Chapter 4. Now and Forever

4.

Conrad was feeling pain increasing as the time was passing. Even though Noah made sure to recline his seat and make him sit properly, yet it was the car and that couldn’t be more comfortable. He would take very slow turns and would drive at medium low speed so that it won’t budge Conrad.

They reached the building and Noah parked Eric's car at designated place as Conrad instructed him...

Conrad was about to open the door when Noah held his hand.

"And what you think you doing"? He asked Conrad who looked back at him as saying to step off the car. Noah sighed. He went to Conrad's side and kneeled in front of him.

".. Wh...”

"Come i will give you a piggy ride". Noah said tapping his leg to hop on, but turned to Conrad who was gaping in surprise.

"Or you want me to carry you like i did in the hospital. I don’t mind though". He bit his lip with a teasing smile and that was enough to startle Conrad.

"No no. I... iii". He whined cutely realizing Noah was teasing him.

"Come on". He said softly again and this time Conrad looped his arms around Noah's neck as Noah secured his legs around his waist. Noah locked the car with the control and went inside. The door to Conrad's room was unlocked. And their friends were already waiting for them. But instead of turning inside Noah turned to his room.

Conrad patted his shoulder.

“my room is at the left". He said. Noah shrugged his shoulders.

"I know. But wont it be easy for me to take care of you in my room. You forgot the doctor said i need to take care of my boyfriend". Noah teased again but this time Conrad actually panicked.

"ii. Nooo". He said and Noah started laughing. He turned to open Conrad's room and everyone turned to them looking at a laughing Noah and a pouting sulking Conrad.

Eric arranged pillows on the bed while Park helped Noah put Conrad on the bed with his foot on the stack of pillows.

"Eric, take out the medicines and ice bags from your car. I need to bandage his foot". He gave the keys to Eric who ran outside. Noah was enjoying a sulking Conrad but for now he had to take care of his ankle.

Their friends were arranging the dinner in disposable bags.

Eric came back in no time.

"I need a towel. And Luke warm water". He said and Eric nodded his head.

Noah rolled up the sleeves of Conrad's shirt. Opening the two buttons of his shirt. He took the wet towel cleaning Conrad's face, his neck. His arms. He was doing it with utmost care and concern on his face.

"You can stare at me as much as you can. You don’t need to sneak around". Noah said not lifting his head. Conrad chuckled a bit.

"Dream on ". He countered playfully. "You are not that handsome".

"Yeah? Want to see how handsome i look"? Noah winked and the room echoed with laughter.  Conrad felt warmth in his heart. A fine man, intelligent, sharp. Noah was everything one could ask for. He was independent; he was most sought out still for his seniors. He was so dedicated. And here he was sitting by the foot of the bed putting the ointment at Conrad's foot to put the bandage on.

"Here. It’s done. Want to go to washroom"? He tied the bandage after putting ointment and placing ice bag. Conrad shook his head as no. He could manage it at least.

Noah brought food after making him sit properly on the bed. They all were having a good time. Conrad knew Eric and Benjamin had so many questions but they were waiting for Noah to leave. But seems like Noah had some other plans.

"Okay guys. Leave now. Park, lead the activities in the morning. The mock quiz as we planned and set the freshmen free as soon as they are done. I will see if Conrad will be comfortable to go to the field. Otherwise he will be on off". Noah handed Conrad his medicines.

His friends stood up.

“i will stay here with Conrad. I need to make sure...”

"You have to sleep now. Go to your room. I know you want to take care of your friend. You can look after him tomorrow. But for now, let me". He clearly said leaving no point of argument. Even Conrad was surprised at the authority of the tone.

Eric and Benjamin looked at each other and then turned to bid good bye to Conrad. They all left closing the door behind.

"I know you have hell questions running in your mind. But first. Do you want to go to washroom"? Noah asked him and again it was a no. For now.

"Okay. Give me 10 minutes. I will be back". Noah left his room and was back in exact 10 minutes after a short bath and changing into comfortable sweats and tee.

"Now. Let’s have a little talk. Ask what’s bothering you". Noah said as he took a seat and sat beside the bed near Conrad.

"What’s all this "? Conrad was serious.

"Hmmm. Honestly i was expecting it. And i wanted to talk about it. I already had planned to spend some time with you. But it happened anyway. Not that i am happy with you being hurt.

Friday night, was a realization night. I know i might be wrong, but i wasn’t that drunk that i don’t remember what i did or say. I know what i said. I was true with my feelings to say that i don’t like you being so close to Eric or Benjamin.

That night when you both were standing outside your room with Eric, i felt a punch in my heart. That i never felt before. I wanted to hold you, to stop you from going. But i know i had no right to impose on you. So i was happy with what you gave me that night. A support. An embrace.

