Odd Couple - Chapter 5 (Patreon)

Chapter 5

Steph was pensive. Laying on her extra-long, custom-made bed. Looking at the ceiling.

There´s just so much she ignores of Noah. Well, not that she really ignores it, but she just doesn´t know! He´s been his boyfriend since… well, not since that date they had. But it didn´t took them that long to make things official.

“Come on, there´s no way I ignore that much things about him…” she could list his favorite color, song, food, time of the year. A whole lot of his personal favorites. But it were those deepest thoughts, those deep-seated things about him. His abstruse self.

Steph knew him, or that´s what she thought. But when he completely broke in front of her, and started crying right in the presence of her mother. His weeping, all those shed tears. What had happened? What had she missed?

Her mother wasn´t mean, right?

There´s a reason why he did what he did. A motive for him to break down in tears in the lap of her overly affectionate mother. A deep, secret cause. There´s a side of his short, nice, and lovely boyfriend she ignores. And she hates it!

He´s not lying, but he´s hiding something.

She asked him what had happened, and he simply disregarded the whole thing. He simply felt overwhelmed. Embarrassed. Small. But she wasn´t buying it.

She knows him, whenever he feels insecure, shy, vulnerable. He simply tries to hide himself, or try not to move. Like those small mammals that stay still for their predator not to perceive them. But this time, he didn´t stood still, he didn´t let the moment take place around him. He reacted, and his reaction was one she´s never seen before.

Yes, he´s cried before, a little. Normally, small tears will come out of his eyes whenever she, BY MISTAKE, applies more force than she needs over him. Maybe she´s pinched him a little too hard. But not intending to really harm him. But that time, he was nearly wailing. She needs to know. Really needs to know her own boyfriend.

“And how the fuck am I supposed to do so? Noah´s so… just so… reserved. So quiet.” He was nearly uncommunicative with things. She can´t say that didn´t upset her, but she understood him.

It´s not easy to share some things when your big girlfriend talks to you with a loud, stern tone. She soon realized that she asked some things in a nearly scolding way. Plus, she´s like two whole feet above him. That doesn´t help to encourage him.

Her main question was, where does all this insecurity come from? Why is he so shy? So frail? So… even if she doesn´t want to admit it, he´s kind of weak. But she´ll protect him, that´s what she´s been doing since college.

“It´s so funny, I went from not liking him, to like him, and then to look after him… it was hard, at first, but we found a way to make it work…” Steph thought as she closed her eyes, drove her arms under her head and drifted away on her thoughts.

Back at college, after that date. She didn´t bother in talking to him. The date was nice, yes. But why would the captain of the volleyball and basketball team would want to be seen with him? Noah was… small.

Steph was an amazon over seven-feet tall. And Noah was… 5´4”. Not the boyfriend she´d want anyone to see her with. However, he didn´t thought things in the same way.

Noah understood she didn´t want to be seen with him. But that didn´t keep him from glancing at her every once in a while.

He wouldn´t admit it, yet, but that kiss on the cheek, that was by far the furthest he´s got with a woman. EVER.

During their calculus classes, he glimpsed at Steph. Watching her pretty face looking at the board with confused eyes. Chewing some gum as she took some notes. Or doodled on her notebook, that also worked.

There were times when she turned at him, having the feeling of his eyes on her. But he always turned away. Hoping she hadn´t catch him. He didn´t dare turn back at her. At least for the rest of the class. But by their next class, he couldn´t help it.

His eyes had found something beautiful. Something to treasure. His heart beat faster, chills ran through his spine. He had a crush on her. He, the shortest guy in class had a crush on the tallest girl on campus. A bit weird, but he didn´t care.

He didn´t care if it simply stuck on his mind. If he had to play this little fantasy on his mind every now and then. He pictured Steph´s tall form coming down to him, and imprinting this big kiss on his cheek. He felt elated.

Noah couldn´t help it. Every week, he took a step closer. Well, he sat on a chair closer to her. He went from the front row, to the one behind, and then to the one behind that one.

Little by little, he was closer, and closer, and one day, almost at the end of the semester. He found himself sitting on the same row, two sits to her left.

It had been a few weeks since they dated. And he followed her instructions by not talking to her in public. But he couldn´t resist. He needed to talk. He felt special. That day when she, instead of walking away, stayed. They shared a meal; they shared a moment. They had a date. And even if she wants to pretend it didn´t happen, he doesn´t.

