Queer ➸ OT4

iii

Now that Calum wasn't separating himself from everyone else as much, it seemed like things would lighten up.

And for the most part? That was entirely the case.

However, Michael noticed how Calum stiffened every time Ashton wrapped an arm around him, or coddled him more than the others. When Calum walked in on them cuddling the boy and whispering in his ear, the other boy just turned and left, grumbling.

Incidents like that became commonplace, and after only a few days Ashton started questioning it.

"Mikey," They whined, curled up in their bunk alone, "Come cuddle."

Michael hesitated but ultimately decided it was okay, and climbed into their arms, "Hi Ashy." He said with a small smile. Even though they were the same height, Ashton always managed to make the boy feel so small and protected.

"Baby," They started, the concern obvious in their voice, "Why's Calum been acting so funny? I know you talked to him and cuddled him, and he stopped being so upset. Now he's being angry all the time."

Michael buried his face in Ashton's chest, "I... it's hard to explain, Princess. He has... feelings for me."

Ashton's jaw dropped, "I- well- that's a bit unexpected. It's not really a problem though, I don't think. Are you aromantic too?" they asked the last part quietly.

Michael shook his head, "No, definitely not." He blushed, "The problem is I never thought about him like that, so he's trying to woo me."

The nb gave him a confused look, "Do you think you can't like him or...?"

"It's..." The boy blushed, his cheeks nearly matching the tint of his fading red hair, "I like someone else."

"Oooooooooooo." Ash made the noise, laughing, "Who is it?"

Michael shook his head again quickly, "I can't." He whimpered, afraid to tell the pretty agender in front of him about the ever growing romantic feelings he had towards them.

"Baby, shhh." They squeezed him gently in their arms, "You don't have to tell me if you don't want, but I promise I won't be upset or mean." A small pause, "Is it Luke?"

Michael laughed, "Luke's sweet but no. It's..." He sighed, nuzzling Ashton's chest as he trailed off.

They rubbed his back with one hand in small circles, running their fingers through his hair with the other, "Mikey," They cooed quietly, "Is it me?" The younger nodded, sniffling a little and trying to move out of their arms, but Ashton held them, "That's okay, don't worry. I'm not mad, I promise."

Michael wiped his eyes and looked up at them, "I'm sorry. You always protect me and hold me and call me cute names. You understand me and help me, and you're so fucking pretty sometimes it hurts."

Ashton smiled, nuzzling the boy's face, "Guess what."

"What?" Michael felt a small kiss on his cheek and giggled.

"I like you too."

The two fell asleep curled up together like that, only to be woken a couple of hours later by a very loud "You're making it really hard for me to woo you here, Michael!"

Michael blinked slowly from the confusion of waking up, "You... do you wanna come cuddle too?" Ashton shifted to their side and Mikey rolled to be a little spoon and opened his arms.

Calum sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "I'm not aiming to date Ashton."

"Rude." Ashton said with an obvious smile.