What It Cost

Night

The bathroom was softly lit, the faint hum of the overhead light filling the small, quiet space. Noah leaned against the counter beside the sink as Lilly began her nighttime ritual. He watched her for a moment before stepping aside, allowing her the space she needed.

Lilly reached for her oil cleanser, pumping the thick liquid into her hands. She worked it into her face, massaging it in slow circles, and the fresh scent filled the bathroom. Then, she stepped to the side, still rubbing the cleanser into her skin, to make room for Noah.

He moved in without a word, bending his tall frame over the sink to splash his face with water. Lilly's eyes flicked up to the mirror, her hands pausing mid-motion. Through the reflection, she couldn't help but watch him. The way the muscles in his forearms flexed as he rinsed his face to the water ran down his tattooed neck, dampening the collar of his shirt as it clung to his skin. A few strands of his dark hair fell loose, clinging to his forehead as he grabbed his towel and dried his face. She was hypnotized by him.

Noah caught her watching and smirked ever so slightly, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he stepped back, gesturing for her to take the sink again.

Lilly blinked, her cheeks warming slightly as she moved back in front of the mirror. She rinsed the oil cleanser off her face and reached for her water-based cleanser. Her eyes shut instinctively as she lathered it in her hands and began washing. After she rinsed her cleanser off, she reached blindly for her towel on the rack, struggling to feel for it.

Before she could find it, Noah plucked the towel from its hook and placed it gently in her hand. Their fingers brushed for a brief second, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Thanks," she mumbled into the towel, her voice muffled but sincere.

"You're welcome," he replied softly, his tone light and teasing.

Lilly hung her towel back up and glanced at Noah, who had already grabbed their toothbrushes. He handed hers to her without a word, then picked up the toothpaste. With a small grin, he added a generous dollop to his toothbrush and then hers. Their movements synchronized as they turned on the faucet to wet them.

As Noah lifted his toothbrush to his mouth, he paused, his grin widening mischievously. "Cheers," he said with a wink, lifting the brush as though proposing a toast.

Lilly blinked at him, momentarily caught off guard before a laugh bubbled out of her. "Um, cheers?" She said back, shaking her head at him as they both began brushing their teeth.

Noah's grin, half-hidden by the toothbrush, was contagious. Lilly tried to stifle her laughter, but his playful energy made it impossible. Soon, they were both giggling like kids, their attempts to brush properly devolving into muffled laughter.

When they finished brushing their teeth, Lilly leaned against the counter, her shoulders still shaking with amusement. "What the hell was that?" she asked, her tone exasperated but light.

Noah shrugged, his grin as wide as ever. "It felt right for the moment."

"You're ridiculous," she said, playfully swatting his arm.

Before she could pull her hand back, Noah caught her wrist gently. His palm was large and warm, enveloping her wrist completely, while his long fingers curled around it with ease, making her wrist seem even more delicate in comparison. He leaned in slightly, his smirk softening into something deeper, his face now just inches from hers. "Am I?" he asked, his voice low, almost teasing but laced with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.

Lilly's breath hitched, and her eyes flicked between his, searching for words that she couldn't find. The moment stretched and charged until she finally managed a shaky laugh and pulled her wrist free. "Yeah, you are," she said, her tone light but her cheeks warm.

"Well, you're welcome for the comic relief," his smirk returned.

Lilly shook her head, still blushing as she reached for her moisturizer. She applied it in small, deliberate motions, finishing with a swipe of lip balm. When she turned to face Noah, he was still watching her, his hands tucked casually into his pockets.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. There was an unspoken understanding that lingered in the air, heavy with meaning neither of them dared to say aloud.

Finally, Noah broke the silence. "You should call Tasha tomorrow before we take off," he suggested, his voice careful.

Lilly nodded, a flicker of guilt crossing her features. "Yeah. You're right."

Noah tilted his head slightly, his gaze softening. "You okay?"

She hesitated before nodding again. "I will be."

He smiled faintly, not pressing her further. "Ready for bed?"

"Yeah," she said, her voice quiet but steady.

Noah's lips quirked into a small smile as he looked down at her. He reached out and gently ruffled her hair, his touch light and affectionate. "Then let's get to bed," he said softly, his tone warm.

They walked out of the bathroom, stopping just outside the door.

"Good night, then," Noah said, waiting for her to turn to her room first.

"Good night, Noah," she replied, her lips curving into a small, tired smile.

They both turned to walk to their rooms opposite each other, but they stopped at their doors and turned to look at one another one last time. Noah gave her one last glance, his expression unreadable. Then, with a small nod, he disappeared into his room, leaving Lilly standing in the hallway for a moment longer.

As she finally turned toward her own door, she couldn't help but feel a mixture of happiness and confusion. The weight of the day's struggles eased as she thought about the moments they had shared that night.

Lilly climbed into bed and stared at the ceiling, her thoughts and heart still racing but with a steadier feeling. Noah's small gestures stayed with her as she drifted to sleep with a smile on her face.