"Go ahead make fun of me." Cameron relented accepting his fate, Taylor gave him a confused look. "Why would I do that?" She asked walking into the closet and sitting next to him. Cameron moved away but Taylor followed. "You always tease me!" Cameron complained sniffling, "Even now." He whimpered, "I wouldn't do that." Taylor said softly, "Especially when you're this upset." She added grabbing his hand and pulling him towards her. Cameron was unable to resist and stumbled into her, Taylor pulled him into a hug and patted his back. "Come on, I'm not going to tease you or make fun of you." She comforted him. Cameron whimpered and sobbed finding himself returning the hug.

"There, there, it's alright. You should've just said something if you liked it so much. I would've let you have it." She said softly, Cameron sniffled as he leaned on her. "I thought you were going to be mad or make fun of me." He admitted, "I told you I didn't like you." He added. "And I told you that I liked you." Taylor replied, "You were teasing me." Cameron grumbled, "No I wasn't." Taylor retorted, Cameron, lifted his head off her shoulder and looked at her with furrowed brows. "You really like me?" He asked quietly. "Yeah." Taylor replied with a smile, "Why?" Cameron asked, Taylor, looked off to the side.

"I'm not telling." She replied, Cameron, gritted his teeth, "Why not?" He spat feeling frustrated that she refused to tell him. If she really did like him, she'd just tell him! "You'll hate me more than you already do," Taylor replied with a sad smile, Cameron stiffened up hearing this and chewed on his lip. "I don't actually hate you." He grumbled softly; Taylor was quiet. "I was just jealous that you got along with my stepmom so well." He admitted softly.

"Well, I have known her longer than you. I've known her since I was a baby." Taylor adjusted herself on the floor of the closet with Cameron sitting between her legs. "You just don't know her well enough yet." Taylor offered with a grin. Cameron sighed and nodded feeling a little better. "Makes me happy that you don't hate me though." Taylor said sounding relieved, "I really wanted to be your friend." She added. "You did?" Cameron asked feeling his stomach twist and flip at this. "Yeah! I was really excited when Emily told me she was going to have a son my age!" Taylor exclaimed before her smile faltered, "I... Really wanted to make a good impression but... I guess I kind of messed that up." She spoke sheepishly

Cameron sighed and shook his head, "It's not like I was being friendly." He replied softly, Taylor smiled at him before pulling him into a hug. Cameron felt himself slowly lean into the hug. It felt warm like the jacket. Also, the smell of the jacket was stronger on Taylor. "What kind of soap does your mom use for your clothes?" Cameron asked wanting to get the same brand. He loved that smell so much. "She uses the scentless kind," Taylor replied easily, Cameron froze and then looked at Taylor. "Then what smells like lemons?" He asked, Taylor's expression went blank for a moment before she laughed a little. "Me?" She pointed to herself, "You?" Cameron's mouth hung open. "Yeah!" Taylor replied.

Cameron pulled away feeling embarrassed, "You smell good." He mumbled, Taylor snorted, "Well lemons do smell good." She said before nudging Cameron. "You smell like Cotton candy." She told him, "I do?" Cameron asked confused, he hadn't even considered what he smelt like. "Yeah! I love Cotton candy, so you smell really good to me!" Taylor said with a laugh. "Oh! You should totally come to the fair with me next week! They have the best Cotton candy there! They turn it into shapes and animals it's really cool!" Taylor exclaimed excitedly; the subject had been changed but Cameron couldn't help but feel a flutter in his chest knowing that Taylor thought he smelt nice too. It made him happy.

Eventually, the two of them moved out of the closet and began talking on Cameron's bed. Cameron curled up on one end now wearing the jacket openly. It felt nice not having to hide it. Plus, Taylor said it was okay! Taylor casually laid across his bed stretched out as if she lived there, a stark contrast of Cameron trying to take up the least amount of space as possible. He laid there and listened to the different stories Taylor had to talk about. He got invited to go to twelve different events. Including the cookout happening that night. He agreed to all of them easily.

While Cameron didn't make it to everything Taylor had invited him to that summer, he did make it to most of it. He and Taylor became practically inseparable over the last few weeks of summer. Taylor even introduced him to some of the other kids that lived in the neighborhood. But he preferred being around Taylor over everyone else. Unlike with other friends that Cameron had, Taylor listened to what he had to say and even did stuff he wanted to do.

