When You & I Were Forever Wild

I grabbed the bottle from Lauren and gulped down some of the vodka. As always, I had trouble keeping it down, the alcohol making my stomach clench. But playing it cool, I took a few deep breaths and concentrated on the nice effect it had on me. Making my head feel light, my body warm, lulling me into a feeling of comfort and security. My friends were here with me! I loved my friends! It was my birthday! I was 16! Cameron was here. He was here and he had his arm around my shoulder. Like a boyfriend!

'You look super hot tonight, Finn.' he whispered in my ear, making me shiver.

'Thank you.' I giggled.

All of a sudden it felt like we were all alone. The laughter from the others, the music, everything seemed to disappear. I could only see Cameron, his beautiful brown eyes, like a pool of dark chocolate, his soft lips, oh how badly I wanted to kiss them.

'Umm, I think I'm gonna go.' I registered Gerard's voice but not his words, so focused on Cam, so overwhelmed by the feeling his affection was causing.

'Okay.' I just mumbled to whatever Gerard had said, not taking my eyes off Cam.

'Let's go somewhere quiet.' Cam suggested and I nodded as he got up and took my hand, pulling me up.

I was stumbling already but followed him outside. The fresh air made me even more aware of how drunk I was. I felt slightly uncomfortable and nervous now, knowing that he'd kiss me soon. Not as uncomfortable and nervous I would have felt if I was sober, just enough to make my knees shake without giving it away. He lead me to a set of stairs at the side of the warehouse and a couple of fresh cigarette butts on the ground gave away the fact that someone, probably Gerard, had been smoking here not too long ago. Had he left already? Hmm.

'I like you, Finn. Do you like me too?' Cameron asked and I smiled at him, drunkenly.

'Yes. I like you. Very very very much.' he moved closer and then his lips were on mine.

Fuck. Finally. I smiled into the kiss, feeling triumphant. Wow. This felt good. Not at all like the sweet, innocent peck I'd given Gerard. This felt like an adult kiss. While it started out sweet, his lips moved against mine with a force and soon enough, his tongue slipped into my mouth. For a second I thought about stopping him, everything was happening so fast and I didn't even have time to breathe, let alone think. Did I need to think? Oh God.

'TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF HER!' I jumped and saw an angry Gerard standing in front of us.

What the fuck? Really? Did he have to ruin this now?

*

I was just about to leave when I remembered Cameron and Tom's conversation. About how they were gonna get Finn and Suki drunk and 'have their way with them'. Even though it was none of my business, I couldn't let that happen. And seeing the state Finn was already in, I knew it wouldn't take a lot more booze to make her intoxicated enough for him to take advantage.

'Go home, nerd.' Cameron didn't even pay attention to me while Finn stared at me, obviously upset that I had interrupted.

'Leave her alone!' I stepped forward and pushed him back and he immediately got up.

'Gerard!' Finn also got up and, realizing Cam was about to punch me in the face, pulled him back before stepping between us. 'What are you doing?!'

'Just making sure he won't make you do something you don't wanna do.' I replied and she seemed confused.

I didn't want to hurt her. I didn't want to upset her by telling her what I'd heard. That Cameron was a complete prick, a disgusting piece of shit that would use her and then discard her like he had probably done with other girls. I wanted to protect her from the heartache, from the realization that her crush didn't care about her at all, that he was simply trying to sweet talk her into sex. Finn deserved so much better.

'Mind your own business, punk.' Cameron hissed and again, Finn had to hold him back. It was only then I noticed the others were watching us.

'Finn, please. He's gonna hurt you.' I hesitated again but the arrogant look on his face stopped me from caring. 'I heard you. Talking to Tom. About how you would wait until she was drunk enough. And Tom said he would do the same to you, Suki.' I looked over at her, then back at Finn.

'What are you talking about?'

'He's just jealous. In case you haven't realized, he's totally in love with you. Pathetic.' he laughed.

'Whatever. Like she doesn't know that. You might have gotten her drunk but she's not stupid! Right, Finn? You don't want that. He's an asshole! Come on, I'll take you home.' I extended my hand to her and she stepped towards me. I felt relief.

And then, before I could even prepare myself, I was on the ground, the air knocked out of me and Barnes' fist flying towards my face.

'You little shit!' he yelled and I heard Finn scream before the pain pierced through me.

Everything happened so fast. Someone, I think Ray, grabbed Cameron and pushed him off me before he could continue. I saw Finn's face, her panicked, shocked expression, I could feel her hands on either side of my head, carefully holding it, I could taste the blood from my lip and I could hear shouting. A lot of shouting. Was I gonna pass out? Jeez, hopefully not.

'Gerard? Gee? Are you okay?' I blinked a few times, staring into her eyes and then Suki handed me a tissue.

'Are you okay?' she asked me too and I nodded, leaning up.

*

The events of the past half hour had sobered me up completely. Whatever happened to the sweet guy Cameron Barnes? My daydreams about him had turned into a nightmare. Not only was he just like the other guys, only after the one thing, no, he was also a violent, arrogant bully. I looked at Gerard who was walking next to me in silence, his hands in his pockets. The bleeding had stopped but he looked bruised, a cut on his lip from where Cameron had punched him. It could have been worse if it hadn't been for Ray.

