author's note: 'member when i said i was going to go back and fix mistakes on this story? well, that's what i've done. i've revised everything (i seem to be doing that a lot...) and the plot has changed (not that the other story had a plot to begin with). so basically this new story only has the names of the characters from I Don't Need Anyone, Right? and... er, sort of the same development of it. basically, i really didn't like IDNAR (it pissed me off, to be honest) and i'm still dumbstruck on how people actually liked it. i'm not sure if anyone will like this, because this is... different.

heh, anyway, thanks for the reviews from the old story and i hope you enjoy this one.

i'm shutting up now.

Only With You
Chapter One

"She's annoying, but she's one hell of a kisser. I mean, that has to count for something, right?"

I raised my eyes disbelievingly to have them land on a familiar form lounging lazily on my bed while he gazed thoughtfully at my star-covered ceiling. I shifted sluggishly on my carpeted floor and hid a yawn behind my hand that came abruptly.

"Yeah, sure. . ." I muttered, answering his question. It was probably rhetorical, but whatever. "By the way, that's a stupid reason to stay with her," I told him flatly, as I forced myself to crawl towards my pile of growing homework from over the past week that I have not completed. My excuse: I lost my diary. Sue me for my emotional attachment to the inanimate object.

I got a detention for that because I kept insisting it was true. Teachers just do not understand.

"Hey, I resent that, okay?" he said as he abruptly sat up and glared in my direction. I ignored his glare as I focused my attention back to my task. "It's a perfect reason to stay with a girl. I mean, you wouldn't want a sloppy kisser as a boyfriend, would you?"

What a moron.

I hid a sigh as I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Tony," I began, making sure to slow down my words as I spoke to him, "making out and sex aren't only the things that can keep a relationship going."

He stared at me blankly. ". . .Are you serious?"

I would have laughed aloud if I didn't realize he was serious. I mean, it took a lot for me not to gawk in his direction for a full minute, as I would have liked to. Was I serious? Was he serious? I looked at him dully before scratching the back of my head.

Anthony Andrews. My gaze subconsciously ran over his form as he stood up and began to head over to where I was residing. I smiled at him quickly when he sat near me and opened a book from the pile. If I were to describe Anthony in one word. . .

I paused.

Well, I could not really think of one. He was complicated, to be honest. It was as if he had split personalities. He was one person when we were talking to our friends, but when we are alone it's as if he's more relaxed. Or something.

"Whatchu doing?" he asked as he fingered the textbook he had picked up. I looked up from my book and saw a small frown playing at his face as he turned over the text. I had to laugh at how adorable he looked that precise moment. He looked up and raised an eyebrow.

I smiled at him amusedly. "I'm trying to get my homework done," I explained as I plucked the item out of his grasp. "Something that you should be doing as well."

He wrinkled his nose, "God, but that's so boring."

"Yeah, well it's school," I muttered before turning to him sharply. "Seriously Tony, it's two and a half months before we graduate; you have to do your homework," I said in my motherly voice that I knew annoyed him. He's only ever told me since we were seven; that's how long we've been tight.

He gave me a deadpanned look before he suddenly reached over . . . and tackled me. I shrieked as I felt my back collided with my floor. Thank God, it's carpeted floor. What is wrong with him? I glared at him as he straddled me, though not fully putting all his weight on my body. It wasn't uncomfortable as people may think. There was no 'tension' or 'feelings' when we touched each other.

A boy and a girl can be friends. We're living proof that it's possible.

He grinned as he lowered his face just inches over mine. I glared at him, my brown eyes locking with his green ones. He thought he was so cool, didn't he? My glare deepened when his grin grew wider. "Stop smirking," I told him. I would have stuck my tongue out but you know, with his face being just inches from mine. . . "It makes you look like a constipated cow," I informed him flatly.

He chuckled, his forehead touching mine. I wriggled under his weight but he didn't take move. I scowled at him. "And you look like a bird having a seizure," he said, grinning. I rolled my eyes. Oh how very clever of him.

"You're a moron," I told him cheerily.

He smiled back nonplussed. "At least I'm not a loser."

