As Long As We're Together

Memories

Nathan stood in the doorway leading to the hallway when Mr. Smith walked in through the garage door. The memories of old foster homes flooded through him. He remembered the times when he felt unwanted and alone, like a lone wolf cub without his pack. He remembered being pushed aside, being told that he wasn't anything from the people that were supposed to keep him safe and help him. With his past creating an ache in his chest, Nathan forced himself out of his thoughts just as Emily came running into the room, heading straight for her father's arms.

"Daddy!" Emily shouted, wrapping her arms around her father's neck with a vice like grip.

"Did I say you could come out off your room, young lady?" Mr. Smith questioned, unwrapping himself from Emily's grip and sending her a stern look.

"No...But, I wanted to see you!" Emily whined, dragging out the last word, causing Nathan to roll his eyes.

"I understand that. However, when I tell you to do something, I expect you to do it. I know you want to see me and I love that you want to see me. Now, we will discuss this later; in the meantime, I want you to go to your room and stay there, until I come and get you. Is that understood?"

"Daddy!" Emily whined, stomping her foot. When Mr. Smith didn't change his mind, the young girl just groaned and stomped away. Nathan didn't miss the glare the young girl sent his way.

Shanking his head, Mr. Smith did not follow his daughter; instead, he turned to Nathan and sent the teenager a kind smile.

"It's good to see you again, Nathan," Mr. Smith said kindly.

"You to sir," Nathan responded, copying the elder's smile.

"About Emily-" Mr. Smith began, placing his ,undoubtedly new, briefcase on the island. "She forgets that we can't spend every minute of our free time with her. She isn't used to sharing Lucas's attention," he continued to explain, leaning over and turning the coffee machine on.

"I get it. Don't apologise, It's not the first time people have said things to me. Besides, if it effected me, I wouldn't have stayed." Nathan forced a smile, while regret bubbled inside of him. Nathan silently groaned as unwelcome memories surfaced once again. His past was something Nathan wanted to bury in the back of his mind and keep it there. Unfortunately, he couldn't seem to get away from his demons.

"I don't care if you're used to it, it's no excuse for her to say those things," Mr. Smith insisted, shaking his head.

Nathan said nothing. His thoughts were preoccupied by Emily's behavior. He couldn't understand why she was jealous. It wasn't like Lucas hadn't brought someone home before. The teen knew he couldn't hold this against her. Nathan couldn't deny that he was a bit jealous of Emily. At his age, he was being ignored and abused by his dad; at that age, he knew there was nothing he wouldn't give to have a close relationship with his dad.

"I'm going to deal with Emily. I shouldn't keep her waiting. Where is her iPad?" Mr. Smith questioned, looking at Lucas.

"On the table in the living room," Lucas said, as he walked over placed a kiss on Nathan's cheek, earning a confused look from his boyfriend.

"What was that for?" Nathan questioned after Mr. Smith had left to deal with Emily.

Ignoring Nathan's question, Lucas leaned over and placed his lips to the youngers for a sweet kiss.

"You looked upset. Are you okay?" Lucas questioned.

Nathan gave his boyfriend a small forced smile and blinked quickly as his crystal eyes became glossy.

"I'm alright," Nathan insisted, his voice breaking slightly. Nathan cleared his throat and blinked again, causing his unwanted tears to fall down. Once he was brought into Lucas's arms, Nathan let his tears fall as he clung to his boyfriend, enjoying the warmth.

"What's wrong?" Lucas questioned as he placed a kiss on Nathan's head.

"It's just...Being here, it's made me realize how...I don't know! How different we are!" Nathan forced out through his tears.

"What do you mean?"

Nathan groaned and forced himself to pull away.

"Look around! You have everything I could have dreamed of! Hell, two parents that care about me was something I dreamed of! I hate that your sister can't see how lucky she is! I hate how easy your childhood was!" Nathan shouted, allowing himself to be pulled back in Lucas's arms.

"It's okay, calm down," Lucas whispered, Nathan could feel Lucas run his hand through his hair.

"I just feel so.. I don't even know how to explain it! I just feel so angry," Nathan cried as he burred himself deeper in his boyfriend's arms, seeking his warmth.

"Babe, listen to me," Nathan felt Lucas gently push him away so their eyes could meet. Nathan's hands shook as he reached up and dried his eyes. I get that your angry. But you've seen and experienced things you shouldn't have. But it's not my or Emily's fault, baby. Emily's only ten and she has no idea of what you've gone through."

Nathan knew Lucas was right, but that did little to lessen the anger and jealousy inside of him. Nathan leaned forward and pulled Lucas into a long and desperate kiss. Nathan felt Lucas's hands on his waist. Nathan lifted his hand to cup his boyfriend's cheek as Lucas pulled him closer. Nathan pulled away when his lungs screamed for oxygen.

Nathan smiled widely as he gasped for breath. His eyes were shining with joy. Somehow, even after kissing hundreds of times, Nathan still felt the same excitement and love he felt from the first time.

"When's your mum coming home?" Nathan asked, feeling nerves bubble in his stomach.

"I don't know; probably a couple of hours."

"Can you help me look at bikes while we wait?" Nathan asked, locking their hands together.

"Sure; I'll get my laptop."

Nathan nodded and sat down on the couch while Lucas made his way upstairs.