Chapter Text
With a tired smile, and a wave towards their adoring fans, Noah couldn’t help but feel grateful and proud of their achievements. He was exhausted, his muscles ached from the energetic performance, and his ears buzzed with the lingering sounds of the music they had poured their heart and soul into playing. Despite the exhaustion, however, there was an undeniable adrenaline rush that coursed through his veins, the thrill of the stage still coursing through his veins.
Nick had just jumped up beside Noah, quickly joining him in waving as Noah already turned to head offstage, nearly bumping into Nick. Noah quickly regained his balance, a small chuckle escaping his lips. There was an effortless dynamic between the two, a bond forged through shared experiences and years of friendship. Noah raised an eyebrow as a playful smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
Nick snickered and hopped off, Noah immediately grabbing his arm and the back of his jacket, trying to throw him off balance but failing. He turned back as Noah jumped off with him, still gripping tightly onto him. It was all a playful act, Noah's intention was to mess with his bandmate, knowing how to push his buttons, his grip tightening with a sense of determination. However, Noah's mischievous move failed, resulting in him jumping off as well, their bodies still comically close.
With a surge of laughter, and Nick’s hand slapping against his back, they raced off the stage, their bodies still intertwined in a playful embrace. The joy and adrenaline coursing through their veins were palpable, the rush of the performance still buzzing in their minds. As they reached the safety of backstage, they collapsed against a wall, trying to catch their breath. Their laughter echoed off the walls, blending with the sounds of backstage commotion, creating a symphony of triumph and camaraderie. The bond between them was evident in their shared moment.
Noah’s hand was still wrapped around Nick’s arm, neither of them making a move to end this connection. Nick then slid down the wall, Noah joining him, and they both landed on the floor with a huff. Their laughter slowly subsided but the connection between them remained palpable. There sat with their backs against the cold, unyielding wall, their limbs intertwined in a natural, unspoken embrace. Time seemed to stand still, as if the chaotic backdrop of backstage had faded away, leaving them suspended in a private bubble of exhaustion. Once they finally caught their breaths, Nick glanced over at Noah.
“You did great, man,”
Noah met Nick's eyes, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
“Thanks, man. You too. That bassline rocked."
A flicker of exhaustion crossed Noah's features as he leaned his head back against the cold wall, feeling the fatigue settling in.
“I'm beat though." he added.
Nick watched as Noah’s neck extended, his throat pieces on display, covered in a sheen of sweat.
“Yeah,” Nick murmured. “Wanna head out?”
"God, yeah," Noah sighed. "I could use a cold shower right now. After that I’ll probably just crash."
Noah’s body ached for rest, the sweat clinging to his skin like he was covered in a thin layer of glue. With a groan, he rubbed the back of his neck, his fingers pressing into his sore muscles in an attempt to chase away the soreness from the physical effort of the night's performance.
Nick stood up, Noah’s hand dragging down his arm, his hands clinging to Nick’s, their grasp lingering as the bassist pulled him to his feet. There was a brief moment of closeness, their fingertips brushing over each other's wrists, a touch that held more warmth than necessary. A flicker of something passed between them—an unspoken emotion, a moment suspended in time—and then they were standing face-to-face, their chests almost touching, bodies still close.
Their eyes held a silent connection, a brief pause suspended between them. It was a moment where words seemed unnecessary, where a simple gaze could convey more than a thousand thoughts. Their closeness pressed a whisper of the unspoken into the space between them, and their chests nearly touched.
Then, in a swift motion, Noah stepped back, breaking the magnetic pull between them. This was something he was going to have to fight, but he wasn't ready to admit it. Not yet.
"I'm going to go shower," he managed to croak out, the words escaping him like a struggle. His movements were stiff, tense with unspoken emotions, and he gave Nick a nod before swiftly turning and walking away. The air seemed heavy behind him, the tension palpable with the weight of unspoken thoughts and unrealized desires.
Nick watched as he walked away, a swirl of emotions going through his head. Okay, yeah, he’s attracted to his best friend. Everyone is. But what the fuck was that? They’d basically just eye-fucked each other and suddenly Nick feels the need to get on his knees and-
Nick shakes his head, trying to throw the thought away. Instead, he walks off to the venues showers.
…
The warm water of the dressing room shower was a sanctuary. Noah let the steamy droplets wash away the physical evidence of the night's performance, his mind still a whirling mess. There was something magnetic about Nick, an undeniable pull that Noah couldn't quite understand. But he had to ignore it, had to resist the temptation to cross the line that was so faint yet so obvious. And god, did he want to cross it.
After a few more minutes under the warm spray, he finally turned off the water and stepped out, wrapping a towel around his waist, the fabric rubbing against his wet skin.
