make him much of a loser for working at a clothing store.

Yes, he could be working in his father's business with all the fancy people but where's the fun in that. Cody gets free discounts at any store just by wearing this vest. In fact, he's gonna use his Cinnabon advantage right now. The workers love him here, just by putting on the Anderson Charm. And Heather says he doesn't have it, ha.

"Cody, what would you like to order now??"

Cody hummed, looking up at the menu for a second before looking back at the worker.

"Eleven Cinnabon's please,"

"Coming rig— what?" She paused, looking at Cody for confirmation, which he just smiled to, "Cody, you're not that much of a sweet tooth, what's going on?"

"Special occasion, Beth. Oh, and make sure it's eleven small cinnabons too, which one lemonade, I tend to get thirsty,"

Beth stared at him for a while, trying to crack him for a detail or two, but it never came so she sighed and calculated the price.

"Are you trying to get diabetes?" She asked in the midst of working.

"Maybe," Cody sang, playing around with a plastic straw rapper nearby.

"Your total's seventy dollars,"

"With the discount??" Cody asked, stunned.

"Yes, Cody,"

"You can't be serious,"

"Oh I am, rich boy. Cash or credit??" Beth smiled.

"It's not working? Not even a tiny bit?"

She stared at him for a moment with a bored expression, looking him up and down. Cody scoffed, taking out his credit card anyhow,

"Credit,"

He's crazy. Cody definitely looks crazy to anybody he's recently ran into. He has a bag full of eleven cinnabons because he's just trying to be a good fill-in-the-blank for Noah.

His first instinct is to turn around, eat all the Cinnabon's, and gain diabetes. But, Cody's finger already rang the doorbell. Cody knows Noah loves these, but what if everybody else doesn't love them? And then this is their first terrible impression of him.

Maybe he should've stopped at the food court, and gotten every single meal there. Just in case you know, they hate him.

The door swung open, revealing Noah's hair to be disordered, and with the occasional red and black plaid pajama bottoms. Noah's eyes slowly trailed up to see Cody's awkward and shy smile. Which immediately woke him up, his eyes widened as he quickly slammed the front door, leaving Cody baffled.

Cody stood there, frozen. He tried to track back on what he did. Was it his smile? It was a little sloppy yes, but was it that bad?!

Before Cody could spiral, Noah appeared back at the front door once he opened it again, looking more relaxed as if he hadn't slammed a door in Cody's face.

"You didn't see that," Noah said,

Cody smiled, cocking his head slightly to the side. "Are you sure? Because, I'm sure I saw a pretty guy with ridiculous bed head. What a slob."

Noah scoffed, but couldn't resist the small smile curling upon his lips. He directed his eyes to the bag Cody had in his hands, nodding towards it as he leaned on the door frame. "What's in the bag?"

Cody tightens his hand on the bag, looking at it for a second before directing his attention to Noah. He held up the bag near his face, "Cinnamon Buns. Was hoping we could share."

Noah smiled, and nodded to him, allowing Cody to step in. Before Cody could enter fully, Noah grabbed him by the waist, and brought him over to bring a gentle kiss against his lips, moving together in harmony,

Cody felt hands swarming through his short hair, making it impossible to breathe once Cody pulled him in for a deeper kiss. He parted quick enough to make the words "The door, dude."

Noah parted him from after, shutting the door as he moved them both inside. He glared in Cody's direction soon after, crossing his arms.

"I'm your boyfriend, dude." Noah mocked playfully, and soon took over the Cinnabon's bag, walking over to his room. "Now, let's go eat these Cinnabon's. I have these amazing lyrics to show you and.."

Cody tuned Noah (his boyfriend) out, frozen in place. Boyfriend was a term that none of them have used this summer. Cody assumed that they were, but he thought Noah didn't think the same, so he just went with it. Now that he knows that they're ''officially'' boyfriends, he doesn't know what to do with himself.

"Cody!" Noah yelled, making Cody startled, enough to realize that Noah was already back up in his face.

"Yeah?"

"I said, why did you buy eleven cinnabons?" Noah asked, curious.

"OH, that's because I was going to give some to your family. But, it seems like you have the whole house to yourself." Cody said.

Cody already started to feel Noah's arms snaking against his waist again, leaving a dopey smile on both teens' faces. Cody had dug his hands into Noah's pants pockets behind the back of his jeans.

"Okay, something must've happened. You're like too happy for me right now." Cody sneered, watching as Noah pulled his head down to Cody's shoulder. HE felt Noah take in a deep breath before he told Cody everything.

"Me and Bridgette might've gotten a gig."

Cody widened his eyes once Noah told him, and immediately lifted him off his shoulder to see his tired yet warm-toned brown eyes. Cody tried to hold his excitement back at the risk of yelling in Noah's face.

"WHAT?!"

That didn't work, as Noah flinched back from the noise, Cody apologized as soon as he realized but kept his hands firm on Noah's shoulders. Despite his tight grip, both smiles still stayed put.

"It's not confirmed or anything! The guy we talked to said he'll try fitting us in next week."

Cody's smile stayed intact as Noah went on to say how it wasn't confirmed but, they were planned to perform at The Hideout next week.

"I would say congratulations but, I haven't heard you guys play yet. And, who even is Bridgette? For all I know she could be your drug dealer you play with for pay." Cody said, letting go of Noah to cross his arms, pouting.

Noah groaned, poking his bottom lip before he walked off into his room. Cody watched his boyfriend (finally!) walk out, but came back to him with a photo frame. He held it up to Cody's face and pointed to somebody in it.