I gasped dramatically. "Oh the verbal attack . . . you're breaking my heart!" I said, pretending to cry as tears began to well up in my eyes. He laughed as I made my bottom lip stick out. He brushed his forehead against mine in that familiar gesture we've always had ever since we were kids. I had to smile at that as he pulled away.

"C'mon, let's go somewhere," he said.

I laughed and nodded.

"I just need the lower half of my body to walk," I told him, smirking. He grinned sheepishly in apology as he stood up. I forced myself up as I felt my legs wobble. I shot him a tiny mock glare. "You've deprived my legs of the ability to walk!" I exclaimed when I stumbled forward.

I found myself landing in his arms. "Don't worry, I'll always catch you," he said easily as he smirked his infamous smirk that I've heard made all girls knees give under. I just found it another unique attribute of my loveable best friend.

I smiled back at him. "You better."

And we walked out of my room.

I poked my food and I frowned, peering at it. "So . . . remind me what this is again?" I asked, turning to face my friend, Leah who is also gazing at the plate of food on her tray. We sat there awkwardly before I found myself pushing it away. I swear I saw something moving in there. "Er, I'd rather not risk it," I muttered.

She looked at it blankly. "It's bubbling," she said in this amazed tone before shrieking. "Holy hell, it's bubbling! Shit, it's alive," she began to hyperventilate as she forcefully pushed it out of her range. "Ew, what if it reaches out to sucks me in?!"

I looked at her before laughing. Leah Evans is known for her random outbursts and enthusiastic personality. She was one hell of a friend and she's never boring to be with.

She scooted closer to me and painfully gripped my arm as she stared at the tray a few feet away from her. "I swear, the school is trying to poison us. They're pissed that we're finally graduating and they want us dead," she whispered, her eyes searching mine frantically.

Wow, what an imagination. "Yeah, that's exactly what they're doing," I said, smiling at her. She gazed at me in shock.

"You're so evil!" she hissed, her voice panicked. "Okay . . . Okay." She breathed in before exhaling. "Right." She cast me a glance and I saw her open her mouth but she shut it a second after, her eyes on something behind me. I looked at her oddly before I turned and saw a familiar form walking towards us.

Ah. Now I understand. I smiled at Anthony as he neared. I lifted an eyebrow as my eyes swept over his form. His Fitted hat was tilted to the side casually in his trademark gesture as he wore baggy jeans and a blue-collared shirt. I shook my head. "What's up?" I asked as he neared. My eyes landed on the pants practically falling to the ground. My head snapped up crazily before my eyes landed back to his face. "Dude. . ." I said, whispering, "you do realize that your pants are about to fall?"

I mean seriously, I knew he liked baggy clothing but that was just too much. If anything, I bet that when you lifted up his shirt you would see his boxers. I inwardly made a face at that. Gaw, people and their stupid style nowadays.

He looked at me as if I was crazy (which I probably am but I won't succumb into peer pressure) before rolling his eyes and picked his pants up. I smiled as he did so. "Aw, now who's a good boy?" I asked, cooing.

He scowled as I laughed. "Shut up, Carrie," he said, rolling his eyes.

"If I recall correctly, you're the one that came to me," I pointed out rather smugly when he averted his eyes and scowled at the sky. I grinned as I reached up and smacked his biceps (ugh, they were as hard as a rock) before retrieving my hand. "So how's it going, sweetie?"

He dropped his scowl as his eyes softened. "Nothing," he said, trailing off. I looked at him blankly. He smirked at me as he shrugged off his backpack, unzipped it open, and took out a plastic bag. "I noticed how nasty the cafeteria food was today and thought I'd buy you lunch," he said, shrugging as he handed me the white plastic bag.

I couldn't stop myself when my jaw dropped. "Are you serious?" I said, peering inside. It was Chinese take-out; and knowing him, he probably bought my favourite. He chuckled when I looked back at him. I grinned widely as I jumped out of my seat and gave him a bone-crushing hug.

He laughed as he hugged me back just as tightly. "C'mon now," he said reprovingly as he pulled away slightly. "You'll make all them girls jealous," he teased, his eyes twinkling.

