When I'm Gone ( Nate Maloley AU)

Aftertaste: Chapter Twenty-Six

Cameron sits with everyone in the living room, while I sit on the stairs. I hate that Jude and Nate are still friends with Cam, but there's no Nash in the picture.

Finally, everyone leaves, leaving Cameron and I alone. He smiles at me, as he helps me up and we walk upstairs silently. He promised to spend time with me while he's here, I don't mind seeing Taylor and Aaron, but otherwise I just want to see Cameron. We sit in our bed and my eyes go to his lingering gaze.

"I can't leave Magcon. You know that."

"I know, Cameron. I just wished you had stood up to Bart. I did nothing but be there with you and for you."

He sighs, and nods.

"I know."

He kisses my forehead and I sigh. My heart flutters because no matter what, I know I want to be with him. He's helped me so much and my love for him hasn't vanished. We both lay down, and his arms wrap tightly around my waist. I wish that all the bad things that have happened to me never did. That would have never let me meet Cameron though.

Soon enough he falls asleep and I sigh softly, holding his hand and looking out at the rain that starts to fall fast. I pull from Cameron and walk downstairs. I lean my head against the glass. Lightening flashes in the sky. Silently, I make my way back upstairs and lean against the door.

He could always leave me. Would I be mad? No. I'm not perfect and though he can see that, it bothers me. I'm never completely honest with him, and it'll bite me back one day.

"Hayden, come here," Cameron says softly.

I walk gently to the bed, and sit down. His brown eyes look at me.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing-"

He turns on the lamp and pulls me into his lap. My back against his bare chest, but his arms wrapped tightly around me.

"You can tell me anything."

"I'm afraid when I'm not with you, you'll find someone better."

His head lays on my shoulder and he sighs softly. Silence. My face heats in embarrassment and I go to pull away.

"I couldn't find someone as amazing as you," Cameron whispers.

"Why are you so forgiving, Cameron? I've fucked up so many times."

"They haven't all been your fault."

I look down. Cameron moves so we're laying face to face. He moves my hair from my face. I blush and he smiles. Cameron pulls me to him and he kisses me softly. I giggle when he pulls me under him. Cameron kisses down my neck.

"Cam-"

There's a pounding on the front door and cam gets off of me. I follow him downstairs. Once he opens the door Nate comes barging in and I step back.

"Why are you here, Nate?" Cameron asks.

"To get my girlfriend back."

"No," I say, "I'm not going back to you. I'm over you."

He looks at me, and he's so hurt. We set fire to each other. We didn't mix, like water and oil. Cameron makes sure I stay behind him. Fearing what I'll do to Nate if he tries to touch me.

"You need to go," Cameron says, grabbing Nate's arm, but nate doesn't move.

"Why don't you tell her what you've done?" Nate says.

"What?" Cameron asks, "Stop trying to start shit and leave."

"Fine."

I look at Cameron. He runs a hand through his hair.