You're Living a Lie, You Just Can't Hide From Me

Natalie wasn't sure how she felt after the first session. It was nice to finally be able to get things off her chest, to get the skeletons out of her closet so to speak. She felt liberated to be able to admit the things she'd done and the reason she was who she became. But, at the same time, she felt so exposed, and she worried that Garrett would see her differently. He swore he wouldn't, that he'd be able to accept whatever she'd done, and would love her just the same. It wasn't easy for her to talk about these things and while she was so happy that he was there to support her, to comfort her, she wasn't sure she had realized just how much she'd be sharing.

It wasn't intentional, it was just like word vomit. She didn't know where it all came from, especially because she'd never felt so honest before. The redhead never spoke about her relationship with her father or her battle with suicide and anorexia before now. She was ashamed of the things she'd done, but it was nice to finally have an outlet to express them. She hadn't really ever considered talking to a counselor before now, and even if she would have, the support of Garrett's presence had definitely encouraged her. It felt right that he was finally getting to know who she really was. She had struggled long enough loving him and not letting him get close to her, now she was going to be emotionally naked before him.

He kissed her softly as they laid in her bed. Death Cab For Cutie's "Transatlanticism" was currently being played on her record player. He sighed, tracing his fingers over the top of her tattoo that had been exposed as his hand trailed under her shirt. They laid there silently, not needing to talk. They didn't really even need to touch; it was a comfort that neither had experienced before. Natalie was still tearing up a little bit as she laid her head in the crook of his neck. The experience of her confessions had exhausted her beyond belief. To Garrett, it was so commendable. He'd always thought Natalie was strong, but knowing what he knew now, he was blown away. He would have never expected her to have been through so much nor be able to survive it. She was so much more than he'd ever expected and he knew that her story was nowhere near finished.

"Nat?" He asked quietly.

She made a sound into his neck, not daring to move out of her position.

"Thank you... for letting me in." The older boy spoke quietly. "I know that it probably hurts."

The redhead shifted slightly, bringing a hand to stroke his cheek. "It does, but it also feels good to get it off my chest."

He placed his hand over hers, interlacing their fingers. She smiled slightly, closing her eyes as he brought the blanket over them with his free hand. He kissed her hair, wrapping his arm around her. He knew she was tired, and he didn't plan on leaving her side. The truth was though that his mind was racing. He couldn't be tired after hearing how terribly her father had treated her. That was child abuse, wasn't it? Why had nothing ever been done? Natalie almost seemed nonchalant about it now. Garrett realized that when she spoke about the life she'd left in Tempe, she only mentioned her mother. He never realized it before, but now he wondered what that meant. Her father seemed to be a terrible person, who seemed to just hate everything. The way she described him made Garrett wonder if he was a misanthrope. How could he have hated his only child? Why had he so desperately wanted a boy? Better yet, why couldn't he get over it and admit that his little girl was incredible? He wasn't sure she knew the answers, or even if she did, whether she would feel comfortable answering them. They promised to be totally honest to one another, but he didn't want her to hurt anymore.

Natalie was asleep while he lay awake. He wasn't going to leave her side, but he couldn't sleep himself. He was too annoyed by the thought of the girl he loved being treated like she'd been a mistake. He couldn't ever imagine what that was like, or what could have caused such a hatred. Garrett had never really thought about having a family of his own, but he knew that he would love his kids more than anything. Knowing what he now knew about Natalie, he could understand the way she was able to abandon her morals to feel loved. Without the love of her father, she'd been desperate for male acceptance. She had thought that she wasn't worth his love, and had sought up a replacement. Going out to parties and being used as a personal sex toy was enough to make her feel like someone cared, even if they were only caring enough to get off. The bassist couldn't bear to think that she'd felt so disgusted with herself and had no form of confidence. He wondered if that was why they never had the opportunity in high school to fall for each other. She had crushed on him from afar but hadn't felt worthy enough to approach him. He never wanted Natalie to feel unworthy or unloved and he knew that he had to make sure of it.

Eventually, he was overcome by sleep. The thoughts that had plagued him awake were now in his dreams. It was like he was having Natalie's memories or something. He could see her, trying everything for her father's approval. She was even willing to kill herself just to have some sort of reaction. He could imagine the way her mother worried, scared to get involved. She'd always seemed withdrawn to him, and he couldn't remember her really having a good friend base in school, but now he was able to see why. Natalie was emotionally handicapped in some ways, and desperate for approval. She had turned to drugs when she wasn't sure she could prove herself as an artist, she had lead John on in hopes that he would make her feel beautiful. It all seemed to make sense to Garrett now, even if he was incredibly saddened by it. Natalie was broken, and even if she was so much better now, she was still not fixed. He wasn't sure what could fix her, to be honest. Hopefully with therapy, her new anti-anxiety medication and the support of their friends as well as him, she would be able to move forward.

