Ethan

@travlbug Oh, you'll get a lot of insight into Noah's mom and family in the next chapters, and you'll see why he is the way he is. @Bft The opening scene was them at the airport, with Noah saying goodbye to Jordan. As for the gifts, I believe (I honestly have such awful memory) I make reference to that in the next chapter. Dammit. Should have left it on the cliffhanger. What I get for being a decent human for once ...

@Timothy M. @Parker Owens The next chapter will explore how Noah and Jordan interact with their respective families, and the challenges they face in that regard. With Jordan and his dad, it's not only a question of whether he would accept his son's sexuality, but whether he values his son at all. They have some very deep seeded issues that we will see dominate how they interact with one another. As for Noah joining Jordan, I'm purposefully vague on where this story takes place, but physically speaking that wouldn't be possible. I think I explain a bit of the geography in the next chapter (but I don't remember). Thanks for reading!

No spoilers (please)! And who knows, some things could change in this version 🤔

*** NOAH *** The silence kills me; it pierces through my veins, driving me crazy. There is noise all around us, yet I hear nothing; to me it’s all mute. Nothing matters. All that does is who is standing in front of me. Neither of us says a word. It’s his silence that I can’t stand. I want him to say something, anything. I notice his lips part as if he is about to say something. My heart skips a beat. He seems to think for a second and then closes his mouth. There is so much to say, so m

Oh, I know you all love/tolerate me. And trust me, you'll have good reason to hate me soon 😑 Will I feel bad? Probably not. 😉 Me, tease? It's like you don't even know me at all. Don't apologize, you make a really great point!

You're right. I actually made a change to this part because near the end I thought maybe it was a bit too graphic (though clearly that isn't a problem on this site) and I forgot to change the part you mention. Thanks for flagging.

I get the 'GTFO' reference, but not the '.mp3' part. That love conversation may, or may not, be over, and Noah may, or may not, surprise you. Maybe. 🤨

Um, thank you? 🤓

*** NOAH *** If you think about it, they're only three simple words. There really isn't anything complex about them. Yet we struggle so much to say them. And when we do, it's as if we've dropped a bomb. They can change everything in a mere second. Flip your world upside down unexpectedly. Yet they're only three simple words. I. Love. You. How can three words when put together have so much meaning? How can they be so important? How can they keep me up all night?

I'll just have to work harder to redeem Jordan in everyone's eyes. I think I can do it! 🙃 He'll get there. The difference with Jenn was she was with him at school. But Aiden, he is far away and Jordan doesn't talk to him that often. So for him the matter isn't as pressing. It is unnecessary drama, especially because they will face other legitimate challenges along the way. These comments are super helpful because it shows I think I need to explain just a bit more what exactly is going on in Jordan's head, and why he does what he does. Yep, and these two will have to face some of those as well. You'll see Noah realize this a bit faster than Jordan. And he will have that struggle of how fast should they go. Noah is pragmatic so he will want to slow down, but his heart may decide otherwise.

I agree with both of @Geoffrey257 and @Tonyr that Jordan continues to make some rather dumb decisions. He is aware what he is doing isn't the smartest, or right, thing to do. However, that all said, this is all still pretty new to him. He only really realized his gay-self about 3-4 weeks ago. So, to come out that quickly, is a challenge for him, regardless of how he feels for Noah.

*** JORDAN *** The bed is a mess with sheets and limbs flung about all over the place. I try to get up, but Noah's arm is across my chest, his leg on top of mine. I don't want to wake him up, so I stay in bed. Eventually I see an eye lid twitch in the corner. Mr. Sleepy Head is waking up. “Morning,” I say to him. “Morning,” he yawns. His voice is muffled; half of his mouth is covered by the blanket. He still is in sleepy mode. “What time is it?” “It's nine in t

Thank you! I've spent a lot of time reworking this story, so I really appreciate your comment. 🤓

The last part is exactly what Jordan would say! Practice does make perfect. @Canuk @Parker Owens @FanLit Honesty is super important. And they will try. But like all relationships, they will face more tests as they get comfortable with one another. Besides, I can't make it too easy for them, now can I?