I don’t know if my apology can bring back the past, or will it mend the hateful words i threw on you. But still, i am sorry Conrad. I am sorry for being a douche.

Last night that i spent with you on dinner, this morning breakfast. And then you getting hurt. It all made me realize my feelings. I am not a teenager or impulsive young boy. I know what i am saying and what i want to ask. I don’t know what the doctor felt in my eyes that he said out, but I want to ask you Conrad.

Will you be my boyfriend"? He said out everything straight on his face. Conrad was listening to him attentively. He knew what he was asking. He knew what he was putting himself into.

But does he care?

"I know we can’t change the past. I know i was rude to you too. I didnt mean it. It’s just that i can’t take orders. Yeah, i would wonder about your behavior because i tried to give my 200%. Still you were unhappy.

Friday night. I felt my heart beating frantically when you asked me not to leave. How i wish i didnt have to. I swear if it wasn’t Eric and Benjamin's engagement, i wouldn’t have left you. But i was afraid what if you would throw me out again after being sober. So i held myself.

Like you said, i felt happy too, to see you being comfortable around us. I wanted to talk to you too. But yes i was waiting for you to sort out yourself first.

Am glad you didnt take long. Yes Noah i would be your boyfriend. But, i don’t want a hide and seek relationship. I want you to announce it to all. I want to openly show it to all that i am your boyfriend. I won’t allow you to keep it a secret and then claim your stake while alone.

So think wise. If you want me. Prove it to me. Show it to me how does it feels to be your boyfriend. Can you do it"? He challenged Noah who smiled warmly.

"You want me to claim my stake in front of everyone. Okay. I will. I promise. And once i claim you, you will have nowhere to back off. Is it clear"? He asked Conrad who nodded his head in confirmation. He didnt miss the glint in Noah's eyes but he wanted to see what he planned.

"So now. I am giving you two options. Either I am staying the night or you have to promise that you will call me as soon as you need me okay"? Noah said. Conrad thought for a while.

"I will call you. For now you go and take rest. You have to lead the morning too". He said trying to sit but Noah held his hand.

"For how many times i have to say Conrad. Tell me if you need anything? You have to rest your foot". He said bit irritated.

"I have to use washroom. And i can manage that". Conrad tried to assure him.

"Oh no not at all. You are not going alone". Noah stood up to hold him but Conrad was frozen.

"What you mean by not going alone"? He asked with wide eyes.

"Means i will go to the washroom with you". Noah said as a matter of fact and quickly realized the meanings. Because the next moment he saw Conrad leaning down on the bed pulling the blanket on his face.

"Ohh. I am sorry. I mean i will take you to the washroom and then i will get you back". Noah felt a blush just at the thought of what he said.

Conrad peeked out of the blanket.

"No funny business i promise". Noah raised his hand trying to supress his laughter. And poor Conrad had to trust him even if he doesn’t. Because he had to pee. Badly.

*************

Noah left for his room after making sure that Conrad has everything in his access to call him if he needs him. And making sure that Conrad promised him heartily to call him if he needs and that he won’t lock his door so that Noah can come in the morning.

Besides, the medicine had sedatives so as per instructions of the doctor, Conrad was good to take a 7 hours’ sleep.

Conrad smiled softly as Noah left the room reluctantly. He was about to close his eyes but...

"Conrad you sure"??? He heard Noah again standing in the frame.

"ii. I am okay. Now sleep. Go. I will call you if i need you okay. Good night". Conrad chuckled. It really feels good to be taken care.

Finally Noah went in his room and Conrad closed his eyes to sleep. And just then his mobile beeped.

"Seriously Noah". He laughed thinking its Noah but it was Eric and Benjamin. Combined chat. 

"Conrad. You sure what you are doing"?

"What if you get hurt"?

"I know guys its risky. But i don’t want to repeat the mistake. I know it’s complicated but i want to give it a chance. May be he really mean it? I want to give it a try guys". Conrad replied.

"We are always with you Conrad, but if that asshole senior of us break your heart again, i swear i will beat him to death". Eric messaged and Conrad knew he mean it...

"Don’t worry guys. I trust him". He replied and closed his eyes because yes, he was waiting for the morning to come.

**********

Conrad was still half asleep when he heard some hushed voices. He opened his groggy eyes and saw Noah arranging his clothes. His friends were arranging the breakfast.

It was 5 in the morning.

"Morning guys". He sat up properly and his room fell silent for a whole before everyone rushed to him.

"How you feeling"?

"Pain in the foot"?

"Need medicine"?

"Hungry"?

