𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 (𝘣𝘹𝘣)

fifty

a/n: i love angst sorry guys mwah mwah also i don't speak spanish i am relying on google translate so if it's off blame the internet

                                              * * *

Noah sighs as he buttons up his shirt. He'd made a promise to Benjamin, and his parents — and himself, really, that his mom going back into treatment wasn't going to send him spiraling again.

And, he's been doing okay. Just okay. He hasn't touched alcohol at all, and although he's called out of work a few times, he was still showing up.

And, after some long consideration and lots of talk with Benjamin and his father, he'd submitted his trade school application.

So, yeah. He's been doing okay. If he ignores the fact that his mom is looking sicker. If he ignores her pale skin and her thin hair. If he ignores that she's not as energetic as usual.

Noah is snapped out of his thoughts when he feels Benjamin's hands wrap around his waist. "Morning, bebes," Noah says, placing his hands over Benjamin's. "Sleep well?"

"Mhm," Benjamin rested his head on Noah's back. "You?"

"Yeah," Noah turns around, planting a kiss on Benjamin's forehead. "I thought you were off today."

"Hm. I am but Zach needs computer help," Benjamin yawns. "I told him I'm working pro-bono but he's paying for my lunch."

Noah chuckles a little. "So...not pro bono?" He hears his phone buzz against the dresser. "Could you grab that?"

"Sure," Benjamin's pulls out of Noah's embrace. "What's your day looking like?"

"Uh...Work. And...I'm gonna go see my Mom. She's home for a few days until her next treatment."

"That's good," Benjamin smiles before handing Noah his phone.

Noah thanks him quietly, opening up his email. He raises his eyebrows before smiling. "Oh shit. I got in. I got into the auto mechanic program."

"Oh my god!" Benjamin rushes over, snatching him into a hug. "Congratulations, baby!"

"Thank you," He says as he pulls away, scrolling down all of the information. "Fuck. That's cool."

* * *
Noah was excited to get into school. He felt like he wasn't doing much with his life. Especially being with his boyfriend— the robotics, steam, software engineer.

His shift at work went okay. His dad wasn't at the restaurant but he was surrounded by coworkers and family members. He was able to feel at peace.

Noah was in the store, looking around at the flowers. There weren't any roses out which suck because, they were his mom's favorite, and he wanted her to have what she liked.

He hums as he walks down the aisle, picking up a bouquet of pink flowers that reminded him of flower pots his abuela had all over her house.

After purchasing the flowers, he makes his way to his parent's house. He fumbled with his house keys, making his way into the house.

As he opens the door, he hears his parents talking.

"I don't want to!" He hears. It wasn't a yell, it wasn't a scream, but the inflection was annoyance. It was tired and it was upset.

"Selena-."

"No, José. I'm tired. I am just so tired and I...I don't want to do this anymore."

"But you're getting better."

"I don't feel better. I don't look better."

"Selena...I understand that you are tired and ...this last few years have been hell but you can't seriously be saying that. We've-," José lets out a breath. "We've come along so far and...You can't-."