Grabbing his bag, he pulled out clean briefs and sweatpants. The fabric was soft against his skin, a soothing comfort that gave him a sense of security, a way to protect himself from the outside world. He ran his fingers through his damp hair, a few droplets of water running down his chest and onto the towel. The room was filled with the faint scent of body wash and the soft thud of footsteps outside the door, the muffled sounds of the crew dismantling the stage equipment.
With his hands gripping the edge of the sink, he took a deep breath, leaning forward to look at his reflection. His face was a map of thoughts, lines of tiredness and uncertainty evident in his features. He ran a hand over his stubble, feeling the rough texture under his fingers. He knew he had to maintain control over his emotions, especially around Nick, but it felt like he was constantly fighting against the inevitable.
Noah let out a sigh and gathered his composure before stepping out of his dressing room, ready to face whatever awaited him outside.
The hustle and bustle of backstage were in full swing now, the crew members working to dismantle the set and pack away the equipment. The venue was almost empty of people, with the lingering echoes of the lively crowd still resonating in the cavernous space. But amongst the chaos, Noah could see Nick leaning against a wall, his hair damp and in a change of clothes, eyes fixed on his phone.
Noah walked over to Nick, a casual air in his stride as if he hadn't just had a whirlwind of thoughts about the bassist. The fabric of his sweatpants hung loosely on his hips, and he rubbed the back of his neck, the touch a nervous habit. He approached Nick, his voice carrying a hint of his internal struggle.
"Hey," he started.
Nick jumped up from his phone, not realizing anyone had come up to him. He sighed, realizing it was Noah, and his face immediately softened.
“Hey, heading to the bus?”
Noah nodded, and a small smile tugged at his lips. There was something about being close to Nick that brought him both comfort and discomfort. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but the bassist ignited a feeling of vulnerability.
"Yep, ready to crash?" he said, his voice carrying that familiar, relaxed tone that masked his inner chaos.
“Absolutely.”
Nick got up from the wall, throwing his bag over his shoulder as they walked together to the back exit. The air outside was cool and fresh, a refreshing change from the warmth of the venue. Noah took a deep breath, inhaling the night's coolness, the scent of exhaustion clinging to the air. They made their way across the parking lot towards the tour bus parked on the outskirts. The familiar sight brought a sense of comfort, despite the lingering tiredness in his bones.
Luckily, and surprisingly, no one was around to see them. They reached the bus, Nick tugging the door open and they both hopped in.
Without a single soul on board, a comfortable silence hung in the air. The faint hum of electronics was the only sound cutting through the stillness. Noah kicked off his shoes, his feet aching, the cool tile floor a comforting sensation. He plopped onto one of the sofas, a quiet groan leaving his throat, his eyes fluttering shut for a brief moment.
After a minute or two, he opened his eyes again, his gaze settling on Nick. He was seated on a bean bag across from Noah, scrolling through his phone, a bad habit that he had after cutting cigarettes.
Noah shifted on the soft cushions of the couch, finding a slightly more comfortable position. His eyes closed briefly, but then they opened again, his gaze once again finding Nick. It seemed like every few minutes, his eyes were drawn to the bassist, as if he was the only thing that mattered in the room. But he tried to remain nonchalance, hiding his wandering eyes behind a veil of casual indifference.
Nick noticed Noah shifting around every few minutes, and he looked up from his phone, surprised to see that he was still awake.
“You alright?”
For a moment, Noah froze in his tracks. Caught in the act, his heart did a little jump, and he cleared his throat before responding.
"Yeah," he said, offering a casual shrug. "Just having trouble shutting my mind off, you know. Trying to relax, but my body just won’t cooperate."
Nick hummed, setting his phone down. All or nothing, he guesses.
“I could help, if you want?”
Noah raised an eyebrow, a flicker of intrigue dancing in his eyes. "Help?" he echoed, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and a hint of something else. "How?"
Nick glances down Noah’s long stature across the couch, then back up to his tired face. He shrugs, trying to keep it at least a little casual.
“Could rub your shoulders, or something,”
There was a moment of silence as the offer hung in the air. Noah hesitated, his breath catching slightly at the thought of Nick’s hands on him. The tension built up over the night had taken its toll, and the offer was too tempting to decline. Finally, he nodded, his voice softer than usual.
"Yeah," he replied, his eyes finally looking away from Nick's, his gaze falling to his fidgeting hand. "I'd appreciate that."
Nick then waves him over, patting the spot in front of him without a word. Noah took a deep breath and moved to sit on the floor right in front of Nick, his back now facing the bassist.
With a soft thud, he settled into place, his shoulders stiff and tight. He could feel the weight of the exhaustion settling into every inch of his body, each muscle screaming for rest.
“Wanna take your shirt off?” Nick murmurs, shifting himself so he has a better angle.
