Two months in, Ashton doesn't want to hear the name 'Johnson' ever again. He grits his teeth every time the Jamaican is mentioned, and his head. Michael says the name once, helping him stock stuff as he watches Ashton carefully.
"What did Johnson do?"
"He – He said that we're not going to be together. I mean, he could've told me that before he left but now that people are taking him seriously over there, he thinks he can't deal with a relationship." Ashton scoffs. "Anyway, how's malum doing?"
"I don't know. He hasn't called me much." Michael shrugs. "Guess he's busy taking over the world, or something."
Ashton sighs, nodding. "Maybe you should talk to Johnson . . ." Ashton suggests, not trying to infer anything.
"What are you saying?" Michael asks, eyebrows furrowed. "That he'd cheat?"
Ashton bites his lip before it pulls down into a frown. "Just to be safe."
Michael looks at the clock, seeing it's barely lunchtime, and shrugs, trying not to be angry that Ashton would say that as he looks down at his phone. Tentatively, he texts Johnson.
Michael: has calum done something yet?
He waits for a reply, but doesn't get one. So, he puts it back in his pocket. Ashton looks at him, watching the physical effects of disappointment on Michael's face. The tanned boy frowns, apologising for being rude as he hugs Michael.
"No, it's okay. You're only looking out for me."
"It's just . . . You don't deserve to wonder whether or not your boyfriend is going to cheat on you. It's not a thought you should have." Ashton mumbles into his ear before pulling away. "There are plenty better men than Calum."
Michael furrows his eyebrows, but doesn't think anything of it. He just shakes his head. "I don't want anyone other than Calum."
"He treats you like shit."
"I – I – " I know. Michael thinks. "He means well."
Ashton doesn't bother talking anymore about it, and stacks a few more shelves. Once Ashton's shift is over, they go out for lunch and Ashton orders takeaway for his family, but doesn't get himself anything. Michael raises an eyebrow at this, and forces Ashton to eat half of his pasta.
"I'm not hungry." The boy says stubbornly, crossing his arms.
"Shut up, you haven't eaten anything since last night."
Ashton giggles. "Sorry, Mum."
Michael rolls his eyes, taking a fork-full of pasta and shoving it in Ashton's mouth. "You better hurry up; we have to meet Luke soon."
Ashton smiles, and eats a few more mouthfuls of pasta before they leave. They drive to Luke's house, and Luke greets them at the front door. They don't even get inside, but lay out on the front lawn instead. Michael picks at the grass, looking at his friends' smiling faces. He wants to ask why they're so easy-going and happy without Calum around, but he doesn't want to make it awkward.
"What're you thinking about, Michael?" Ashton asks, tilting his head up to look at the pale boy.
"Um, I'm gonna ask this question, and I don't want this to be awkward, but it will be; why are you guys so chill when Calum's not around?"
"Drama follows that kid." Ashton laughs. "We're chilled because there's nothing to be stressed about. It's just peaceful without him." He bites his lip. "That doesn't mean we love him any less."
