As Long As We're Together

Opening up

One month had passed since Nathan had his first day at his new job. Nathan couldn't deny he was loving it. Even though his work was still monitored, and he found it hard to juggle his studies, working and being a father. Nathan was just happy going to work didn't feel like a chore anymore. Nathan, having gotten paid for the first time, decided on taking Dylan out to town. He ended up calling Lucas and practically forcing the man to come with them so Nathan can take Lucas to lunch to pay him back; something the teen refused.

"I still can't believe we've known each other for two months!" Lucas admitted happily.

"I know! It doesn't feel like it," Nathan agreed as he placed Lucas on speaker as he began tidying his room. "So do you have a plan for our anniversary?" Nathan questioned. He smiled brightly when he heard Lucas's laugh.

"Our anniversary? We're not even together! But fine. Tell me your address and get dressed up," Lucas ordered.

"Are you serious?" Nathan questioned, smirking.

"You want to celebrate our anniversary. I will. Now where do you live?" Lucas continued after Nathan gave him his address. "I'll be there, be ready for six."

"I will be," Nathan promised, his smile never left his face. "So what are you doing?" Nathan questioned.

"Trying to plan our anniversary in brief notice," Lucas mumbled, Nathan could hear him typing in the background.

"Alright! I'll leave you to your planning. I'll expect a present," Nathan commented, smirking.

"Don't push your luck, Nate. I'll see you tonight."

"See you."

After hanging up, Nathan continued cleaning. His filthy room had finally gotten too much for him. Since Erin took Dylan shopping with her, Nathan finally had free time to himself.

The second Nathan walked into the living room, he was met with his seven-month-old son crawling towards him.

"You're doing so good, Dylan! Daddies so proud of you!" Nathan gushed, placing his kiss on his babbling son's cheek.

The second Nathan sat down on the couch next to Scarlett, Dylan started wriggling.

"Alright. Alright, I'll put you down." Nathan chucked as he placed the boy back on the ground. Nathan watched with a fond smile on his face, as Dylan crawled pack towards his toys.

"How could she abandon him?" Nathan mumbled as he watched Dylan continue his assault on his bunny.

"What was that?" Scarlett questioned looking up from her phone, only to return her gaze when it pinged.

"Nothing," Nathan dismissed. Scarlett hummed in acknowledgement, too engrossed in her phone to give a verbal response.

Nathan played with Dylan for the rest of the morning, they played with anything the baby could get his hands on, from Dylan's bunny to stacking blocks, Nathan did what he could to make his son smile.

After lunch, Nathan knew he couldn't procrastinate any longer, he knew he had some homework to complete and editing another story. Nathan knew it would take him hours; even without Nathan's anniversary that night, he wouldn't be able to get it all done. Nathan knew his job took priority over his school work.

After spending the next four hours on his editing, Nathan was forced to stop. The last page didn't make any scene. Despite reading it multiple times, Nathan couldn't fully understand what the writer wanted to say. Deciding on emailing his client, Nathan finally logged off his laptop.

With his stomach clenching, Nathan got ready for his and Lucas's anniversary. Even though they were just friends, Nathan decided dressing up a little wouldn't hurt anyone.

After taking a long shower, Nathan got dressed in a white shit, black pants and a tie. Nathan knew it wasn't very fancy, but it was the best he had.

"Why are you dressed up?" Erin questioned when Nathan walked into the kitchen.

"He has a date tonight," Scarlett answered before Nathan could open his mouth, sending the teen a smirk.

"No, I don't! We're just friends," Nathan insisted.

"Oh yeah? What's his name?" Erin pushed, smiling at Nathan.

"Lucas," Nathan reluctantly answered.

"Isn't he the guy you met at town two months ago? You two really fell in love fast," Scarlett joked.

"Ha ha, hilarious. He's coming here at six. Don't be here," Nathan commanded, glaring playfully at Scarlett.

"I won't be, don't worry," Scarlett smiled sweetly before turning her attention back on her phone.

"It's not a date," Nathan insisted.

"Do you want it to be?" Erin questioned, giving the teen a knowing look.

"I barely know him," Nathan defended with a faint blush on his cheeks.

"That doesn't mean you don't want to be more, right? I only knew Ryan for a month when we stared dating."

"I don't know how I feel, to be honest," Nathan admitted as he got a glass of water.

"Do you know if he likes men?" Erin questioned gently.

"Yeah. I know he's gay," Nathan answered.

"That's half the fight. Trust me, if you do like him, it will only increase with time." Erin promised as she patted the teen's shoulder. "It will get easier," she promised as she turned the coffee machine on.

"He thinks you're my parents," Nathan admitted.

"What?" Erin questioned as Nathan looked down and fiddled with his tie.

"I told him when we first met. I didn't want him to know I don't have a family, I bailey knew him and just didn't want to deal with questions. I just didn't know what to tell him. He was talking about his family and I just panicked. I'm sorry."

"Why havn't you told him the truth. It's nothing to be ashamed of Nathan. What happened isn't your fault. Nothing was your fault. Yes, you made mistakes, what kid doesn't?" Erin questioned, hugging the teen when she saw the tears in his eyes.

"Honestly? I forgot I lied. I'm going to tell him when he get's here," Nathan promised.

"Good. Make sure you do." Erin encouraged as she made her coffee.

"Do you think Sophie will ever try to get Dylan back?" Nathan questioned after a couple of minutes of silence, shocking Erin.

"What makes you say that?" Erin questioned, her eyebrows furrowed as she took a sip of her coffee.

"I don't know. I just don't want her trying anything," Nathan admitted as he finished his water.

"If she was going to, she would have done it by now. She's in your past now; I know forgetting her will be impossible, especially because of Dylan. Don't worry about her, just focus on your future."

"I will, thank you," Nathan smiled. Nathan checked his phone and sighed when he saw it was only half five. Nathan checked his emails, hoping that his client had responded, so he had something to do with half an hour.

Dread filled Nathan's stomach when he heard a knock on the door. Nathan walked into the hallway and opened the door to reveal Lucas with a bright smile on his face.

"Hey!" Lucas smiled.

"Hi. Come in, I need to tell you something," Nathan answered. The obvious shake in his voice made Lucas concerned as he followed Nathan into the empty living room.