The Outside Lines (boyxboy) - Chapter 29: Chapter 29

Nathan POV
We spent the next several days inviting people to Taylor's party. Despite it being on the same day as Haley's party we still had a pretty good chance at a fairly large turn out.
Inviting people solely based on looks and clout is something the popular kids did often. They held parties that would be the hot topic around school. People would talk about them even if they weren't there. These parties were ripe fuel for Rebbecca's newspaper, so there was a little something for everyone. Several people dream of the day they'd get to go to one of these parties. I used to be one of them. I'd still love to go, but if it meant ditching my friends I had no interest.
"Oh my god it's him!" A girl whispered loudly, repeatedly hopping in place while holding onto her friend's hands as I approached.
"Hey, are you two coming to the party this Friday?" I asked, handing them an invitation. The hyper girl fainted, her friend struggling to keep her up.
"I-is she going to be alright?" I asked worriedly, preparing to offer a helping hand.
"She's fine, she gets this way whenever she sees a handsome guy." The girl explained. I glanced around to see who she was talking about. When I realized she was referring to myself a silent laugh escaped me.
"You're going to make fall in love too." The girl blushed, still struggling to hold up her swooning friend.
"We'll definitely be there." She accepted eagerly. I nodded and waved at the two, moving onto another target.
Taylor, Noah, and I spent our breaks handing out invitations in the halls, the cafeteria, the parking lot, and even during P.E.
Scott pitched in from time to time but it usually ended up with people running away from him. The way he does things is just... unusual. I'm beginning to feel it's intentional, or that he's aware of it at least. When he wasn't studying the depth of peoples' souls through their eyes he did a pretty good job at holding their interest. As much of an odd ball as he is, he's fairly popular within the logic club and other places around school, so there were still plenty of people gladly accepting his invites.
Zenda and Amber both agreed to come. Zenda's mother set conditions for her though. No drinking alcohol, or eating anything unhealthy at the party. I pitied Zenda's situation, so I made note to cater to her during the party.
There were a surprising amount of people around school who knew my name. It was a total one-eighty compared to a few months ago. A lot of people knew me then by appearance, but I was known as the hairy monster that walked the halls.
My phone's been going off like crazy these past few days. The girls I've added call me a few times a day, usually asking me out. I turned them down every time, politely though. Noah was the only one I had any interest in dating.
Thursday (1 Day Before The Party)
Mom had the day off today. Despite all of the things she could've spent her time on she chose to clean the house. She's always felt some sort of obligation towards household chores, even though I've assured her I have no problem doing them. I guess it gave her some sort of enjoyment to relive the casual days before my father's passing. Still, I wish she'd find something more that made her happy.
The faint sound of mom's radio was audible through the thin walls of the apartment building. Last I checked she was singing and sweeping the living room. I didn't mind the noise though, it just made me happy to know she was having a good time.
(Play the song)
I laid across my sheets, bored. I turned on the radio and pulled out a novel I borrowed from Lauren. It was an old western about a curious woman falling in love with a trouble seeking cowboy. It was your standard love affair, but I didn't mind reading things like that, heck I actually enjoy it.
I zoned out, immersing myself in the pages of the book. It wasn't until the sound of my ringtone drowning out the modern music playing from the aged speakers that my attention was redirected.
I glanced over at my phone laid beside me on the bed. I set my book down and answered the call.
"Hey Nathan, I'm coming over." Taylor voice announced suddenly before hanging up. I didn't even have a chance to get a single word in. I sat on my bed, staring at the phone in my hand, puzzled.
"She could've just texted me." I thought out loud, scratching my head.
I slid out of my bed and picked up the assortment of loose objects and clothes from my floor. I wanted my room to be presentable in case this is where she wanted to hang out. I didn't understand why she suddenly wanted to come over, though it made me happy. It was almost as if she could feel my boredom from miles away.
The stairs creaked beneath my feet as I made my way to the kitchen. I spotted mom, still cleaning. I was surprised by how bright the kitchen was. She had a real knack for this.
"Whoa." I gasped quietly under my breath, studying the clean cupboards and spotless counters. Despite their dingy state mom made them look nearly brand new. She glanced my way wearing a proud smile not distracting from her work.
"A friend is coming over, I hope that's okay." I gave her a heads up. Last thing I wanted was for Taylor to have to experience that same fierce woman that nearly hit me with a chair after I got a haircut. It suddenly felt as if two suns had fallen into the tiny building when her eyes beaming of excitement burned at my skin.
"Oh Nathan, I so proud of you." She almost squealed but did her best to contain herself. She made quick steps over to my side and placed a firm grip at my shoulder, an well of emotions on her face.
"Is there anything you need me to do? Should I cook for them? Should I leave the house? Do you need money to go out?" Mom went on, getting enthusiastic.