"Guys guys. Hold on. You all are hovering over him. Let him breathe". Noah huffed.

"I am better guys. I need to use washroom and i need to take bath too. I stink". He sniffed himself and scrunched his nose. Noah chuckled at him being cute.

"Okay come". He helped him to the washroom. He placed his toothbrush near his approach and went outside. Conrad called him after a while asking for Eric or Benjamin to help him take bath.

Noah raised his eye brows. And pointed to the shower cubical.

"I got you a chair. This way you can take bath without getting your foot wet or hanging low. I am leaving your clothes here. Or call me once you are done". Noah explained but Conrad was still reluctant.

"Noah. I will call Eric or Benjamin. Don’t worry". He tried to coax, trying not to offend him... Of course he was shy.

"May be you forgot, you are my boyfriend now. And let me tell you, i am a hell possessive one. So i will make sure to bath you myself rather than you calling any of your friends to help you. Clear"? He said helping him to sit on the chair with everything in approached and smiled as Conrad nodded his head quickly with amused expressions.

He loved a possessive Noah.

********

Noah made sure that Conrad is comfortably sitting in the field. They were having group discussions. The next week would be all activities in the field. Sports week. And Conrad wanted to participate but for that he needed complete rest.

The students were having fun with SOTUS. Laps. Pushups. Completing tasks. Even the seniors appreciated Noah and his generals for their coordination with the juniors...

They were still having one to one sessions with their hazers so they skip lunch. Also they were announced to be free by 3pm and it was 1 already. Then could wait for two more hours in fun games.

Noah was scanning everyone doing good. He personally made sure Conrad has everything. Juices and his medicine too. And now Conrad was the center of attention as why the Hot Head Hazer was taking care of him personally.

Well everyone had different theories.

"Direct line junior".

"Injured".

" Noah is regretting being rude to him".

While some even placed a silent bet that there was something going on between the two, but every one snapped their heads back to their notes once they found the head hazer is glaring at everyone.

"Okay guys. You are all set to leave. Everyone in the cafe. We have a special announcement". Max announced as Noah signaled him, while he moved to help Conrad walk. He was feeling much better as the swelling lessen down.

They all settled down in the engineering cafe. Freshmen ordered their food and settled down. The seniors also joined them.

Everyone was looking at the four generals and their head hazer on their table.

"Juniors. Am really proud of you. You guys are doing great with SOTUS. Next week is the sports week. I need you all to fill the forms to tell what sports you like to play. We have football, basketball. Mud war. Tug of war. Swimming. I need your names by tomorrow.

And we will be going campfire for this year Gear ceremony". He announced and everyone cheered in excitement.

"Also.... I have another announcement". He spoke again and this time Conrad saw his eyes shining with mischief. He knew he was screwed. But he was waiting for Noah what he up to was.

His friends stopped eating too looking at Noah who had his gaze fixed at Conrad.

"Conrad Jagger, A082. My direct in line junior. I am sorry for whatever i did in the past, to hurt you. To set a bad example for my Juniors. For troubling you.

Today i apologies in front of everyone. And i want to say one more thing. May i"? Noah turned to his friends and then to Conrad. It was a pin drop silence.

Everyone was looking at Noah and Conrad.

"I want to propose you to be my boyfriend. Will you forgive me and be my boyfriend"? He said. Conrad was looking intently at him and a smile cracked on his lips that turned to be a giggle followed by cheering from everyone, including their friends.

"So Conrad, what say? Will you be my boyfriend"? Noah walked up to him leaning on him and Conrad didnt spare a chance to say yes.

The whole cafeteria busted into laughter and claps. Everyone was cheering for the two boys.

"So are you really up for the challenge you put last night. You really want to see if i claim my stake or not"? Noah cupped his face.

"Yes i want to see how you would show the world that I am your boyfriend". Conrad said in calm yet challenging gaze.

"Conrad is screwed". Benjamin laughed.

"I have never witnessed a Whipped Noah". Harry shook his head.

"Yeah from today he is Noah Vaughn-whipped". Finn said and they all laughed out loud.

Noah cupped Conrad's cheeks. Looking in his warm eyes he bent down and locked their lips together.

Conrad felt his heart would rip out of his ribs. He didnt know Noah would literally publically claim him. But it was the reality.

Noah softly nibbled on his lips for a while before pulling off. He attached their forehead together.

"You Are Mine. Now and Forever". He said loud so that everyone could listen.

Conrad opened his hazy eyes. And smiled. He pulled himself just a little up and pecked Noah's lips.

"Yes i am yours, just like you are mine. Now and forever". And Noah didnt need any more confirmation.

----

Tabby