I Won't Give Up ~ Michael Clifford

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Ashton;

While I've been watching the kids at Michael's place, I've played the game with Declan, put Nash, Rowan and Miles down for a nap and now I'm waiting on Michael to get back with dinner and drinks.

I was in the midst of doing some dishes I used earlier when my phone dinged, signalling I got a text. I dry my hands and take my phone out, it was from Sam.

From- Sammy
Nice to know you can't fight your own battles Ashton! You send Michael over to talk me out of dropping everything?! Also, sending him over just to look at what I've said on the court papers! I'm not giving up on this court thing. I'm going to win my child back, you won't have anything to do with Miles when I win.

I was teary eyed reading through half the text, both sad and pissed off. I slam my phone down on the countertop and take a breather to gather my thoughts so I won't lash out.

"Hey mate" Michael walks in, my back facing him and I hear the fridge and freezer open and close. Assuming he's putting the drinks away.

"You didn't tell me you went to see Harry and Sam" I snap as I turn around to face him, his eyes widen as he slowly passes me a beer.

"Ash, I-I, uh it wasn't my intentions for lashing out but dude, you should've seen what she said about you!" He stumbles over his words.

"I don't care what she said! Michael, why would you do that, this could jeopardize my chances of winning in court." I exclaim, taking a swig of the beer.

"Okay, I'm sorry. I really am. I-I shouldn't have gotten involved with it." He says softly, his shoulders slumping.

"Whatever, it's fine." I take a drink of my beer, walking over to the table, grabbing a couple slices of pizza and going into the living room.

I can't believe he got into this, although she should've hid the court papers better- no, not the point. Michael had no reason to read, let alone look at those papers. I just hope this doesn't press my chances with court. I don't want to lose my son.

Michael;

After mine and Ashton's little argument, I grabbed a couple beers, some pizza and went upstairs to my room. I plopped down onto the soft comforts of my bed and turned on Netflix, going straight to The Change-Up.

I decide I want one of my kids with me so I go across the hall and pick up a sleeping Nash, bringing him back to the room and lay back down.

"Daddy?" I hear a small voice say, I look at the door where Declan stands, rubbing his yet tired eyes.

"Come here, buddy." I wave him over and he slowly climbs onto the bed and cuddles into my side while Nash was on my other.

We watch movies and then we fall asleep, me cuddling with my two boys.

**

I stretch out and groan lightly, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes and turn to my side. I stretch my arm out and feel nothing but blankets, I sit up so quick.

"Declan? Nash?" I get out of bed and look in the kids' room, nobody. I jog downstairs and look through all rooms, the kitchen, playroom and living room.

The kids were in the living room, Declan on the couch with his tablet. Rowan and Miles on the blanketed floor with toys surrounding them and Nash was in his bassinet sleeping. The tv was on cartoons at a decent volume, and I let out a sigh of relief.

"Hey." Ashton said sharply, walking passed with two plates of dinosaur chicken nuggets and fries. "Here bud, I'll get you some juice."

"How long have I been out?" Following him into the kitchen.

"Since half two, it's now seven." He says, back facing me as he pours apple juice into one of Declan's straw cups.

"Shit, sorry man." I apologize and go to the fridge, grabbing a beer for the both of us. "Ash."

He hesitates but grabs the beer nonetheless and walks back out to the room. I follow again and sit on the love seat while Ash and Dec have the three seater.

"Dada" Rowan's gibberish is heard, a big smile on her chubby face as she crawls towards me, stands up with the help of my legs.

"Hi bubs." I lift her up into the air and kiss her forehead, she smiles and a string of drool leaves her mouth.

"Bree called me earlier." Ashton mutters, not even glancing one bit at me.

"What'd she say?" I ask, laying Rowan down in my arms as I put my beer down and replace it with her bottle.

"Not too much, just updates on Ricky and she talked with the kids then we chatted for about half hour." He says, a tiny smile sneaked out but he regained his straight face.

"Oh, cool." I say bluntly, sad that he didn't even try to get me up to talk with Bree.

"Declan, come on. Time for a bath and bed." I say, Dec sighed but didn't move a muscle.

I put Row down to grab Nash then pick Rowan up in my other arm, "Declan, now."

"I want to stay here." He says with an attitude and I frown in anger.

"Declan David Johnny, bed NOW!" I exclaimed and I instantly regretted it as I seen his big eyes filled with tears.

He stormed up the stairs and slammed his door, "I hate you!" is the last thing I heard before he went quiet.

Rowan looked at me with big eyes and Nash was crying, which made Row start to cry.

"Jesus man." Ashton said, taking Nash from me and starts trying to calm him down. "You know how upset Bree is gonna be about this?"

"I didn't mean to raise my voice, god. I need to go apologize to him." I say, walking towards the stairs and Ashton's voice stops me.

"Give him a little time, you just yelled at him." He walked out of the room with Miles and Nash.

I sit down on the couch with Rowan as I overthink about what I had just done. Declan just said he hates me with tears in his eyes and slammed his door; not only that but me yelling made both my other kids cry too. Wow, I'm the worst.

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A/N; wow, a year since I've written. I'm the worst 🥹 but, I'm thinking of putting an end to this soon because I have massive writers block and have no ideas.  It won't be soon but soon enough.

All the love x.

-Annie

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