It took a second for Cody to focus on the picture, but he eventually saw a girl with a blue sweater on, and hair in a long back ponytail. Noah looked at him, having his finger still pointed at her.

"That is Bridgette. Coolest girl ever, may I add. She does Drums and Bass."

Cody hummed in acknowledgment. He looked around the picture more to see Noah. He had a microphone in from of him, with him holding the guitar.

"You sing?!" Cody asked, dumbfounded.

"That's what I'm writing lyrics for," Noah laughed, rolling his eyes at him once he lowered the photo.

Cody rolled his eyes back, looking at Noah going back to his room. Instead of standing there before, he followed Noah into his room. It felt like yesterday since he was in his room. Well, he was.

Cody took a chance to look back at the new addition to Noah's work desk. A photo of them together at the newest mall's ice cream place. Cody's nose had a dip of ice cream on it, having Noah laughed at him for it.

Only seeing one on his desk made Cody feel too clingy. In his room, he had over ten around his room. Well, for right now. he usually takes them down when his parents check his room after coming back from "vacation,"

Cody caught Noah's footsteps becoming more quiet and quieter, trying to sneak up behind him. Cody gave a small smile to himself before quickly turning to Noah, yelling out a loud "BOO!," Noah fell over, startled at first before he started to laugh.

"Dude!" Noah yells at him, making himself comfortable on the floor now,

" 'Thought I was your boyfriend?" Cody smiles. However, he didn't get to exactly see Noah's reaction since he felt something scratch against his leg.

He looked down over to see Biscuit, the adorable fur ball, look up to him. Cody cooed, bending down over to pet against Biscuit.

"I know, I know. Noah's been neglecting you, hasn't he?" Cody whispered, looking over to Noah, who had looked appalled. He sat up, going over to Cody and Biscuit to join them.

"She's been fed the finest of meals today actually, and got the grand performance of hearing my next song," Noah bragged, holding up Biscuit's cheeks against his palms.

Cody gasped, letting go of Biscuit. "That's so unfair!"

Noah bit back a smile from seeing Cody's over dramatics. Back in June, Cody told him that he used to be a former theatre kid, and thought about auditioning next school year.

"I know,"

Cody stuck up the middle finger at him in favor of responding.

Cody's a timebomb, a nervous timebomb. It was like he just wanted to scream out from the mountains that yes, his boyfriend's a guitarist. But, a guitarist who had gotten an official gig at The Hideout today!

It's all he thinks about as he's scanning over the items at the cash register. It's all he can think about when he's re-stoking for back-to-school season (which honestly sucked) And, it's all he can think about once he and Heather were on break for the evening.

Cody could see Heather's mouth visibly moving rapidly, but never could make out exactly what she was saying. His mind has just been clouded with--

"Noah!" Heather exclaimed, snapping her fingers in his face.

Cody jolted back, blinking back a few times before focusing on Heather with a disheartened face on him. "What?"

"You get this really disgusting face when you think about him. Which is TERRIBLE to best friend code 'cause something amazing just happened and all you're thinking about is how Noah's lip taste."

'Hey! I am not. At least not right now," Cody murmured, which made Heather gag at him, but he continued. "But I'm listening now!"

Heather glared at him for a moment, before sighing at him, taking off her hat as she put it down to the side. "Okay. So, remember Courtney, right?"

Courtney, aka Heather's crush she's had since last year. Cody's never seen her before but, he did hear about a "cute brunette transfer" last year, and Heather does describe her hair as "short brunette locks,"

Cody nodded as he started to slouch over the couch, getting comfortable already. Whenever Heather's raving about Courtney, it's for a good hour or so.

"I went in yesterday to audition, and all of a sudden, she comes up to me. Or, at least I thought. I waved at her and she waved at me back! But, she was waving to somebody else behind me. You'll never guess who,"

"Who?"

"I said guess!" Heather exclaimed,

"I don't know, Lindsay?!"

"WRONG! It was Gwen!" Heather revealed in the mix of dramatics, making Cody open his mouth in an 'O' shape, Not that those two ever dated, it's just that their friendship kind of fell ever since Cody confessed to her. Which was her loss she rejected him anyway,

"She sings now?" Cody asked, mildly curious,

"No! The thing is, she was there for like support. Did Gwen ever confess that she was, gay??" Heather asked, "It would only make sense!"

"She never told me anything like that. You think she and Courtney are a thing?" Cody asked,

"I hope not. I mean, I wouldn't hate it if they were cause, yay Lesbians like me in the 90's! But I'd probably cry and take a sick week," Heather sighed,

"Even when you make the choir?"

"If I do, Cody! Speaking of auditions, it was a mess! I think my voice cracked in between. She was looking at me Codes, she looked at me!" Heather cheered, going over to Cody, shaking his shoulders as she spoke,

"When!?" Cody said,

"When I started singing!" Heather squealed, finally letting go of his shoulders, "I think we even locked eyes for a moment."

"So then Gwen and her aren't together. Simple. I mean, when Noah locked eyes with me the first time he came here I just knew," Cody said with a small smile,

"No, you didn't. I'm the reason you two are together, thank you."

"You aren't,"

"I am,"

"Not!"

Before the two could enter a screaming match, the breakroom door opened and revealed Justin with the company's telephone dangling in his hand. The two looked at him, frightful that he might've heard them,

Justin looked over between the two, still covering the bottom of the telephone. "I don't care but, Cody's dating somebody? Is it the girl from that date??"