"Screw them," I said causing him to laugh. I hugged him one last time. "Damn, do you know how much I love you?" I said as I happily took my seat. There was somewhat of a pause before he cleared his throat.

"Heh, yeah," he said before I felt a hand ruffling my hair. I made a face as I swatted his hand away half-heartedly. I looked up and saw him smirking at me. "So I'll see you after school?" he asked, lifting an eyebrow.

"Provided you give me a ride home," I said, my eyes twinkling amusedly.

He grinned lazily. "Nickerson, I'd give you the world just to see you smile."

I chortled when he exaggerated a wink and walked away. I opened the plastic bag and took the fork out when I felt someone's gaze on me. I looked up and saw Leah staring at me, her jaw dropped. I looked at her blankly for a moment before realization hit me. Ugh, why am I so stupid? "Oh! Oh, my God, I'm so rude," I said, sputtering slightly. Damn, I suck. "Do you want some?" I offered, silently hoping she'd say yes.

I feel guilty now.

She continued to stare at me. I stared back uncertainly. Why wasn't she blinking?

"Are you guys dating?" she finally blurted out.

I stared at her impassively. What's she talking about? I sat there awkwardly with her still staring at me, waiting for an answer. I shifted before I tilted my head to one side. "Um . . . I don't know what you're talking about. . ."

She lifted her hands and began to gesture around wildly. "Oh, my God. You cannot possibly tell me that you aren't dating Anthony Andrews!" she hissed, her eyes darting around as if someone was listening to our conversation.

"You think that Anthony and I are together?" I asked before laughing slightly. "No, he's my best friend," I explained to her. She never really got the concept that Anthony and I were just friends. Really, what's so hard to believe? We don't like each other in that way.

I handed her an extra fork when she just continued to blink owlishly in my direction. I opened the container and placed it between us, trying my hardest to ignore her intense eyes.

It wasn't as if she was the first one whom I received that reaction from. Ever since he hit puberty girls were asking me continuously if we were dating since I was always around him. At first, it was hilarious. I laughed for about ten minutes when someone from our elementary school asked that question. Okay, firstly, it's stupid to be dating when you're in grade seven. Hello? You're just a kid (I mean that literally). Secondly, it may have been a bad idea to cackle so loud that day; the poor girl was actually serious. Thirdly, that was just . . . well, an absurd thought.

I constantly got that question from many people (including my mom, whom I still have yet to convince) and it got annoying every time it is repeated. If they want to know so badly, why don't they just ask him themselves?

"You do realize that he was flirting with you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow in my direction as she took a chicken wing from the container. Chewing, I matched her expression, but mine giving the what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-you look.

I swallowed. "Leah, he's always flirting with anything and everything," I told her. Fine, that didn't make sense, but did she know that?

. . . "Even guys?" she asked, her eyes darting around before it widened.

I laughed inwardly. She was so innocent. "Who knows?"

I waited until my classmates left the classroom before I got up. I slowly began to put my schoolbooks into my backpack before I rose and headed towards the front of the desk where my teacher, Mrs. Baylee, sat. She looked up before smiling at me instantly. I smiled back. Mrs. Baylee was cool, unless you pissed her off then you have to do a lot to win her trust back. Not that anyone has ever tried. This is high school for crying out loud.

Anyway.

"Hi, Carrie. What can I do for you?" she asked, giving me her undivided attention.

"I was wondering if I can find a place to help with at the year end carnival." I said, speaking quickly. "I know it's a bit late, but I . . . I don't know. I feel like helping," I shrugged. "But if everything's fine, then it's okay."

Erm, truth is I don't really want to go home . . . To my dad, I mean. I lived with my mom. She got custody over me when my parents divorced, while my dad got my old sister Stella. I still had to visit them every other weekend though. I would do absolutely anything to get out of going to their house.

I feel unwanted there.

Mrs. Baylee beamed. "Of course, Carrie," she said enthusiastically. "I'll just look up what position isn't taken . . . And I'll let you know, okay?" she said absentmindedly as she went through the papers on her desk to find the right one. I nodded and flashed a smile before I headed out of her classroom and towards the gym downstairs.

