Best of Friends 44 - Packing

After their latest run-in with Fred, Rachel and Noah both decided it would be better if she stopped coming by his dorm for a little while. But that meant their time together was cut short, especially considering that finals were coming up. It also meant their extracurricular activities had to take a back seat for a while. And truthfully, the break was a welcome one. It gave Rachel time to think. To breathe. She finally found herself able to focus on classes.

Mike stayed consistent with his texts, though, and Rachel enjoyed receiving them. It was usually small talk, stupid jokes, badly taken pictures, or funny links he’d seen online. And like always, he came around to asking her the question that circled both of their minds.

Mike: How does tonight sound for a hookup guuurl?

Rachel: Sorry Mike, finals are crushing me. I have to study and wrap up a bunch of projects before the week's end.

Mike: Damn. You got it tho! I'll hit u up after. Tell Noah I say hey.

Rachel: Thanks! Will do :)

She really began to like him more and more.

Of course, not like Noah. Rachel always had to remind herself of that. What she had with Mike was different. Saying it helped ease the guilt she felt.

Especially when she found herself thinking of Mike’s cock more than Noah’s. Or the fact that Mike always knew how to touch her, or how good he looked when the sweat began to trickle down his naked body. Or how good those lips tasted when they made her cum.

Mike was like a drug. And the longer she went without him, the more she missed him.

Though she wouldn’t admit it, that scared her. Deep down, Rachel was glad the finals were keeping them apart. Especially after their last encounter in the shower. She could never forget the way he had held her while speaking those gentle words.

That she was perfect.

All of her.

She shouldn't have felt something after hearing that. It shouldn’t have felt like a lightning bolt had hit her right in the heart. She shouldn't have looked at him longingly when she told him the truth.

That she would always pick him over Ethan.

And she felt terrible saying it. Because deep down, she knew what he had meant, and also knew she could not give him what he really wanted. And what a terrible thing it was to stop him when he was getting ready to leave her apartment later.

She'd tiptoed out of her bedroom while Noah slept. Creeping toward Mike as he slipped on his shoes.

"Mike," she whispered. His hand stopped on the doorknob as he looked back at her.

"Yeah?" he whispered back.

She walked towards him, and they stared deep into each other's eyes. Her chest burned like it was roasting over hot coals. She stood inches away from him and looked up. He, in turn, looked down at her as he lowered his head. Their lips stopped inches from each other, and they didn't speak a word. Instead, Mike gently caressed her face as he smiled.

He kissed her forehead gently, his warm hand resting tenderly on her neck. It made her lips tremble.

Then he pulled the door open, turned, and left.

Rachel’s breath spilled out of her when he did. With it came confusion, uncertainty, and a terrible trembling in her hands. Never had she felt sparks so strong. She went back to bed with Noah, curled up beside him, and did her best to fall asleep with a racing heart.

She put it out of her mind the next day. She went about her life and chalked it up to an exciting night. Because, in the end, that was all they ever could be. She was with Noah, and she was too different from Mike. It would be messy, complicated, and strange.

Why was she even thinking about this?

Why did she daydream about them living together or going on a road trip for the summer?

Fortunately, Ethan’s relentless texts helped bury the intrusive thoughts.

But, instead of his usual approach of borderline obnoxious chasing. Ethan had resorted to passive-aggressive one-off statements instead. They came in waves, Rachel would read them, and then forget to reply.

Ethan: Hopefully u had a good night without me.

Ethan: So who won? Me or Mike?

Ethan: Fine, don’t need to tell me we both know.

Ethan: I know ur thinking about me u can stop playing.

And, finally, as Rachel sat in the cafeteria and ate her lunch, the text that finally caught her attention came through.

Ethan: So when u going to finally text back?

Rachel rolled her eyes.

Rachel: How about now?

Ethan didn’t respond for a few days, and Rachel didn’t mind.

Ethan: You have fun with Mike when I left?

Rachel: I did.

Ethan didn't respond for days after that. Again, Rachel didn’t mind. If anything, it felt good to put him in his place.

Ethan: When we meeting up next? U and me only.

Rachel: Sorry, now isn't really a good time, have finals. Maybe after spring break?

Ethan: Or during?

Rachel: maybe, I'll let you know.

Ethan thumbed up her message and never responded. He was such an interesting person. Whenever she’d see him on campus, he acted so confident. And yet, in private, he was incredibly sensitive and vulnerable. It was a lot to deal with. But that cock of his made it bearable. At least in doses.

Time went on, and finals progressed. And with them, Rachel did her best to focus on her social life. But more and more, she couldn’t help but notice it had grown more challenging. Making new friends was getting harder, and the friends she did have were flaking more often. She was invited to fewer events, and wherever she went, eyes lingered much longer than they used to. Deep down, Rachel knew why, but she never could bring herself to admit it.

Instead, she tried harder. She greeted everyone she could and remained as positive as possible. She dropped in on countless public events. Professors loved her, and classes were going great. But that was a small victory. At the very least, her male peers always seemed eager to get to know her.