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"Are you sure you want this?" Pat asked softly as he and Garrett sat in the tattoo parlor. It wasn't that he thought Garrett was being stupid, it was just that tattoos are forever. He wasn't sure that his best friend was really thinking about that. His idea was romantic, but who was to say that he and Natalie would last? Of course, the drummer adored the redhead and wished nothing but good luck to the couple, but he was trying to remain realistic.

"Yeah." Garrett spoke. "I want this."

The drummer looked really uncomfortable as Garrett left his side to talk to the tattoo artist. The older of the two felt so out of place. He had never even considered getting a tattoo, and he was a bit surprised that Garrett was going ahead with it. He felt so out of place in the shop, but he had agreed to go with Garrett. It wasn't that the bassist needed support; he just wanted someone to be there. He would have taken Natalie, but he thought surprising her would be even better. Besides, Alyssa had taken her out to try to cheer her up. She'd been feeling terrible since the therapy session, because it brought up things she'd tried so hard to forget. Revisiting those memories had saddened her and broken her down.

He hated to see her upset, but they both knew it was worth it. She mentioned that maybe once the truth was out, the healing could begin. It hurt him to see her so lost and disgusted with herself. It angered him to not know what he could do to make her feel better. Garrett knew that everything that had happened was catching up with her, but he didn't think it was fair. He missed her smile and her shining eyes. He would do anything to make her feel better. This tattoo wasn't just for her. It was for the both of them... She needed him closer, and he needed her closer. They would be bound by the lyric.

It took less than half an hour to finish the tattoo on his waist. It was small and delicate, kind of like Natalie. He was bandaged up, and informed what to do and what not to do. He was anxious to show her the new ink. Pat was anxious to get out of the tattoo parlor. The two boys made their way along the boardwalk. Garrett bit his lip, trying to figure out if there was anything else he could do to cheer up his girlfriend. She hadn't mentioned wanting anything, and she didn't feel very talkative lately. He didn't know if this was normal, but he knew that she would come around when she was ready. He couldn't help but be protective and concerned though.

"She'll be okay." Pat told his friend, putting a hand on his arm.

Garrett sighed.

"Tal is one of the strongest girls I've ever known." The drummer spoke. "I'm sure she's been through a lot, but she'll recover."

The bass player smiled softly at his best friend. He knew that she was strong, but he worried she was reaching her breaking point. He had never known all of the things that had gone on with her. He didn't know how she had survived, but he worried bringing these topics up would ruin her. "I just..." He sighed. "She's my anchor."

Pat shot him a confused look. He didn't understand what that meant or what Garrett was trying to say. Garrett was more poetic than he'd ever been, so he figured it was some sort of love term. He always spoke of Natalie as if he needed her to survive. She was everything to him, and that type of love was beyond what he'd ever had with Rachael. It made the drummer happy to see his friend so in love, and even though he adored Natalie, he worried about her breaking his heart. He couldn't help but be protective over his best friend after the way Rachael had broken him down. It seemed that Natalie was more problematic than she'd been. That wasn't to say that Pat preferred Rachael to Natalie. He adored Natalie; he thought she and Garrett were great together, but he couldn't help but be concerned.

The two best friends continued down the boardwalk talking about the new album, but Garrett's mind was elsewhere. The band knew that his focus was off, and they understood why. To be honest, John was using Natalie's struggle and Garrett's stories as song material. He asked permission, but it felt too personal to actually use. The rest of the Maine weren't frustrated at what was happening, but rather concerned. Still, despite all this, they had a record to make and all of the extraneous stuff was keeping them from finishing. Garrett knew that he was going to have to focus, but a part of him realized that the more time he didn't, the longer they would stay in California and he'd be with Natalie. Even so, he couldn't, the record label was graciously paying for this and they couldn't be divas about it. They had a time limit and that was their focus. He hadn't come to L.A. for her, and he was going to have to leave.

