“You’re stronger than you believe. Don’t let your fear own you. Own yourself.”

“There will come a moment when there's nothing you want more than us. Together. When you're free of every fear and there is nothing in our way.”

“Don’t tempt me. Now, what are you wearing?”“A hoodie and drawstring pants too, I guess.”“Anything underneath?”“I don’t typically walk around without underwear.”“Typically?”“Only on special occasions.”“Christ. I meant under your hoodie”

“You like me,” he finally said. “You like me, like me.” He was trying not to smile.“No. I hate you,” I said, hoping that saying it would make it so.“And yet, you draw me.” Noah was still smug, completely undeterred by my declaration.This was torture; worse somehow than what just happened, even though it was only the two of us. Or because it was only the two of us.“Why?” he asked.“Why what?” What could I say? Noah, despite you being an asshole, or maybe because of it, I’d like to rip off your clothes and have your babies. Don’t tell.”

“I squinted one of my eyes at Daniel.“What are you doing?” he asked.“This is me, giving you the side eye.” I continued to squint.“Well, you look like you’re having a stroke”

“But when everyone tells you you're crazy and no one believes you when you swear you aren't, a small part of you will always wonder if they're right.”

“I’m too selfish to leave you,” I said. Noah pulled back so I could see his smile. “I’m too selfish to let you.”