He knew time was running away from him. She didn´t attend her classes in a regular basis. What if she stopped assisting? What if he lost his chance?

He knew that if they were not in the same class, then there´s a much bigger chance they won´t ever get to speak again. He had to take the risk.

One day, a regular day. Everyone was coming in, taking a seat before the teacher arrived. Sitting on the wooden chairs. Everyone chit-chatting before the class started.

Everyone but him. Noah had a plan, a mission. He needed to make contact. To speak to her, even if he just said hi. He´ll give baby steps. Greet her today, maybe speak a full sentence tomorrow. Who knows, this could work.

Steph arrived, and it was really easy to notice her. The top of her head nearly brushed the door´s frame. At 7´3”, she was hard to miss.

He waited for her to take a sit before he approached.

He rapidly grabbed his things and carried them all the way to the spot next to her. He was so nervous; the palm of his hands was sweating. His knees were trembling a little. He just took a deep breath and tried to settle himself.

Something he was too nervous to notice was that… Steph noticed him.

She wasn´t dumb. He´s been looking at her. Her friend Karina even whispered to her when he was looking at her. At first, she was mad. Hadn´t she made things clear already?

She will need to explain things to him, again.

Noah had to encourage himself, it took him nearly thirty minutes to speak to her. And when he did, all he could say was a single word.

He turned at her, looking up at her face, surrounded by her lose golden hairs.

“H-hi…” he felt a knot on his stomach. Why was he so shy? It was a burden.

He felt even more nervous when she turned. Not completely, she just rolled her eyes and peered at him from the corner of her eye. She didn´t said a word, just turned for a second, quiet, stern. Then, she ignored him.

Noah didn´t find the courage to speak again. His plan had failed.

But, hadn´t they had a good time? She seemed happy. Interested. For the first time, she was talking to a woman who actually bothered to listen, to pay attention. And now, he had to keep things a secret. Why? Because he was a short loser.

It shouldn´t be that way. They shared a moment. He found something in her that he´s seen in him. Maybe, she had seen the same? He hoped she had.

The bell rang, and the doors of the hall way opened quickly after it. The class is over.

The hall was rapidly crowded with students from all classes, stepping out of their respective classrooms. Some heading to another class, some heading to their dorms. And some others like Steph and Karina, who were heading to volleyball practice.

They took off fast. Really fast. They just picked their notebooks, their pens and left.

Noah wanted another shot with her. But he had to pick up more than just a notebook. He grabbed his pen, his pencil, placed them inside a bag. Then folded his notebook, grabbed his calculator and placed everything inside his backpack.

He was clumsy, his hands felt a bit numb because of the utter excitement he was feeling. Simply being next to Steph was thrilling enough.

He could smell her sweet aroma, have a closer look of this tall woman´s graceful moves. Even peer at the “notes” on her notebook. She was drawing a bird, a pretty good drawing, by the way.

But she left before he could have a second chance.

He walked out of the classroom, a little sad. He felt defeated. Nonetheless, Noah knew that tomorrow would be a new day. Another chance. He still had a few more chances.

As he walked past the door and gave a turn to the left, he immediately met something. Solid, big. He almost crashed with Steph´s boobs. His eyes were inches from crashing with the bottom of her large breasts.

“Why are you trying to talk to me?” She was talking to him… but her words were not quite what he wanted to hear.

Steph was standing tall, pretty and… mad. And it was at him. Not quite what he wanted.

“Hey buddy…” came Karina´s words. She didn´t sound upset. Just cheerful as always.

The three of them walked somewhere else, to a more private place.

Why the three? Steph didn´t want Karina to come, but she was persistent. She found it funny to see the amazon of her friend intimidating this small dude so that he stays away from her.

Karina had no idea why she wanted him to stay away. Yes, Steph had already told her about their date. But Karina was her BFF, and she knew how to keep a secret.

“I still don´t get it, he can help you with your homework, you know, the one you haven´t do…” Karina spoke as she followed her even taller friend.

Karina was 6´6”, even for her, Steph´s chin was still above her eye level.

“I already told you,” cam Steph´s semi-annoyed voice. “It´s NONE of your business.”