"It's fine mom. If anything some snacks would be more than okay." I told her, placing my own hand on her shoulders.
"Is there anything you need?" I asked her, putting the emphasis on "you".
"Mmm." She thought to herself for a moment. "Would you be kind enough to take out the trash? All this cleaning filled the bin and I can't lift it." She asked, and I gratefully accepted.
I lifted the bag from the bin next to the counters and hauled it out the door. The air was crisp and cool stepping out into the evening atmosphere. I wouldn't be surprised if snow started falling from the sky any moment now. I was in a pair of black boxer shorts so that wasn't doing much to defend my legs from the icy winds either.
I carried the bag to a nearby dumpster in an alleyway near the apartment's parking lot.
A grunt escaped my lips as I tossed the bag of trash into the green metal pit, accompanying the several other bags already inside.
Despite it being so cold it was a really nice afternoon. Some of the neighbors were sat outside drinking and playing cards. I tossed them a wave before heading back towards the apartment. I stood at the doorway, mesmerized by the blue and purple sky looming above. The atmosphere was so peaceful. The faint sounds of cars long off in the distance, the sharp breezes that occupied the streets this time of day, the sound of laughter and bantering from the neighbors, the slight blue and purple tint of the evening sky staining the tall, aged buildings. All of it gave off such a cozy feeling. I almost didn't want to go back inside, though I definitely no intentions of catching a cold.
I was sprawled across the bed, getting immersed into the western novel once again when I heard a sudden knock at the front door. I quickly slid out of the sheets and made for the stairs. Mom started dinner so the smell of frying papers and meat hit my nose as soon as I parted the door to my bedroom. My footsteps were very noisy as my bare feet connected with the wooden stairs. Half way down to the bottom a head of red sprawled into view. It couldn't belong to anyone other than Taylor herself. She was stood a few feet away from the kitchen, posed comfortably. Her mannerisms when speaking to my mother were completely different than when she spoke to anyone else. Her voice was soft, polite and respectful. I found it a little ironic since last she was here she pulled out off the curb like she'd suddenly been entered into a drag race, all while my mother was trying to sleep.
What shocked me more was the second body stood behind her. That slim frame, that clothing style, that sandy blond hair. It was Noah, the last person I was expecting to see at my front door.
"Hey Taylor." I greeted, eagerly finishing my trek down the set of stairs. She waved and smiled, not wanting to interrupt the conversation between her and my mother.
"Noah I no idea you were coming!" I failed to hide any trace of excitement. His head jerked towards me, then Taylor faltering part way. He scowled at the girl in front of him, but she was doing her best to ignore the lasers burning through her side.
After giving up on getting a response from Taylor Noah turned his attention back to me.
"Yeah, sorry, I thought Taylor told you. I hope it's okay." Noah said, innocently. I could tell he was feeling uneasy. He almost seemed worried.
"Yeah, for sure. I'm really happy you came." I replied, hoping to put his worry at ease. He flashed a small but cute smile before dropping his gaze to the wooden floor beneath him.
"Alright, I won't hold you all up any long. Go have fun." Mom said, waving us off with the dirty old kitchen cloth in hand. Noah and Taylor nodded and followed behind me. I waved them up the steps and quickly retreated into my room.
"Welcome to my humble abode." I said in a dim tone, sarcastically spinning around the tiny room.
A simple "Hm." was all that came from Taylor as she studied the small space. She traced a finger across the edge of my bookcase following many other objects. Her and Noah appeared as if they were on a museum tour with the way their gazes danced around the room.
"Sorry, it's pretty dingy looking, it's probably not what you guys are used to." I apologized a little embarrassed. With the focused looks plastered on their faces they could easily pass as professional interior design judges.
"I like it." Taylor said, with a nod of approval. "It's quite vintage."
"I agree, it's cozy." It was Noah's turn to nod, only his was a little more enthusiastic.
"U-um... there's not much to do around here, but wanna... watch a movie or something?" I asked the two curious bodies wandering around.
"What kind of games do you have?" Noah asked, fastening the handle of his backpack strung over his shoulder.
"Oh um... I don't really play many of those." I answered, rubbing the back of my neck.
"Who doesn't play video games nowadays?!" Noah asked, baffled.
"Me, apparently." I chuckled.
"Why though?" I could feel his passion for the hobby radiating from his small frame.
"I don't know, I guess... I never really gave it much attention with the costs and all." I explained. He went silent, scrunching his lips and nodding in understanding.
"I'm going back downstairs to talk to June for a bit." Taylor notified, already halfway through the door.
"I'll come with you." Noah said, quickly following behind her.
"You stay here. Keep him company." Taylor nudged her head my way. The boy slowly turned, his gaze meeting mine. I smiled at the both of them. I stood idle, waiting for an action from either of them. It felt like time had gone still for a good five seconds. I could've sworn I saw Taylor wink at me before she disappeared down the stairs.