Cody quirked an eyebrow up, trying to not make himself sweat over fear. "So you do care?"

Justin shrugged and walked up to him as he shoved the phone into his hand. "Nah, just nosy. Also, some guy's on the phone calling for you. He won't stop calling for you, the nerve."

The model eventually walked out of the room, calling out that they had about five more minutes till their break was over. Cody looked over to Heather, and they silently both nodded to each other as an agreement to continue their conversation later.

Cody eventually walked out of the room, getting closer to the phone receiver so the phone cord didn't break,

"Hello?" Cody asked,

"Sweetheart,"

Cody laughed into the phone, although his heart swelled. "To what do I owe the pleasure for?"

"Can't an awesome boyfriend just check up on their boyfriend?"

"No," Cody said.

The phone was awfully quiet for a moment, till he started to hear the ol' default music you'd hear in Fashion Nova.

Wait.

"Are you.."

Cody didn't even finish his sentence, once he turned around to see Noah at the entrance of his workplace. The brunette immediately handled the phone back onto the cradle, speed walking up to Noah, and waving to him awkwardly.

Noah smiled up at him, waving back, and laughed once he saw Cody scrunched his nose. He tried to resist the urge to pick Cody up to hug and twirl him around.

"You're not on the clock?" Noah asked,

"Not until three minutes that is. So, why are you here? And don't lie or try to downplay me, you're here for something. Unless you're buying me clothes from here then go straight ahead!" Cody said,

"Just wanted to see you," Noah whispered, perking up a small smile on his lips.

Cody mirrored the same smile and went over Noah's hand to look at the newest rings he'd gotten. Each ring had a similar yet separate vibe to it. It made Noah look like Noah, it fit his demeanor.

Around the mall, surrounded by hundreds of people coming and going. To Cody, it only felt as if Noah was the center of the mall. if he could, he would've gone over to Noah and surprise attack him in a kiss. Maybe in another timeline, where Cody was brave enough.

Eventually, the moment broke just like that. Cody could feel a cold yet slim hand on his shoulder, making him turn around in battle position, hands clenched in a fist. But, to only unravel them when he released Heather was the one behind him,

Heather snickered, watching both a curious Noah and guarded Cody.

"Fuck you. You know I could've ended you." Cody huffed, crossing his arms, trying to look unbothered.

Heather took her arm off Cody's shoulder, shrugging after. "You say this to everybody who sneaks up on you."

Noah took the chance to look at the both of them, amused. Noah knew Cody's childhood of taking karate and having a black belt but, "He's never done that to me,"

Cody turned to Noah, who had both fashionista's eyes on him.

"Oh yeah, and I touch him almost every—"

Cody quickly pressed his hand against Noah's mouth, which earned him an unimpressed look and a sneer behind him. Cody looked over to Heather, who looked as smug as ever.

"Not, a word." Cody pointed at her seriously, which soon turned into disgust once he felt Noah's tongue licking his palm. He immediately backed off, revealing a smug Noah with his smile.

Before Cody could yell at both of them, Justin called Heather and Cody over for their shift. Heather groaned, and Cody smiled to himself, glad that this painful conversation was over as quickly as it started.

"So, I'll see you both at the gig on Tuesday?" Noah asked, and Cody completely froze for a moment.

Heather looked at him, puzzled. "Gig?"

Noah mirrored the same look at her, "Codes didn't tell you?"

Heather looked beside her, in which where there was an empty space. She quickly looked behind her, seeing Cody already at the counter.

"Bye, Noah!" Cody waved, smiling broadly at him. Heather rolled her eyes, looking back at Noah waving to him, smiling back.

"No. But, surprised you'd want me there. The song's not going to be a love song for him, is it?" Heather asked,

Noah looked at her, pulling his hands back into his pockets. "Wouldn't tell you, you'd tell him immediately."

Heather, who looked betrayed but not guilty by that, made Noah continue anyway. "But, I do want you there. You're my friend, and Cody's too."

Noah patted Heather's shoulder before leaving, giving her a light smile before he did. Heather, appalled, stayed in place for a second before she heard her name being called from the front desk.

Cody watched both his boyfriend and best friend not kill each other. Which, was something. Cody always would assume that the two would argue based on their personalities. But they get along just fine. Cody can't tell if that'll be a good or bad thing later on,

Heather eventually comes up next to him and slaps the back of his head playfully. Cody glared over to her, annoyed but guilty. It's not like he wasn't going to tell her, she was raving about Courtney all break.

"FYI, I was going to tell you but, apparently it's all hail Courtney for you," Cody said,

"It was much needed, thank you. Now, what are we wearing Tuesday night?"

Cody sighed, watching Justin (who thinks that they can't see him) watch them from afar. Cody doesn't know how much convincing it'll take to make it known that he's not dating Heather.

"Ask me again when it's Tuesday night."

In the Anderson household, everything's dead inside. Well, not Cody of course but, it's not full of life like Noah's or Heather's house,

Which is why he's at either of the two's houses. But as of recently, he's been at Heather's. Due to Noah not wanting Cody to hear the song, he's temporarily kicked him out of the Stereca's,

Maybe it's better to be at Heather's house. Since the beginning of summer, the two haven't gone to hang out as much out of work other than sleepovers. Heather particularly blames Noah for that (guilty)

Currently on a Tuesday, a Tuesday night that is, lies Cody, a fucking disaster. The fashionista had been raving the side of his closet in Heather's room. Yes, they share a closet in both of their houses in case of emergencies like these,

Heather, on the other hand, looked at her watch, looking at the time passed by in seconds,

"So, what are you wearing to the Hideout?"

