[TD NoCo] Not So Hidden Desires

[Side Story 1]

"They're literally insane! Like who schedules times to beat their child??" Noah complained.

"That is crazy! My dad only hits me if I bother him! I can't imagine if he hit me for no reason!" Cody said.

"That's why I think you're lucky... I literally could not live with them any longer." Noah told him.

"I'm sorry you went through all that... gosh I'd rather be dirty and starving like usual."

"Yeah, I would too." Noah agreed.

"Well, I'm glad you agree since that's gonna be our life now." Cody let him know.

"Are you sure you're okay with letting me stay with you..?" Noah asked.

"Don't be stupid, Noah. From now on, let's be honest about our feelings, okay?"

"Yeah... I guess." Noah sighed.

Cody smiled at him. "You'll tell me if things get too hard for you, right?"

Noah looked at him.

Cody put a hand on Noah's cheek.

Noah closed his eyes and nodded.

Cody sighed in relief.

"I love you, Noah."

Noah stared at him. "I love you too..."

The door knocked and they turned to look.

Trent and Justin walked in.

"All good?" Trent asked.

"Yeah." Cody smiled.

Noah looked down.

"Thank God you're okay, Noah..." Justin said.

"Yeah, seriously..." Trent agreed.

Noah's cheeks pinked a bit. He felt embarrassed.

"When you're free to leave the hospital, let's hang out." Justin said.

"Yeah! We can meet up at my house or something and play video games." Trent added.

"And we'll order ice cream and pizza, right?" Cody asked excitedly.

"Of course!" Trent agreed.

"Yess!" Cody cheered.

Noah smiled a bit.

"I can't wait." Noah told them.

...............

"Okay..." The nurse started. "They told me to check your mental stability first, but..."

"I'm fine." Noah told her.

"Well, I know that's not true." The nurse said.

"It's okay! He'll be with me!" Cody assured her.

"That's somehow worse..." she said.

"He'll be fine. We'll take care of him." Trent said.

Justin gave her a wink.

"Yeah... fine. I'll write it off." She agreed.

"Thanks..." Noah said as he walked off.

They all left the hospital together.

Noah sighed and stretched. "I feel different."

"Is it the blood loss or the overdose high?" Justin joked.

Noah glared at him. "It's relief. Or freedom. I'm not sure which."