Running a hand through his hair, the younger boy led his best friend away from the tattoo parlor. He kept his eyes to the storefront windows, hoping that it'd help him find something for Natalie. She knew that he was there for her, and he wasn't going anywhere. She knew that he cared, and that he loved her more than anything, but it didn't feel like enough. She'd been through so much and he wanted to prove that he could be some sort of hope for her. He wanted to provide the stability to keep her feet on the ground, even when her head was in the clouds. He was romantic, yes, but it didn't mean he knew how to charm girls like John did. He couldn't write lyrics or sweettalk girls like the lanky singer could. Natalie liked that he was awkward, and knew more about the undead than he did about girls. Still, he wished he could be smoother when it came to her. Sure, this tattoo was for her, a dedication and something to bind them, but he wanted something more... She'd admitted the tattoo was for him, so of course he got one for her.

And then he saw it. It was in the window of a local jewelry store. It was small and delicate, just like Natalie. It sparkled and shined brightly just like her eyes, and he could imagine the necklace around her neck. He could imagine buying it, and giving it to her. She would gasp, tell him he shouldn't have and then proceed to coo ever it. She would be honored, even though he knew it was only a small token of his affection. He wasn't buying her love; he already had it, but he didn't know what he could give her. All he knew was that he loved her and he wanted her to always know it. He smiled, stopping in front of the window to stare at it. Pat stopped behind him, shooting him a confused look. The younger of the two headed into the store without another word. He was going to buy it for her no matter the cost.

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Natalie smiled. Her girl's day with Alyssa was extremely successful. They had gotten their hair down, gotten their nails done and gone shopping. They'd even went to lunch at one of the biggest Hollywood hot spots, the Ivy. The younger girl had ultimately stopped thinking about the things that had upset her. She was feeling so much better, after she just needed the time to cope. Considering she'd never told anyone, the venting had scared her a bit. It wasn't that she thought Karen or Garrett would confront her father, it was that admitting all of this made it feel more real. When she'd left Tempe, she was hoping to leave all of that behind. She had only been upset after Garrett came back with her after the session. She had tried so hard to not cry or break down, but had failed. He told her it wasn't a sign of weakness, though she knew better.

He had stayed with her the whole night and had only left upon her request. She told him that he had to get to the studio but they'd get together later. Garrett was trying to focus, but he couldn't help it. Natalie didn't like distracting him, and she didn't mean to. These were problems she didn't really expect to get him involved with, but she couldn't help it. Natalie couldn't help but feel responsible. She knew that the band wasn't mad at her or at Garrett, just concerned, but she felt guilty because they weren't focused on recording. This was why she decided not to go to the studio even though she'd been invited. Besides, it'd been a while since she and Alyssa had hung out alone without any of the boys. It was almost strange considering Alyssa was now dating Kennedy, though she swore it was casual. It made Natalie wonder if she planned to go home when they left. Natalie didn't think she could survive in L.A. alone.

"Something on your mind?" Alyssa asked as the two of them entered the apartment.

"Gary and I are going back to the therapist tomorrow..." Natalie spoke quietly. "I'm just nervous..."

"Why?" The older girl asked.

She shrugged. It was hard to explain why she was nervous. It wasn't because she was afraid of Karen thinking poorly or her or Garrett changing his mind about her. It was admitting things that she swore she'd forget. The things she was pretending never happened, and the darkest points of her life were coming to light. It was scary to think about them and consider the person she'd been. Natalie felt that she'd grown up so much since and she hated thinking about the person she used to be. It was hard to fathom that she'd once been so weak and broken, but she never felt that she could be fixed. She was humiliated that Garrett had to hear all of her problems, though she knew it didn't change his mind. She knew that he loved her and he supported her, but she felt so dirty. He was so perfect and she still wasn't sure she deserved him. It upset her that he was seeing her this weak considering she tried so hard not to be.

"It'll be okay." Her roommate spoke with a small smile. "Besides, you know that Garrett won't leave your side."

She nodded, pulling her cell phone out of the small bag she carried. She had a new message from John basically telling her that he was there if she needed him. The other boys had sent her texts previously stating about the same. It was really nice of them, but she didn't feel comfortable exposing such weakness in front of anyone, even Garrett. She sighed upon not seeing a text from him and decided that she should keep her mind off of it. He was busy, she was certain, and she wouldn't want to bother him. He would call or stop by when he could, so until then, she should focus on something else. She dropped her phone back into her bag before deciding to finish watching 28 Days Later. Even if Garrett loved Zombies as much as she did, getting lost in a movie about them would make her feel better. Besides, Cillian Murphy was quite attractive.

Her phone rang just as the credits came across the screen, and she answered without looking at the caller I.D. The specific ringtone told her who it was anyway and she smiled. "Hey Gare."

