Damn, You're Cute (Michael Clifford)

Chapter 9

"Let me see!" I sang, sitting down at the cafeteria table across from Luke. Caroline hurried after, sitting next to me, while Ashton was on my other side. Luke raised his chin proudly, showing off the silver ring on his pink lip. It faintly reminded me of a fish hook caught in his mouth. "Oh my god, Luke, it looks so good!"

He grinned, running the pad of his thumb over the metal ring. Michael appeared satisfied by my reaction, and I truly did think it looked better than I thought it would.

Caroline tapped my leg with her own. "I'm going to get some food. You coming?" she asked, pulling five dollars out of her pocket. I shook my head.

"No, I'm good." I told her, so she strolled over to find her place in the fast moving lunch line. Michael narrowed his eyes at me.

"Why aren't you eating?" he asked, and I shrugged, dismissing him. "No, really."

"Im not hungry," I said simply, but Michael continued to stare at me. Everyone at the table was silent, listening to us. "Plus, I forgot my money."

"Whenever you eat lunch with me you never have any food either," Luke pointed out and I rolled my eyes. "I had to give you my pizza a few days ago,"

"You guys worry too much! I'm fine!" I said sharply, turning my head to see Caroline half way through the line. I noticed Ashton looking at her too. "I just don't remember money all the time," I somewhat lied. I don't have an eating problem, don't get me wrong, but I eat a lot at home. I'm not very happy with my figure either, so skipping lunch is something I do sometimes. I eat though. I'm not starving myself.

"Oh, well it's your lucky day," Michael winked at me from across the table. "I happen to have money for two."

"No, I can't take your money, Michael," I refused, resting my elbows determinedly on the table, but he rose from his seat. He walked around the table so that he stood behind me. I turned to look at him. He waited patiently, tapping his foot on the floor.

"C'mon, Rae." he groaned and I, not afraid to reveal my irritation, stalked over to the line with him trailing behind me. Caroline just got out, and slowly made her way to the table. Her eyes flicked around the room for me, but obviously didn't spot me. She awkwardly set her food down, leaving space for me between her and Ashton. I stared at her back, hoping she'd move toward her crush.

"You don't have to do this, you know," I said to Michael, hoping he'd back out. I didn't want any food right now. He looked at me with amusement.

"Of course I do." he stated, nudging me forward when the line moved. "Now, what do you want?" I eyed the different choices, reaching for a salad. Michael exhaled loudly and I grimaced. "No one likes salad eaters."

"Salad eaters?" I couldn't help but laugh at his choice of words. He took the salad package out of my hands and set it back down. "I thought I got to choose. It's my lunch," I argued.

"Ah, but who's paying for it?" Michael said slyly and I clenched my jaw. His green eyes flicked from food to food. "I'll make you a deal. I, too, want lunch," he began and I smiled at his adorable expression. "So, we split whatever we get,"

I nodded. "Fair enough."

"Salad aside, what are we getting, then?" he wondered and I pursed my lips. Honestly, I didn't care.

"It's up to you. You are paying for it, may I remind you," I said in the same tone he used earlier. He chuckled, reaching for the classic chicken tenders and fries. They looked disgustingly greasy, but if he wanted them, fine. Although that was enough, Michael grabbed two cookies and a water bottle, before paying.