9

Chapter Nine - Fae

I grab my coat and bag before opening the door to head out for the evening only to come face to face with a determined Lilah. She shoulders me back inside before kicking the door shut and I plop back down on my couch with a defeated sigh. Dammit! I knew I should've snuck out earlier! I think to myself.

"You're going."

"But I don't want to." I whine as she snatches my things from me.

Apparently the hockey team are throwing a costume party celebrating their win from Friday. Lilah has been pestering me all week about going since the captain is loaded and it's being thrown at his "mansion of a house." Her words not mine.

"Look your birthday is next week so we should start celebrating early! Come on Faye, it'll be so much fun." She pleads as she stands before me with her hands on her hips.

"I don't even have a costume."

"Jess has sorted us all out." She replies with a smug smile. "You're going to go as a fairy."

"No."

"Yes! Your name literally means fairy so it'll be cute!" She yanks me up before pushing me into my bedroom.

"Lilah..." I trail off when she returns with bags full of our costumes, makeup and god knows what else.

She takes one look at me before sighing. "Alright I won't force you. It's not your thing and I respect that. But I just want to reassure you that if you do decide to come I'll keep an eye on you the whole night, fight off any guys you're not comfortable dancing with, watch your drinks and replace them with apple juice as soon as you're too drunk."

That makes me smile and I thank my lucky stars that I found a friend like her. "You've thought it all out huh?"

"Of course! You're the last one out of our group to finally turn eighteen! I need to make sure you have fun." She winks before shooting me an expectant look. "So? Will you come with us?"

"Oh, alright." I nod but yelp in surprise when she all but pounces on me in excitement.

"You're going to have the best night!" She squeals happily before dumping out everything in her bags onto my bed. "Let's get ready! We've got a lot to do!"

"What are you dressing up as?"

"Daphne from Scooby Doo." She rolls her eyes as she separates the makeup from the clothes. "I told Soren about the party and he wants me to dress up as her which doesn't even make sense since I don't have a Fred."

"It's still a cute costume." I grin as she throws a towel at me and orders me to go shower.

What Lilah doesn't know is that her boyfriend, Soren, is going to be joining us dressed up as Fred. He texted me a few days ago telling me of his plan to surprise her over this weekend and I'm excited for him to arrive today.

After finding out the date the party I had texted him our building's address and directions so that he can come straight here. I've spoken to him a few times when he's facetimed Lilah and he's the sweetest guy. They're high school sweethearts and I'm glad Lilah's happy with him.

I take a quick shower before Lilah starts on my makeup and hair. My outfit is a gold feathered and strapless dress with pretty wings to match. Jess really outdid herself because Lilah tells me she spent some time on them to make them look less store bought. She even got me a crown to wear that looks like it's made from branches.

"She found pointy ears too! Look!" Lilah grabs them off the table to hand me one.

"Wow! These are cool!" I smile as I place it against my ear to see how they'd look. "What are the others dressing as?"

She hands me a drink telling me that we're starting early. I down it under her instructions but regret it when I wince straight after due to the burn. She hands me an apple juice box next with a sweet smile that I just shake my head at in amusement.

"Jess and Shane are going as Mister and Misses Smith. Cruz and Mia are dressing up as angels, he'll be a fallen angel." She explains as she works on giving me a foxy eye. "Last I heard Dakota is going to be Fred Flintstone."

"Aw, that's cute!" I exclaim before taking a sip of some sort of cocktail she's made. "Lilah, this is disgusting!"

"I hear he's seeing someone." She whispers, even though there's no need to, and takes a big gulp of the drink only to scrunch her nose in distaste.

"No way?!" My jaw drops in surprise purely because Dakota is the more private person of our group. "Where did you hear that?"

"Kane, who else? He knows shit about everyone!" She shakes her head with a smile. "So, don't be surprised if you see a Wilma right next to our little Fred."

"What's Kane going as?"

