#teen noah

[treacheryinblue]

Chapter 2/?

× Elysium (noun) : a place or condition of ideal happiness. type of: fictitious place, imaginary place, mythical place.

Word Count: 7.5k

A Noah Sebastian x OC Series

Masterlist

× Summary: Noah and his new found (sort of) friend, Persephone, battle the trivial ins and outs of being teenagers in a world that doesn't accept you. They survive together all the way into adulthood - with bouts of loneliness included - where the world is still a fickle bitch.

× Warnings!: language, violence, slowburn, friends to lovers to enemies back to friends, rinse and repeat (not even in that order), eventual smut, sexual themes, etc. Each chapter will have its own set of separate warnings.

× Author Notes: ( 1 ) Here's a long one for ya since I couldn't find a good cut off point! I also don't want to linger too long in the far past, so there will be time jumps coming up. ( 2 ) Don't forget that there will be no smut or sexual descriptions while Persephone is still a minor aka anytime before 2016. ( 3 ) I'm debating whether or not I want to share who I imagine Seph to look like. Hmm...

× Chapter Warnings!: language, brief sexual themes, massive bitchiness

SUMMER OF 2014

FRIDAY JULY 4th

PERSEPHONE

“You're so fucking embarrassing sometimes.”

The words angrily hissed took her by surprise, causing her to abruptly pull her hand away from his chest. Drunken eyes stared down at her, annoyance heavy within them. Persephone wasn't sure why she allowed herself to fall into this trap time and time again; maybe she was a glutton for punishment, or maybe she was just an idiot. 

“What?” Her brows furrowed, the confusion and offense written all over her previously joyful features. 

“It's like you always just have to be on me, and it's really fucking irritating. Clingy as shit.”

Oh, so that was the game Mason was trying to play? Real rich coming from the same guy who would death glare her all night if she wasn't lingering at his side. God forbid she spend too long talking to her friends or another guy approaches her, even if to just ask where the bathroom was. 

Typically, her reaction would be to scoff and walk away, but the couple extra drinks she had downed earlier…they were not working in her favor. Seph promptly closed her mouth, jaw clenching in an attempt to keep her lower lip from quivering. People were starting to look at them now, all because he had raised his voice a bit too much. Something told her that he was looking to cause a scene merely because he could. Why not knock her down a few pegs? 

“For fucks sake, Seph, don't start. Don't start that crying shit, seriously.” 

Persephone took a step back from him as her hand instinctively flew up to wipe her cheek of a stray tear. Fuck, why was she crying? Over Mason? He was definitely not someone for her to waste tears on, though her inebriated mind was currently telling her otherwise. 

A harsh laugh then echoed around her, starting with Mason and drifting along his couple of buddies that stood near them. Oh how badly she wanted to ring his stupid neck right then. Instead of giving that drastic of a reaction, she figured flinging what remained of her drink at him - cup and all - was the best course of action. Was it? Probably not. After all, this was Mason’s way of punishing her for how she didn't ‘back him up’ at Ruffilo’s days ago. 

Yeah, he was that kind of guy who just had to hold ridiculous grudges all because his ego was hurt. 

“The fuck?!” Mason exclaimed, followed by another rant of profanities, but Seph was already pushing her way out of the party.

And that's the story of how she had ended up in the passenger seat of Noah’s car an hour or so later. She had yet to divulge this information to him, and she honestly wasn't sure if she ever would. There was no reason for her to unload onto him, not when her issues were more than likely of no interest to him. No, she would hold it in, just as she did everything else weighing on her. 

“I'm sorry for all of this,” she eventually breathed out upon realizing they were sitting idle in front of her house. It was then that she finally looked over to where he sat, their eyes immediately meeting because Noah had been staring at her. Much to her surprise, he didn't quickly avert his gaze as he usually would when she caught him lingering a bit too long. 

“I’d usually wait until we've been friends for a couple of months before hyperventilating in front of you.” 

That was a bad attempt at a joke in hopes that it would lighten the mood. She even tossed in a small chuckle, just for the sake of it all. 

Thankfully, Noah followed suit with a soft laugh of his own. “Are you saying we're friends?” 

Ah, so he had jokes of his own. That was a relief. 

“Only when I need you to drive me home in the middle of the night, obviously.” 

They shared within the laughter together before the sounds slowly began to die down and they were left in a brief silence. Seph took this as being the perfect time to unclick her seatbelt, carefully feeding it back to where it would rest without too much unnecessary noise. 

“Nah, it's not a problem, for real. I'd rather drive you home than hear Nick write another song about nachos. His hidden talent is finding multiple words that rhyme with ‘salsa’.” 

Persephone tilted her head to the side at this, her face scrunching in confusion while another bout of laughter filled the car. “Salsa?” She repeated, head slowly shaking in disbelief. “I…can't even think of one.” 

“The guy has a gift! What can I say?”