Never in a million years did I think I'd find myself in a situation like this. I felt embarrassed and stupid, for being so naive, so immature. Looking back now, what had I expected? I had been so blind and now my rose-colored glasses had caused someone else harm too, not just me.

'I'm really sorry.' I said, my voice hoarse from all the crying.

'What? What are you apologizing for?' Gerard looked confused.

'For being an idiot.'

'You weren't being an idiot.'

We fell silent again as we walked down the street. I could already see my house and if I wanted to say anything else to him, I had to do it now. But what could I say? He pulled out a cigarette, offering me one as well. I lit it, blowing out the smoke harshly.

Gerard had a crush on me. I'd known that for a while but I didn't want to acknowledge it. Why? I had no idea. Maybe because I'd had a crush on Cameron. I imagined how I would have felt if I saw Cameron crushing hard on another girl, constantly talking about another girl, constantly dismissing me as soon as the girl entered the room, looking at her the way I wanted him to look at me. That's how Gerard had felt all this time and didn't want to deal with the fact that it must have been hard and hurtful. Of course I couldn't help the way I felt and neither could he. I did care about him, probably more than I wanted to admit. But had I ever truly seen him?

I stopped and he turned around to me after realizing I was standing still.

'Thank you.' I muttered and walked up to him to hug him.

He hugged me back without hesitation, almost as if he had been waiting for it. It didn't feel awkward or tense, it felt just right. I rested my head on his shoulder for a moment.

'I'd never let anything bad happen to you, Finn. I'll always look out for you.' he said, his words bringing a smile to my face.

For the first time in months, I felt like myself again.

*

My mother gasped as I came downstairs for breakfast the next morning, jumping up and running over to me, she started examining my lip and jaw, where a bruise had appeared overnight.

'What happened? Gerard?' I looked down, not able to handle the distress on her face. Thank God my dad and Mikey were out.

'Nothing, ma. Just...' there was no point in lying to her. She'd know. And that's what would really get me into trouble. Plus, I did nothing wrong. Apart from sneaking out and drinking but she didn't have to know THAT. 'I was just...protecting someone.'

'Someone as in Finn? Is she okay? Was she in danger?'

'Mom, please calm down, yes? No one's in danger.' I pleaded but she had already grabbed her jacket.

'We're going over to the Campbell's RIGHT NOW!' she replied and I couldn't tell whether she was angry or worried. She was definitely upset.

I slipped into my converse and followed her out the door. 'Ma! Don't! Ugh!'

Fuck. As annoying as my mother was, I knew Finn's parents were only gonna make matters worse. They were strict, as far as I knew and I didn't want her to get grounded or punished for something that wasn't even her fault.

A few minutes later, we were in front of the Campbell's house and my mom was ringing the doorbell. I regretted putting on my dirty Iron Maiden shirt this morning. What a great impression I would make.

'Yes?' Finn's father opened the door, eyeing us curiously.

'Hello, Mr Campbell? Donna Way. I live down the street, we've met before. My son Gerard here goes to school with your daughter?' I just wanted to shrivel up.

'Of course, Mrs Way. Gerard. How can I help you?' he seemed friendly enough but I could still feel his observing eyes on me.

'Gerard? What are you doing here?' I didn't know whether I was relieved or even more embarrassed to see Finn coming down the stairs. She was still in her PJs, her hair messy. She looked absolutely adorable. I couldn't help but smile at her and she smiled back, attempting to fix her hair.

'My son was punched in the face last night. At YOUR daughter's birthday party. Someone please explain to me what happened? Finn, are you okay?' my mom continued.

Mr Campbell looked at his daughter in shock, clearly eager to hear an explanation. Behind him, Mrs Campbell approached, pulling Finn with her. What was this? Family conference? We should be over at Cumface Barnes' house right now, telling his parents how he tried to get Finn drunk so he could fuck her.

'I'm fine Mrs Way. Gerard was just...looking out for me, that's all. He didn't start it.' Finn said, her eyes meeting mine. 'I promise, he didn't do anything wrong. Actually, he did a very noble thing and I'm very grateful he was there.'

I was blushing and I could swear there was a hint of red on her cheeks too. Wow, I didn't know I could have this effect on her.

'Who started it then? Did somebody try to hurt you, honey?'

We had agreed to keep our mouths shut. Neither of us wanted to get into trouble for drinking so unless Cameron gave Finn any more grief, as long as he stayed away from her, there was no reason for telling anyone.

'Some drunk guy. He was coming after me when we left the diner. He, umm, followed us and when Gerard told him to get lost, he punched him. But Gerard managed to chase him off.' I nodded in agreement as Finn told the lie.

'Is that true?' my mom, as well as Finn's parents all stared at me.

'Yeah.' I just answered, shrugging humbly.

'He protected me. Who knows what would have happened if it hadn't been for Gerard.' Finn's eyes welled up with tears and she flung herself into my arms. Wow. Third hug. In less than a day. My heart was exploding with happiness.

Notes

hope you liked this and hope you had a great weekend!