Advocate

After Laila had told Noah her story about Maria and Steve, she hoped she had opened the door for him to tell his story. When the conversation died down, she didn't think the topic would come up anymore, but Noah surprised her. Suddenly he said, "I happened to have an important conversation of my own in the kitchen. It seems like Maria has set up an office in there, because when I went in to clean the dishes, she came to talk to me." Laila replied with a surprised and cautious, "Oh? What did she want to talk with you about?"

Noah didn't look over at first, and just continued to talk while his eyes were directed at his book as he said, "Well, she actually came to advocate for you. To be specific, for you friendship with Jake. Although I am still not on board with you two being friends, if she is willing and able to talk in his defence, there must indeed be something I haven't seen yet. So, I guess what I am trying to say, is that I am not as opposed as I was before and who knows what some time will do. I will certainly take the time to think this over and let you in on where I stand as time goes on."

Laila clasped her hands and squealed a bit before she jumped over to hug Noah. She then said, "You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear you say that. The fact that you are still thinking about it and reconsidering things, means more to me than the final decision you come up with." She then placed a series of kisses on his cheeks before she landed one on his lips. Noah grinned before he said, "Well in that case, I guess I can stick to my original decision if your happiness will remain the same." Laila chuckled and responded with, "Nice try mister. I never said anything about my happiness. I just said that it meant more to me, which is the truth." Noah pursed his lips and raised his brows, appearing sceptical of Laila's words before he told her, "Well, in that case I'll keep weighing but just know that a more jealous and insecure man would have become suspicious of your excited response over me considering your friendship. So, I expect an even more cheerful response and level of excitement on matters concerning us, otherwise I will start feeling quite hurt."

Laila chuckled and said, "For you, I'll even put on a cheerleading costume and chant a cheer just for the fact that you exist in this world, if that would make you even the slightest bit more happy." Noah thought about it and didn't dismiss the idea as he responded to Laila's suggestion, "A pregnant cheerleader. Now that would be quite the sight to see." Then he turned to Laila and with a taunting smile he said, "I expect you to put your money where your mouth is or be compensated heavily if you change your mind, because I plan to keep that option for a rainy day." Laila burst out laughing and continued to laugh until tears started forming in the corner of her eyes. When she could speak again, with remnants of a laugh coming through every few words, she said while she wiped away the tears, "In that case, if you take care of the costume, I'll start preparing my cheer and choreography." She then extended her pinkie to seal the deal and Noah hooked his pinkie with hers before they formed a stamp and made their pinkie promise.

As Laila was still chuckling a bit, she attempted to pull her pinkie away, as the deal had been formalized, but it seemed that Noah was not ready to let go. She looked up at him to see why he was still holding onto her finger and that is when she saw the look he had on his face. His deep stare and soft eyes, which revealed what he was thinking. Laila stared back at him as her laugh died down slowly and was replaced by a soft smile when Noah said, "Just in case I don't get to claiming that offer, how about a down payment?" Laila came forward a bit and placed a soft kiss on Noah's lips before she said, "You my sweet Noah can take a down payment, a double pay-out or whatever else your heart desires and I can give you."

After those words were said Noah returned Laila's kiss and she slowly leaned back onto the bed as Noah pulled her body under his, while he turned their kiss deeper while remaining that touch of gentleness. Just like that they re-affirmed their love for one another and made up for the time they had spent apart. Having said all that needed to be said in words, it was now time to let their bodies do the remainder of the talking.

Things weren't so smooth running for the newest formed couple as Rebecca still needed some adjusting to her new role in Anthony's life.