“Pasta!” She then interrupted in a loud exclamation. This silly little conversation had caused her entire demeanor to perk up, all the thoughts of Mason and his asshole ways being pushed to the back of her mind. Good. That's where he belonged. 

“Mufasa!”

“...Mufasa?” 

“Yeah…from The Lion King?”

Well, now was a good time to let it be known that she had never seen The Lion King, or really any Disney movies aside from the princess ones. This probably explained a lot more about her adolescence than she was willing to admit. 

“You've never seen The Lion King? You've got to be shitting me. Where is your culture?” 

Most would assume that Noah’s words were harsh, but his tone fully said otherwise. He was still poking fun at her. Still lifting the mood the best to his abilities. Words couldn't even express how thankful she was for him at that moment. In response to his statement, Persephone shrugged while beginning to gather her bag that had been resting at her feet. 

“I guess you'll just have to show it to me sometime.” 

Wait…was she hitting on Noah? No, certainly not. Right? 

Before they could dive too deep into that, she was opening the door to his car and slipping out. “Thank you again,” she smiled as she stood within open view. Her fingers nervously tapped along the metal, their stares holding. With that, she nodded and closed the door. 

“Text me when you're home!” She heard herself calling out after bringing two fingers to her forehead to lazily salute him a goodnight.

Oh, that was a little embarrassing. Cheesy, even. 

“Get it together, Seph,” she muttered to herself while shuffling her keys around in her grasp in search of the one to her front door.  

SUNDAY JULY 19th

NOAH

It's kinda funny how a person you've never really spoken to in the past, can suddenly begin to take up so much of your time. They're a force that encompasses your waking moments, every spare hour involving them in some way, shape, or form. Take Persephone, for example. She had been coming to the restaurant a lot more with claims that it was the best place for her to study, though he barely saw her flip a page. Once his shift was over, he would end up in the booth with her, chatting away about nothing in particular. Nick would join in most of the time, but there were moments that he could sense his best friend was keeping his distance on purpose. 

When they weren't talking in person, they were through texts. Seph had a way of sending random messages throughout the day, the majority of them consisting of whatever thought was currently in her head. No matter how random or outlandish. Of course he didn't mind, though. Noah liked being that person for her. 

Then there were the rare occurrences when Seph would text him to come over. He had been nervous as fuck the first time this happened, even opting to not tell his friends about it just because he didn't want some lecture about ‘status’ again. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?), he never made it inside her house. They would hang out in his car, which he found rather odd, but Seph explained that it was comfortable to her. A happy place, for lack of a better term. How ironic given cars still terrified him. If they weren't in his car, then they were in her backyard. The land was just as he had imagined it to be: tall privacy fence, a massive pool, decent sitting areas, and of course a garden that surrounded the entire perimeter. It was leaps and bounds different from what he was used to. Seph revealed to him that the only thing she actually liked about it was the garden. The rest could ‘fall into a sinkhole for all she cared’. Her words, not his.  

“This is actually your band?” Seph had asked in awe one night after he came running at her call. She was laid back in the passenger seat of his Honda with only portions of her face illuminated by the street light, though it was enough for him to see the genuine interest displayed. 

“Yeah,” Noah laughed, thumb tapping rhythmically along with the beat against his steering wheel. “Why do you sound so surprised by that?” 

“I mean…” he continued before she could respond. “It's just a demo so the production is kind of shit, but we're working on tha-”

“Noah, take a breath.” 

Let's not talk about the way his name sounded on her lips. 

“I like it…believe it or not.” Persephone was now looking up to the roof of his car, her fingertips also strumming along to the beat on her chest. She looked almost peaceful, which was a little odd with the metalcore music currently blasting in the enclosed space. 

“Your voice is…well, I like it too.” 

With all of that being said, this is the part where his new friendship takes its first turn for the worst. 

It was mid-afternoon that Sunday when he spotted her a bit in the distance. Noah didn't want to admit that he could probably pick her out in a crowd within three seconds, but…he definitely could. There was just something about Persephone that drew the eye. She was sitting alone outside of one of those overpriced cafe sort of places, the kind that sell decent sandwiches and soups, but not when it came to the yearly salary you'd be forking out to enjoy it. Of course his first instinct was to approach her, but as his steps continued, Nick abruptly tugged him aside. 

“What the hell?” Noah looked to his best friend’s hand grabbing the sleeve of his shirt before glancing back in the direction they had been traveling. Seph was no longer alone, but accompanied by a man and a woman, those of which he assumed to be her parents. 

“I wouldn't, man.” Nick shook his head before motioning with a nod for them to head the opposite way. 

Noah just looked at him rather lost. Why couldn't he go say hi? 

As if he could read his mind, Nick heavily sighed, his eyes widening with an urgency that screamed 'let's fucking go’. But, as most know, Noah was stubborn. He was also a teenage boy that couldn't think clearly when a cool and pretty girl was involved. 

Nick didn't attempt another protest. He simply released Noah and stood back, allowing him to make his own idiotic mistakes. 