"Uh..." A nervousness caught Noah's voice, his free hand traveling up to the handle of his backpack.
"Movie?" I asked, raising the DVD in my hand.
"Um, sure." He agreed with a slow approach. "What do you have?" He asked.
"Take a look." I extended a hand towards the collection of movies and shows stacked next to my closet. The room was nearly silent, the sound of Noah shuffling through the boxes of DVDs was the only audible noise.
"Wow." He whispered, expressing his disbelief at the size of my collection.
After spending sometime in the box Noah bounced up with a DVD in hand. "Oh! I used to watch this show back in middle school. Can we watch this one?" He asked, handing it to me. I studied the case, letting out a silent chuckle at his choice. He looked up at me, a hint of curiosity present on his face.
"Sure, let's watch this one." I agreed, still smiling at the DVD cover.
After finally pulling my attention away from the case I noticed Noah standing in the middle of the room, his eyes wandering aimlessly.
"Oh, you can leave your bag anywhere." I informed him. "Take a seat on the bed, I'll get the TV set up."
He slowly nodded in response, sliding the backpack handle from his shoulder. Despite me turning my attention away from him my mind still made it a task to note everything he was doing by sound. He removed his hoodie and sat on the bed, the squeaky wooden frame very audible.
I inserted the DVD into the blu-ray player and the remote. I navigated through the menu and selected the first episode.
What happened next no amount of preparation could've prepared me for. Noah sat cross legged on my bed, hands deep inside his pants. I stood there gawking at him like an idiot. It was as if I'd been struck by a powerful bolt of lightning, freezing me in place.
"Um." Was all I manage to muster in my state of shock. His bright green orbs for eyes met my own hazel ones, searching curiously.
It felt as if a century had passed before either of us moved. My stare shifted between his face and crotch. His seemingly innocent gaze drifted downwards, searching his body as if my eyes had laser pointers. When he caught on to what I was staring at his hands removed from his pants so quickly it was as if they'd never been there to begin with.
"Uh-uhm..." He tried to speak, but his voice faltered.
"Sorry... it's um... a thing I do when I'm cold." Noah apologized, shifting his noticeably uncomfortable stare anywhere but on me.
"It's kinda one of my many bad habits." He explained, his volume almost silent.
"No, it's all fine." I cleared my throat, probably as red as a cherry. "Don't worry about it. I was just curious what you were doing." I assured him.
"I should be the one apologizing for the lack of heat in here. My room doesn't hold heat very well this time of year." I told him, slightly embarrassed.
"Here, use this." I walked over to my bed, lifting the blanket from behind him. He extended his slender hands, accepting the it. But instead of handing it directly to him I wrapped it around his small frame. He lifted his head to stare at me, a surprised look painted on his attractive face. I just smiled at him, a breathy laugh following.
"Don't worry, my mom washed the sheets this morning." I informed him in case he was uncomfortable using someone else's blankets.
I took a seat beside the adorable bundle and started the show.
I noticed Noah occasionally glancing over at me. But I was unsure as to why.
"Aren't you cold?" He asked, finally speaking.
I met his gaze. "I'm fine." I answered, then turned my attention back to the TV. Somehow I could tell he was still watching me, he never dropped his stare. I was worried that if I looked back he'd stop and look away. I enjoyed the attention.
A shifting sound from beside me was enough to get me to turn though. I looked over to Noah once more to see him holding up the blanket, making an opening for me. The largest smile broke out onto my face. I shook my head at the innocent boy, accepting the other side of the blanket. I scooted closer and grabbed the edge, wrapping it around me. I shot him another smile before turning my attention back to the show. He did the same, only, his smile was much cuter than mine.
We were several episodes in, Noah and I chuckling through out all of them. I'd only ever seen the first couple episodes until now, and I was thoroughly enjoying it. I could tell Noah was too, though after sometime he went silent. Just as my curiosity piqued enough to sneak a glance at him I felt something connect with my shoulder. My vision was met with a head of sandy blond hair pressed up against me.
"Noah?" I quietly called out his name. He didn't reply. My suspicions were proven correct when I felt his body gently rise and skin; he'd fallen asleep. I watched the peaceful specimen beside me, a wide smile present on my mug. He was far more interesting to watch than the show that was playing in the background.
The wild strands of his hair tickled my neck as his body rose with his breathing. A light, tingly feeling dominated my stomach the entire time. I never imagined I'd ever get to be this close to the one I admired from afar for so long. There were days where I'd watch him arrive at school with Taylor, days where I get to see him roam the halls with his friends, and days where he was all around bubbly and hyper. I longed to walk beside him, heck even several feet away from him would've been fine. Now he's sitting here, with me, sleeping on my shoulder. Despite the current calm I was expressing on the outside, I was a raging pile of emotion one the inside.
