Adopted By Ashton Irwin

Chapter 10//Cuteness Overload

***Ashton's POV***
I noticed that Luke and Calum, who are usually the most talkative in the band barely spoke to each other, me or Michael. Michael noticed too and gave me a questioning look, I just shrugged in response and dismissed it; I'd talk to them later.

"Okay boys, home sweet home." I sang, which I knew usually annoyed Calum but he didn't reply. He merely rolled his eyes and jumped out of the car walking to the door of our house. I silently wondered why he was in such a bad mood. He spent all night worrying and crying about Riley and now that she's okay he is ignoring everyone. But nonetheless Riley was lucky to have someone like Calum in her life. I rarely saw Calum cry in the many years we've been best friends, but last night he was hysterical.

I shrugged off my thoughts and followed Calum in the door. "Right boys, what do you want to eat?" I called out.

***Riley's POV***
When Luke left I was caught up in my thoughts. I sat on the edge of my hospital bed thinking about all the previous events. The kiss, getting caught, Calum almost fighting Luke, everything. I wanted answers, I couldn't take it anymore so I pulled out my phone.

To Cal: hey can we talk please? This is gonna drive me crazy if I don't talk to you about it.

From Cal: hi, I'm in the car. Sorry love. I'll text you when I'm home?

My heart fluttered with his choice of nickname but I tried to keep my composure.

To Cal: okay, talk then x

I then put my phone on my locker and left to go for a shower.

***Calum's POV***

As soon as I got in the door I went upstairs, pulling out my phone and texting Riley.
To RiRi: I'm home now. What's up?

A few minutes my phone rang. I smiled at the caller ID.

"Hey Ri, are you okay?" I asked softly, pursing my lips together.

"Um I'm not sure to be honest Calum, I'm a little worried..." She trailed off. I felt worry bubble through my veins.

"What's wrong?" I asked sympathetically. I heard her take a deep breath on the other side of the phone.

"I just... I w... Calum, what are we?" She stuttered out, her voice so weak and timid it made my heart swell and shatter all at once.

"Riley... We're friends..." I said slowly; unsure of both myself and her reaction.

"But we kissed... Twice." She continued. I shook my head even though she couldn't see me. "That shouldn't have happened, Ri. I'm supposed to be the responsible one so I can't allow this to go on. I can't help what happened before, it happened, it's in the past. I can't help it if I like..." I paused. "If you like me." I corrected, but my voice still sounded small and slightly embarrassed.

"Did you just say you like me?" She asked in disbelief.

"No, I mean.. Yeah... Maybe." I struggled out.

"This is so fucked up." She stated, and I started massaging my temple to relieve the stress I could feel building up.

***Michael's POV***

"Mike will you go upstairs and call Calum? He's ignoring me." Ashton said, shrugging. I just nodded and walked up the stairs, pausing at the door, he was talking to someone on the phone. But what caught me by surprise was his tone to his voice. It was so weak but so direct.

"I can't help it if I like..." He started. My eyes widening. "No way" I muttered, a grin tugging at my lips.
"Calum got a new chick" I finished.
"Michael!? What's taking so long!?" Ashton called up at me, causing me to miss the rest of Calum's conversation. I sighed and knocked on the door. He quickly answered.

"Food. You've ten minutes then we're going to the studio." I said emotionlessly and went back downstairs.

***Calum's POV***

As soon as I walked downstairs Michael smirked at me. I looked at him questioningly.

"So... How was everyone's day?" Ashton asked; trying to make conversation.
"Well... I know Calum's was really good. He got a chick." Michael looked at me, smiling dumbly. Lukes head darted up immediately, and Ashton unknowingly smiled at me happily.

"Who is she?" He asked, giving me a smile. I felt my world crash and burn around me. I couldn't talk to Ashton about Riley or I'd be 6 feet under in no time.
I looked around the room for something to use to get off topic but I couldn't find anything.

"I don't have one." I said finally, not able to think of anything better. (A/N Why you always lyin'?)

"Oh well. Tell us if ever you do bro." Ashton said, punching my arm playfully.

"Will do." I lied.

***

I walked into the studio with a great idea for a song.

"Calum, are you coming?" John asked.
"Nah feldy, I want to write something here instead." I replied. He shrugged me off and left, leaving me alone.

I walked over to the piano and tried a few different chords trying to fit them together. After a long time it began to sound good, and I started to sing something on the spot, the song directed at Riley the whole time.

I don't even like you
Why'd you want to go and make me feel this way?
And I don't understand what's up
And I keep saying things I never say
I can feel you watching even when you're nowhere to be seen
I can feel you touching even when you're far away from me
Tell me where you're hiding your voodoo doll 'cause I can't control myself
I don't wanna stay, wanna run away but I'm trapped under your spell
And it hurts in my head and my heart in my chest
And I'm having trouble catching my breath
Ooh ooh
Won't you please stop loving me to death?

I nodded in approval while I wrote down the lyrics as I sang them. I was interrupted by an excited Ashton and Michael.

"Calum, buddy?" Ashton started, practically jumping off of his feet with excitement. I turned to him, giving him a slightly annoyed expression for interrupting me.

"Yeah?" I asked dumbly, looking back down to write more lyrics.

"Sorry for interrupting you bud, that sounds really good by the way. But we have big news."

"Really? What?" I asked, finally looking up from my paper, a questioning expression plastering my face.

"It's about Riley." Michael said, making my head turn to him rather quickly.

"What? What happened? Is she okay?" I asked, my words getting slurred as I tried to rush them at once.

"Cal, relax. Riley is fine." Ashton assured me. I gave him a thankful smile.

"Okay then, what's up?" I asked, still nervous about the news they had for me.

***
"Are you serious?" I asked sucking in a breath of fresh air. The boys nodded at me in response. "And what does Luke think about all this?" I asked cautiously.

"Oh he's recording some vocals, but he knows and he doesn't mind." Michael said.

"Well... Sending her to school so quickly, it's kind of a big call." I said laughing nervously.

"Well she's home in 2 days, so she needs to start going soon, I'm sure she won't mind." Ashton said, shrugging. Luke walked in a couple of seconds later. "Guys its 11pm. Home time." He said, his voice sounding strained and slightly raspy after his recording session. We all nodded in agreement and headed out the door to our car.

When I sat into the car I checked my phone, smiling brightly at a message Riley left me.

From RiRi: literally my 1st night sleeping without u here. Missing my pillow #RIP

To RiRi: Don't worry your pillow will rise from the dead as soon as you get outta hospital, goodnight Ri, sleep tight x

I got a response a few seconds later.

From RiRi: goodnight Cal Xx

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A/N Ciley shipper right here👋🏻. I'm literally in love with those two.

Stay strong, ilysm <3