“Seph, hey,” he smiled while approaching the table she sat at with her family. Their conversation paused, all three now looking his way. Her parents appeared confused by the interruption, while Seph was…scared? Nervous? He couldn't quite place what emotion was currently on her face. 

“Sorry to interrupt, Nick and I were just walking and saw you. Figured I'd pop over.” Noah chuckled, his nerves really getting the best of him. What was this voice he was using? What was he saying? Jesus, was this how he was going to be in front of parents? 

“Oh, um…hey,” Seph ripped her eyes from him to glance at her parents, her hands falling to her lap. 

Noah could only assume she was right on the verge of scratching at her thigh. Shit. What had he done? 

“Ah…and you are?” The man spoke up first, his tone already filled with judgment. 

“He’s just a guy that works at that diner me and Maisie go to sometimes.” Seph replied before he could, quickly explaining away his presence. 

“Not the one that Maisie said was watching you that day, right?” Although Persephone’s mom tried to speak in a hushed tone, he heard her loud and clear. His so-called ‘friend' opened her mouth to speak, but nothing really came out but a syllable or two. Alright, he had seen enough already. No point in dragging out the torture. 

Noah was praying that no one else could overhear their conversation because he was already dying enough from embarrassment. Just a guy? The fact that that's how Seph would describe him was hurtful, though deep down he knew he shouldn't be surprised. After all, Nick had tried to warn him. 

“I actually just wanted to let you know, since you're a frequent patron, that we're going to be closed for the next…” he briefly paused to think. “Well…indefinitely. So, yeah, no need to stop in or anything.”

They were all looking at him odd now. Seph herself had squinted her eyes at him in further confusion, though he was sure she would eventually figure out what he was trying to say. She was smart. She could decipher the message. 

“Honestly, you should probably walk on the opposite side of the street for a while. Don't even go near the building because…there's going to be construction and all that shit happening.” Long legs walked him back a couple of feet as the words continued to spew from him. He probably should've stopped while he was ahead, but his anger was getting the best of him. With that, Noah took one last look at Seph and then turned to collect Nick so they could get the hell out of there.

“Not a fucking word,” he snapped at his friend through slightly gritted teeth. 

WEDNESDAY JULY 22nd

PERSEPHONE

How exactly do you apologize to someone while also having to explain that you're just an asshole? That's the current predicament she was in. 

Only three days had passed since her parents' first encounter with Noah, and each day she felt worse and worse. She should've handled it better. She should've been nicer. She should've been a goddamn friend, but no. All she was concerned with was avoiding judgment filled conversations with her parents. Those were usually the only talks they would have to begin with, so she didn't want to add fuel to their fire. Not when they were already on her case about literally everything else. 

Was it worth it?

No. 

“Jesus, your room is a disaster.” 

Seph looked up from her phone, her thumbs halting their hovering dance over the keyboard as she tried to put her thoughts into words. It just wasn't happening. Maisie now had her attention, as did the disgusted look she wore. Okay, so maybe her room had gone a little downhill in the last week or so. It was typically pristine, the kind of room where everything had a proper place. But now? Well, the floor was littered with clothes - both clean and dirty - and the studies her parents forced her to do over the summer were scattered across her desk. Don’t ask. It was some ‘extended education’ program her father had taken a liking to when he was in Japan the previous year. 

“You're going to have it straightened before your party, right?” 

Taking a deep breath, she nodded at her best friend’s scolding. “Yes, mom, I'm going to have it clean by this weekend.” 

Maisie flashed a smug grin before her gaze lowered down to the phone Seph still held. Her brow quirked curiously, a few steps now being taken closer to where she sat atop her bed. 

“Are you texting my brother?”

Gross, definitely not. They had barely spoken since the incident on the Fourth, and that's basically how she wanted to keep it. She would play nice when it came to parties and what not, but socializing outside of that? Not happening. She was done letting Mason walk all over her. 

“Nosy much?” To cut the impending tension, Persephone smiled and then tossed her phone aside in a nonchalant manner. She wanted to show that whatever she was doing on her phone wasn't important. 

Maisie shrugged, her greedy fingers sifting through the clothes hanging in her closet. “Just wondering since he's been kinda weird since you two had your little spat.” 

“It wasn't a spat,” she quickly retorted. 

“Oh my god, you know what I mean.” Maisie rolled her eyes, following it with a heavy sigh of faint annoyance. “He was an ass but you know how he is already.” 

Persephone wanted to challenge her statement. Just because Mason was a known jackass, that meant he could talk down to her in front of all of their friends? That logic didn't add up. 

Note to self: don't use that excuse when apologizing to Noah. 

“What are you wearing this weekend?” Maisie was focused back on her wardrobe, the important topics left behind to never be picked up again. 

Before she could respond, she heard her mother's voice calling up the staircase to her. She released a sigh of her own, holding a finger up to Maisie that told her to ���hold on’ as she tended to the woman’s requests. 

