Response || Malum || (Sequel to Reaction)

7

Michael's POV

Watching Calum cook just intensifies my feelings of a possible future with him. I mean I'm almost positive that we'd have a future together but I mean you know, marriage. It's not that I need that title because theres no way that a title like that would make me love Calum any more than I do because that's completely impossible. Maybe I didn't need the title or a signed paper to prove our love, maybe just a promise for forever. His hands were diligently working as he chopped vegetables and for some odd reason I kept staring at his finger where a gold band would go. What is wrong with me? I'm 19 years old, Calum and I have only known each other for about a year and here I am ready to settle down with him. I don't even know what a functional marriage is! I never saw my parents show affection for one another and my dad abused my mother for years! Am I just afraid Calum will leave me again so the logical thing in my mind would be to have a guaranteed forever. But nothing is a guaranteed forever. I mean we could live together the rest of our lives and build a future with each other without even getting married. Maybe I could just talk to Cal about everything and hopefully it wouldn't scare him off. He may not want a future with me.

"So." I said at the same time Calum did as he turned towards me.

"You go first." He said with a small smile.

"No you, mines not that important." I insisted, gesturing my hand at him.

"Oh I was just going to say..." His eyes darted away from me but just as the words left his mouth the doorbell ring. Who could that be? Calum and I exchanged a confused look and I grumbled as I climbed off the counter to go see who was ringing our doorbell.

"Hold that thought."I said and hurried into the other room. I took my time walking to the door and the doorbell rang one more time before I got close.

"Holy shit be patient!" I shouted at the door and grabbed the doorknob to yank the door open.

Two familiar Aussies were staring back at me with their arms full of luggage and one of them was holding onto Raph's leash.They weren't due to be here for another week or so but I am definitely glad to see them. I needed some friendly advice about this whole Calum situation.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, looking them over.

"Well hello to you too Mikey."Ashton rolled his eyes and I did the same. Luke handed me the leash and I knelt down to bury my face into Raph's fur. Yes I kept him even after Calum left and he became a part of my life, except he's not such a little puppy anymore.

"You guys aren't supposed to be here for another week." I said as I ushered them to come in and Raph began to jump on my leg. They tugged in their bags and dropped them to the floor.

"We uh, missed you." Luke stuttered, scratching his neck nervously. I chuckled and grabbed him by the shoulders to pull him into a quick hug.

"I missed you too." I cooed and ruffled his hair which I knew he hated.

"Where's Cal?" Ashton asked just as Calum appeared in the doorway.

"Hey guys!" He said excitedly and rushed over to pull both Luke and Ashton into a hug.

"Hey Cal." they both muttered. Calum then turned attention to Raph, petting and cooing at him playfully. He was such a sucker for dogs.

"I was making some fajitas are you guys hungry?" Calum asked and they both whined a yes.

"Luke and I can take your bags upstairs and you two can finish dinner." I half suggested, half demanded. I just really needed to talk to Luke and his unexpected arrival couldn't have been at a more convenient time.