Beauty and the Beast || cake a.u.

~ t e n ~

Published 10/12/14

Dedicated to Hemmotional_wreck

Calum's POV

Michael was practically shaking when I got to his house last night. Whatever happened must have been real bad, because he couldn't tell me. Not that he didn't want to, but he was practically unable to. He didn't say a single word to me from the minute I walked into the bathroom to 2 o'clock when we finally fell asleep together in his bed.

I found him in the bathroom crying over the sink, a towel held against his cheek. His red eyes and the darkening skin around them was horrifying and the scrapes on his hands scared me horribly. I ran over as fast as possible (the entire three steps) and grabbed his hand from the towel, holding the fabric to his face with my other hand. Entwining my fingers with his, I tried to turn his face towards me.

"Michael, what happened? Look at me," he looked away, letting the towel between my hand and his cheek drop to the floor. The bloody bruise that had been previously covered was now exposed and shot me down like a bullet. I dropped to my knees, tears beginning to stream down my face as my injured friend ignored me as if I was the reason he was like this. I never even touched him, except when we kissed..

"Michael, why are you ignoring me?" I asked him. He didn't move. A pained sob escaped my throat and I tried another question.

"Is it because of the kiss?" he coughed, "Because that was nothing, and right now I need to help you Michael! You have to let me  help you," I said, slowly calming myself down. Though, from across the small bathroom, I could see that a muscle still hadn't moved in the broken body. I slowly got to my feet and walked over to him, bringing the small towel along with me. I reached for his hand, brushing our fingertips against each other, but his hand quickly moved away.

"Mikey, I promise, I don't want to hurt you, but I need you to let me help," I said calmly, reaching for his hand again for a second try. He slowly turned toward me and brought his hand towards mine until they were tangled together, "Will you let me help Mikey?" Michael nodded slowly, his facial expression remaining plain.

So, until quarter-to that night, I help Michael clean up his wounds and stop their bleeding. I lather his cuts with medicine and help him change into suitable sleepwear.

"I'll be on the couch if you need me, as always, okay?" I said as I left him on his bed. His eyes widened and he shook his head, tears beginning to fall from his eyes again. I couldn't stand the sight of the once-confident boy in front of me falling to broken bits on his own carpet. I walked over and sat beside him on the bed, and he instantly embraced me tightly, as if saying don't leave.

"You want me to stay here?" I asked, and felt the nodding motion on my shoulder.

"Should I sleep on the floor," I asked again, pulling away from the hug to get myself ready. I heard a squeal and looked bad at Michael. His mouth was open as if he is ready to speak, but he closed it and shook his head. As I was about to ask where I'd sleep, he patted the bed beside him.

"With you?" he nodded, "Are you sure?" Again, "Okay.."

I stripped down to my underwear and walked over to his bed, crawling in with him. He attached himself to me and I felt his tears wet my bare chest. I returned the hold he had on me, gently, and rested my chin on his head.

"Goodnight Mikey, dream well."

A/N: HEY GUYS

SO sorry that it's been so long, I have been very swarmed with stuff to do lately.

Between constant theatre rehearsal and homework I have no time to do anything I want.

But I'm not here to make excuses!

I promise you guys content and I'll give you content!! 

Though I know this chapter is extremely short, I hope you understand why.

I just don't feel it'd be as effective if not for the short length.

Please forgive me!

~emi