“Be right back, gotta see what the snow queen wants.” 

Disappearing down to the main floor of her house, she was none the wiser to Maisie growing increasingly curious about the contents of her phone. It took less than ten seconds for her friend to figure out the password to her phone, and then only an extra minute to see all the messages exchanged recently with Noah that she needed to. If you were to ask Maisie, she would say she had hit the jackpot. 

Upon her return, Maisie was back in her closet, though she was now going through the multitude of bathing suits she owned. 

“I don't know why she insists on going over the 'ground rules’ every time she and my dad take a trip. It's literally every week. Like I could ever forget.”

Persephone huffed as she approached the large walk in closet, a hand resting on her hip. She gave her best friend a puzzled look since she was holding up a rather skimpy bikini set she hadn't even ripped the tags off of yet. 

“You should wear this one to the party.” Maisie shifted it in front of her, pretending to imagine how it would look before giving a satisfied nod. 

“You see those tags? Yeah, those are still there because my parents would literally murder me if they ever caught me in that.” 

“So? They're not going to be here. What they don't know won't hurt them.” 

Seph pursed her lips in thought, briefly studying the high cut cheeky bikini bottom. Would she even feel comfortable wearing it in front of a large group? 

“Ugh, what's been up with you, Seph? You're such a buzzkill lately.” 

Right, because when she wasn't constantly on, that meant something was wrong. When she just wanted to sit around and not hang out, that automatically meant she was boring and bland. How could she have forgotten? 

“Fuck you,” Seph forced a laugh while snatching the bathing suit from Maisie’s outstretched hand. 

“Atta girl.”

SATURDAY JULY 25th

“Shoootttsss!!” Maisie’s voice erupted across the backyard. 

Persephone grimaced as soon as she tossed her head back and the horrid alcohol met her tongue. Her face scrunched in disgust, though she was quick to bring her cup filled with fruit punch up to chase it down. 

Fuck, that was gross. The trick, or so she had been told, was to just take another shot immediately after, though. Why? Because the burn was already lessened from the first one. Duh. So, that's what she did. 

The party was already thriving and it wasn't even ten yet. This was definitely her most successful one of the summer, and she would be lying if she said she didn't feel a little proud. Everyone loved having their ego stroked every now and then. But even with all the people she was surrounding herself with, she couldn't fight the urge of just wanting to be curled up alone. Maybe a movie playing in the background to drown out the static in her head. 

If only. 

With some Top 40 pop song on the speakers, Maisie grabbed her hand and immediately pulled her closer. They were all laughs as they danced and sang along together, just as they typically did at parties. It was nice to not have to worry about Mason getting mad at her all because she was trying to have fun. After the week she had, she deserved it. And it was also an added plus  to have a seemingly normal interaction with Maisie. Maybe things weren't as fragile between them as she was beginning to think. Why she cared so much was a mystery, though. 

And no, she still hadn't figured out the best way to apologize to Noah. 

That was just one more thing she wasn't trying to dwell on. Seph wanted to enjoy herself. She wanted to let loose for the first time in what felt like weeks without all of her worries crashing down upon her. College applications? Pft, right to the back of her mind. Her parents? They were locked there with the former. Noah? Okay…that one was a little harder to forget about it, even just for a moment. 

It became even harder when she flipped her hair out of her face and took a glance across the lawn, her honey eyes landing straight on the tall figure who had been occupying her thoughts. He was accompanied by a few other guys, all of them looking fully out of place. Well, except for the shortest one who held a goofy grin and already had a beer in his hand. 

“Noah?” Her dancing slowed before coming to a complete stop as she murmured his name to herself. A part of her wasn't even sure if he was real, or if her slightly drunk brain was playing tricks on her. 

Maisie eventually paused as well once she realized her dance partner was now much more interested in something else. It was hard for her to hide her smirk as phase one of her plan fell perfectly into place. Guess that proved Seph wasn't seeing things. 

“Oh! I invited him! Told him to bring people!” Maisie exclaimed loud enough to be heard over the music. “You two are friends, yeah? I thought it would be fun!”

Her bitch of a best friend sure did look rather proud of herself. So much for things not being fragile.

Seph carefully dislodged herself from the other as to not raise concerns of her tanking mood. She wasn't upset to see Noah. No, it was actually quite the opposite. She wanted to see his face again, but she didn't want it to be like this. Maisie obviously had something up her sleeve and she truly didn't want Noah getting caught in the crossfire of it all. Out of everyone she knew, he was the least deserving of such pettiness. 

Without even another glance to her ‘friend', she casually strolled up to the group of tattooed guys, slowly sipping from the drink she was nursing. Seph wanted to appear relaxed, though she was sure Noah could feel the anxiety that was coming off of her in waves. He always had a knack for doing so. 

“This place is niiiice.” The shorter guy she didn't recognize complimented as soon as she was in earshot. She smiled the best she could, nodding to his words. 