Anthony had basketball practise right now (or was it soccer?) and since I didn't have a car yet, I would have to rely on him to take me to school and back home. I fell as if I'm a burden sometimes, but my guilt disappears when I realize how much things I have to pay for if I had my own car.

Ha, sucks for him.

I pushed the doors open to the gymnasium and my eyes instantly landed on players in their gym clothes instantly whizzing past me to get the orange bouncing ball. I made a face at that. I hated sports. We don't get along; especially since every ball known to humankind made in contact with my face (or any other part of my body) and it damn well hurts. I hate it. Oh, and the fact that I can't play to save my life adds on to it.

I wrinkled my nose when an unpleasant small hit my nose and I reeled back slightly. Oh Gawd. No matter how many times I smell sweat I will never get used to it.

I blanched, coughing slightly before I covered my nose.

"Hey Car," I heard a breathless voice coming towards me.

I looked up and saw Anthony with his basketball shorts and wife beaters on, soaking in sweat. I lifted my eyes to his face and saw him smirking. He opened his arms. Oh, my God. Now I know what he's going to do. "I swear to God, Andrews!" I shrilled as I began to step back. "If you touch me looking like that, I will run away and never come back!"

His eyes twinkled and I suddenly found him in front of me. I didn't have time to curse when he wrapped his arms around me. So now, I am feeling uncomfortable. Not because of him . . . But because I was very aware of the perspiration leaking from his body . . . and rubbing on me.

I need to take a five hour bath now.

"Anthony, you asswipe!" I screamed, pushing him back. "That is so nasty! You constipated, flat head, good-for-nothing, bum-sucking, stupid fart!" I screeched, smacking him over his head. I looked at him darkly. "You're buying me new clothes."

He laughed. "It's nice to see you too," he said wryly.

I scowled.

"Andrews!" a voice boomed across the gym. We both looked up to see Coach Lester popping a vein. I nudged Anthony and he flashed me a smirk. "Stop flirting with Nickerson over there and get your ass back on court!" he screamed.

I barely hid my laughter when Anthony suddenly pulled me close to him. "But it's so hard to resist her!" he called back, his eyes twinkling amusedly. I put my arms around his waist and buried my face in his shoulder as I racked with laughter. Gawd, you should see the redness the coach is capable of.

Suddenly, he put his hand on my waist and made me put my hand on his shoulder before we started to dance. It took a lot from me not to cackle aloud. A wide smile pasted on my face when I caught his eye. He smirked, before he twirled me around and dipped me low. I couldn't help it as a giggle erupted from my mouth before I burst into full laughter.

"Not to shabby," I managed to get out, looking up at Anthony. He grinned back boyishly.

"You're not too bad yourself," he replied.

"That's it," I suddenly heard. We looked up and saw Lester standing there, glaring at both of us. I found myself smiling slightly as I stood up beside Andrews. "You two, ten laps now," he barked, pointing to the door that leads outside to the field.

I blinked.

"I'm kind of . . . not your student. . ." I told him, uncertain.

He looked at me irritably. "Does it look like I give a damn? Ten laps, Nickerson, now!"

Ugh.

I glared at Anthony as we both began to head to the field. He was grinning to himself. I scowled. "Thanks," I told him sarcastically. He looked at me from the corner of his eye and smirked.

"Have you been exercising?" he asked.

I raised an eyebrow, "Are you calling me fat?"

"What? No! No, I'm not," he added more calmly before peering at me. "Actually . . . you kind of look more rounder. . ."

I punched his arm, laughing. "You are unbelievable."

He waggled his eyebrows at me suggestively as we back to job on the track. I stuck my tongue out at him. "I'll race you," I said, my eyes shining brightly in amusement when he quirked an eyebrow. I knew I wasn't going to win. I mean, Anthony was one of the top three fastest runners in the school.

"Is your pride willing to take the beating?" he said, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Totally," I said right before I pushed him and started picking my pace up. I heard him call my name in a mock furious tone before footsteps pounded after me. I laughed as my legs pumped harder before abruptly I felt arms around my waist and we both went rolling to the grass near the track. I felt my back meet the ground before we rolled and I was suddenly face to face with Anthony's smirking form.

"You dirty . . . cheater. . ." he breathed out.