"I was thinking that I could take you out tonight." He spoke nervously, clutching the small box that held the necklace. "I-I m-mean... if y-you want to."

Natalie smiled at his stuttering. It was adorable that she still made him nervous though she didn't know why. It was so sweet of him to want to take her out and take care of her. She loved how considerate and sweet he was. But Natalie had a different thing in mind than going out. In fact, as she turned off the tv as well as the DVD player and made her way into her room, she was positive that the plan to go out could be delayed. "That sounds nice, Gare, but I was thinking we could hang out here for a little beforehand."

"If you want to." He spoke quietly.

"Its just... thinking about how wonderful you've been to me, and how much you care for me... It kind of turns me on."

Garrett's eyes widened as he fumbled to pick up the box that he had just dropped. He wasn't sure he'd heard her right. Natalie couldn't have said she was turned on, right? He could feel his cheeks reddening from the thoughts going through his mind. They had been having sex pretty frequently, though it wasn't just sex to either of them. It sounded cheesy to call it making love, but that's what it was. They'd been "making love" a lot recently though last night she hadn't had the energy or the desire and he understood. To think that she was sitting in her bedroom, possibly in very little clothing was turning him on. "W-what?"

"Well, I came home and watched 28 Days Later, but I couldn't even focus because all I could think about was how I wanted you inside of me... God, Gary, I'm so wet right now-" Her voice held a seductive tone he'd never heard before. It was kind of low and raspy, and didn't hold her usual sweetness. "Alyssa and I went to Victoria's Secret and I bought something... I really want you to see it, Gare. I want you to take it off of me."

Garrett had never heard her speak like this. He'd never been spoken to like this, actually. He'd never even considered phone sex, but hearing that Natalie wanted him made the boy immediately stop what he was doing and start heading to her apartment. He could hear a soft moan through the receiver and he wondered if she was touching herself. He knew that Natalie was not innocent, but was she really this much of a sex goddess? Garrett definitely agreed that waiting to go out was a great idea. "I'll be there in five minutes."

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Natalie giggled. She'd never felt like such a sex goddess as she did when she got off the phone with Garrett. She'd put on her new babydoll and reapplied her makeup, hoping she would come off as the seductress she was attempting to be. She giggled softly, thinking about how she was going to blow Garrett's mind with her little act. The truth was that thinking about how wonderful he'd been to her had made her hot. Thinking about how he didn't leave her side and he was basically at her command. It was kind of about the control that had her knees going weak. It was hot to her that she had him so whipped. It made her giggle that all she had to do was mention how she wanted to make love to him and he was running out the door.

She smiled, knowing that he had a weakness for when she wore high heels. It wasn't that Garrett had any weird fetishes, but he seemed to be extra turned on when she wore high heels. It was something that was probably normal, but Natalie had never considered it. It kind of fascinated Natalie how easily she could turn her boyfriend on. She shrugged, pulling on her knee high black boots. They didn't match the lingerie at all, but it wasn't like he'd be paying attention to whether she matched or not. She rubbed her lips together as she sat back on her bed, in what she hoped was an alluring position.

He looked out of breath as soon as he stood in her doorway. He wasn't even looking at her while he caught his breath. Natalie just giggled softly, causing the older boy to look up at the sound. His eyes widened and his mouth dropped open like a cartoon character. Natalie instantly felt that this was worth it. He took off his shoes before he closed and locked the door then his eyes fell on her again. She beckoned him closer with her finger, with a soft smile as he sat beside her on the bed. He seemed to be in awe of her, which she thought was adorable. He kept looking her over as if she had popped out of one of his fantasies.

"I was thinking that I should tease you and then when you get here be ready to walk out the door." She confessed quietly, straddling his waist. "But then I realized that you wouldn't be the only one who needed a release."

"N-Nat," Garrett let out a sigh, his hands taking hold of her hips as she laid him back against the pillows, covering him with her smaller body. "To what do I owe this?"

"I'm glad you asked." Natalie told him, unbuttoning his shirt, and smiling that he had dressed up a little more than usual for their date. She did this slower than usual, trying to tease Garrett relentlessly. She didn't continue speaking until the shirt had been thrown onto her bedroom floor. "Well, Gary, I was thinking about what an amazing boyfriend you've been." She looked him in the eye as her hands found his belt buckle. "And how amazing of a lover you are."