“Yeah, make yourself at home.” Seph motioned back to the party playing out all around them, from the drinking games to the pool, she was giving them freedom to it all. “Go crazy.” 

Three of them were quick to scurry away, but of course Nick lingered. He looked just as much on edge as Noah did, though she assumed it had nothing to do with the party and more so her. But still, they made eye contact and she offered a smile to show her harmless intentions. 

“Look, I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt this time.” Nick took a slight step towards her, though it wasn't to intimidate her. She knew he just wanted to show that he was protective over his best friend. Honestly, Seph wished she had a friend like him. 

But you did, and you ruined it. 

With her smile lingering, she nodded in understanding. “You're a peach. Now go.” 

With Nick joining in on the fun, this left just her and Noah standing awkwardly together. She could feel people staring at them, and because of this she made sure her stance was casual. Just two people talking at a party. Nothing more to it. Seph really did wish she didn't care so much about the thoughts of other people. It was exhausting, to say the least. Her own brain was always running at full speed, worrying internally about if she looked okay or if her clothes were good enough, or if she was smart enough. It was never ending. 

“Hi.” She was looking up at him, though Noah was glancing elsewhere. He was scoping out the party, taking note of the faces and all the different commotions happening. 

When he didn’t say anything, she took in a deep breath, a swallow of her to drink to follow. “Can we talk?” She finally asked, the question drawing his attention. Noah pushed his hair back from his face, and she couldn't help but to wonder if he was purposely taking his time with responding. 

“I think I'm going to enjoy the party for a bit.” 

Then he was gone, gently slipping by her to find his friends at a beer pong set up on the opposite side of the pool. 

What the hell just happened? Had Noah really been the one to walk away from her? 

No, that's not the mindset she was going to have. 

Alright, so maybe she did deserve that at the very least. 

NOAH

“I did it,” he announced in a hushed tone to Nick as he approached his side of the long table. His friend glanced at him, but his main focus was on the cups set up on the opposite end of the table where Folio and some random party goer stood. 

“She asked if we could talk and I didn't give in.”

“Dude, see? I knew you could do it.” 

It’s important to let it be known that Nick didn't dislike Seph…not completely. He sure as hell didn't like the bullshit she was putting Noah through but there was a part of him that kind of understood. The social status around here, especially at their ages, was greatly discussed and worried over. Seph was merely a product of her environment, though anyone who truly spoke to her would be able to tell that she wasn't one of those uptight types. Sure, she had her moments, but they all did. They were all guilty of following the status quo. 

“Shit,” Nick winced as the ball he had tossed bounced off the rim of a back cup, forcing Folio to go running for it. 

“You’re fucking terrible at this,” he laughed at his best friend before nudging him over a bit so he could see straight down the table. Once it was their turn again, Noah sank two of the ping pong balls with ease, leading them closer to their first victory of the night. 

For most of the night, the majority of the people at the party kept their distance. Noah couldn't shit on them for it because he would've done the same had their roles been reversed. With that being said, there were a handful of Richmond elites who were actually kind of decent. They'd all chat, drink, partake in games to do more drinking, there were even some laughs tossed in. That didn't mean Noah was too distracted throughout the night to not notice Persephone. As he had stated before: she had a way of drawing the eye. 

“A band?!” 

Noah looked back to see Folio chatting it up with some dark haired girl who wore an expression of pure excitement. Her hand was on his bicep and he was leaning in closer than necessary, which told Noah all he needed to know. Good on him. 

Chuckling to himself, Noah shook his head before taking another swallow from the beer he had been working on. He wanted to take the drinking slow that night, especially since he knew he would eventually fall victim to Seph's request of them talking. He could only remain strong and stoic for so long when it came to her. 

And as if on cue, his name being called by the girl in question garnered his attention. 

“Noaahhh,” she spoke in a sing-song type of voice. His eyes dropped down to where he found Seph lounging in the shallow end of the pool, her arms folded across the ledge with her chin resting atop them. She was looking at him, a smile tugging slightly at the corners of her lips, though her eyes appeared a little dazed. 

Obviously Seph was no longer walking in the realm of the sober. 

“You should get in,” she requested, beckoning him forward with a bend of her finger. 

Noah laughed and his free hand rubbed along his chest with a playful taunt. “Oh no, believe me, no one wants to see this pale string bean glowing in the moonlight.” 

It took Seph a moment to process his words - more than likely trying to determine what he meant - but once she had it, she rolled her eyes at him in an equally playful manner. “Maybe I do,” he heard her mutter, though it was mostly drowned out by the sound of someone cannon-balling into the deep end. So, he decided to leave the topic alone. 

Persephone then moved along the edge of the pool until she reached the steps that would lead her out. He had to quickly look away as she emerged from the water because the swimsuit she was adorned in left very little to the imagination. And goddamn, did he have a wild imagination at times. As much as he wanted to stare, he also wanted to be respectful. No way was he going to let himself fall into the same fuckboy category as the other guys who were openly checking her out. 