I laughed, panting. "It was the only way I could win," I told him brightly.

He laughed with me as I rolled onto my own back right beside him. We stared at the clear sky silently before I decided to break it. "So how's Tea?" I asked, my tone curious.

"Who?"

". . .Your girlfriend. . ."

There was somewhat of a pause before realization dawned on him. I resisted the urge not to laugh at him and his stupidity (that would've been mean, right?) as I idly began to play with strands of my hair. I felt him shift slightly.

"She's not my girlfriend," he said. "We just went on two dates."

I waited for him to elaborate, but when he didn't, I nudged him slightly. He still said nothing. I rolled my eyes. "Let me guess," I drawled in a knowing tone. "She wasn't what you expected in bed?"

He lifted his head and glared at me. I smiled at him. "Why do you always think that someone I go on a date with and doesn't end up being my girlfriend is bad in bed?" he asked, his tone slightly offended. But I knew better; he was just playing. He paused for a moment before shrugging. "She wanted someone who would be. . .there," he said, wrinkling his nose.

I stared at him. "You mean . . . like committed?" I asked awkwardly.

"Exactly!" he said, rolling his eyes. "I think that's a bit too much don't you?"

Okay. I love Anthony and all, but sometimes he was just so oblivious in an asshole way that I just want to smack him across the face. Which I did.

Right now to be exact.

"Carrie- - -what the hell?!"

"Obviously," I stressed out, glaring at him, "I need to go over Relationship Rules with you again."

He groaned, "Oh God. . ."

My glare deepened. "Seriously, you're always treating girls like trash," I said, my tone icy. He stared at me before rolling his eyes. That ticked me off. "Do you think they appreciate it when you do that? Use them for your pleasure and then drop them when they have nothing else to offer?"

He said nothing.

"Anthony!" I nearly yelled.

"What?" he snapped.

Arugh.

"Don't be an ass," I said, my voice sharp. He tilted his head slightly; his face expressionless but he still said nothing. I resisted the urge to shriek and instead ran a hand through my hair. He was always doing this and I always feel bad for whomever he dumps. Granted, those girls knew what was going to happen the minute they agreed . . . but Anthony should not be doing that in the first place.

I've only told him about a million times. And he still doesn't listen. He was nice, huh?

We stayed in silence, neither one of us saying anything. I shouldn't be meddling in Anthony's affairs; that I knew. But it was my job to tell him when he was crossing the line; it was my job to tell him when he should stop.

Sometimes I feel more like his mother than his best friend.

"Look," Anthony said lowly, breaking the silence. I didn't look at him. "I know that you're concerned for those girls. But they know what they are getting themselves into when they're with me. They know what to expect. So you shouldn't worry for them," he said. "They're not worth it."

Wow. Did my words do nothing to affect him?

I stopped myself from groaning aloud and instead nodded curtly. "Fine," I said, rolling my eyes. "But when they all join in a group and set out to kill you, don't come crawling to me."

He chuckled lightly, "Deal."

He turned to his side and I felt his eyes on me. I turned my head and saw him staring at me, his eyes unreadable. I lifted an eyebrow. "What?" I drawled out. He said nothing and instead put an arm around my waist, making me turn to my side and face him as well. I closed my eyes briefly, breathing in his scent. "I love how you smell," I murmured, suddenly feeling sleepy.

He grinned slowly, "Ditto," he muttered, idly playing with my hair.

I laughed lightly, "You like how you smell?"

"No, I love how you smell," he replied.

"Aw . . . You know that actually sounded sweet," I teased, giving him a playful grin. He smiled back, his dimples peeking through before his forehead met mine. My smile slowly fell as I studied his green eyes. I have always loved the colour of his eyes; they were a unique colour of green that anyone would envy. I peered closer and saw slight golden specks.

I felt him go rigid for a moment and I pulled back. "You okay?" I asked, concerned.

He looked at me for a moment before sighing and he nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Nickerson and Andrews!" a voice screeched from the distance. "Stop making out and get your asses back on the track!"

We shared a glance.

"Wanna stay here just to piss him off?" I suggested.

He nodded, smirking lightly. "Hell yeah."

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