Don't Disappoint Me

Pluck every last daisy clean

Note: The title of this chapter, and the song lyrics in the chapter are from the song "Easy" by Joanna Newsom.

Noah could hear the piano playing as he walked up to his front door. MC had asked if she could stay there while he was out so she could practice. He opened the door quietly, and she didn't notice him come in. She was perched on the edge of the bench, fingers lightly dancing across the keys. He stood in the doorway and watched her sing.

Easy, easy,

my man and me;

we could rest and remain here,

easily.

She was playing a Joanna Newsom song. Her favorite musician, one Noah hadn't heard of before, but who was quickly growing on him, especially when MC was singing her songs.

I am easy,

easy to keep.

Honey, you please me

even in your sleep.

But my arms want to carry,

my heart wants to hold;

tell me your worries,

I want to be told.

She fumbled the notes. "Fuck" she grumbled. He laughed and she snapped her head around in surprise, finally noticing he was home.

She leapt up from the piano bench, ran toward him, and jumped into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist. "You're back!" she said gleefully.

He caught her effortlessly, smiling at the act of affection. "Will you record yourself playing for me?"

"I guess. Why?"

"I want to be able to listen to you play anytime I want. And you've got to do at least some where you sing."

She grinned at him, eyes shining, and kissed him. He carried her over to the couch and set her down. He gave her one more lingering kiss.

"How did it go?"

"Good! This is from Bobby." He handed her the croissant, smiling a little sadly. " He wanted me to tell you that you're the best woman he knows."

"Oh" She looked at him wide-eyed for a second, "this is so sweet of him..." Her face crumpled. She covered her eyes with her hands while she cried. Noah wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.

Once she had gathered herself, he continued, hoping to reassure her. "It went well, babe. We talked some stuff out. He had some questions about how this came to be. But he seemed okay about it. He had some nice things to say."

MC didn't know how she felt about this. Was Bobby not bothered? Did he not care that MC had found someone else?

As though Noah could read her mind, he added, "I mean, it was clearly hard for him, and he's still processing your breakup. But he said you deserved to be with someone who put himself on the line for you. I think he regrets not showing up for you in the end."

MC's eyes filled with tears again, she didn't bother trying to hold them back. Noah kissed her temple and ran his hand along her back comfortingly.

She looked up at him, wiping her face. "Thank you for not being put off by my feelings. And thank you for always being willing to talk about this with me. You're so supportive."

He tilted his head slightly, looking into her eyes. "Every feeling you have is valuable to me. I want to hear about them all. I know this is hard. And I'm not in a hurry. I'll be here with you, and we'll sort it out together."