"Don't rush me!" Cody hissed,

"Well, we have about an hour left and, it seems as if you'll need more than that. Since Noah is so important," Heather sneered,

"He is! I mean, have you seen him?! He gives Greek God energy!!"

Heather scrunched her nose at him, disgusted. Though Noah did look good in theory, he's not a God.

"I'm sure he'll rip out whatever you're in,"

Cody turned crimson but went on to throw out a Hawaiian shirt at her. In which she commented that Noah would take him out of this too. Which eventually got her thrown another shirt, except when she looked at it, it looked decent enough to wear.

Before Cody was ready to throw another pointless shirt, she stopped him. Telling him the shirt would look good with a pair of blue jeans,

"That's why I threw at you, dingus!" Cody yelled, grabbing a pair of pants before he went over to Heather.

She gaped at him, surprised. But she gave him the bird before moving over the bed, making room for Cody to sit next to her. The fashionista looked over his only option for an outfit. A black Metallica shirt, and a blue baggy jeans.

Cody gave Heather the heads up of going to change in her bathroom. Once he walked in, he closed the door, going over to the large vanity mirror.

First, he takes off his sweatshirt. He immediately hates it. He wants to put it back on. Cover the slanky arms he has. He doesn't get it, and probably will never get it. He eats so much, so why doesn't he gain any weight?

Suddenly, there's a very long bang outside of the bathroom, which startles Cody out of his thoughts. Heather yelled out an apology afterward. Cody quickly decides to just get dressed. They do have under an hour left.

He put on the baggy jeans pretty fast and tucked in the Metallica shirt before opening the door. Heather looked over at him, judging him from the bottom up. He very much tried to ignore the way her eyes lingered on his arms before she finally looked at him, giving him a thumbs up,

She held up an eyeliner pen with a vanity mirror in her lap. "You wanna match?" Heather demonstrated her eyeliner art near her eyelid. Shooting-star eyeliner.

"Hell yeah, little lady!"

Heather expressed her disgust at him once he went over to sit next to her. He shrugged, caring nonetheless. Cody knows Heather secretly loves the nicknames he gives her.

Cody pushed his hair out of the way, scooting closer to Heather for her to get a better view of him. But, he'd flinched once he got more into thinking about it.

Heather groaned, putting her hand down in defeat. "Are you kidding me?!"

"What if Noah doesn't like it?! He hasn't seen me in it before!"

"Guys go crazy for this stuff! Just go ask Alejandro, Duncan—"

Cody quickly put his hand on her mouth, covering any usage of her talking. Okay, Cody can sort of live with the fact that she's been with almost every single
hot guy (to her) in the school.

"Well, they're not Noah, okay?? I don't care about any other guy right now but him!"

"You said the same thing about Gwen yet, here we are."

"You weren't even there when it happened!"

"Yet, here we are,"

Cody rolled his eyes before Heather could cup his chin back again to redo the eyeliner. Heather began to do the quick wing part first.

"He'll love it. And if he doesn't, I'll kick his ass." Heather announced, which earned an honest laugh from Cody. Even if he doesn't like it, Cody doesn't think he'll have Heather go off on him. He just likes Noah a lot.

Five minutes later, Heather finished Cody's eyeliner, with the extension of the star on the left of his eye. After that, Cody went off to style his hair, quickly earning himself the out curls hairstyle, his go-to,

Ten after, the two were in Heather's car, driving off to the Hideout. Cody was nervous, of course, he was. This was the first time he was going to see his boyfriend perform for Christ Sake. No, he didn't think Noah was bad at all.

It was just the adrenaline pumping up in him, that's all.

Once they arrived at The Hideout, there were already tons of people in the bar, and there was already a group performing. The Hideout was filled with dozens of people, too much to the point where Cody and Heather had to jack seats from the bar before it got too full.

Plus, it allowed Cody to see the stage better, and he got to spin on the stool chair a ton.

Heather scoffed next to him, "I swear, you're like a child."

"A child with a boyfriend, thank you."

She flicked the bird at him, turning back to the bar counter. There, Heather was met with Courtney, whom Cody had never seen before, looking back at Heather and Courtney. Cody squinted at her nametag, then mirrored the same shocked face Heather had.

Cody has never seen Courtney at school, but he's heard about her from Heather of course.

Courtney looked over at them, unbothered at first. But then, raised her eyebrows at Heather. The two locked eyes with each other for a moment, before Cody nudged her, causing Heather to slightly cough.

Courtney walked up to her, concerned, and poured water for her to drink. Heather thanked her silently before she gulped sips of water.

"You're Heather, the girl from the choir auditions," She said, more as a statement than a question.

Heather nodded, still sipping the water till it was gone.

"You were pretty good. I was going to tell you after you finished but, you left way too quickly." Courtney snickered, remembering,

Heather anxiously laughed too, looking down at the empty glass of water. It immediately got filled with more water, which led Heather to look up to Courtney again,

"Anyway, didn't know you come here. With him? Cody Anderson," Courtney said, looking over to him.

Cody nodded, feeling bad that he never knew what she looked like but, she knew him.

"Man, have I heard about you two." Courtney sneers.

The two raise an eyebrow, looking at each other at first, then back to Courtney. "Like..?"

"Good things," She smiles wearily, she looks at Heather for a moment before she leaves to take over another customer.

Cody and Heather gave each other a bewildered look, but soon looked over to the stage, hearing that another group would be taking the stage. Presumably, Noah, and Bridgette.

