Chapter 197: Ch 197: Returning Back Home - Part 2

Noah’s request made the pair in front of him pause. They looked taken aback by his words, almost as if they had not expected Noah to make such a demand.

But honestly, who would not want to go home after such a difficult day outside? Noah really wanted to feel the familiar walls comforting him.

Daniel looked like he wanted to say no, and Noah braced himself for the argument when Alan swooped in and placed his whole weight on top of Daniel’s shoulder to press him down before he could speak.

"You want to go home? Then we should take you home. I am curious about the kind of place you are living in as well."

Daniel looked far too happy to be saying all this, and it made Noah feel a little awkward. He still kept a cool expression and decided to start walking towards his small house on the outskirts.

It was dark enough outside that monsters and wild animals could appear. And yet, Noah had no fear as he kept walking towards his house.

He could sense a few wild animals around, but they did not dare come closer because of Alan’s presence.

But Noah would have been able to take care of himself even if Alan was not here. That much he was sure of.

"How did you come to find this place? It is rather on the outskirts, and I doubt it is documented or on the property deeds."

Daniel asked, trying to pry a little more into Noah’s affairs. Not that Noah cared much about it.

If Daniel wanted to know, then he was more than happy to tell him.

"Erin got this place for me. He always knew that I might need a quiet place to stay later in life. Unfortunately, I had to use his gift as soon as he passed away."

Noah tried to keep his words simple and light, but speaking about Erin made his throat feel clogged. He felt like he was suffocating, and that made him want to bite his lip shut forever.

But he did not want the pair behind him to feel guilty or be hurt by his behaviour. So he forced himself to remain calm and even flashed a smile.

Not that it did much to help the pair out. They still looked just as worried about him as before. If anything, they looked even more worried.

Alan sighed and stepped forward before Noah could say anything, and instead of leaning against Daniel, he decided to lean against him.

"This is not fair. You allowed Professor Erin to get you a place, but did not even ask us for help. I could have gotten you something better."

Alan told Noah, which made him smile. But it was a sad and melancholic smile, not a happy one.

"I am sure you would have gotten me something great, Alan. But I like this place, and I want to stay here. Besides, if you have money, then you should take Daniel and go on a relaxing trip. You are partners now, right? You should enjoy your time—"

Alan grabbed Noah’s arm, causing him to look back with a confused look.

But the look in Alan’s eyes was one he had never seen before, making Noah let out a gasp and take a step back.

"Excuse me—"

"There is nothing like that between Daniel and me. The reason we are tolerating each other is because we both want to be with you and find you. So if you want to see us together, stop pushing us away. Do you understand?"

Alan sounded serious, and it made Noah feel scared. He had never seen Alan like this before, and it made Noah feel suffocated.

He took a step back and smacked right into Daniel’s chest.

"Stop trying to intimidate Noah like this. I am sure he will not decide to leave us now. Right, Noah?"

Daniel asked, and Noah nodded, feeling his mouth go dry. He did not know what else to say at this point either.

Alan looked at them for a second longer before he decided that there was no point in arguing anymore. So he forced a smile onto his face and returned to his cheerful self.

"Well, now that this is over, shall we head to your home? I want to see what kind of place you live in, Noah."

Noah nodded and continued walking towards his home, although the atmosphere between the three of them had become much more awkward than it had been before.

He could still feel Alan’s hand around his arm, but Alan eventually released him and returned to walking beside Daniel.

Noah glanced at them from the corner of his eye, wondering whether he had somehow made things worse by bringing up the idea of them being partners.

He had only wanted them to be happy.

After a few more minutes, the familiar shape of his small cottage finally appeared in the distance. Noah felt his steps slow down slightly as he looked at the place he had called home for so long.

It looked exactly as he remembered it...which made sense since it had only been a few hours since he left.

Alan stopped beside him and stared at the cottage.

"This is your home?"

Noah nodded.

"It is not much, but I like it."

Daniel looked around quietly before his eyes settled on the garden.

"You really lived here alone?"

"Yes."

Noah pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The familiar smell of the cottage immediately surrounded him, and for the first time since waking up in that strange safehouse, Noah felt his shoulders relax.

He had not realised how much he had missed this place.

Alan entered behind him and looked around with open curiosity, while Daniel remained near the doorway for a moment before following them inside.

"This place is smaller than I expected"

Alan said, causing Noah to frown slightly.

"You said you wanted to see where I lived."

"I did. I never said I would not complain about it."