"Mister Incredible of course." She rolls her eyes playfully. "It was either that or a chicken."

"You're kidding?"

"I wish I were honey." She chuckles as she finishes up so that I can start on my hair. "I'm going to do my hair too but once I'm done could you do my makeup?"

"Sure, any ideas of what I could do for the eyes?"

She shows me a picture and we finish getting ready just as the sun goes down. She puts her heels on before turning to me with a pointed look. "You didn't ask about Noah."

"Because he's been rambling about going as Iron Man for the past week." I snort as she helps me with the fake fairy ears. "He's good friends with one of the guys from the hockey team who's going as Captain America."

"Sounds like they're made for each other." She snickers before we grab our bags. "Dakota's waiting downstairs so let's go. You've got everything?"

"Yep!" I reply as I lock the door before following her to the lift.

We make it downstairs to find Dakota climbing the steps and once he spots us he looks like a deer caught in headlights. He rushes up to us and hands us twenty bucks each before yanking Lilah's hand down when she starts waving at the girl in his car.

"What's her name?"

"Zara." He narrows his eyes at her before nodding at the money. "That's for you not to embarrass me tonight because we've only been on like two dates and I can't have you guys scaring her away."

"I would never!" She gasps before pinching his cheeks. "Our little baby's finally growing up!"

Even I fight the urge to smile when he blushes cutely. "I hate you. Faye, I know you won't do shit but the twenty bucks are to stop you from giving into Lilah's plans okay?"

"Don't worry Dakota." I laugh as I loop my arms through both of theirs and lead us down the steps. "You're going to be just fine and none of us will embarrass you."

"Thank you!" He whispers as he hugs me tightly before getting into the driver's seat.

He looks back at me knowingly from the window as I stop Lilah from opening the door. "Lilah...you forgot someone else."

"Who?" She frowns in confusion before her eyes widen when I point at Soren standing by the corner of the building. "Oh my god! Wha – How?!"

"Never mind that! Go!" I laugh as I grab her bag before she rushes towards him.

I hear her surprise over his matching costume as I get in the car and we watch as Soren lifts her up into a hug. We let them have a few minutes together and I get to know Zara a little bit before they join us. Like Lilah said she's dressed up as Wilma Flintstone and I end up having to slap my hand over Lilah's mouth when she squeals. Dakota's eyes meet mine briefly in the rearview mirror and he shakes his head in despair when I shoot him a thumbs up.

This is going to be a long night.

***

Noah Jackson's P.O.V.

"This costume is starting to get real fucking itchy!" Kane whines as he scratches his chest. "Maybe I should take it off."

"And what? Just roam around in your boxers?" I shoot him a horrified look as I hand him a drink.

"I bet the ladies would love it."

"I can guarantee you that they wouldn't." I deadpan as I look around for our other friends but mostly Faye since I heard she ended up agreeing to come.

"Cruz just texted me back. They're all on the other side of the dance floor." Kane reads from his phone.

"Let's head there then."

We make our way through the crowd of people and eventually find our friends by the bay window overlooking the pool. I take off my Iron Man headgear just as we get close and roll my eyes when everyone hollers dramatically to tease me. My gaze locks with Faye's next and time seems to stand still as I take her in. She looks otherworldly in a gold fairy costume with cute wings and a crown. She stands tall with heels on and her legs go on for days making me avert my eyes quickly before I get caught ogling her.

Lilah introduces everyone to her boyfriend, Soren, who flew in from New York to visit her for the weekend. I recognize him from the matches we've played against each other or simply being at them. He raises his drink at me with a nod when he recognizes me too and I smile in response.

I gravitate towards Faye like usual and shoot her a smile. "Cute costume. You look beautiful."

"Thanks! I was forced to be a fairy." She rolls her eyes as she looks down at her outfit. "Get it? Because of the whole...uh...hmm...there was this thing?"

"What?" I smile in confused amusement.

