I Don't Even Know ❇ malum au

First Argument (Malum)

DomDomDom (actually happens in the lives of the boy in this story - just later on.  It helps fill the gap between IDEK and its sequal.)

After about a year of not even one disagreement, the two have to know that it's coming.

Calum's been working extra hours lately, and Michael's been insecure about it.  Calum keeps saying that he hates the extra work - but he's the one asking for the extra time.

This confuses Michael.  He doesn't understand why the boy would want the extra hours if it were stressing him out.

What?  Is he trying to avoid the redhead?

After all they've been through, why would Calum want to be away from Michael that much.  They haven't even kissed for about a month, let alone had sex for three.

Michael doesn't care so much about the sex, but he misses being able to kiss the younger boy.  Every time he goes to even get near him, the tan boy seems tense.  And the tension really messes with the petite boy.

Yes, he no longer needs therapy.  He likes to be sure and takes online tests every so often - but they all say that he's fine.  But he can't help but to feel insecure and nervous when Calum hardly even talks to him, anymore.

He loves the boy with all of his heart.

And he misses him, too.

•••

Calum strides through the front door, feeling unusually happy for once.  He's been tired lately, not even being able to focus on anything when he gets home.  Though, he's finally gotten a promotion.

He's the manager of the local instrument shop, now.

"Baby, I'm home!"

Michael glances up with tired eyes, looking as though he's been crying.

"What's wrong?" Calum asks, casually grabbing a beer from the fridge.  He sits down next to the older boy on the loveseat, attempting to wrap an arm around him, but Michael pushes him away.

"I'm not in the mood," he says with a sense of defeat in his quiet voice.  The tan boy pouts, furrowing his brows.

"Why?"

Michael abruptly stands up from where he's sitting on the piece of furniture, running a hand through his messy hair.

If Calum doesn't want him, why should he even bother?

Hell, he hardly eats anymore.  He's hungry - he just forces himself to avoid the edibles.  He doesn't feel the need to be nourished if his baby doesn't love him back.

"Hey, look - don't walk away," Calum says sweetly, setting down his drink, then makes his way over to the standing boy.  "Tell me what it is."

"What's with the sudden interest?" Michael asks coldly.

"Whoa, please," the taller boy rest his hands on either of his boyfriend's shoulders, gently rubbing them.

Michael feels his emotions well up, but he refuses to cry.  So he decides to get mad.

"Oh, come on.  Really?" The pale boy yanks himself away from Calum's hold, his finger nails digging into the material of his baggy skinnies.  "Why don'tcha just go back to work?  It's all you care about, anymore."

The younger boy feels as though he's just been slapped in the face.  Is that really what Michael thinks?

"Damn; you know that's not true," Calum says defensively with a slightly raised voice.