Like today, they had built a fort, and Taylor and Cameron sat on the blanket that he had brought under the large lean-to they had created in the woods. Laying near her as Taylor played video games on her handheld. Cameron read his book feeling happy and safe. Every so often he would glance up at Taylor before turning back to his book and smiling. There was no reason. He just was happy she was here. She was a bit more casual than what he liked, but she was always nice to him. He was happy that Taylor was his friend.

"I like you, Taylor." Cameron blurted out suddenly breaking the silence between the two. He felt his cheeks tingle with heat at the admission. Taylor looked at him and grinned. "It's about time doll face." She teased, Cameron looked up from his book and pursed his lips. "Hey!" He whined, "What do you mean it's about time!" He pouted, Taylor closed her handheld and cocked an eyebrow. 

"I'm just messing with you Camie." She said softly, "I like you too." She returned the words of affection. Cameron's expression softened and he smiled back still getting used to Taylor's light teasing. He guessed he was just a little sensitive because other 'friends' had been really mean to him when they teased him back in the city. But Taylor was always nice. She called him names like beautiful, angel, and doll face though. Which was confusing. It also made Cameron feel weird. He was sure he'd be upset if he ever heard Taylor call someone else that though. "Why do you call me doll face?" Cameron asked, Taylor had gone to open her gaming system again and paused. "No reason. Just heard it on an old t.v. show and always wanted to say it." She vaguely excused herself.

"Then why do you call me beautiful then?" Cameron pressed, "Do you think I'm pretty or something?" Cameron asked unable to help how curious he was. It was encouraged by Taylor's flustered reaction. Cameron watched as Taylor's cheeks turned a light pink, a usual sight but not an unwelcome one. "So, what if I do?" Taylor huffed looking away and turning her game back on. Cameron sat there processing what she said and felt his cheeks catch fire. "You... You think I'm pretty?" He stuttered out. "Yeah," Taylor mumbled facing away from him. "Very pretty." She added softly. Cameron felt an unmovable smile grow on his face, his chest fluttered, and his stomach flipped. It made him so happy that Cameron thought he was pretty. "Thank you." He said softly, knowing that the only way to respond to a compliment like that was to thank someone.

"Don't mention it," Taylor mumbled sounding embarrassed that she had been caught. But Cameron was ecstatic that Taylor felt that way about him. "I think you're pretty too." He mumbled softly before turning away from Taylor and pressing his back to hers. He opened his book and continued reading. The two of them were quiet, but Cameron didn't have to look to know that Taylor had the same expression as he did. He felt her shift a bit and he smiled even more.

Before Cameron realized it summer had ended, and he was devastated. He wanted so much to spend more time with Taylor just playing, he kicked himself for avoiding her for so long because had he not. They would've had more time playing. But there was good news. He and Taylor were in the same class which made him happy. He got to spend all day with Taylor and often stole jackets or sweaters she wore to wear during school. The teachers tried to speak up telling him he shouldn't take her things. But Taylor waved them off saying that Cameron did that all the time and she was used to it.

It seemed that despite the season change one thing stayed the same, the two of them were inseparable and they became known for that as the years passed and they got older. If one was ever without the other everyone would always ask where the other was because they always knew. Now in the late years of middle school, everyone began to present their dynamics which meant that they were learning about what this meant for them. Which meant one thing. The sexual education chapter in health class.

"There are two sexes and three dynamics." The health teacher explained, "Male and female, and alpha, beta, and omega." She elaborated to the board room of students. Cameron sat next to Taylor writing done his notes, Taylor sat next to him lazily doing much of the same but mostly doodling in the margins. "Many of you will be presenting your dynamics soon. Your parents will have to call and let the school know so we can excuse you from classes until you're ready to come back if you present at home. If you are present at school get a hold of the nearest teacher and we'll call your family to come to pick you up. This is especially important for anyone presenting as an omega." The teacher stressed, "Alphas if you think someone you know is presenting as an omega. Get the nearest person that's an omega or beta to wait with them. Do not try to help them. You do not have enough control over yourselves, the best thing you can do is get your friends' help."