"We should totally hang out sometime!"

"You are so funny."

"So there's this party next week if you want to go together."

"I actually have a really cool music collection in my dorm if you were ever interested in checking it out."

Deep down, Rachel knew why, but she wouldn’t face it. Instead, she went on like nothing was happening.

Because it was better to believe that she had friends than face her worst fear.

Finals went on, and Rachel knocked them out one by one. And as things began to wrap up, Rachel received a call from her mother while studying in the park.

"Hello?" she said.

"Darling! How are you?" Her mother's voice cut across the speaker with its usual high-society candor.

"Hey, Mom, I'm good. Just getting through finals," Rachel said.

"Oh, how lovely, are they going well?”

“So far so good!”

“I’m so glad. By the way, I heard about your father's visit."

Rachel sighed. "And?"

"And, I heard it went well."

"I guess that's a word for it." Rachel began to tap her foot nervously. "Dad seemed a bit confused about who I was dating."

"Mmmm? Did he?"

"Yes, he said that you told him I was dating Jack?" Rachel said. Her mother laughed loudly.

"Oh, darling, stop! I would never. I said I'd prefer it if you were, and as always, your father heard what he wanted to hear."

Rachel felt relief swell over her chest. At least her mother was still in her corner. Somewhat.

"Yeah, well, he certainly leaned into it."

"I'm so sorry, darling. He can be such a boar sometimes."

"Tell me about it."

"And how is life at Godfrey? Are you doing alright? Making friends and staying happy?"

Rachel felt herself tense at the question.

"Yes, everything's great. Making lots of friends. Just wrapping things up before spring break."

"Ah, speaking of." Her mother's voice perked up in excitement.

"Yeah?"

"I was planning a little trip to our Colorado retreat during spring break, and I miss you so very much, my dear. Would you care to join me?"

Rachel's brow furrowed.

"Who else would be going?" she asked cautiously.

"Just you and me, dear, your father will be staying home. I insisted upon it."

"Could… Noah–"

"I'm afraid I was hoping to have some mother-daughter time, sweetheart."

Rachel thought about it for a moment. There was always some sort of agenda with her mother. But, truthfully, a retreat to Colorado didn’t sound so bad.

And despite her mother’s antics, Rachel missed her, too.

"Can we invite Jackeline?"

"Oh! What a splendid idea! You know I was thinking about it, but I was afraid you might be offended."

"Why would I be offended, Mom?! She’s my sister."

"Oh well, I didn't want you thinking I wasn't interested in just seeing you, dear!"

That warmed Rachel's heart. Yes, her mother could be nosy. Yes, she could cause drama. But Rachel knew without a doubt that her mother loved her.

"Well, I think it'd be nice to have us all there. WITHOUT dad."

Her mother laughed at that.

"Indeed. Though never tell him that. He likely wouldn't talk to me for a week. He can be so very sensitive, you know."

Rachel did not know, actually.

"Right, well, I'm in. How long were you thinking?"

"A better question, dear, is how long can I have you?"

"Well, I'd like to spend some time with Noah before classes start, so let's say a week?"

"Can I perhaps get two from you?"

Rachel thought for a moment.

"I think I can do a week and a half. I just want some time to settle back in when I return."

She heard her mother sigh. "Alright then, a week and a half. I won't push it.”

"Should I call Jacky or will you?"

"No, no, I will handle it, dear. Focus on finishing your tests, and I will get your itinerary in order."

"Sounds good, Mom."

"Besides that, is there anything else you need from me? Is everything alright at the apartment?"

"Yes, mom."

"And the card has a large enough balance? Do you need more money?"

Rachel blushed, embarrassed by the question.

"No, Mom, it's plenty."

"And what about your wardrobe? Do we need to get you ready for–"

"It's fine, Mom. Really."

"Well, alright. I love you, my angel."

Rachel smiled. "I love you too."

She hung up the phone, letting out a light breath. She was already looking forward to hiking with her sister and mother in the Colorado mountains.

–

Rachel zipped up her bags as Noah carefully laid out her clothes.

"Are you sure you’re going to be alright all by yourself?" Rachel said. Noah waved her off with a smile.

"I'll be fine! Just focus on your trip, it’ll be good for you!”

"Well, ok,” Rachel said bashfully. “I just feel bad that I get to go and you have to stay here."

"Are you kidding me?! Godfrey is amazing. I'll have plenty to do, don't worry. Plus, you’re letting me stay here." Noah expanded his arms and looked around Rachel's room. "I honestly cannot wait to get some time away from Fred.”

Rachel laughed as she pictured the way Fred’s scrunched face.

"God, he was such a weirdo the other day!"

“I hate to break it to you, he’s always been like that,” Noah said flatly.

“But you were friends with him before, right?”

Noah sighed. “I was. And usually, he was pretty bearable. But he’s gotten so much worse these days.”