She face palms herself with a shake of her head. "It's because of my name being Faye. F-A-E is another name for fairies – never mind it's sad all the same."

"Fairy Faye. I like it." I chuckle before pointing to her cup. "How about we cut you off drinks for a while?"

"I'm on it." Lilah pops in and hands Faye a different cup. "Apple juice Faye. Drink up!"

"Woohoo!" Faye cheers drunkenly which makes us smile.

"Noah!" Someone shouts my name and I look up in time to see Declan break free from the crowd. "Long time no see! Guys! Good to see you too. Where have you all been?"

"Hey man, congrats on the win! Well deserved." I grin and clap him on the shoulder.

He thanks me before going round to everyone else and greeting them. I frown in confusion when he lights up over seeing Faye and pulls her into a quick hug. "Faye! Hey sweetheart, how are you? You look gorgeous!"

"Thanks Dec!" She grins before pointing to his costume. "No shield?"

"It got annoying real fast."

"How do you two know each other?" I ask a bit puzzled.

"We're on the swim team." Faye explains before shaking her head at Declan. "I don't know how you have time for it by the way when you're in a million other clubs."

"I might just drop out of one or two. I've ended up running around like a headless chicken more times than I can count lately!" He exclaims which makes us chuckle.

"Did Maeve come with you? I haven't seen her in so long!"

"Yeah she's by the pool with her friends." He hooks a thumb behind him before Faye turns to the girls and brings them along to meet Declan's girlfriend.

I watch as they head over before settling down on the couch next to Declan as we all catch up. But I start to become frustrated when I'm distracted by Faye disappearing onto the dance floor with the rest of the girls. I'm glad she's enjoying herself but the number of guys eyeing her up like she's some piece of candy is messing with my head.

"How's the recovery going? I heard it was nothing serious so you should be good to return soon right?" Declan asks as he takes a sip of his drink.

"Yeah, I just need to get clearance. Shouldn't take that long but it's annoying to be sitting out though. Coach was pretty pissed when he found out." I smirk before nudging him. "How are the other guys? Haven't heard from them in a while apart from the usual message here and there in our group chat."

"We should get lunch or dinner one of these days with everyone. Haven't done that since last semester." Shane suggests and I nod in response.

"I can book it. There's this new place that opened and it's good." Cruz takes out his phone before texting in the group chat we have with the hockey team.

"Cruz, you might want to grab Mia. Seems like she's done for the night and some guy is on her." Kane taps him and we turn to look at a group of guys crowding the girls.

"Looks like it's some guys from the baseball team." Declan rolls his eyes as he stands once he spots Maeve shoving someone away. "I think Faye's pretty out of it too."

"I'll get her." I follow them and immediately grab Faye once she's within reach. "Faye? How about we get some air yeah?"

"O-Okay." She nods and mumbles something else that I can't quite decipher since she's slurring her words.

"Hey! We were dancing, back off man!" Some guy I don't recognize cuts in front of me and tries to pull her towards him.

"She's off limits." I shove him away with narrowed eyes, noticing that the rest of the guys got the girls off the dance floor.

"Yep!" She smiles and turns around to cuddle up to me.

"What? Are you guys dating?" One of the boys from the group asks me.

"Nope!" She hiccups with a shake of her head.

The guy arches a brow at me and I glare at him. "It's complicated."

"Yep!"

"You're really drunk aren't you?" I look down at Faye with an amused smile.

"Yep!" She winks before scrunching her nose cutely. "I'm annoying myself. I'm going to go find the rest."

"Hold on. Let me walk you back and I'll get you some water next." I hold her hand and guide her towards where the group is.

Leaving her there me and Shane go to the kitchen to grab some water for them to sober up but when we return Faye's nowhere to be seen. I frown in confusion before Lilah points behind me, telling me that some guy called Brody asked her to dance with him.

"Did you know him?"

