pretty boy ; malum

10| THE DATE

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Calum has this thing. Every time he reveals something big, he will continue to act as though nothing has happened. Even with his feelings out in the open, he sits across from Michael at his apartment blank-faced, teasing him about how he'll never get to know what having sex with him is like, even though he probably will.

"You monster," Michael grins, "take that back." Calum can feel himself start to smile - a thing he does a lot when Michael is around. Michael stomps on his foot, pouting. Calum winces, and Michael instantly reaches for his hand. "I'm sorry, I forgot that you didn't like - "

"How 'bout you forget about it forever? You don't need to treat me like a baby just 'cause I don't like to be touched." He says.

Michael gets up, taking their plates to put them in the sink. "I'm always going to treat you like a baby."

Calum shakes his head at the thought. He hates being fussed over. Never has, never will. He gets up, turning to see Michael reading the calendar stuck to the wall. It's March. Calum can see Michael circling a day with his finger and his heart sinks.

"The contract is meant to be over, soon." Michael says, disappointment in his voice. "I have to start tour."

The moment is gone. Calum wishes they could go back to talking about sex again. He gets up, watching Michael stare at the date motionlessly. He reaches for his hand, fingers wrapping around his thumb, trying to get his attention. He sits on the kitchen bench. "You'll still like me then, right?"

Michael's face scrunches up, turning to look at the Maori. "Of course," he says, "why wouldn't I?"

Calum shrugs, trying not to be visibly disappointed. He can't believe that it's been months already. He swore they had only just met each other. It's the first person Calum has gotten to know and like in a long time, and now he's going.

Michael plays with his curls, twirling them in his fingers, "Why the long face? You've still got weeks." Calum doesn't reply, looking down at his lap as Michael's touch leaves him. "I have to go to the studio," he says, "I'll be back later."

Calum feels like a puppy who is watching it's owner leave, which he realises is a whole new level of pathetic, but he can't help it. Once the door shuts and he is left with an empty apartment, he sighs, eyeing the date on the calendar. He remembers being excited, but now he couldn't be more anxious. Without the contract, Michael doesn't have to be around Calum anymore.

He bites his nails, going down to the gym nearby to sweat out his frustration, but no matter how much he runs, the problems still don't leave him. Once he stops, he showers and rushes over to Ashton's apartment, opening the door without any warning. Ashton drops his cup in surprise, letting it break into a million pieces as he glares at the Maori. "Really, Calum?"

Calum ignores him, crossing his arms. "Push the end date of the contract back." He orders, watching as Ashton sweeps up his mess.

Ashton looks up once he's put everything in the bin. "Why would I do that?" He asks, straightening up the paper-work laid across the wooden table. "You broke my mug; I'm doing nothing for you, now."

Calum sits down on the couch, looking at him, not a hint of sarcasm on his face. "Seriously, do it."

Ashton isn't sure if he heard it right as he slowly walks over to the couch, sitting on the coffee table directly in front of the boxer. His eyebrows are drawn down, confused as he tilts his head a little. "You know Michael is going on tour no matter what, right?"

Calum refuses to believe it. "If you lengthen the date, then I'll have to see him more." He says, trying to make sense of everything, despite grasping at straws.

Ashton puts his hand on Calum's knee - something he does when he's delivering bad news. Calum thinks he flinching from both the touch and the anticipation of the words that are coming from Ashton's mouth. "Your boxing is the same time as his touring. We'll just be posting stuff we took months ago to make it look like you guys still hang out, but you still won't see him." He says gently, hazel eyes examining the boxer's discomfort to the truth.

The Maori frowns, looking down at his lap, "How do you make someone stay?"

Ashton is taken aback by the question, sitting up to ponder a logical answer. It's silent for a while before he says, "You can't, Calum. You can love them and hope for the best."

Calum leaves with a weight in his chest. So, this is what it's like to like someone. He thinks to himself before letting his hands grab ahold of his phone, dialing Michael's number as he sits in his car. It rings out and is put to voice-mail.

He hates the uncertainty. He knows that Michael will come back, but will he even like him anymore? The tour is nine months long. He'll have so many new experiences, he'll see so many different guys - less damaged ones that are easier to get along with, that have the perfect smile and the perfect voice.

Calum's stomach does flips at the thought, turning off his phone. Maybe the tour is better for them both. He concludes. Michael will find someone else, and he won't have to deal with Calum holding him back. Calum can go back to being the raging asshole that he is - the most hated celebrity in the world - and Michael can go back to being the most loved.

It'll hurt like a bitch. He knows it will. He sighs. It'll be better for them both.

So, he drives home. Bitter. A little sad. But he knows it'll be worth it. He's not made for people to love. People are usually right in keeping their distance. Someone as good as Michael, especially.

My poor baby

But 5sos won so many arias yay!!!

Thoughts on Calum's decision? His feelings?

Do you think they will stay together?

Thoughts on him trying to get the dates pushed back?