Response || Malum || (Sequel to Reaction)

3

Calum's POV

When I tried to roll over in bed, my body hit something hard. My eyes fluttered open to see I was spread out across Michael's chest. I did my best to stretch out but his body was making it difficult. I looked up to see his green eyes staring down at me and it was almost as if someone had hit rewind. Nostalgia washed over me and for the first time in a long while, everything felt complete. Seeing Michael's face this morning and sleeping next to him last night sent me right back to the start. Maybe everything hasn't changed completely but so much for going slow. I sighed and curled back up next to Michael and I felt his chest shake with laughter.

"Only one date and you already have me back in your bed." He smirked down at me and I playfully flicked his chest.

"Oh shut up. You were easy." I shot back only making Michael laugh more.

"I am not easy!" He play pouted and I shocked both of us by leaning up to press a quick kiss to his jaw. I'm sure my eyes were as wide as his but I guess that was old reflexes coming back.

Truth is, I wanted things to fall back into normality the second I saw Michael's face, but when they let me out early I panicked. I had planned to be gone for six months and when it was only four, I guess I just wanted to make sure I was fixed. Or somewhat fixed. One thing I learned in rehab was that we are never totally fixed. We are like a completed puzzle. Even though we have all the right pieces and are totally complete, does not mean we don't have cracks. I'll never really be cured or fixed but at least I can be better. I learned to move past my regrets and look forward to my future, whatever it may hold.

"What time is it?" I asked with a yawn as I sat up to stretch.

"Its eleven." Michael said, following me to sit up as well.

"I have to be to work in two hours." I grumbled, watching Michael's face change. He always did that when something upset him. He'd try his hardest not to pout but of course it was evident he wasn't happy. HIs eyes would dim and he'd look anywhere in the world but at my face.

Damn I didn't realize that I had memorized such little details about him.

"I'm supposed to be having lunch with my mum." He informed me with a hint of sadness in his voice. Leaving this bed was going to be no cakewalk for me either.

Things were silent again as we both scooted up to sit against the headboard. So far things between us were off to a rocky start even despite our date last night. I just feel like I came back in at a really bad time for Michael. I mean he's leaving soon and part of me wishes that we didn't meet back up. As awful as that may sound, it might've spared us both another painful goodbye. When I looked over, Michael was smirking at me.

"What are you thinking about?" He said in a sing song voice, making me chuckle.

"Nothing." I said mocking his voice and again he playfully pouted.

"Uh huh sure." He teased and I shook my head at him. I wanted so back to let myself unravel around him but I know that wasn't healthy for either of us. I need to keep my distance and really work on this slow thing.

"I have to get ready." I sighed, not really wanting to leave my bed.

"Yeah, I should go." He yawned and climbed from the bed, leaving me to stare.

Looking at Michael, it was hard to beleive that only six months had passed. Maybe it was just because it had been so long since I had seen him but he looked so different. I mean he was still my Mikey but something about him seemed more, mature? Huh, maybe that's it. Subtle facial hair was outlining his jaw and his hair was a little longer and was a blondish brown color that was odd to see on Michael. He just looked a little older than he looked before I left. I do suppose we were forced to grow up in those short few months.