*** JORDAN *** It was turning into a morning to cherish and remember. Now, we’ll remember it for all the wrong reasons. Where the hell did Jenn even come from? Why is she here? She has the worst timing ever. Shit. My bag. I forgot it on the floor. Stupid, Jordan! And now my shoes. Yeah, we’re screwed. “Jordan's here.” Even though I can’t see her face, I can tell she is pissed. “It's not what you think,” Noah responds. “It’s exactly wh

What!? I've posted more than once in a week. I actually just went back and counted: 14 chapters in 9 weeks. The next chapter is largely done, but I have to make some minor adjustments. (Minor usually turns into major when I start writing). So it shouldn't be too long. 😎 If only work, errands, and being a "responsible" adult didn't get in the way ...

Oh, I have a couple of ideas on how this all could go. ☺️ The younger generation is awesome! If they listened there wouldn't be so much drama, and that wouldn't be fun (wait, I think I kind of see your point 🤔)

*** JORDAN *** --- Thursday --- Fuck. This is bad. This is really, really bad. This isn’t how it should have happened. And here I thought the past few days couldn’t get any crazier. First, I made some really stupid decisions. Then, Noah and I took a huge step forward in our relationship. I had one of the best nights of my life. But now, all of that seems in the distant past. I hope Noah remembers how he felt last nig

*** NOAH *** I can feel his heart race against my body; the vibrations flowing through my skin. We’re pressed up together against the door, our hands intertwined. Our lips locked together. There is this fire inside of me, this desire, I don't think I’ve ever felt before. Jordan wants to be with me. Despite the hardships and obstacles, he is choosing me. A voice in my head is telling me to pull back, to say no. To walk away. The chances of getting hurt are high. But I don’t. There

Thank you so much @Onim! I'm really glad you enjoyed the chapter. In reality Noah may have waited longer, but I didn't want to delay it any further. I felt like 12 chapters was long enough! It's now time to see them together!

Thank you @donaldbirwin for such a nice compliment. While this is obviously fiction, for you to say Jordan comes off as real and believable is so great to hear. The original was a little under 5,000 words. This one is closer to 9,000. I rewrote some parts, but added a lot more. Skipping the gym this week (while eating leftover Halloween candy, of course) was clearly totally worth it in the end! Though my waist may argue otherwise ...

I can't guarantee much in life, but I can say there will be more twists, and definitely a few cliffhangers, too. 😁

It will be interesting to see how Jenn, and perhaps others mentioned in the comments, react. @Tonyr the way I originally wrote the chapter, it made sense why Jordan wouldn't tell Jenn the reason for the breakup. But with the rework, you're right, there was a much higher chance he would tell her why. Though, if I did that I would have to rewrite a lot, plus where is the drama in that (as you correctly point out)! That all said, there is a reason why he didn't elaborate and you'll get a sense of that a bit later.

*** NOAH *** Fate in all its cruelty. Teasing our desires, Toying with our emotions, Torturing our souls ... Allowing us to believe. Believe that dream, Just a touch away, Is within our grasp. Yet as we move, As we dare to hope, It fades away. And darkness, Returns. Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think anything would happen. That a night like this would even be possible. I don’t even really believe it just happened. Jordan kissed me. He ac

Thanks @FanLit @Fitzhugh @jaysalmn @Parker Owens @JBR1977 for the comments! Yes, Sebastian has issues (and props for 'Sebastard') and we will get a bit little about what drives that later in the story. I'm glad you all agreed Noah couldn't say yes at the end to Jordan. Noah needs some time to heal, and figure out how to trust people around him; though he is stronger than I think others in the story realize. As for Jordan and Jenn -- they don't have much chemistry because they really haven't spent that much time together. Their entire relationship really has been based on Noah.