Cody's nerves came back like a rocket. God, he hopes he looks the part. The crowd started to cheer, and Noah and Bridgette started to walk upon stages, the lights dimmed upon their arrival.

Heather and Cody watched in anticipation, starting to see Noah's face more from the stage light brightening, he approached the mic, his hand on the edge of it while his eyes scanned the room.

"Hello, hi. We're Pearl Jam. And, we have two songs for you, listen if you want, I don't care."

The crowd was already pumped up with energy, but started to sizzle down once Noah brought his guitar around his neck. He scanned around the room one last time before finding Cody's eyes. He waved nervously at Noah with a watery smile. Noah copied the same movement before strumming his guitar.

Noah slid his fingers down the neck of the guitar, making the strings squeak. Took a breath that Cody could hear over the speakers placed around the bar, even though it was noisy with chatter and laughter and the sound of glasses on wood tables.

And then he started playing. It was a soft, slow melody, much different from what Cody thought. Perfect for the beginning of the night. Cody had tilted his head, listening intently, setting a foot on a stool by the bar, almost leaning over to listen harder. The room fell a little quieter, and then it fell even quieter when he started singing.

His voice is soft.

Smooth and low and almost soothing. Cody orders himself a Moscow Mule and sets his bottle down next to himself, setting an elbow on his knee and tilting his head as he listens.

He has no idea what Noah's singing about.

Something about "how society thinks of two losers" Something about being at the end of the food chain, and a baseball bat. Something about kids with decades in their eyes and blood on their sneakers, about his back hitting glass bottles taken with nimble fingers and desperate hopes.

Cody almost wants to cry. He doesn't know why. It's to the point where he chugs down the Moscow first sip he gets,

Cody leans back onto the counter, settling down his drink as he watches. Noah's hair is perfect, of course, it is. His face is swarmed with hair due to his headbanging previously.

He isn't wearing one of those cute oversized sweatshirts like he always wears. (Cody chastises himself for thinking they're cute. There's nothing cute about them. Even if they make Noah look like a nerdy schoolboy, and even if that makes Cody want to see him on his knees. He pushes the thought away with a little shake of his head.) He's wearing an oversized Nirvana t-shirt and a pair of pants that reach just above his waist.

Noah doesn't stare at him from the stage anymore when he starts his second song. Even if he wanted to, he spent almost the whole time with his eyes half-shut, looking at the edge of the stage or his feet. Like he's shy. Which feels out of character for Noah, he was the one who was all suave during their first meeting,

When he finishes singing, the guitar and drums become fate. There's scattered applause around the room, and Cody settles his thoughts down to clap, smiling when there's a little hoot from behind him, Noah and Bridgette smile bashfully. He hears Heather clap next to him as well,

"Thanks," he says quietly into the microphone, and Cody wants to cry again. He doesn't know why,

The two got off the stage, returning to the back. Cody was struck. It felt as if his heart got ran over by a truck, but it felt good. Cody looked over to Heather, who was already looking at him with a smirk.

"What?" His voice wavered,

"I don't know, that performance was pretty good, wasn't it?" Heather said. Cody almost pushed her off, laughing as he got off the stool. He shoved her the finger as he walked off to find Noah,

It felt as if his heart was about to burst, over what, he didn't know either. Everything around him went mute, all he could think about was Noah. His boyfriend, who only wasn't just sweet but; an amazing musician and singer.

By the time he found Noah, he was talking to somebody who kind of looked of importance, and his partner was leaning on the edge of the table, trying to light a cigarette. She looked up, lighting the cigarette to see Cody looking at her.

Cody frowned, the blonde had a stare off with him, which ended up with her gesturing to go over her. Originally, Cody was going to walk off, and pretend he's never seen her. But, he walked up to her, curious about what she would say to him,

"Don't, even think about it," Bridgette says ambitiously,

Cody raised an eyebrow, still keeping eye contact with her. "What?"

"Noah's already taken, by like a twink or something. Although you fit the criteria, I think his boyfriend's a more shorter type, less hair maybe?"

Cody scrunched his face into discomfort, but still couldn't get that voice out of Noah and him telling people about them. If he didn't think they were official, he would've believed it now.

Before he said anything, Cody already felt two hands behind him, holding his waist as he ducked his head into his shoulder; long hair flopping above his forehead.

"I showed you how he looked like Bridge; don't tell me your high already." Noah groaned and lifted his head to face Cody with a smile, he ended up kissing Cody on the cheek,

"Hi baby, you were amazing up there,"

"You look amazing, fuck. Since when were you a makeup artist?"

Cody laughed, but it grew louder once he saw Bridgette's astonished face.

"Sorry, but just for the record, this man talks about you a lot. Gosh, I'm glad I got to meet the, what would you call him Noah? Sexy-hot-delicious.." Bridgette trailed off after taking another pump of smoke.

Noah held the middle finger to her face (which became a habit for him and Cody to do now) and continued to kiss around Cody's neck, aware not to leave anything visible.

Cody, while drunk and satisfied, was looking around the bar; trying to see if anybody was around them. So far, nobody. It was like, everybody was minding their own business, as if a guy wasn't destroying another guy's neck right now.

It wasn't until he saw a small flag up above the door. A pride flag. Cody smiled to himself but focused on what Noah was mumbling on the side of his neck. Small little praises.

"You wanna, you wanna go see Heather? She probably thinks I'm shit-faced in a toilet right now." Cody chuckled.

Noah brought his head back up and smiled. "Well, you could be in a stall, with me."