Karina looks at Steph as she, sternly, speaks to Noah. The poor guy seems so afraid. But that´s the regular impression Steph´s got on everyone. Karina can´t help but to chuckle a bit.

They are now in a very lonely place. Right outside a classroom that´s only used on Saturdays for tutoring lessons. Not a single soul out there, but them.

“I believe I was clear. Yet, there you are, trying to approach to me. Listen, I know we had a good time, but there´s no chance this can work.” Steph explained, both hands on her meaty hips, looking down at the extremely shy guy down there.

Noah felt so nervous. He just wanted to chat. But it seems he did wrong.

“Aww, come on, Steph. The guy´s got a little crush on you. Don’t be so mean.” Came Karina´s voice.

“You, shush.” Declared Steph.

Noah felt extremely intimidated by these two women. He was boob-leveled with both of them. Plus, their tight volleyball uniforms only displayed their fit physiques. He felt so puny.

But he had to speak. Maybe this is what was supposed to happen. His chance to speak from the heart. To be sincere. There was something he wanted, needed, to say to her.

“Now, I want to be clear. That date, it was nice, but it was just a date. There´s no chance there can be ANYTHING between you and I.” Declared Steph.

Noah had to encourage himself, real hard. He had to argue. “W-why not?” He started shaking as those words left his mouth.

Steph rose an eyebrow at him. Was he challenging her? Meanwhile, Karina drove her hand to her mouth and shut herself before cracking up in a huge laughter. This was FUN!

“You don´t get to ask that question. There´s no real reason. I just don´t want you around.” Steph declared.

“B-but… why?” Noah couldn´t believe what he was doing. He was talking back to this amazon. Was he really so in love with her?

“Why? Because… look at us. You´re down there and I… I´m all the way up here. Don´t you think people will make fun of you? Of me?” She was trying to convince him.

Steph knew Noah was a nice guy. But not so sure if he was boyfriend material. At least, a boyfriend for her.

“I… I thought you didn´t… didn´t care about what others… what other people said about you…” Spoke Noah right before he turned down and away.

He had a point, and both women were surprised by his words.

Steph even turned at Karina, who just shrugged. This was up to her, no need for her to intervene. Right?

“Yes. I don´t give a shit about what other people say about me. But tell me… why should I be… friends with you? We´re not alike, AT ALL.” Steph declared, trying to make the final point and set him away. It wasn´t truly what she wanted. But she thought this could be for the best.

“I…” Noah started. He knew exactly what to say, but then, he turned at Karina. She may not be so welcomed there. “I´ll tell you but… I… can… could we like, be alone?” He turned at Karina, making a point she needed to leave.

Steph turned at her, even if she had no idea why, she asked her to leave.

“Ouch! I just wanted to be here to make sure she doesn´t hurt you, little guy. But if you want me to leave, I´ll leave you two lovebirds alone. Bye…” she wasn´t mad, but she really wanted to see what happened.

Now, it was officially just the two of them. No one else but the walls around them.

Noah felt some sweat on the palm of his hands. Was it getting cold? He felt cold. He just turned up at Steph, looking at the 7´3” amazon. Her serious look, her imposing body. He couldn´t help but to feel antsy.

“So? I´m waiting…” This was her way to tell him to speak.

Noah knew he had to say it. He´s had this thought in him for a few days now. He knew it since the moment they dated. But he just wanted to be sure.

If it wasn´t now, then when?

“I… I believe you,” he swallowed. He was under so much pressure. “That you and I… we´re equally alone.” He declared. That was his point, or at least the main idea.

“Hahaha, come on, me? Alone? Listen, I´m not sure if you have any friends but I do…” Started Steph. Was he saying she was unpopular?

“No! I… that´s not what I meant. My point is… love. Our love lives. You were… you had to go to this campus service, just the same way I did. I, when everyone looks at me, they just see a short guy who will have a hard time finding a date. And that´s fine. But, when everyone looks at you. They look up to you, literally. Most people respect you, some may feel nervous around you, at least that´s what happens to me. But my point is. You are the exact same opposite from me. You´re tall, ensured, an athlete. And still, you and I ended up needing the same help to find someone out there… maybe, you´re just as… shy as I am?” he was looking at her with hope.

As she looked down to him, she could tell he was about to collapse. His legs were trembling, his hands shaking. Was it so hard to speak to her?