“You okay?” She laughed while approaching him, a towel now in her grasp that she was using to dry the upper portions of her body. 

No, he was fucking not okay. He was currently trying to fight off every teenage urge he had, but thanks for asking. 

“Yeah, I'm good. The party is dope, Seph. Thank your friend for the invite.”

Noah could sense her brief shift of emotions. The smile she wore faltered at the mention of the invite, though she was quick to cover it by walking by him to snag her shorts from a lounge chair. 

Oh thank god, she was going to cover up before he lost his mind. 

“I'll definitely be sure to let her know.”

Was there some animosity in those words of hers? He figured it was nothing, so he didn't press the topic. Plus, he was sure he wouldn't get much information out of her when she was in her current state. While Seph probably thought she was composing herself pretty well, he was very much aware of the slight sway in her stance and the way she had to take a moment before placing her second leg into her shorts and pulling them up. 

“Let's get a snack.”

Again motioning for him to follow her, Noah couldn't think of a reason not to this time. It wasn't like he didn't want to, though he was still trying to keep a distance between them after what had happened. But, much to his dismay, he couldn't deny her again. Noah would give her the damn world on a serving dish if he had the ability to. 

Now inside the house, he noticed it was much tamer compared to outside. There was no music playing, only the residual sound of what was thumping through the speakers outside drifting in. A few people lounged around on the couch and on the floor, all of them watching whatever movie was playing on the large television.  None of them were even concerned about the couple making out on a chair. Huh, okay then. 

“Cookie?”

Noah turned just in time to see Seph extending a hand out to him, a brightly sprinkled cookie in her grasp. He was going to say no, but the look she had in her eyes as she bit into the snack of her own was all he needed to change his mind. Chuckling under his breath, he took the cookie from her, but didn't yet dive into it. 

“What did you want to talk about earlier?” 

Okay, so he knew this conversation was probably going to go nowhere since alcohol was involved but he was still curious. How was she going to explain away the little encounter with her parents? He couldn't wait to hear it. 

Seph opened her mouth, but the back door opening cut her off before she could say anything. In walked a couple of girls, each of them shuffling into the living room with a fit of giggles. It only took this happening one more time before the girl in front of him huffed with annoyance, her hands thrown up in defeat. 

“Let's just go upstairs. People know it's off limits so it'll be quieter.” 

There were alarm bells going off in his head, but Seph didn't wait for him to respond. She was already exiting the kitchen with the assumption he would follow her…which he did. Going upstairs was a bad idea. Being alone upstairs was an even worse idea. Every logical brain cell was screaming at him to turn around and go find his friends, but what did he do? Sure as hell not that. No, he continued to trail behind her, right into her bedroom. 

PERSEPHONE

“I'm sorry,” she suddenly blurted out as soon as she had closed the door a bit behind them.

“I was an asshole the other day and I've been trying to figure out how to apologize all week but nothing felt right or sounded right. My parents are just…really strict and hard on me…I know that's not an excuse but I didn't want them to have the chance to offend you.” 

The words were coming from her a mile a minute, every thought in her head just exiting without a care in the world. Noah remained still through it all, allowing her as much time as she needed to get it all out. 

“They know how to ruin everything they don't approve of, you know? Always an opinion about the things I do, how I dress, what I eat…it's really fucking annoying. They suck the fun and excitement out of everything! The last thing I wanted was for them to have that power about you too.” 

Seph abruptly stopped in front of him when she realized she had been pacing back and forth. She took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled, as if that would help calm the overbearing thoughts spinning within her head. 

“Why even give them the ability to do that?”

“I don't give it to them,” she tried to explain. “I just don't have any way of stopping them from doing it. They're my parents, Noah. I need them, at least for the next couple of years.” 

They shared a long stare, neither speaking for a moment. She knew Noah was trying to comprehend what she was saying, but just like everyone else, he wouldn't be able to. People figured that she was perfect, inside and out, all because she had rich parents and the means to do anything she wanted. In reality, she was far from perfect and kept on a short leash, despite what the fun parties projected. It was all just a part of what she wanted the outside world to see. 

Seph took a step forward, nearly tripping over her own feet as she did. Thankfully, Noah was quick to grab onto her arm, this being the only thing that kept her from toppling down to the floor. 

“Whoa, careful. Let's sit you down.” He guided her to the edge of her bed where she heavily dropped herself, pulling him down along with her so he was sitting too. 

“I'm sorry, Noah,” she repeated again, this time her voice cracking from all the emotions now swelling within her. “I messed up, I know. Please just say you forgive me, though.”

“Yeah, Seph, yes, I forgive you. It's whatever. Let me get you some water, though.” 

There was a rush of relief that suddenly washed through her as soon as he said those words. Maybe it was just because she was drunk, but that was the best thing she had heard all week. Her arms immediately circled around the back of his neck, pulling herself close against him for a hug that kept them flush against each other. Seph could feel Noah’s hesitancy from the way his body froze and tensed, clearly not expecting the affection. Eventually, his hands stopped hovering and finally laid light as a feather on her waist. Her skin was bare still, since she hadn't fully redressed from the dip in the pool, so it was probably obvious when chills formed over the areas he touched. 

