𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 (𝘣𝘹𝘣)

twenty nine

Noah knocks on his parent's front door. Mr.Martinez opens the door with a smile on his face. "Hi, mijo."

"Hey. I was hoping I could have dinner with you and mama tonight. I feel bad...I've been so distant."

Jose smiles and nods. "You can come in but...Your mothers not feeling too well."

Noah frowns as he walks into the house. "What's going on?"

"Just a weak day. She took some medication and has been in bed all day. She already ate dinner but...It's just one of those days."

"Okay...I guess I could leave. Can I go speak to her first?" Noah frowns.

"Of course." Jose allows Noah to walk into his mom's bedroom.

"Hey, mama." Noah smiles at her. He takes a seat on the side of her bed. "How are you feeling?"

Selena turns her head, a small smile appearing on her face. "I'm okay, baby. Just tired."

Noah nods his head. "Well, I just, uh, wanted to swing by. See how you're doing. Maybe we can get dinner another time?"

She smiles and grabs Noah's hand. "I'd love that. I'm sorry I'm not feeling too great."

"No, don't apologize, Ma. Don't ever apologize, alright?"

Selena nods her head, bringing Noah's hand up to her mouth to place a kiss on it. "I love you, baby."

"I love you too, mom." Noah leans down and gives her a hug before placing a kiss on her forehead. "I'll call tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay. Be safe."

***
Noah unlocks his front door, walking into his apartment. He sighs and throws his keys down onto the table he had by the door.

He walks into his kitchen, opening the refrigerator to figure out what he wanted to eat. He sighs and slams the door closed, turning around to face his table.

He takes a seat, bringing his hands over his face, and letting out a deep breath. He removes his hands, sighing. "Fuck."

He looks over at his counter, staring at the bottle of tequila that was there. He begins to bounce his leg up and down, trying to avoid grabbing the bottle and chugging it empty.

He sits up, snatching his phone from his front pocket, quickly dialing Benjamin's number.

He presses it firmly to his ear, listening as the phone trilled.

Benjamin picks up on the last ring. "Hey. How was dinner with your parents?"

"Just got home...Mom wasn't feelin' too well. I was only over there for a few minutes."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Are you okay?"

Noah takes the phone away from his ear for a split second, taking in a sharp breath. He places the phone back and nods. "Yeah, I...I don't fuckin' know."

Benjamin stops walking through his apartment building. He leans against the wall. "Want me to come by? I can make is some dinner to cheer you up."

"No, that's alright. You said you wanted to have dinner with Gabs. You shouldn't have to cancel on her."

"Hey, she'd understand. I'll be there soon, okay? I'll stop by the store and pick up some things for dinner, okay?"

Noah sniffs. "Alright."

**
Benjamin was sitting on Noah's couch, watching the TV. Noah was laying on him, his head on Benjamin's chest, also watching the TV.

Benjamin had one hand down Noah's shirt, rubbing his back softly.

Noah suddenly shifts, turning his head to clearly see Benjamin's face. "I almost drank today."

Benjamin frowns. "Was it when you called?"

"Yeah. I did what you told me to. But, I'm not like...An alcoholic, right?"

Benjamin shrugs. "I honestly don't know. But, I do know that you weren't using it in the best way."

"Well," Noah clears his throat. "Would you consider yourself an addict? Cause of before...?"

Benjamin furrows his brows. "Honestly? I don't think so? I think I was just super depressed looking for an outlet."

"So, you haven't again?"

Benjamin shakes his head. "Not since that last day at that party. I just think you need to know balance. Don't drink when you're upset cause it can lead to things you might regret."

Noah nods his head. "Yeah. That's why I called you."

Benjamin smiles. "I'm really glad you did."

Noah sits up on the couch. "Wanna stay the night?"

"Sure."

Noah smiles and places his hand on Benjamin's thigh, "Great. I'll go get you something to wear," He squeezes his thigh once.

Benjamin flinches and grabs Noah's hand, pushing him off.

Noah notices. "Are you alright?"

Benjamin clears his throat and nods. "Mhm. You just...Caught me off guard." He smiles. "Bring me my favorite sweater of yours."

"Just like high school all over again, huh?"

"Mhm. All your hoodies are officially mine once again. You know you love it though."

**
Gabi sighs as she pours herself a glass of wine. She dials Benjamin's number, waiting for him to pick up. She takes a long sip from her glass.

"Hello?" Benjamin answers.

"Hey? Uhm, we were supposed to have dinner together but you're two hours late?"

"Oh, shit." Benjamin looks back at Noah who was already fast asleep. He gets out of bed to step out of the bedroom. "I'm sorry, Gabs. Noah had a rough day. I totally meant to text you."

Gabi sighs. "No, it's okay. How is he?"

"He's okay for now. This stuff about his mom is just really hard on him." Benjamin moves his hair out of his face.

"I bet. He's such a mommas boy."'

Benjamin smiles and nods. "Oh, definitely."

"Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Uh, maybe. I was thinking of coming back here after work. Just to make sure he's okay."

"Okayyy." Gabi drags out.

"What?"

"Nothing, just...Maybe you should just move in with him. I mean you practically live there."

"What? I can't do that. We like...Just got back together and moving in is like...A big step."

"Is it? It was just a suggestion, babe. Maybe talk to Noah about it."

"Maybe. Look, wanna get lunch together tomorrow? I'll come to your office and we can day drink."

Gabi smiles and nods. "Yes to lunch, no to day drinking. I'll see you tomorrow. Night, love you."

"Okay," Benjamin laughs. "Love you too."

**