#remember when tour started and we all assumed this would be Cal

[kindahoping4forever]

LUKE HEMMINGS IN A CROP TOP

[unlikelyempathpruneauthor]

Always and forever

summary: Fans see you and Calum cuddled together in a video and they wonder who the mystery girl is.

a/n: the video they posted of all of them in their studio “announcing” the fifth album. Also I love how Michael announced they're making an album just like that haha. Also I'm writing this as if the pandemic wasn't even a thing because it's more fun that way haha, also reader is known by hanging out with Sierra and the guys. This is my first calum fic so feedback is always acceptable

You and the girls were all invited to come to the guy’s studio to check out and see them make the beginning of their new album, you were so excited for them and you and the girls would be standing behind them and supporting them on the new album.

You were getting ready while Cal waited for you downstairs, you didn't dress up that much, you only wore one of Cal's hoodies and a pair of jeans. You knew you were gonna be there for a while so you were gonna dress comfortably. You always liked seeing cal do his thing, you admired how passionate he was when it came to his work. As you walked down the stairs you noticed Cal was laying on the couch looking at his phone so you joined him as he took you in his arms.

“Are you ready to go?” he said as you looked up at him and nodded.

“Yeah I am, I'm excited for you guys.” you said with a smile as he pulled you in for a kiss.

“Thank that means a lot, I'm glad I have you here with me, I mean you are my inspiration after all.” he said you giggled and he pulled you in for a small cuddle.

“You know i'll always be here for you, always.” you said muffled as you two cuddled on the couch before leaving your place.

You were one of the many people Calum cared for, he always thought that he would never fall in love again, but with you it was different, he was able to be more than himself when you were with him. You allowed his mind to be open with you. To even add more to this story, you thought you wouldn't love again as well, you were heartbroken so many times as well, and well when you met cal, you two probably fell in love with one another the first time you two laid eyes on one another. You two met as if you were normal people, well you were introduced by Luke’s girlfriend, but nonetheless you met as normal people.

As you arrived you hung out with Sierra, while the boys were doing their warm up and a little while after KayKay and Crystal showed up and the gang was pretty much there.You and the girls were always here to support your guys, it was practically tradition, but this was a nice thing to do, since not everyday you see everyone. As much as you missed the boys you missed your girls. 

The cameras then started to roll for a small announcement for the fans to see, it wasn't official yet, but the guys wanted to place a nice presence in the video for the fans to guess what they were up to. Which is why you chose the traditional hoodie and jeans because you knew fans would assume its you and you hoped this disguise worked since you and cal haven't gone official, or so you thought.

When the boys were kinda stuck they called a break the guys all went to their gals and cal walked over to your on the couch and cuddled you as you kissed him. “How's it going rockstar?” you asked as he looked over at you with a smile as he placed a kiss on your lips and he got comfortable with you.

“Pretty good, got some good lyrics in and a couple of new tunes.” he said as he moved to be the little spoon and he took his beanie off so you could play with his hair, this was one of the many things he likes when he needed inspiration or relax, mainly both but you were happy to do so. “Hey, that's good bubs, I'm happy it's going well, I'm proud of you.” you said he looked at you in awe and just couldn't believe how lucky he was.

For him he always found inspiration for lyrics in moments like these. No matter how small or big the moments were, there was always some sort of feeling he felt, it was more than love. He never felt this way ever in his life before, he knew he would follow you everywhere and you would do the same.

“Im making another song about you,” cal said as you looked down at him again, you loved that he made you songs, but you knew his fans would probably like to hear different songs. “Cal you don't have to, you should focus on what your fans like.” you said as he looked up at you with a pout, “babe, the fans would love you once they know, and besides its pretty official, the boys love it.” he said as you giggled, “Don't worry about that love, besides my fans probably like you more than me and they don't even know yet.” he said as you two laughed a little and your cuddle sesh continued before he had to go back in.

After a couple more hours of the boys working and you guys getting to listen to some of the music they had come up with, you were very excited to hear the final cut. You were proud of the progress they all made, you knew the final cut would turn out great.