Cody gave off a smile to him, before dragging him along (with the company of Bridgette) to Heather and Courtney, who looked like they were having fun themselves. Courtney was listening to Heather talk; as Cody could tell by the way her hands were moving,

By the time Cody went over to Heather, she didn't even know he was back until he had to sit back in his seat.

"Noah! You did amazing!" Heather cheered, going into hugging Noah from his neck. Flustered, Noah looked back to Cody as if he'd looked for approval, to which Cody gave a small smile too, and nodded.

Noah thanked and hugged Heather for a brief time before sitting next to Cody, patting a seat next to him for Bridgette. The smoker tipped forward and sat in the seat. Noah turned over to give a small smile and fist pump to Courtney, as Bridgette did the same.

"'Thought you weren't doing the night shift," Noah said, raising an eyebrow at Courtney. Cody and Heather both looked at each other, then back to the people conversating.

"And miss the boyfriend? Never." Courtney said. She looked back between Cody and Noah, and leaned into Noah to whisper; which Cody determined that she was pretty bad at that.

"How'd you bag Cody "The Hair" Anderson?"

Noah giggled and looked over to Cody. "Fuck, my boyfriend's a popular kid? The agony."

"Wait, Noah's boyfriend is a popular kid?" Bridgette asked.

"You three know each other?" Heather asked, looking over to Cody to see him nod, agreeing with her.

Courtney smiled, while Noah ordered two passion fruits, for him and Bridgette.

"Yeah, 8th grade me and Noah. We met Bridgette over at a skateboarding park. Her stoner ass taught us how to skate for about 3 months."

"Wait, wait wait." Cody started, eventually leading everybody's attention onto him. He is not a twink first of all.

"Everybody here knows I'm bisexual?" Cody whispered. Not as if he had a problem with it, whoever Noah trusted; he trusted too. But, there's a voice behind him saying they won't accept him, even if they smile and nod.

"Now we know," Courtney smiled as she went over to place Noah and Bridgette's drinks in front of them.

"And you guys don't care"

Bridgette and Courtney look to each other, then to Cody; giving him both shrugs and small smiles. It spoke more for itself. Cody trusted them. The five all clinked their drinks together, collectively drinking at the same time.

Cody felt a hand interlock with his; he looked over his left to see Heather giving him a small smile. He saw her mouth the words 'Proud of you,' before he felt Noah rile him in for a hug, letting go of Heather's hand after.

"You okay?"

Cody looked over to him,  turning over to kiss him softly, "Never better,"

For the rest of the night, the two had stuck together as a drunken mess. Nobody was judging him, he could finally be free.

Track Three - You Don't Know Me by Elizabeth Gillies

On the last day before summer's officially over, it decides to rain.

It's also the day when Noah's car is completely toiled and broke due to the engine. On a good note, Cody got to see Noah and Bridgette rehearse their new song.

The two were currently walking down the street, walking side by side to the bus stop. Cody's taken his chances to sneak glances at Noah. His headphones were swirled around his neck, along with a cyan t-shirt that was supposed to be with a gray sweater but, Cody convinced him to hand him it. Noah was carrying his guitar in his case anyway.

"Think I got to come to every one of your practices now. You guys are insane," Cody said, bouncing up and down as he walked.

He couldn't get over the fact that Noah finally invited him over to a band rehearsal, which was huge.

"Unless you wanna lose your job, go right ahead sweetheart," Noah snickered, looking at him.

"Listen, I can convince Justin somehow to give me slack for about two days or so.." Cody said. He trailed off to look over at the bus stop, he'd seen their bus already at the stop. The two were several blocks away.

A sigh punched out of Cody, and before he said anything; he felt a raindrop on his hand.

And then, it started to pour. Noah yelped, which gave an unexpected laugh from him (and expected one from Cody) as he brought Cody closer to him, and brought his guitar case over their heads.

"OUR BUS!" Cody pointed, trying to contain his laughter from Noah's yelp.

On the other hand, Noah muttered the words 'hold on,' grabbed Cody's hand, and ran over to the bus, trying to catch up. Never, have they held hands in public. Maybe under the table in a booth in a restaurant or something.

"NOAH!"

It's different this time.

"YEAH??"

Because Cody's feeling something else. Not a teeny crush you'd have on a regular guy.

"YOU'RE KIND OF HOLDING MY HAND...!"

Noah immediately stopped, turning around to face Cody. He'd seen the bus soon leave, not even bothered anymore. So wasn't Noah.

Noah looked down as he settled down his guitar case, exhaling abruptly multiple times, trying to catch his breath. He looked at their intertwined hands together.

"Sorry, it was in the moment; you know?! I know we didn't discuss it but.." Noah said, looking forward at Cody.

Cody smiled at him and tightened their hands together. "It's okay! You know; I didn't think I was that irresistible but you prove me wrong every day!"

Noah leaned in, about to kiss him. Cody knows this because he knows a lot of Noah's looks nowadays. Whenever he's stressed, happy, frustrated, anxious, and lustful (he sees a lot of this one often)

But, he's currently aware that one, they're soaking in rain, and two; there's a bunch of strangers walking around the street, able to catch them in the moment.

Instead, Noah chased him in a smile and dragged them over to the bus stop. By the time Cody sat down, he'd thought about taking his phone to call Heather. When he did, he found his phone to be drenched in rain.

"Look at this," Cody said as he showed Noah his phone. "We're doomed."

Noah; who's also drenched with his phone, went over to lay his head on Cody's shoulder and looked pleased when he leaned into it.