“How has he been since… the incident?” Rachel emphasized her last words as she bit her nails theatrically. Noah shook his head as he folded a shirt.

“The dude will NOT stop talking about it. Or you. It’s all he ever seems to think about when I’m around.”

“Oh god, maybe it was a mistake letting him watch,” Rachel said.

“Maybe, I don’t know. Hopefully, he’ll cool off if we leave him alone for a bit.”

Rachel couldn’t help but shiver as the image of Fred’s growing cock flashed in her mind. There was a time when she had contemplated something with him, but that was before she realized how gross he was.

" Honestly, it's going to be nice getting away from all the drama for a bit," Rachel said as she stuffed a pair of wired headphones into her backpack.

Noah stepped away from the piles of clothes and walked towards her. He wrapped her tightly in his arms.

“You deserve it,” he said.

Rachel placed her head against his chest and inhaled. He smelled like citrus and spices.

"I'm going to miss you so much," she said. Noah gave her a tight squeeze.

"You're going to have a blast. Did Jackeline say whether or not she could make it?" he asked.

"She did! We're going to do some hiking."

"That will be fun."

"SO much fun," Rache looked up and gave him a quick kiss. "And what do you have planned?"

Noah thought for a moment before shrugging.

"Is it bad if I just want to hang out here and play video games?"

"Noah!"

"What?!"

"Remember, this is THE time of our lives! You should get out and do something at least a little bit."

Noah raised an eyebrow.

"Oh yeah? Like what?"

"I don't know! Go out to the city! Hang out at a bar? Maybe check out a concert?"

"Those are things you like to do," Noah said as he released her with a smile. The comment hit surprisingly hard. Noah had meant nothing by it, so Rachel laughed it off.

"I was… No, you're right! You should do what you want to do." She squeezed his arm playfully. "I just thought it'd be nice for you to get out a little bit."

“I’m sure I’ll figure out something. I promise I won’t spend all my time indoors." He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Thanks for thinking of me."

"Of course!" Rachel forced a cheerful tone.

She had always assumed he liked going out as much as she. And yet, she always knew he didn’t. Perhaps a part of her thought he’d changed, and what did it matter if he didn’t?

They still had a lot in common, didn’t they?

Rachel's head spun as she tried to remember the things that Noah liked. Reading, movies, hanging out at home. Was there anything else?

Like a flash in the pan, an invasive thought entered her mind.

Mike liked those things. He was always down to go out and do something.

But before she had a chance to wrestle with the thought, a knock came at their front door.

"I got it," she said, exiting the room as Noah continued to lay out her clothes. She walked to the front door and opened it, heart leaping when the very face she was thinking of greeted her.

"Yo!" Mike said with that stupid, beautiful grin of his.

"Mike! Hey, what uh… what's up?" Rachel asked, more flushed than she wanted to be.

"Well, I was just in the area, and I saw your building, so like… I figured I’d… you know…" he trailed off as they looked into each other’s eyes. Rachel wondered if he felt the same level of heat in his chest as she. He ran a hand through his short hair. Rachel bit her lip as she watched his bicep flex.

"You wanna fuck?" he said.

There was tenderness in those words. Rachel was noticing it more and more. The same tenderness she saw in his eyes. The same tenderness that flashed like lightning in her soul.

"I'm actually packing," she said gently. Mike's eyes widened.

"Oh shit, you going on a trip?" he asked. Rachel inched closer as Mike leaned against the door frame. Her eyes trailed down his body. He wore a loose linen shirt and baggy slacks. A gold watch was on his thick wrist, accented by olive skin and bulging veins.

And here she was thinking he couldn’t be any more addictive than he already was.

"Colorado. Going with my mom and sister."

"Aw, that's fucking cute," Mike leaned forward. "Guess all the more reason to fuck now, huh?"

It felt like electricity was running through Rachel’s veins. She wanted nothing more than to feel Mike inside her. To let him have his way with her. To fuck her into exhaustion.

Rachel laughed and fixed her hair.

"Noah's here," she said softly.

Mike's jaw clenched, then he nodded slowly.

"That's never been a problem," he said.

"No, I guess not." Rachel looked into his eyes deeply before turning to the bedroom. "Hey, babe?!"

"Yeah?!" Noah shouted.

"Mike's here," she said. There was a shuffle, and Noah quickly appeared at her bedroom door.

"Mike! Hey!" Noah said brightly.

"Hey, bro! Is it cool if I pop in for a minute?" he asked as his eyes returned to Rachel's.

They stared at each other for a moment too long.

"No, not at all!" Noah said. "If Rachel's good with it, I don't see why not."

Mike looked at her as his hand slid down the doorframe, barely grazing her arm.

“You good with it?" he asked her.

A part of Rachel begged for her to turn him away. To tell him that they were busy and still needed to pack. That if she kept fanning this flame, it might grow into a blaze she wouldn’t be able to put out.

Instead, Rachel bit her lip and smiled.

"Very,” she said.

--

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