queenie//cashton

day 2

" let's take this mess and make it a home. "

calum pov

i trudged through the hall to support group with my head down, not looking forward to another day. yesterday, all we had done was talk and talk and talk. apparently today we'd be doing some sort of activity and getting into pairs. my only hope for sanity was the chance of being with ashton.

there were only a few kids sitting in the circle of chairs when i arrived, and looking at the clock i realized i was a few minutes early. however, across the room, a bright eyed ashton grinned at me, motioning for me to come sit down by him. my face softened into a smile as i strode across the room.

"hey, you," ashton's voice was surprisingly excited as i say down in my chair.

"hi," i said softly, unable to control my grin.

"you look cute."

i looked down at my lap, blushing at the compliment. i had gotten compliments from boys before, but most of them were only interested in getting laid. ashton seemed to really enjoy my presence, and my skirts and heels. it made me feel appreciated, something i hadn't felt in a while.

"can i ask you something cal?"

i was shaken out of my thoughts by ashton's question.

"of course," i nodded.

"why do you cross dress? i mean, i love it but.. i guess what i'm asking is, are you transsexual?"

i shook my head. "no, no. i'm definitely a boy, believe me, i'm supposed to have a dick," i cringed as i realized how seductive the statement sounded, but ashton just giggled. "it's not that i'm a girl. it's just.. i don't like the way i look in boy's clothes. i feel average. but when i wear girl clothes and makeup, i feel like i'm beautiful, and worth something. does that make sense?"

ashton nodded. "of course. i think you'd be beautiful no matter what you wear calum, but you'd look best in whatever you feel happy in. i couldn't imagine looking at you and not getting to see your smile."

i blushed harder than i ever have before, trying to look away from ashton but failing miserably.

ashton opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by the annoying voiced group leader, whose name i still didn't know.

"hi, guys!" she sounded a lot happier than she should have, considering she was surrounded by teens who had recently nearly died somehow. "as i said yesterday, today is a partner activity day. please, pair up with someone quickly."

people ran across the circle or looked around desperately, while ashton just smiled at me. i smiled back, scooting my chair the slightest bit closer to his.

once everyone had settled down next to someone, annoying voice continued her speech.

"you will each evaluate each other's reasons for being here, and think of positive escapes for one another. the point of this is not only to provide you ideas for coping mechanisms, but also give you a chance to walk in someone else's shoes, which is a very good experience. you may begin when you're ready."

i glanced at ashton and sighed heavily. it was obvious by the look on his face that he found the activity ridiculous as well.