The Bet (Muke Clemmings)

Three

"Cal! I'm too tired for my own good," Michael hollered as he walked up behind Calum, that same place they meet up. Calum was inhaling as much of his cigarette as he could before he got too cold, as it was rainy again. 

"You're too tired!?" Calum asked, as if he were offended, "Ashton didn't leave my house till midnight!" 

"Woah," Michael said, crossing his arms over his chest in attempts to keep himself warm, "Why so late?"

"Because he's cool as hell," Calum responded nonchalantly, finally giving up on the cancer stick so the two could walk inside.

The warmth of the building made the pair smile, and Calum continued to explain, "Dude, he plays drums, and has great music taste. He's pretty awesome, I didn't expect it. How's Hemmings?"

"Still shy," Michael mumbled, accompanied by a sigh, "He barely talks at all."

"Well, everyone knows that," Calum replied in a smart ass tone, and Michael hit his arm lightly as he rolled his eyes.

"I'm serious, Calum!" Michael groaned, "The only thing I know about him is that he likes Blink."

"Well, that's a good start."

Michael knew Calum was right; he had to start somewhere small with Luke, but he wasn't used to that. What he was used to was people attatching themselves to him after only about ten minutes of conversation. 

And Michael liked that; he liked attention, because he didn't really get much at home. His parents were there sometimes, but they were usually too busy with their jobs or friends or other social functions they felt they had to attend, and Michael had no siblings. He was pretty much alone other than Calum, and his tens and tens of romantic partners. 

***

"Hey, Luke! Over here!" Luke looked up, seeing Ashton standing up at a circle table at the back of the cafeteria, waving a hand, along with Michael and Calum. 

Luke scratched the back of his neck and dragged his feet to the table nervously. Ashton gave a warm smile, and Luke sat down.

Calum polietly introduced himself, and Ashton and Michael continued to babble to each other. It was unexpected, but Ashton and Michael clicked instantly; they had no idea what they were even saying to each other, but they were erupting in laughter and had permanant smiles on their faces.

Luke felt out of place. He tried to make small conversation with Calum, but Luke found him cocky and sarcastic, so he just pulled out his notebooks and drank his chocolate milk, half paying attention to the three boys across from him.

"I quite feel bad for Lukey over there," Calum said and suddenly Luke was listening a bit more, "Having to work with your sorry ass."

Michael rolled his eyes, laughing lightly, "Hey, I think I did pretty good last night. What d'you reckon, Luke?"

Luke looked up and then started to feel himself blush. "Yeah," He muttered, but spoke a little louder than he normally did, when he put his head back down, "You did alright."

Michael's mouth dropped as if he were actually offended, and he jokingly exclaimed, "Alright!? I did much better than alright!"

Luke couldn't hide his laughter, both dimples appearing. That made Michael smile even bigger, and he began to think he may have a little problem.