But he had a point. He may not be as tall as her boobs, but he spoke the truth. Yes, she needed help dating. She´s intimidating. Almost everyone thinks she´s a cranky woman who´s mad ninety-percent of the time. Or at least when she´s not sleeping.

All of the other girls on the volleyball and basketball team, they are either jealous of her or simply hate her for being so outstanding. Plus, a part of them thinks she´s egocentric. She has no idea why is that.

There´s no guy here on campus who´ll… date her. That´s for sure. But it´s not her fault. She tried to approach to three guys so far, and all of them were afraid of her. Maybe it´s because she came to them walking at a fast pace in a maybe too menacing way.

Seriously, why is every man afraid of her? She doesn´t know. Steph´s sure she´s pretty. And she knows she has a nice toned body. There should be a long line of men fighting to date her. She´s like a goddess on earth. And, perhaps, that´s the reason why everyone thinks she´s egocentric.

Noah may be right. She smiles, she´s sure he seems to be about to vomit, yet, he´s made it way more far than most of the guys she´s talk with. He´s got courage, she must acknowledge that. But she won´t let him define if she´s shy.

“Listen, ONE, I´m not shy. Don´t ever say that again. And TWO, maybe… maybe I did need some help.” She´s not mad? To him, it seems she´s not about to walk away from him all annoyed. Did he just say the right thing?

“Listen. I… I believe I may have… underestimated you. Now, as an apology, if you still want to hang out with me… I won´t try to push you away.” Declared Steph.

Noah was amazed. Happy. Elated. He accepted, of course he did! He nearly jumped in excitement.

“Yes?! WOW Thank you!” He spoke.

“Haha, there´s no need to thank me… Noah, right?” she remembered his name? This just keeps getting better for him.

And that´s the first time she showed some appreciation for him. Right after she treated him bad, but that´s just details.

Back to the present. With Steph´s large, and much thicker form lying in bed…

“My… the look on his face when I allowed him to talk to me in public. I was a bitch! Still, he didn´t cared. Was he so in love with me back then?” It took them more time to finally become boyfriend and girlfriend. But they haven´t leave each other´s side ever since.

But even after all that time. Where he´s acted so nice to her, making sure to look after her. Not in the big way of it, she´s been looking after him ever since. Watching his back, literally protecting him. But he´s done everything else. Taking care of the economical matters, washing the dishes. Even cleaning… not always. But he does cook for her, ask her how her day was.

He´s just so lovely. She would regret setting him away, for sure. But the thing is, he´s so perfect that… she feels bad.

He´s the lovely one, the attentive one, the one who´s considerate, nice. Yes, she calls in to order pizza, and any other thing the implies someone making calls or taking care of some decisions. Steph speaks up for everything he´s too shy to say. However, that´s not enough, that can´t be, right?

Part of her is worried that he may just be using her because she´s big and can protect him. And take care of things he knows he can´t. She knows he doesn´t drive because he´s afraid of it, not because the car´s too big. He made sure to get a big car, saying she´d be more comfortable in it, but the truth is, he didn´t want to drive.

Steph can´t deny she ignores his true reasons for Noah to stay with her. Maybe she´s the pretty, sexy girl she knew she was. And he´s got a certain interest for tall people. At his size, everyone´s tall. But why would he still feel the same? She feels like a whale!

She´s not fat, maybe she got a bit plushy over the years. But she can burn all that fat down in no time!

“Seriously… why?” she believes she doesn´t know a thing about him. He´s starting to look mysterious, and not on the sexy way.

With a lot on her mind. And the feeling that she doesn´t do so much around the house. She´s unemployed, and he brings all of the money home. She may at least keep the place clean. At least that´s the least she thought she could do. Maybe protecting him is enough, but he wouldn´t like him to exhaust himself.

Even if his job is done while he´s sitting. But maybe asking him to clean after working the whole day… isn´t that a bit abusing from her? If she asks him, he´ll do it, no complaints. But that will be taking advantage of him.

“I´ll take care of the sheets…” Steph spoke as she removed the covers of their bed. It´s been a while since they were washed.

But when she drove her hand below the mattress to remove the protector, she felt something.

“What´s this?” was the bed broken? She felt something square-shaped down there. She rose the mattress easily to check. And to her surprise, it was a book.

But not any book, a diary.

“Is this… Noah´s?” Had she just found Noah´s diary?