Some of the students who had already presented perked up at this information, "You got it, teacher lady!" One of the alphas from the football team called in the back. "Great!" The teacher replied in kind with a smile. "Now, some of you will begin to pair off. This is perfectly normal, and you shouldn't feel the need to lock in on any one person quickly. So be sure to wear collars and not mark each other too early okay!" The teacher explained. "But if you want to get close to someone, try exchanging clothes. Scent bonding is just as intimate as marking. It's a great first step in a relationship." The teacher continued before motioning to Taylor and Cameron. "For example, our resident couple Cameron and Taylor are scent bonded." She said happily.

Taylor perked up startled and Cameron shrank feeling eyes suddenly on them. The teacher grinned, "Isn't that right you two?" She asked innocently. Taylor's eyebrows rose on her forehead and glanced over at Cameron. "You're embarrassing angel." She remarked casually, she had used a pet name without even thinking about it, causing the teacher to smile, "My apologies. I didn't mean to call you two out. I just thought it was really sweet." She said before moving on to the next topic. Cameron heard some snickers and laughter in the back. He winced but only relaxed when he felt Taylor's hand hold his.

The two of them walked out together and a few people passed by them. "Excuse me, angel." Someone teased as they moved by with a laugh. Taylor glared but pulled Cameron close to her and helped him out of the classroom without being bumped into. Near their lockers, Taylor looked at Cameron who was fidgeting with the zipper of the jacket he was wearing. "You okay Camie?" She asked softly, Cameron shifted and sighed. "Why does everyone think we're dating?" He asked, Taylor, flinched but quickly adopted a carefree look. "Does it bother you?" She asked sucking on her teeth slightly. "Not really." Cameron answered after a moment, "What about you?" He asked looking at Taylor. "Nah," Taylor replied easily.

Cameron smiled at her and then jokingly asked, "Does anything even bother you?" Taylor smiled at the question, "Yeah, when weirdos put pineapple on pizza." She joked referring to Cameron's favorite way to eat pizza. "It's good!" Cameron defended himself, "it should be illegal." Taylor retorted. Cameron smiled and lightly shoved her shoulder. Taylor returned the playful shove by pinching his cheek. "Ow!" Cameron mocked pain, but rather than them continuing to lightly play Taylor's eyes grew concerned. "You, okay?" She asked quietly leaning down to his level, "Yeah...?" Cameron replied confused.

Taylor rubbed his cheek with her hand and sighed, "That's good. I was afraid I actually hurt you." She said sounding relieved, "You've never hurt me." Cameron let Taylor tilt his head every which way as he spoke. Taylor smiled hearing this, "Good." She said with a nod. She then zipped up the jacket Cameron was wearing a bit more. "It'll fall off your shoulder if you don't have this zipped up enough." She remarked, "it's my fault you're so big." Cameron joked, Taylor went quiet, but Cameron didn't seem to notice. "But don't worry about I'm sure I'll hit a growth spurt soon and I'll be bigger than you." Taylor's expression softened and she grinned her lopsided smile. "I look forward to it doll face." She replied, Cameron, smiled at her and then grabbed her hand. "Come on let's go to our next class." He said dragging her behind him.

The week continued smoothly after that, Cameron and Taylor continued as they always did no matter what other people said about them. Though now, thanks to the health teacher everyone was certain the two of them were together. Cameron first tried to correct them, but it didn't seem to do any good. So eventually he adopted Taylor's strategy and didn't confirm or deny anything. People were going to believe what they wanted anyway.

Presently, it was the weekend and Cameron headed over to Taylor's house ready to stay up all night watching a movie that she had rented. Saturdays were always movie nights. Knocking on the door it took a minute for someone to answer. Cameron became concerned because Taylor usually answered quickly. But instead, her mom Jenny came to the door. "Cameron?" Jenny asked confused, the implied question was what he was doing over here. "It's movie night." Cameron held up the supplies he brought with him. Snacks and trope bingo cards stuck out of the tote bag he was holding. Jenny seemed a little frazzled and sighed, "Right it's Saturday." She said pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Can I come in?" Cameron asked peering behind Jenny to see if he could spot Taylor. He was sure at any moment Taylor would come racing down the stairs calling him her usual pet names for him. He looked back to Jenny who winced, "Sorry baby, you can't." She apologized, Cameron, tilted his head. "Why?"