For a moment, Noah hesitated. The idea of exposing his body, even just for a simple shoulder massage, felt strangely vulnerable. But the exhaustion won out and he nodded. With a slight grunt, he reached behind him, pulling the fabric over his head and letting it fall to the floor.
Nick smiles, and he brings his hands to Noah’s back, softly introducing them. Noah tensed ever so slightly, the cool touch of Nick's hands against his warm skin sending a jolt of electricity. But as the initial shock faded, he found himself relaxing into the gentle touch. The warmth of Nick's palms spread across his shoulders, seeping deep into the stressed-out muscles. A soft gasp escaped his lips, and he let out a slow breath, his eyes fluttering shut.
There was something soothing in the way Nick worked his magic, his fingers working out the knots in Noah's muscles. Each touch felt intentional, a gentle pressure that somehow knew exactly where to go, soothing the raw emotions and physical exhaustion that clung to him. He let out a low sigh, feeling the tension gradually ebbing away, like a stream carving its way through stone.
Nick leaned a bit closer, his mouth near Noah’s ear as he continued digging his thumbs into rough spots.
“You feel good?” he whispers.
A soft shiver ran down his spine as he felt Nick's breath against his ear, the warm air contrasting with the coolness of his bare skin. For a moment, he couldn't find the words, his thoughts melting under Nick's touch.
"Yeah," he finally managed to reply, his voice barely above a whisper. "So good."
Nick hums. “You sound good.”
A warmth spread over his cheeks, something in Nick's words igniting a spark in him. He was grateful for the darkness that hid his blush, knowing that being flustered by his best friend was a dangerous path to venture down.
"Shut up," he mumbled, his tone playful.
Nick grins, his hands coming up to the back of Noah’s neck.
“I’m serious,”
Noah's heart skipped a beat as Nick's fingers traced the back of his neck. The intimacy of the touch sent a shiver down his spine, a combination of comfort and unfamiliar warmth coursing through him.
In an attempt to hide his inner turmoil, he tried to crack a joke. "Oh really? Should I start singing to validate your opinion?" He asked sarcastically, his voice wavering only slightly.
“Sure, if you want,” his thumbs then dig into a knot that was right under Noah’s neck.
A sound halfway between a whimper and a groan escaped him as the thumbs dig into a particularly stubborn knot, the pain mixing with the soothing touch and sparking a wave of complicated sensations. His body tensed briefly, then finally relaxed under the gentle pressure.
"Okay, okay, I get it. You're good at this," he admitted. "Too good."
“Too good?” Nick grins, soothing his hands over Noah’s back.
Noah chuckled softly and shifted slightly under Nick's touch, the gentle pressure sending waves of relaxation through him. The tension in his shoulders dissolved, replaced by a soothing warmth. He glanced over his shoulder, a smirk teasing his lips.
"Don't get a big head now," he said playfully, his voice dripping with mock annoyance.
As Nick's hand continued working its way over the planes of his back, a sigh escaped him and he settled into the touch. He couldn’t help but appreciate the skillful and focused touch of the other man, the way his hands moved with a purpose, finding every tense muscle and coaxing it into submission.
For a moment, he let himself get lost in the sensation, letting the touch erase the stress of the evening and the world around him. But with every sweep of Nick's hand, he could feel his walls slowly crumbling.
Time seemed to stand still as he melted into the touch, Nick's hands working their magic on his tense muscles. But as the moments passed, he grew more and more aware of the subtle touches and caresses from Nick, the brush of his fingers on the nape of his neck, the gentle pressure of his thumbs on his back. The sensations were both soothing and dangerously enticing. Noah tried to remain composed, but his guard was slipping.
A war was beginning to wage inside him. He felt a mix of confusion and desire.
“I can feel gears turning in your head,” Nick starts, quietly, his movements softening. “What’s up?”
Noah was snapped out of his reverie, surprised that Nick had noticed his conflicted thoughts. He had thought he was hiding it, but Nick's keen perception had seen through him. The gentle touch of his fingertips on his back made Noah want to melt into his touch even more.
"It's nothing, just... thinking about stuff," Noah replied weakly, trying to brush off the topic. He hoped Nick wouldn't push it. But of course, Nick pushed, gently.
“Stuff,” he repeats. “What kind of stuff?”
Noah sighed, knowing that Nick wouldn't let it go that easily. God, he was such a stubborn man. With a hint of resignation in his voice, he began, "The tour, the band, the next album. You know, the usual things that keep me up at night."
His shoulders tensed slightly under Nick's touch. God, he just wanted to tell him the truth, to confess the storm of emotions swirling inside him, but he couldn't. He couldn't risk their friendship.
“No reason to think about that stuff now, Noah,” Nick murmurs. “You can do that tomorrow. Now, you can just enjoy this, yeah?”
Nick's soothing words and tender touches eased the tension in his shoulders, and he found himself nodding in agreement. "You’re right," he sighed. "I should just enjoy this."