"That means no Heather to call."

"I was trying to call for help, dick."

"Yeah, yeah. You sure Heather wasn't an emergency contact?" Noah said, lifting his head to cup Cody's face in his hands to kiss his cheek.

Cody scoffed, but returned the kiss on his lips this time, savoring the taste of Noah's lips on his. He'd like to say once he got enough of Noah, he couldn't stop. When they part, the only thing that comes out of Cody's mouth is;

"Play me a song?"

Noah looked at Cody as if he was crazy. They were both soaked after standing in the rain. Cody didn't think he'd do it. But, Noah instead had taken out his guitar, asking Cody what he wanted him to play.

Cody smiled at him and told him the song that he played at The Hideout. You Don't Know Me, which brought Cody to almost tears. Cody doesn't ask what the song is about, he never did, and probably never will.

Would Noah be upset if he didn't get it? The status of being a minority?

He tries not to worry about it, as he stores it with the other million thoughts he has. Instead, he leaned his head on Noah's shoulder, watching the cars pass and the rain dropped onto the road and concrete streets.

—

So listen to me,
just listen to me!
You push me back,
I push you back, harder, harder
You scream at me,
I scream at you, louder, louder

—

Only six hours till he sees him. Six hours till he gets to hear his blissful voice again.

Maybe his math's a little off, but don't blame him; blame the school system for making Cody Anderson l have Math first period. He clicks his pen continuously for the last ten minutes and has been staring at the clock (as if it'll go faster)

It's not that Cody's obsessed, more like he's attached.

Ever since the solo performance of Noah singing to him in the rain! He's been feeling odd around him. He's been more open about his feelings towards him. An example was the day of orientation, which was two days ago.

The two were sitting in the living room of Cody's house. His parents had been out to France; for business, and told him that they'd come back his week. So, before the summer ended, Cody had been sneaking Noah into his house without any real excuses.

"This schedule's going to be my downfall this year, trust." Cody groaned, covering his face with the paper of classes he had this year.

"It's not that bad Codes,"

Cody took the chance to glare at him through the small crack of the paper when he was unaware. Noah was tuning up his guitar on the side while Cody's head was in his lap.

"I have ONE class with Heather. ONE! Last year I didn't even know her like that and I saw her in five of my classes!"

"It'll work out. You two are attached. I bet you'll be sneaking notes from different classes. 'Probably you'll carry those tin can telephones around the school." Noah said and was immediately met with a headbum.

This is killing him. For the first time, Cody knows exactly what he's feeling. And he can't believe the realization comes from tin can telephones. Cody lifts his head to kiss Noah's lips, holding himself up with his hands steady on the couch cushions.

For a second, Cody thought he was going to pull away; but, he ended up settling his guitar down in a pose, and went to stroke Cody's hardback, which brought a smile upon the boy's lips.

Once they parted, he realized that Noah hadn't stopped smiling. That's something else he'd bypassed. Noah's always so smiley with him; unless he's in a deep train of thought or just resting his face, he's never seen him other than happy whenever he looks at him.

Does he feel the same way, is the first thing Cody thinks.

The tiny voice says 'Of course he does!! Just look at him!'  which makes Cody feel confident that he does. He wants to tell him, be the first one to say them to each other.

Their hands lay intertwined on the pillow above their head as they looked at each other. Cody mapped Noah's face, feeling such a great feeling in his chest. Overwhelmed in a good way. If this is what love is, He was feeling it.

He could feel the three words on the tip of his tongue, ready to leave his lips.

"I'm forever yours," Cody said, with the same gusto he would've said the other three words.

Noah smiled, and leaned forward for a sweet gentle kiss. "For as long as you'll let me."

It might sound cruel but, Cody's glad that Noah took a gap year. Knowing how smart his boyfriend is, he could be across the country right now! Which would make things even worse.

His thoughts abruptly stopped once he felt a rush of wind to his face. He looked down over at his desk to see a paper plane.

He opened it, and read the letter inside it;

"Have lunch 6th period?"
-- Courtney <3

Cody looked around to see if he could spot the brunette; which he eventually did. She was second row front while Cody was in the third row back. He raised a thumb to her, mutually agreeing to meet at their respective lunch periods.

So much for thinking about Noah. There are better things to think about anyway. (lie)

By the time the 5th period rolls around, Cody is already around his locker. Behind it was a Global Class, Cody shrugged at the mere thought; that is until he saw a familiar girl in the front of the room. He looks in the window of the class to see Heather lazily clicking her pen.

Cody made an obvious fake cough to get her attention, which worked, and she saw him in front of the doorway, waving at her. Before she could wave back, Cody dug in his pocket and found the note Courtney gave him.

He held it up in front of his face to make her see, but she couldn't. She mouthed "I'm blind!" as Cody rolled his eyes.

Before he was about to give up, he felt somebody tapping his shoulder; he turned around to see Courtney smiling at him with her lunch in her hands.

"Hey! You ready?"

Cody smiled at her, "Gotta head to my locker first, you could come with,"

Cody looked back to Heather's classroom, in which she looked shocked; while he looked smug.
By the time he was leaving the hall, he could see Heather taking out her planner, trying to sign herself out to the bathroom.

Before the two went over to his locker, he felt a foot kick on his back, which had him turn to immediately catch it. Heather glared at him once they locked eyes, meanwhile Courtney; laughed behind him.

"Hello to you too," Cody laughed as he put her leg down,

"Just know that I'm skipping 6th period to hang out with you every lunch period. Having to wait to see you till the 7th is terrible." Heather groaned, leaning against Cody's locker door, away from the room door.