"No but she told me they met during a lab and were partners. Remember the day I was sick? She said he was nice and it's only one dance anyways." She shrugs as I sit beside her realizing that I can see Faye now.

I nod before delving into a conversation with the others but can't help it when my gaze finds itself wandering back to Faye every now and then. She truly looks so pretty and jealousy bubbles up within me when she smiles up at Brody as they dance. His hands skim her arms and rest on her hips before he twirls her around and pulls her even closer than before. Faye laughs at something he says in her ear and I clench my jaw before looking away.

I find Declan staring at me with a knowing look and when I smile at him I know it's strained. Cursing under my breath I excuse myself from the group under the excuse of getting a drink. I pass by Brody and Faye resisting the urge to snatch her away from him. Stupid fucking Brody, I think to myself. It's been more than one dance!

He's dressed up as Peter Pan of all characters as well and Faye...well, she's not Tinkerbell but she's a fairy anyways. Who the fuck dresses up as Peter Pan?! I frown before catching my reflection in a mirror as I make my way through the house. Iron Man could beat him to a pulp any day of the week!

"Why are you pissed off?"

"Fucking hell!" I snap as I nearly jump out of my skin. I turn to Declan before downing my drink. "I'm not, just need some air."

"I'll come with you." He stands and starts following me towards the pool. "Purely because the head cheerleader has had her eyes on you all night and I wouldn't want Faye to end up heartbroken because you decided to be stupid."

"What do you mean by that?" I frown as I look over my shoulder at him.

"You both like each other." He states nonchalantly as we sit by the pool. I stare at him for a long moment until he waves a hand in front of my face. "Are you still there bud?"

"She doesn't like me...I think."

"But you do so ask her out. What have you got to lose?" Declan asks with a half-hearted shrug. "Are you afraid she's going to turn out like Evie?"

"God no! I know she's not like that."

"Then?" He presses and I scowl at him in response.

"What if she doesn't like me and it ruins things between us?"

"What if it doesn't?" He suggests and I stare at the water thoughtfully. "Look Noah...anyone can tell that you like each other. People talk on campus and a lot of them think that you're already together. Not because you share a dorm but because of how you are around each other."

"That's just the usual gossip. Me and Faye are just friends."

He stares at me unimpressed before whacking the back of my head. "Then why the fuck were you jealous of guys looking at her? Why not let her dance with that guy from the baseball team? Don't think I didn't notice!"

"Because they're all dickheads!" I splutter as I rub my head.

"Alright but she knows Brody. What's wrong with her being around him then?"

"She met him at a fucking lab Dec! One lab! And he-he's just feeling her up!" I explode feeling like ripping my hair out.

"You're mad because it's not you."

"Yes!" I exclaim but my eyes widen when he smirks smugly. "No! Actually...yes."

"Have there been any signs that she may like you too?"

I think back on all the little moments between us and find a lot of signs. I meet Declan's gaze again and nod meekly. "I guess I'm just afraid of rejection. I haven't dated or anything after Evie and I was with her for two years. Then Faye comes along and she's...perfect. I don't have words to describe her but I know I don't want to lose her."

"Can I give you some advice?" Declan asks and continues when I nod. "Mine and Maeve's situation was the same except she was in your shoes. It took her so long to give us a chance because of those doubts that we almost never got together. I could've lost her to some idiot and the thought alone pisses me off. I suggest you get your shit together before you lose your girl to that guy."

He nods towards the dance floor and I turn to see her grinning up at Brody. We spot Kane asking Faye to dance and chuckle when he finds me only to shoot me a thumbs up. I guess it's obvious how I feel for her and the only blind person in our situation is me.

"Thanks Dec." I turn to him with a smile as we fist bump each other. "I won't lose her to Peter Pan, I promise."

"I'm glad you said something because he honestly could've dressed up as anybody else!"

We burst out laughing before making plans to meet up soon. It's nearly two in the morning so I bid him goodbye when he tells me he's going to head out. Making my way to the kitchen where Kane is encouraging Faye to drink more I put myself between the two of them to act as some sort of barrier.