Noah closed his eyes again, letting the sensations wash over him as Nick's fingers continued to work their magic on the tense muscles.
Nick dragged his hands up, now running them through Noah’s grown out hair, massaging his scalp softly. Soft sigh escaped Noah’s lips, the soothing motions sending waves of relaxation through him. His head fell forward as his lips parted and his shoulders slumped. The tension seemed to melt away, replaced by a sensation of warmth and contentment.
He couldn't remember the last time someone had touched him so gently, but he found himself enjoying it and he found he didn't want Nick to ever stop.
His hands then dragged back down, now just soothing them over Noah. He decided to get a little more brave, and he moved them to Noah’s collarbones, running his fingers along them.
Noah's breath hitched. A shiver ran down his spine, and a soft gasp escaped his lips. Their touches seemed to carry something deeper than friendship, a intimacy that Noah couldn't ignore. The sensations were almost too much, leaving him struggling to gather his thoughts. He opened his mouth to speak, but the words caught in his throat and his hands once again balled into fists, desperate to reign in his emotions. Nick then soothed them along Noah’s biceps, and down his arms, then back up, landing on the front of Noah’s neck.
As the bassist's hands moved around, Noah's head inclined slightly, offering a delicate display of surrender. Nick grins, his fingers tracing the lines of ink. He thinks back to earlier, when all he wanted to do was lick the sweat off of this very spot, but instead he sticks to these gentle motions. His muscles tensed slightly at the touch of Nick's fingers. Each deliberate movement sent a shiver down his spine, and he found himself succumbing to the sensations, his breath quickening slightly. As he leaned heavily into Nicks touch, he found it near impossible to suppress the sensations that coursed through him.
And God, he was so screwed.
“You look good like this.” Nick murmurs.
The sound of Nick's whispering voice broke through the haze, and Noah blinked slowly, feeling a flush creeping up his cheeks. "Like what?"
He knew what Nick meant, could feel the intimacy of the moment settling between them, but his brain was foggy and all he wanted was more.
“Laid out for me,” Nick smiles. “Surrendering yourself to me.”
Noah's breath hitched at Nick's words. Their meaning hanging in the air like something tangible, leaving him feeling both vulnerable and exhilarated. He struggled for a response, but couldn't find the words to express the emotions coursing through him.
“Nick," he breathed, his voice barely audible.
“Hmm?”
"This... what we're doing right now. It's dangerous," Noah murmured, his voice wavering slightly with a mix of vulnerability and longing. There was a softness to his gaze that he couldn't hide, his desire mingling with a hint of fear. He swallowed the lump in his throat, "We can't keep crossing these lines..."
“Why?” an almost evil smile spreads across Nick’s face as he pressed his fingers gently into Noah’s neck.
Noah gasped at Nick's gentle touch, his body reacting to the slight pressure, his eyes snapping shut for a brief moment. "Because..." he whispered, his voice trembling, but his words failing him.
He opened his eyes again, the vulnerability in his gaze undeniable. "We're friends, remember?" he managed to finish his sentence. "Friends don't do... this."
“Friends don’t give their friends massages? I’m just helping you out, Noah,” Nick feigns innocence, yet they both know what’s happening.
Noah's breath hitched, the innocence of Nick's words a stark contrast to the charged undercurrent coursing through the air. A frustrated sigh left his lips as he leaned back against the edge of the bean bag.
"You know what I mean," he pressed, his voice a hushed whisper. "You can't just... touch me like that. Not when I'm feeling like this," Noah said, his eyes meeting Nick's.
“Feeling like what, Noah?” Nick whispers.
"Confused," Noah whispered back, his vulnerability exposed in the simple word. "My heart is racing and I feel like I can't breathe. And I want..."
He trails off, his voice catching in his throat. God, how could he admit this out loud? How could he admit that he was starting to fall for Nick?
Nick’s eyes soften a bit, and his hands are now resting on Noah’s shoulders.
“You want…?”
Noah's voice wavered, his vulnerability laid bare with a simple whisper.
“I want you ," he breathed, the words escaping him like a delicate whisper in the quiet.
As the words lingered in the air, his heart fluttered and his chest tightened, his breath quickening in nervous anticipation. He waited for a reaction, his eyes locked onto Nick's, his whole body going still under Nick's hands.
Nick’s eyes stayed onto Noah’s, focusing on the thin brown line of his iris, and how large his pupils have gotten. He stays silent as they watch each other, not moving either.
The silence between them felt heavy, charged with intense emotions that words couldn't capture. Noah's chest rose and fell with each breath, the room engulfed in a tension that sent chills down his spine. Time seemed to stand still as he found himself trapped in the depths of Nick's eyes, a fierce stare that held him captive.
“You still seem tense,” Nick murmurs. “I have another idea to help with that.”