"Who's in your global?" Courtney asked,

Heather — who seemed like she forgot Courtney was there, began to straighten herself up, and leaned away from the locker. Cody was already starting to settle the books that he didn't need for his next classes, he listened to the girl's conversation meanwhile.

"Umm, Alejandro; who hates me so not that interested. Duncan; who's stuck up and thinks that every girl is in love with him." Heather said,

Courtney already was nodding her head vigorously at the mention of Duncan. "I know right? He thinks being a super senior is 'very cool' Like dude, you're in High School at 19."

"And don't even get me started on that-"

"Mohawk!"

The two both laughed once they caught each other saying the same thing. Usually seeing Heather this beat for Courtney makes him laugh, but now; it makes his heart warm that his best friend's finally made a move.

Cody shuts his locker, looking between Courtney and Heather's conversation over Duncan's terrible mohawk as they walk to the cafe. Once they reached it, Cody glanced over to the tables as they already looked packed. He should've known to grab one earlier as the freshmen usually try to them one for the year.

He saw Courtney waving over to Gwen, who was sitting across from Leshawna, both engaged in a talk. Once she saw Courtney, a small smile crossed her face as she waved back, gesturing for them to sit at their table

The trio walked up to them, Cody was the first to sit around Leshawna's side; while Courtney and Heather sat on Gwen's bench.

"Hi Gwen, Leshawna!" Cody said, waving to them.

"Cody? I didn't know you shared this lunch period," Gwen said curiously, while she side-hugged Courtney as a hello greeting.

"Fortunately," Cody said, looking off at a poster he'd seen beside him.

AUDITION NOW!!
THE BREAKFAST CLUB MUSICAL

HELD IN THE LITTLE THEATRE
3:30 PM @ 9/16

Cody stared in awe at the poster with John and Clarrie as the headliner. He could get the part as John maybe. He originally wanted to go for Andrew but; is he fit enough for the role? Yeah, he was on the cast last year for Heather's as Kurt but he's not sure they'd cast him for somebody so buff again.

When a bag of cookies gets dropped on the table beside him, he immediately turns over to see Heather with a tray of food containing Mashed potatoes, chicken, and carrots. The assumed empty spot was for the bag of cookies she'd dropped in front of him.

"Thinking' to audition for John?" Heather asked.

Cody sighed and turned over to the table. The girls had already gotten their food for the line, which said a lot about how hard Cody was thinking of the role to play.

"I was thinking of Andrew, but.." Cody started, and began to open the bag of cookies. He thanked Heather with a small smile as he finally opened it to reveal two butter cookies.

"But..?" Courtney prompted.

All four girls had set their eyes on him, waiting for him to speak. To the naked eye, they all looked like Mean Girls who were trying to bully a freshman. Luckily enough, it wasn't like this. Instead, it was a comforting group of women who were waiting for Cody to speak, as if his opinion mattered.

So, that's why he tells them the truth.

"I can't. Because he's blonde! And I'm Chestnut, hello?" Cody says as he points to his hair.

Well, close enough.

Very cautiously, Cody slid his fingertips along the cassettes that were inserted into the wooden holders at Star City Music. Leaning against the counter and humming along with the store's music, Noah stood next to him. With his arms folded, he half-observed the store while tapping his fingers against his bicep. The store was almost empty; it was almost closing time. However, there was always that one jerk who entered just before they closed (aka them)

Cody studied the cassette tape labels closely, looking for the well-known name.

"Are you going to tell me which one you're trying to find?" Noah enquired.

"No," he replied. "You're going to laugh at me."

"I'm not going to make fun of you," Noah said, reaching behind him and pulling out a cassette tape. He played with it in his hands before casually tossing it in the air like a ball. "Unless it's like a lame ost or something."

Cody didn't speak up. He continued searching quietly. Noah caught the cassette tape, holding it still. He glanced at Cody. "Shit, you're looking for an ost, aren't you?"

"The Breakfast Club OST actually," Cody said. "I heard a song of theirs on the radio this morning and it ... never mind."

"It what, Codes?" Noah raised an eyebrow.

"Made me think of you," Cody said, his face growing red. Noah leaned into him real quick, planting the quickest peck against his cheek, and pulled Cody by his hips, about 2 feet from where he was standing.

"The T's start over here," Noah said, turning to face the tapes with Cody. He ran his finger, searching for T-H-E

"You're not gonna make fun of me?" Cody asked.

"Not right now, sweetheart," Noah tossed him the cassette he had in his hand. Cody caught it, turning it around to read the title: P.O "I'll just add one good tape to every bad tape you purchase."

"Aw — hey!" Cody frowned.

"What's it for anyways?" Noah asked, pulling a cassette tape out, greeted by two familiar faces of John and Andrew. "Here you go." He went to hand the tape to Cody before pulling it back to read the song list.

"'Gonna try auditioning for The Breakfast Club Musical this Thursday. I gotta feel in my element."

"You gonna sing too?" Noah asked,

Cody gave a firm, "No." Although, he was secretly trying to hold in a laugh,

Noah raised his palms in defense, handing the tape over to him. "You gonna let me listen to it with you?"

"You got plans tonight?"

"I was hoping my boyfriend would take me to his house, but if you got better plans," Noah shrugged. The word rang loudly in Cody's head. His House. It all of a sudden sounds to imitate. But, it also sounds lovely. A time with his boyfriend, alone, as it always should be.

"Of course."