afterthought || d. wayne (2)

ELEVEN

This chapter features and slightly romanticizes underage drinking. Please do not take this as a suggestion or as an "underage drinking is dope" campaign.

SILAS WALKER'S APARTMENT
JUNE 17TH
2:32 A.M.

Noelle has never felt so giddy.

She isn't entirely sure when her vision got a little dizzy. Or when her steps became less stable. Or when her speech became a little slurred and incoherent.

No matter when it happened, Noelle is grateful it did. Her mind, albeit temporarily, is free of worry. As long as she didn't think of her boyfriend's name, she has no qualms.

The party itself was better than usual, and that might have to do with her "caving into peer pressure" as the others put it. Noelle knew the names of a lot of people there—mostly from classes or group work. They knew her, especially now that she's dating Damian Wayne. People were always kind to her when she'd attend their parties with Silas and Christian.

And damn did they have fun! Noelle discovered a completely different side of Silas when they drank together—and it was good! Their time at the party ended with her creating caricatures of those who wanted it.

Christian upheld his duties as designated driver/babysitter and got them back to Silas's before either could embarrass themselves.

Now the three are stumbling through the fifth-floor hallway, trying to silence themselves so they won't disturb Silas's neighbors.

I don't come here as often as I should, Noelle thinks to herself as she gently steadies herself with a hand against the wall. Silas is leaning heavily against Christian, which is comical to watch since Silas is a head taller than the bleach blonde.

Silas doesn't live too far from Noelle, just a fifteen-minute walk. His apartment building isn't as "safe" as Noelle's, but really, where in Gotham was? Her parents feel secure with Noelle's visitation, though they prefer gatherings to be at their place.

"You good?" Christian's voice calls out.

Noelle has to force herself to lift her head, only to realize he and Silas are way ahead of her. She'd stopped herself without realizing it.

Noelle gives a cheeky grin. "Peeeachy!"

Christian smiles as Silas lets out a hearty laugh. "Noellll," Silas lets out, turning his head enough to make eye contact. Dark brown meets light when they make eye contact. "Come on...I'm sleepy."

Noelle rolls her eyes and pushes herself off the wall. She stumbles, but rights herself just before she could fall.

It takes a few moments for Christian to find Silas's keys, open the door, and help the two inside all while Silas assaults him with kisses to the temple.

They were, surprisingly, quiet when Christian led them to Silas's room. They tried their best not to be loud, despite the apartment being empty.

"I'm grabbing water and food," Christian announces. "And a drink for myself" he mumbles before leaving the room. The two collapse onto Silas's full xl-size bed. It's a bit of a squeeze, they'll have to figure out something for the three of them, but for now, it's the most comfortable she's ever felt.

Noelle can't help but giggle as the ceiling fan spins faster than normal. Her giggles are accompanied by Silas's after a few moments.

Another few moments of them giggling pass before Silas finally questions, "W-What are...we laughing about?"

"I...I don't know," she admits and that widens Silas's grin. "Everythin's funny I guesss."

What would Damian say if he saw me like this?