Persephone pulled back the slightest amount, just enough so her eyes could find his. She glanced between them only for a brief moment, and then her lips were abruptly crashing against his. Again, she felt him hesitate, even going so far as to break the kiss to murmur something about her being drunk, but she couldn't stop herself from closing the space once more. Seph untangled her arms from the back of his neck so that her hands could slide around his jaw, both deepening the kiss and making sure no room remained between them. All she wanted was Noah as close as humanly possible right then. She could feel his grip tighten on her waist and then his fingertips were dragging down along her lower back, pausing when he came into contact with the material of her shorts. 

Hands that previously held his face started their trek downwards, reaching and tugging at his shirt as a silent way of saying that she wanted it off. Noah was thankfully able to pick up on what she was saying, and soon his t-shirt was being tossed aside. That was much better. Now she could really feel him and the heat he radiated. 

Things were moving faster than she had anticipated and a little voice inside of her was telling her it was best to stop. It wouldn't be good for her first time to be when she was drunk and had loads of people in her backyard still. Those were the only regrets she would have, though. Noah would definitely not be one of them. 

“This is golden, Seph. Really.” 

The unexpected voice caused her to jump and part ways from Noah as he did the same in unison. He had somehow hopped up to his feet in record time, his back to the intruder so he could adjust himself and also pull his shirt back on. 

Maisie stood in the doorway with a devious smirk, and her phone out and pointed directly at them. “Oh, no, don't stop on my account. It was just getting good.” 

“What the actual fuck?” Seph exclaimed while standing from the bed and rushing towards the girl, just before making a vain attempt at snatching her phone away. Of course she wasn't successful. “Did you just record us? What is wrong with you?”  

A fit of laughter exploded from her, the phone now being held back and out of reach. “What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you? Has your self esteem really dipped so low that you have to entertain trash to feel better about yourself?” 

Seph scoffed in disbelief, her mouth falling open in shock for what Maisie was saying. “Don't talk about him like that. Say whatever you want about me, but leave Noah out of this.” 

“Why? So he can see how nice of a person you are? So you can continue to fool him into thinking you're one of the good ones? Spare me, Seph!” 

Maisie now averted her gaze to Noah who was decent again and looking back and forth at the two girls in utter confusion. She gave him a pitiful look, one that was obviously mocking. “Seph here is just as mean as the rest of us. That hasn't changed just because she's become dull and boring within the last year. How else do you think we've been friends for so long?”

“Shut up, Maisie.” 

“We're one in the same, baby.” 

Seph made another attempt at grabbing her phone, but Maisie pushed against her chest to keep the distance intact. 

“Give me the phone. This isn't funny. Just delete it!” 

“I think I'll show Mason first, just because it'll be funny to torment him about how long he's been trying to get into your pants when Noah over here almost succeeds in less than a month.” 

Maisie really appeared to be enjoying this. She was smiling and laughing, all of these reactions quite genuine for her. She was obviously sick and cruel - two things Seph would never stoop to. No matter how much Maisie claimed they were the same. 

“Oh! Your parents!” Maisie gasped with her sudden realization, her face further lighting up. “They'd probably love to see what their little angel is up to when they're gone too.” 

Noah was at her side, his hand firmly grabbing her arm that she hadn't realized was topped with a balled up fist. Honestly, he should've just let her hit Maisie and ruin the nose job her parents gifted her the year before. That surely would've ended in their victory right away. But no, Noah had to make sure she wasn't further incriminating herself. 

“Why are you even doing this? What the hell have I ever done to you? What has Noah done to you?” 

“Just go, Maisie. You got what you wanted, so leave.” Noah and her spoke on top of each other, each of them searching for different outcomes. 

Maisie squinted at him, her brows then raising as if she was taken back by him even speaking to her. “This doesn't concern you, Noah. It's not about you. You're just collateral damage.” 

“I want my best friend back.” 

This time, it was Seph’s turn to break out into laughter. Was she being fucking serious? All of this was happening because she missed her? God, Maisie couldn't be anymore fucked up. 

“Get out,” she spoke through gritted teeth. “Get out! Tell everyone to get the fuck out!”

Seph slammed the door, causing herself to stumble back a bit from the force. Tears began welling in her eyes, though she was trying her best to blink them away. Maisie wasn't a bluffer. She would do exactly as she had said, and then what? It wasn't Mason that she gave a shit about, but her parents. Their potential reaction was what terrified her. 

Stepping deeper into her room and further away from Noah - who was trying his best to comfort her but she couldn't make out the words - she dropped her face into the palms of her hands. Her shoulders began to lightly shake with her sobs, everything just becoming too much at once. The alcohol coursing through her system definitely didn't help. 

