the beach | noel miller

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They sit across from each other around the coffee table, ignoring how comfortable the couch would be they sit on the floor legs crossed ready to eat their body weight in food. They make conversation talking about their days Noel opens up to Rose about the stress he's been dealing with not expecting sympathy but just a friend. She doesn't know how to offer him help, it's not not like she could just throw cash at him since she was struggling to pay rent herself. Attempting to be helpful she tells him "if you- uh ever need anything" she stops for a second wanting to say one thing but another comes out "Cody would help in a heartbeat." Translation: I'd help in a heartbeat. He nods knowing what she meant flicking rice at her to move past the subject. Seeing her face scrunch up he laughs which makes her laugh.

They finish up their food not really knowing what to do now. She looks around the room, eyes landing on the computer. Remembering what she said the first time she came around he speaks up "you know how to play fortnite?" she lets out a laugh knowing it meant she thinks it's pathetic. "Does it look like I play fortnite?" She challenges, not getting a reply she watches him get up, grab a chair from the makeshift dining room table and drag it over to this computer. Rose gives him a pointed look "no way, I have survived watching everyone in my life succumb to that stupid game-" not being able to finish because she hears Noel giggle. "You said cum" knowing she was about to question it, "are you fucking 12?" that doesn't stop him from giggling "come sit" he gets out still trying to stop himself from finding it amusing. "You've lost your braincells to the 12 year olds you play with" finally getting up and walking over she sits down right next to him.

He begins explaining the game while Rose attempts to listen. Seeing the screen starting to go dark she moves her hand towards the mouse, Noel seeming to have the same idea. Their hands touch and they shock each other with Rose letting out a "ow" Noel with a smirk on his face, takes notice of what just happened "did we nearly just hold hands" to which she responds by nodding her head. "You fucking shocked me" she says picking a debate "No you shocked me" he replies smile still on his face, evident he's enjoying this. "I put my hand there first" she finishes the sort lived argument. Shaking his head he gets in a game still showing Rose how to shoot, build and pick up things. She drifts her eyes over to him watching him focus finding it cute how he's trying to show her what to do. He catches her gaze making her immediately look away, huffing a breath over the fact she looks guilty. "You staring at me Banks?" he questions, "Banks?" Furrowing her eyebrows in confusion, "mm" is all she gets back. "What does that mean?" She questions again, "if you're so smart then figure it out" he says teasing her.

Not being bothered enough to peruse the answer she accepts it. "So are you gonna let me play or just bore me to death." "You're cocky for a girl who wasn't even listening" that obnoxious half smile making a come back, she stands up in irritation. Taking the hint he stands up too ready to trade places, they do this awkward dance trying to get around each other ignoring the fact that one of them could just walk around. Placing his hands on her upper hip to move around she tenses at the sudden touch, "sorry" he nods at her apologises feeling her tense.

Eventually after a few hours of cursing at little kids, rage quitting and beating up the desk Rose finally seems to be good at playing the stupid game. Their eyes growing tired they decide to get off, Rose surprised she actually enjoyed the few hours that just flew by. And here they were back at the "what now" question they always seem to be facing. Not knowing what to say she checks the eye, being surprised at the fact it was already 12:30. Noel looks at her while also checking the time "you wanna head over?" Knowing what he means she agrees "mind if we take your car? they'll be drunk enough not to notice." Hearing him chuckle he grabs his keys and they head out.

Pulling up to Rose's house she prepares herself for chaos which she finds when she walks in the door, Noel right behind her. They're hit with the smell of what has to be weed and alcohol, people crowd all parts of her apartment. She casts a "fuck this" look over to Noel as they begin weaving their way through the groups until their eyes land on Cody. Walking over to him, he shouts a "hey guys" over the music not registering the fact they look like they came together over due to the alcohol clouding his brain. "Did you guys come together" Devon asks suspiciously, before Noel could even speak up Rose cuts in "met at the driveway" giving him a tight smile. She watches Noel walk over to what she assumes are his friends, already missing the shared hatred they communicated while side by side. Now alone Rose scans her eyes around the group spotting Kelsey looking uncomfortable while talking to one of Cody's friends. Feeling bored she decides to go save her, striding over she reaches Kelsey "Hey! Long time no see come grab a drink" not even listening to what the guy has to say before pulling her away. When they reach the island counter she watches her shoulders drop from relief "oh my god thank you" she smiles at Rose. "You looked like a lost puppy" Rose replies not returning the warmth back. She hears Kelsey let out a awkward chuckle "Cody is too busy playing beer pong" she points out trying to get any reaction out of Rose.