"Hi Noah!" Faye slurs with an excited wave.

"Hey, ready to head home?"

"No! I want to dance some more!" She grins as she tries to pull me towards the dance floor.

"It's very late though and with how much you've been drinking your hangover is going to be a killer tomorrow. I should get you home." I explain and watch her pout.

"Fine! I'll just go and dance with some random guy then."

"Go Faye!" Kane cheers but shuts up when I glare at him.

"Faye, you can't dance with some randomer."

"Why not?" She crosses her arms stubbornly and I try hard not to stare as the action only pushes her breasts higher.

"Because they're not looking to just dance and will just feel you up! They're all players!"

"They won't! I have you here anyways...you could sit on a guy and it'd snap a few bones. Trust me, I study biology. I know anatomy baby!" She exclaims before squishing my cheeks.

"Can I keep her?" Kane asks seriously with a tap to my shoulder.

"Fuck no!"

"Look there's Lilah. You can go dance with her and then we'll leave." I try to reason and it works.

"Yay!" She squeals happily before turning to Kane. "Let's go!"

"Oh, hell yeah!" Kane laughs gleefully and disappears with her before I can grab him.

I sigh before making my way upstairs to go to the bathroom. The music fades a little and the sounds of people hooking up makes me scrunch my nose. Thankfully the main bathroom is empty for once and I quickly relieve myself. I end up finding a balcony down the hall and head there to look out at the people partying outside or just heading home.

I turn at the sound of footsteps and frown in confusion when Faye steps onto the balcony. I turn to face her and lean against the railing as I watch her sway a little. She smiles shyly when I hold out my hand but takes it regardless and I pull her close so that she's safely beside me. With me.

It's silent for a while as we look out onto the garden and driveway before she turns to me slightly. "Why don't you want to dance with me?"

I'm caught off guard and can only stare at her in response. "W-What?"

"I've danced with everyone except you tonight. Instead of dancing with me you've just been warding off other guys. I may as well have a sign on me!" She huffs in annoyance which makes me smile. "I saw that you were angry when me and Brody were dancing."

"I don't like him."

"He's really nice though." She replies softly and moves towards me when she shivers from the cold.

I drape my arm across her shoulders and tuck her into my side. "I still don't like him."

"Fine but dance with me right now or tell me the reason why you won't."

How do I tell her that I feel lightheaded at the thought of her that close to me? Everything about her ignites something within me that drives me insane. I've never felt this deeply before, not even with Evie, and it scares me. You scare me Faye, I think to myself as I tuck her hair behind her fake elf ear which makes me chuckle. What if I'm not good enough for you either?

So, I decide to settle on, "Because you're clumsy. I wouldn't want you to step on my toes or something."

"Cross my heart I won't. Just one dance? Please Noah?"

I really need to learn how to say no to her. She could ask me to bring her the moon and stars, and I'd find a way. I nod and take out my phone before putting on a slow song instead of the random crap they have on downstairs. I place it carefully on the floor before taking her hand and we dance slowly in time to the music.

She smiles at me and I swear my heart stops for a moment. I twirl her around a few times completely off beat but the sound of her laugh makes it completely worth it. With a grin I tug her back into my arms and I can't help but notice how it feels just right.

"Ugh!" She suddenly groans and pouts.

"What's wrong?"

"Why'd you have to be so pretty?" She grumbles with a roll of her eyes.

She catches me off guard for the second time tonight and I laugh breathlessly before resting my forehead against hers. "Thanks Faye."

"Noah?"

"Hm?" I reply while feeling like my heart is going to burst when she rests her head against my chest.

"I'm going to ask you out."

I'm glad she can't see me smiling right now because I'm sure I look like the happiest man alive. "I can't wait."

"You'll say yes right?"

"Always."

Update schedule is: two or three times a week whenever I find time!

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