Everybody Needs Somebody | M.C.

Ten.

Word Count: 2,606

"I call sharing with Claire!" Michael announced to everyone as we stepped out of the car, Michael referring to sharing a tent. Let it be known that riding in a car with four guys, specifically Ashton, Calum, Luke, and Michael is next to impossible to endure. My first reaction when the car stopped was immediately just getting out of that car.

"Of course you do," Calum smirked at him, earning a roll of the eyes from Michael. I breathed in as much of the air as I could with each breath I sucked in, trying to clear the smell of them out of my head. The whole ride was a mixture of farting, laughing about farting, dirty jokes, and sweat from the heat, resulting in a toxic smell and a constant stream of idiotic words coming out of the boys' mouths.

Nonetheless, we all went and set up the tents relatively quickly due to the fact we'd all been camping before. After that was done, of course we had to eat.

"Aw man... We can't order a pizza out here," Michael pouted, walking over and slamming down beside me onto the log I was sitting on. I laughed at his actions, putting one arm around him in mock comfort. That boy sure did love his pizza.

"It's alright! We can make pizza... or eat other food. We kinda always eat pizza," I said as Michael nuzzled his head into my shoulder. I patted his head, giggling at him.

"But I want pizza pizza. The good kind," He looked up at me, his bottom lip jutting out. Smiling, I bopped his lip making him laugh and when I tried to pull my finger away, he pretended to bite it.

"I think I'm gonna be sick," Calum joked, making a disgusted face.

"God, why don't you date already?" Ashton added, motioning to Michael and I. He giggled after his statement, noticing how my cheeks heated up, and I didn't dare look at Michael.

"Yeah, you guys flirt constantly," Luke grumbled last, fumbling with his sleeve. I hadn't actually realized any of them were paying attention to us until they'd each said something, much less Luke.

In a way, I was glad he was noticing how Michael and I were around each other. At least Michael made me happy. But I couldn't keep thinking like that. Even though I couldn't deny my growing feelings for Michael anymore, I didn't really want us to be anything more than what we were then.

"C'mon, lets go get something to eat," I mumbled to Michael and stood up, Michael following me. I knew they were just teasing, but I couldn't keep sitting beside Michael and have the guys making comments about our relationship which, might I add, was fine the way it was.

After getting the cooler out of the trunk, I got out bread, ham, and cheese to make a couple sandwiches for us. We didn't say anything while I was making the sandwiches, but when I handed Michael his, he murmured a quick 'thanks'.

"Sorry about them saying all that. It's awkward," I blurted out, taking a bite of my sandwich. I preferred not to eat in an uncomfortable silence.

"No, it's alright," He paused, staring at the sandwich, "But... Do you think they were right? I-I mean, like, about us... or whatever," He stuttered out, and I averted my eyes from him. I knew this: I liked Michael, but I didn't want us to be more than friends.

"I... I don't know. I like you, okay? But I can't really afford for us to be anything more. You can't handle that either, Michael. I'm going to be leaving in a couple months to go back to New York. That's thousands of miles away. I'd rather have you as a friend than, well, more than that. I'm sorry," I continued looking down, mad at myself. I realized I was such a hypocrite. Why was I so ready to date Luke when I thought he liked me, but when I felt that Michael and I actually liked each other, I pushed him away? I was afraid Michael had realized that, too, because he glanced over to me before standing up and starting to leave.