Lo Siento

3~ Valentine

Got nothing but love for you, fall more in love every day

Their anniversary. Their wedding anniversary was the one day a year Ashton wouldn’t get drunk. Instead, he’d dress up and take Calum out on a nice date, sweeping him off his feet like he used to.

“I like your suit,” Ashton smiled.

“I like yours.” Calum grinned in return.

Ashton sat down next to Calum on the couch.

“You know, Michael’s not home today.” Ashton murmured. “We can stay home instead.

Calum blinked. He thought they were going to go out to the same restaurant like they always do.

“I love you so much baby.” Ashton murmured, kissing Calum’s neck.

“Ashton,” Calum sighed.

“I love you more than you could ever know.”

“Ashton, I love you too but-” Calum’s breath hitched when Ashton lightly grazed his lips behind Calum’s ear before kissing there too. “Ashton, stop. I’m not in the mood.”

“Baby, you’re always in the mood.”

“No, not now, Ashton. Not now!”

“Tell me why.” Ashton mumbled.

“I’m just not. Leave me alone.”

Ashton sat up and stared out the window. He played with the threads on the couch with one hand, his other resting on Calum’s thigh. Calum gently removed his hand and got up, walking to the kitchen.

Calum opened the fridge, trying not to let the tears fall. Of course, he was unsuccessful. He simply missed Joy so much. He missed waking up and not hearing her and Michael’s giggles next to his bed, obviously planning attack. It was her birthday yesterday and he didn’t wake up to see her face directly in his, begging him to wake up so she could receive presents. It was heartbreaking.

Calum closed the fridge and let a whimper escape from his lips as he stepping back, his lower back making contact with the kitchen island. He slid down, whining at the handles digging into his back but making no effort to move. He hugged his knees and cried softly. His eyes wandered around the room, stopping on a picture on the fridge. The picture held four smiling people. Calum and Ashton had grins wider than their faces as they stood behind their children. Michael was stacking rocks with a look of triumph on his face and Joy, being only six at the time, had dug up worms and was trying to give it to Calum with the happiest smile on her face.

His eyes darted to the photo next to it, which was taken a couple years later. Calum and Ashton were sitting on a bench at a park, Michael laying across their lap and Joy on Calum’s shoulders, covering his eyes, obviously mid-giggle.

The next photo was just Joy on her first day of school. He could see that she was holding Calum’s hand out the edge of the frame. Calum remembered that day. Joy was upset and crying but all Calum had to do was sing her her favourite song and she was happy again.

Calum smiled softly and stood up, taking the pictures off the fridge. He let the tears fall down his face as he held the pictures close. He sobbed quietly, dropping to his knees as his sniffles turned into a full-on breakdown, again.

“For the love of all things cheesy, stop crying!” Ashton yelled from the lounge room.

Calum jumped and got up, wiping his tears away. He walked back into the lounge, staring at the ground.

“What’s the matter baby?” Ashton asked, standing directly in front of Calum, his forehead resting on his.

“Nothing, I’m okay.” Calum mumbled.

Calum could feel Ashton’s hot breath on his lips. They hadn’t kissed in a year and Calum wanted nothing more than to just incline his head a little bit to attach their lips.

“I love you.” Ashton whispered.

Calum couldn’t help himself. He moved his head, quickly smashing their lips together. And fuck, it felt amazing. Just like old times.

Still holding the kiss, Ashton gently pushed Calum against the wall. Calum reached up and ran his fingers through Ashton’s red hair. The two pulled away for a spilt second, taking a breath before smashing their lips together again.

“Fucking hell,” Ashton breathed.

“I’ve missed you,” Calum mumbled.

Ashton placed his hands on Calum’s shoulders and grinned. He kissed him again, not quickly but far shorter than the previous.

“I love you too,” Calum murmured.

“Are you sure you don’t, you know, just wanna stay here today?” Ashton murmured, playing with the collar of Calum’s shirt.

Calum shook his head softly. “As much as I’d love that, we haven’t left the house together in years. I don’t just wanna stay home.”

Ashton nodded and smiled.

“Hey, do you remember what happened a few weeks ago?” Calum asked cautiously, referring to when Ashton had hit him.

“No, was I drunk again?” Ashton asked.

Calum nodded softly.

“I’m sorry. I can’t help myself. I’ll stop, I promise.” Ashton swore.

“Promise?” Calum asked, looking at Calum with big pleading brown eyes.

“Promise.”