“Seph…” Noah cooed in a soothing tone, his hand coming up to rest upon her shoulder. “Hey, it's going to be okay. Do you want me to get her phone? I will, I'll -”

“Nothing is okay!” Persephone shrugged away from his touch, quickly turning to look directly at him. “Everything is fucked, Noah! Do you not get that?!” 

The only person she truly cared about appeared as if he had just been slapped in the face. He blinked at her, shocked by the fact that her anger was being directed towards him now. Persephone felt bad, she really did, but everything else she was feeling overpowered that and took charge. 

“Just…go, Noah.” She spoke in a calmer tone after having taken a deep breath, her voice still wavering. 

“I'm not going to go, Seph. Stop. Let me help.” 

“I don't need your help!” Rushing towards her bedroom door, she threw it open just so she could motion for him to go through it. “Please, just go.” 

Had Persephone known that this would be the last conversation she would have with Noah for months, she never would've ended it like that. 

It was one of her many regrets on the ever growing list.

CHAPTER THREE JUMP

[nothatsmi]

CW: MCR :)

'Cause I love all the poison away with the boys in the band

Okay so this one is L O N G- Don't question the format I'm trying new things.

Aftg, it's been a while! Almost got a full playlist of song that would match aftg and that I would love to animate, unfortunately I have exams to pass (3rd year art school film incoming) so this is a kind of compromise.

[jessmalia]

Mal's Teen Wolf rewatch: The Tell (1x05)

[histerek]

Stiles: [sobbing bc he can’t save the puppy* who is going to FREEZE in the cold]

Claudia and John, who know this is absolutely NOT a dog: [trying to wrestle the pup out of Stiles��� deceptively strong three-year-old grip]

*Derek, not a puppy but a wolf cub who is admittedly tiny for his age: [head empty no thoughts, enjoying the scent and warmth of Stiles’ scarf]

Talia, watching this all go down behind a tree: [plotting how to save her son for the FIFTH TIME THIS SKI SEASON who she’s beginning to suspect doesn’t want to be saved]

[ethreal-men]

I’m under the covers idk why he cropped me out

[incorrect-teenwolf-quotes]

Noah: You haven't been practicing your Polish, I can tell

Stiles: Nie, nie jestem, widzisz. jestem w ciąży

Noah: You just told me you're pregnant

Derek: Congratulations, you're glowing

[fanaticloser]

Do you guys remember this family portrait Derek, Stiles and Sheriff Stilinski

I need them to remake it with Eli.

[twdxtrevor]

I hate that what he went through was so overlooked . .

[pkrosche]

Teen Wolf Incorrect Text Posts 10/?

[celestialvoid-fanfiction]

I refuse to believe that Sheriff Stilinski would respond to the call and arrive at the Hale house to find it on fire and not run in to try and save them.

I whole heartedly believe that Sheriff Stilinski ran into the Hale House when it was up in flames and got burnt because of it.

In fact, there is one character who was canonically in the house when it was on fire but not in the house when it collapsed/when everyone else died.

Peter.

Sheriff Stilinski got Peter out but before he could go back for anyone else, the house collapsed.

This is my headcanon now and I will die on his hill.

[salemsvlog]

I just know that the residents of BH thought that Eli was somehow the biological son of Stiles AND a Derek at the same time.

People there had seen the craziest shit per week. they just saw that little replica of Stiles running around the station playing hide and seek with the Sheriff while Derek is in work and where like “Yeah, that checks out”.

[mxflora]

just want to express my adoration for this scene cuz Melissa and Noah are such an iconic duo

[jessmalia]

Mal's Teen Wolf rewatch: Shape Shifted (2x02)

[stilinskiderek]

all you have to do is keep it running. just keep it going.

[incorrectquotes-multiphandom]

[incorrect-teenwolf-quotes]

Noah: Gentlemen, you're not gonna sit here *places pistol down on desk*

Noah: And pretend there's not a big-ass elephant in the room.

Jordan:*confused* What the fuck is going on?

Noah: *turns picture frame on desk around, revealing a photo of Stiles This is what the fuck is going on!

Jordan: *looks at the picture confused, looks at Derek, then back at the picture as he realizes* OH SHIT! Oh Shit! *laughs hysterically at Derek*

Jordan: Oh shit! No! That is not happening right now!

Jordan: No!

Jordan: Hey ya'll he's fucking the sheriff's son! Yo! Oh my FUCK!

Noah: Every time, he says that shit? That's another foot in your ass!

Jordan: Derek! You clearly... yo, this is the best thing ever!

Jordan: *singing* Derek fucked the sheriff's son!

Jordan: *still singing* Derek fucked the sheriff's son!! Derek fucked the sheriff's son

Jordan: *reenters office* Shit! Fuck! You fucked Sheriff Stilinski's son!!

Noah: *picks pistol up and places it back on the desk, with the barrel facing Jordan*

Jordan:.....It's really not that funny.

Derek: Fuck you Parrish