THE FIGHTER (Origninally called my UFC FIGHTER)

22. Ethan

The year had flown by in a blink of an eye and before I knew it, I was sitting next to Ezra and Ryan, Noah's parents, Jay, who I had picked up from the airport since he was surprising Noah by coming home from bootcamp, my parents and baby sister who had also been invited to Noah's graduation by his parents, and concluding the group were all of our friends who had flown back to town after finishing their first year of college—aside from Andrew who went to the same college I did—and wanted to surprise both Levi and Noah at their graduation.

"I can't believe Levi and Noah are graduating today," Leah said as she sat to my left since mine and Noah's parents were behind us.

"It's crazy how fast this year had gone by," Mac added and I couldn't agree more with her statement.

"I can't wish to see Levi and Noah's faces when they see us," Liam said with a mischievous smile making me chuckle.

"They'll probably cry," Jay chuckles, "specially Noah when he sees me."

"That is very true," Sam said with a nod, "how were you able to come? I thought bootcamp took two years?"

Jay grinned and replied, "Well, it's all thanks to our commanding officer, who granted me leave for this special occasion. Noah means the world to me, and I couldn't miss his graduation."

The camaraderie and unspoken bond between us were evident. We had all grown so close over the years, supporting each other through thick and thin. Our time apart at college had only strengthened our friendship, and this surprise was our way of showing love and gratitude for the memories we had shared.

As the graduation ceremony finally began, we quieted down and eagerly awaited Levi and Noah's arrival on stage. The air was brimming with excitement and pride. Tears welled up in my eyes as I watched both of them confidently walk across the stage, accepting their diplomas.

Then, suddenly, Noah's eyes caught sight of Jay. The look of shock and disbelief that crossed his face was priceless. He couldn't hold back his emotions and rushed into Jay's arms, tears streaming down his face. The entire crowd erupted into applause, moved by the love and support showcased in that moment.

I smiled as I watched my boyfriend and his brother embracing each other with tears steaming down their faces as they hugged. Noah could barely speak as he clung to Jay. Ezra and Ryan watched their sons with smiles that matched everyone else's in the room.

Levi cried and hugged our friends before he was pulled away by Andrew who kissed and hugged him as he congratulated Levi.

Eventually, Noah and Jay pulled apart, and Noah made his way towards me with a radiant smile on his tear-streaked face. I reached up and gently brushed away a lone tear, feeling overwhelmed with love for this incredible person standing before me.

"Hey, you," I whispered, my voice filled with emotion.

Noah sniffled and gazed up at me, his eyes shining with happiness. "Hi," he said softly, his voice filled with gratitude.

Unable to contain my own joy, I leaned down and pressed my lips against his, savoring the sweetness of the moment. "I'm so proud of you, love," I whispered against his lips.

As we stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love for the journey we had all been on. The tears shed were not just tears of joy for Noah and Levi but for the beautiful friendships that had carried us through the highs and lows of life.

In that moment, surrounded by our loved ones, I knew that this was just the beginning. Graduation was just a stepping stone towards a future filled with endless possibilities, and together, we were ready to conquer whatever came our way.

****

A week after graduation, I asked Noah on a little date to celebrate just us two since later in the day his parents were throwing him and Levi—with Levi's parents permission—a party to celebrate their graduation and both Andrew and I had been tasked in keeping our boyfriends occupied while Noah's parents, our friends and Jay were setting up.

Not only was this date just a way to keep Noah out of his house, but I also wanted to ask him to move in with me even if it was too soon.

"I can't believe I'm actually a high school graduate," Noah said with a smile and shake of his was as he took a sip of his iced coffee.

"I know," I agreed, "but how does it feel know that you'll never have to step foot in that building ever again?"

Noah laughed and leaned back in his chair. "It's liberating, to be honest. I've spent so many years in that place, and now I can finally move on to bigger and better things."

I took a deep breath, feeling my heart race. This was it. "Noah, there's something important I wanted to talk to you about," I started, my voice almost a whisper.

He leaned forward, giving me his full attention. "What is it?"

"Move in with me," I said getting straight to the point as there was no point in beating around the bush as they say.

His eyes widened, and he blinked in surprise. "Move in with you? Are you serious?"

I nodded, feeling the weight of my question settle in my chest. "Yes, I am serious. I know it might seem fast or unexpected, but I love you, and I can't imagine my future without you. I think it would be great for us to take this next step together."

Noah's expression softened, and a smile crept onto his face. "You really mean that, don't you?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of awe and joy.

I nodded again, my heart pounding in my chest. "I do. I want us to create a home together, to support each other through college and beyond. What do you think?"

He took a moment to think, as if weighing the possibilities. Then, he let out a laugh and leaned across the table, giving me a gentle kiss on the lips. "I think it's a fantastic idea," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "I love you too, and I want us to take this leap together."

Relief washed over me, and I smiled back at him, feeling a surge of happiness. "I'm so glad you feel the same way," I said, squeezing his hand once more.

As the date continued, we talked about the logistics of moving in together, the excitement of starting college in the fall, and our dreams for the future. The nervousness that had filled the air was replaced with a sense of anticipation and possibility.

Later that evening, as we made our way to Noah's house for the graduation party, hand in hand, we couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of togetherness. Moving in together might be a big step, but it was one we were both ready to take.

As we arrived at his house, greeted by the sound of laughter and music, we knew that this was just the beginning of a beautiful journey together. Graduation marked the end of one chapter in our lives, but it also symbolized the start of something new and exciting.

Noah's parents welcomed us with open arms when we entered the house, and we knew that our move-in plans would be met with their support. Smiling at each other, Noah and I joined our friends and family, ready to celebrate not just our graduation but also the love and future we had found in each other.

In that moment, I couldn't have asked for anything more. Our little date had turned into something much bigger, something that would shape our lives for years to come. And as we danced together, surrounded by the people we loved, I knew deep in my heart that asking Noah to move in with me was the best decision I had ever made.

Together, we would conquer the world.