He blushed at her statement, and the way she was so casually undressing him. She unbuttoned his jeans and unzipped them just as slowly as she'd unbuttoned his shirt. It was amazing to him that she could do it so painstakingly slow as if the zipper was a mile long. She looked incredible above him like that with her breasts pushed up and her eyes glittering with lust. He was too in awe to even begin to undress her or move his hands from her hips.

"Just thinking about it today made me crazy. I knew you were busy at the studio, so I didn't want to interrupt, but all day I've been so lascivious, and waiting for you has just made it unbearable." She was using that seductive tone again as if she didn't realize the effect it had on him. She smiled, pulling the jeans from his legs and throwing them wherever his shirt had gone. Natalie smiled at him, stroking his cheek with her hand. "Surprised?"

"Didn't realize that you were such a sexual deviant." He chuckled, pressing his lips to hers.

"Its your fault." She giggled, kissing him once again. "If you weren't so good in bed, I wouldn't want you all the time."

"You're such a tease." He whispered. "You bought this outfit just for me, didn't you?"

"Yes." She whispered back. "Do you like it?"

Garrett smiled softly with a nod. He couldn't find the words to describe how sexy and beautiful she looked. It was something that looked elegant on Natalie but wouldn't have the same effect on someone else. He liked that she was being sexy without showing everything off. Of course he'd seen her naked body, but the little dress was more cute than sexy. Natalie straddled that line in a way he'd never be able to understand. She was the ultimate girl, being cute, polite, and ladylike in public, but being seductive, and demanding in private. He liked that she seemed to take control in situations like this. She made him speechless with just a look.

"I like the way you're looking at me." She whispered, her fingers trailing over his chest.

"This is the way I always look at you." He whispered, moving one of the straps from her shoulder. "Because I love you."

The redhead couldn't help the blush that rose to her cheeks. She loved when he said things like that. He made her weak in the knees in a way that made her shy. She couldn't be the sensitive girlfriend and the sexual deviant at once. She was so much better at being the girlfriend now anyway. It was odd to think that she'd never experienced sex like this even though she'd experienced a lot of sex. Perhaps it was because Garrett was the first boy she'd been sober and aware with. It was more than that, she knew it.

The things they did weren't solely to get off, they were to make each other feel good and show each other they cared. He was the only one who could make her feel that way, and he was the only one who knew her body or how to cause the reactions he loved. He knew where she liked to be touched or bitten or licked or what have you. She knew his body just as well, though she wondered if this experience was different for him because she'd only been the second girl he'd been with. It was almost like being a virgin with him, if she'd never been aware of the sex she was having, right?

"Gare?" She asked quietly, finally noticing the bandage on his right side. She ran her fingers gently over the bandage. "You got a tattoo?"

He nodded.

"Can I see it?"

Garrett nodded once again, carefully recalling how long the tattoo artist said to leave the bandage on. Natalie was gently when it came to taking the bandage off, but it still hurt. She traced her fingers over the words, gasping. He'd gotten her tattoo... Now they matched. She didn't even know how to respond, so she just smiled. She was shocked, but so happy. She couldn't even hold it in anymore, so she pressed her lips to his.

No words were spoken as their lips connected again. Natalie ran her hands through his hair, tugging gently every once in a while. While they kissed, he placed one hand on her hip, slowly stroking up and down her side, just barely allowing his thumb to graze the side of her breast each time. She sighed, getting impatient, and Garrett seemed to understand as he carefully undressed her. She usually was a fan of foreplay, but not now. She kissed him softly as he laid her back against the pillows, switching their positions.

She knew what she was doing, and she knew exactly what she did to him. Her moans, her gasps, her sighs. The way she arched her back whenever he kissed through her cleavage and down onto her stomach. They way her skin glowed, the way her vibrant raspberry hair fell into her bright eyes. Garrett Nickelsen was madly in love with Natalie Evers. He couldn't help it as he lay beside her, his fingers tracing patterns over her porcelain skin, causing her whole body to tremble. She shifted towards him, pressing her lips to his, but gasped as he took advantage of the new position and slid a finger inside of her. Natalie let out a soft moan as he placed another finger inside of her while his lips began to nip at her neck.

"Gare," She gasped. "Gary, just fuck me already."

He smiled at her words, sliding inside of her slowly. Natalie let out another moan, waiting for him to start pummeling into her. He was going too slowly for her liking. "Mm, oh baby don't tease me, I ne-oh!" She gasped sharply as he started thrusting deep into her. They could never get enough of each other’s bodies, each others touch, each others moans. She let him take control this time, directing her hips, guiding her on top of him. “Baby, that f-feels s-s-so…” Natalie struggled to take in a breath.