I snapped my attention to the door to my room being opened and in came Taylor. She was half way across the room when she noticed the small bean pressed up against my side. A devious smirk ripped at her face while giving me two thumbs up. I just smiled back at her, shaking my head.
From there on Taylor made an effort to make as little noise as possible. She took a seat on the floor and got on her phone. Several minutes passed, and the room was still as silent as a library. I felt the heat radiating from Noah's small frame as he slept peacefully. I wanted to wrap my arms around him, tackle him to the mattress and just sleep like that for the rest of the night, but I had to restrain myself.
A sudden chuckle from Taylor startled the silence of the room. She quickly covered her mouth using both of her hands.
"Sorry!" She mouthed, putting both of her hands together wearing an apologetic look. I wasn't upset, but it appeared her laugh woke the sleeping sloth beside me.
"Mmmh" He groaned, pulling away from me. He wiped his eyes, unaware of his surroundings.
"Sorry, but what in the world are you guys watching?" Taylor apologized once more, following with a question as she nudged her head towards the TV.
"Oh, that." I chuckled, understanding the reason for Taylor's abrupt laughter. She shook her head when there was no response.
"I should probably get Noah home soon anyway, it's getting late." She sighed, removing herself from the floor. "Last thing I want is to be chewed out by Noah's mom."
"Are you sure about that? That sounds like something you'd enjoy." Noah teased in the most adorable sleepy voice ever. I broke out into laughter at his witty reply. He glanced over at me and smiled.
"Uh-" Taylor started, taken aback by his's response. Noah's sleepy snickering that followed was even cuter than his sleepy voice.
"Don't make me hit you." Taylor said, scrunching up her lips and readying a fist of iron.
"You guys are too much." I said, my laughter finally beginning to subside. They both smiled, Taylor lowering her fist.
"Well, we should probably be heading home now. Thanks for letting me come over." Taylor said.
"I'm glad you guys came. I was almost dead from boredom." I smiled, sliding out of the bed.
"I'll see you guys off." I told them, nudging my head to the door.
"Trying to get rid of us, huh?" Noah said, eying me.
"Absolutely not. I'd have you two stay the night if possible." I chuckled, brushing my hand through the tease's hair. He went quiet and lowered his shy gaze. I couldn't help but to stand there and admire his adorableness.
I followed the two downstairs as they readied to leave.
"You two are going already?" Mom asked, still busy in the kitchen.
"Yeah it's getting pretty late." Taylor replied glancing at the kitchen clock.
"I was hoping you two would stay for dinner, but it took a way longer than expected." My mother said, a little disappointed. "I wanted to make some snacks too but time just flew by."
"It's done now. Please, take some with you." My mother insisted.
"Mom, I told you that you didn't have to cook for them." I scratched my cheek, slightly embarrassed.
"Well Taylor here helped me with it, so I think she deserves to try it." Mom replied, resting a hand on her hip. That explains where Taylor was all that time.
"Sure, I'd love to try some." Taylor said, happily.
"Here, I'll put it in a container for you two." Mom said, turning around and shuffling through the cupboards.
"Thanks June." Taylor smiled, accepting the plastic container of food, Noah doing the same.
Upon sneaking glances at Noah I noticed he was missing his backpack.
"Alright, well his mom's probably going to be upset if I don't get him home soon." Taylor said to June.
"Okay. Don't hesitate to stop by anytime. You two are always welcomed here." My mom informed them.
"Hang on. You forgot something Noah." I told him. He quickly scanned over his body, patting himself down.
"My backpack! I think I left it next to your bed." The light bulb that went off above his head was almost visible when he realized.
"I'll be right back Taylor." Noah notified, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry, I got it." I told him, quickly heading back to my room. I spotted the bag leaned up against the leg of my bed. I grabbed it and carefully hauled it back downstairs, not wanting to mess up any important contents.
"Here you are." I said pressing the bag against Noah's chest. He slowly wrapped his hands around it, taking it from my grip.
"Thanks Nathan." He flashed a smile and returned to Taylor's side.
Everyone said their goodbyes and I walked them out to Taylor's car.
"Tomorrow's the day of the party. Don't forget to invite as many people as possible." Taylor reminded, pointing a finger out the car's window.
"I'll do my best." I said, offering a smile.
"Alright, well I'm off. Later Nate." She said, staring the engine of her small car.
"See you guys at school." I waved. Noah stayed silent but waved back. A bittersweet smile dominated my expression as I watched the car drive off. It wasn't until it disappeared that I realized I was freezing. I tightly grasped my shoulders and jogged for the door, hoping my balls wouldn't freeze and shatter before I got the chance to use them.