Garrett let out a low groan against her ear, causing her to smile as her body trembled some more. She loved hearing his reactions and knowing that he was receiving as much pleasure as she was. He smiled, pressing his lips back to hers as her arms wrapped tightly around him. He began thrusting harder, pounding deeper into her small body. She could tell she wouldn't be able to last much longer, as she tried to press her hips up to meet his. He grabbed her leg, throwing it over his shoulder before plunging back into her, causing the redhead to cry out. She was in pure ecstasy with this new position.

“I’m so fucking close.” He groaned. “Baby, I’m almost there.”

The redhead knew it wouldn't last much longer, so she was trying to extend it as long as possible. He seemed to understand that, slowing his hips down so that she could feel every inch of him. She let out another moan and soon his thrusts sped up again, slamming into her. Garrett really didn’t think he would ever get his full of her. Every time it was a different experience. He pressed his lips to hers, kissing her as hard as he was thrusting. He moved his face away so that he could watch her writhe in pleasure. He liked watching the way her eyes closed and her lips moved as moans left them. He grinned, as his finger trailed down her stomach, rubbing her as he thrust deeply. He knew that she was close, he could tell, and the way her moans seemed to be endless, he could hear it too.

"Gare, I- Oh God, h-harder." She gasped. "I'm gonna- Gare, I think I- fuck!" He pulled out all the way before slamming back into her. By the way her hips arched and her breathing sped up, Garrett knew she was there. Her muscles tightened around him and he kept thrusting through his own orgasm.Garrett collapsed onto her, and they lay there in a tangled, sweaty mess. Natalie smiled wrapping her arms tightly around him, feeling his fast heartbeat as he caught his breath. She was practically gasping for her own, never having felt so out of breath after one of their romps between the sheets.

Natalie laughed softly as they both finally came down from their orgasms. She snuggled against him, kissing his shoulder gently. She didn't even know how to describe that... It was perfect. It was like all of the pain and all of the frustration she'd been feeling lately had left her body. It was like she'd taken every emotion out on Garrett's. He just wrapped his arms tighter around her, exhausted. To think that either would be willing to go out after that was insane.

"Nat?" He asked softly as the small redhead seemed to be falling asleep.

"Yeah, Gare?"

"Do you remember the note?" He asked quietly.

She smiled, not answering him, instead, leaning over to her bedside table and opening a drawer. She pulled out the note in question, and kissed him gently. He stroked her cheek, as he kissed the top of her head. "I think you're my anchor, Gary. I think you have it backwards."

"I... I got you something." He whispered, unwrapping himself from her, and moving to find his pants. He located them and searched the front pocket for the box he was looking for. Natalie looked at him curiously, giggling at his naked white ass. She thought his butt was cute, but it was so pale. Hell, she thought every inch of him was cute and incredibly pale. She watched as he rejoined her in bed, placing a small velvet box onto her chest.

"Gare-" At first she thought it was an engagement ring, but she knew better. Garrett wasn't stupid enough to ask her to marry him now. He knew that they were too young and neither was ready to settle down. He watched her carefully as she stared at the box, almost too nervous to open it. Natalie didn't know why he'd gotten her anything; it was enough to just be together. But his blue eyes sparkled and coaxed her to open the box. She did and found the most gorgeous anchor necklace she could have ever imagined. It looked incredibly expensive, she thought. It was so beautiful though, but it was too much. "Gary, I- wow. This is so incredible."

"I'm glad you like it."

"I don't deserve it. Its too expensive."

"Nat, I want you to have it. I bought it as a constant reminder for us. You're my anchor... you keep my feet on the ground. And I'm yours... your sense of stability while your head's in the clouds."

She couldn't even fathom how to reply to that, so she just kissed him. He chuckled, taking that as a thank you. He pulled away to take the necklace out of the box and place it around her neck. As he clasped it, he kissed along her neck, causing her to let out another moan. He smiled, tracing the necklace and letting his fingers run along her soft skin.

"I love you." Natalie whispered. "Its like... no matter what happened to me before, it made me who I am now. It led me to you."

He sighed. "I wish it'd led you to me earlier."

"Gary, no matter what happens, I'm yours. All of the stuff that I told Karen and all of the things that I'll probably tell her tomorrow... You're the only man for me. No one else mattered."

He nodded. "I may not be Prince Charming, but hopefully I get the job done."

"Considering the earth shattering orgasm you just gave me, I'd say so."