You all said their goodbyes and hopped to see them again for another meet up session. You and Cal went home and did your normal night routine, you would watch another movie or a couple episodes of a show you were currently watching. Then you would eat some dinner, you either made something small or you ordered some food. After you eat you would head up to your shared room and do your skincare, you two always loved doing it together, especially sheet face masks, those were your favorite and he always had a couple pictures of you two, but mainly you.

This was pretty much “normal” about your lives, and he cherished them everyday, especially when he was away on tour, he would always look back at your silly pictures together and remember that you were always going to be there waiting for him. You missed him as well when he was away and you were grateful you had a part of him, which was duke, you would take him on walks and little small picnic dates which you later showed cal, which he loved how you would take care of him while he was away. He was practically your son, but you didn't know that was your title, it was a secret between cal and duke.

As the morning hit you woke up with cal’s arms around you as you looked over at him seeing his sleepy self. You knew that these sessions took up a lot of energy internally since he was creating music for everyone to hear. You enjoyed seeing him sleeping peacefully. You snuggled closer to him as you kissed his jaw and he started to wake up a little.

“Good morning love” he said with his morning voice as you two kissed one another, “Good morning, how'd you sleep bubs?” you said as duke had climbed in between you too as you kissed duke, “pretty good as usual i had you in my arms.” he said as you looked up to him with a smile.

The first night you two spent the night together, you both fell asleep instantly, the things that were planned for the rest of the night had been swiped away, but you two enjoyed being with one another even if you were just sleeping. You two helped one another sleep, you couldn't remember the last time you actually had a good night's sleep. When calum was away, he couldn't sleep and he would be so tired when he would come home, which he felt bad for because he wanted to spend the day with you, but you always insisted on him to rest and that you would be by his side when he woke up since you too were tired and needed him by your side.

As you were eating breakfast, the video their team worked on was posted, it was very simple, nothing too complex about it. Cal knew his team was amazing so he was gonna wait to see it once it was posted by one of the guys.

His phone then started to blow up, first it was twitter, then it was instagram. Your phone then too started to ring. You both looked at one another with a quite confused look, cal picked his phone up and then he saw the video that his team posted, it looked so good to him, but when he went to the comments, he saw people were tagging you as you were seeing that as well on your phone.

@5sosforever3CALM: OMG thats literally @y/n! OMG OMG

@5sosupdates: CAL HAS A GIRL, SIERRA PROBABLY GOT THEM TOGETHER

@lukemikeycalash: HOLD UP IS THAT @y/n????

@caldreams: YALL REALLY OUT HERE POSTING THIS WITH NO CONTEXT

He went back to the video and looked at it closely, and there was a clip of the two of you on the couch having your small moment. Your face wasn't clear to the camera, but how did they know? Your hair was showing and your nose, but how could they get that from one clip? He looked at his tagged photos and saw that they were comparing you side to side with your side profile.

“Oh no, our fans are literally FBI agents, how did they get that from one picture?” Cal said as you giggled, then saw Luke's contact appear and you answered it.

“Hey.” you said with a giggled, “hey, have you seen the comments?” he asked as cal answered, “yeah we saw, but how do they know it's her?” he said as those two kept going back and forth. “So should i ask out team to delete it?” he asked as you shook your head, “Luke it's fine, i'm not that bothered, doing nothing will just let them make up other theories.” you said as you were calm the outside, but you were freaking out on  the inside.

“Are you sure?” cal asked as you nodded, “yeah i am, as long as you're okay with it.” you said as he nodded and you said goodbye to luke and you two continued your breakfast.

You sat on the couch after breakfast and did your normal thing, you knew Cal was freaking out because he was still on his phone trying to see if the fans were coming up with new theories, but no they were stuck on it. He was freaking out because he wanted you to feel comfortable, you both agreed on keeping your relationship private, but you knew once it was out of the bag people would find out.

“Cal, if you want we can announce it officially.” you said as he looked over at you with a smile. He had been wanting to go official years back, but he respected you and well he liked keeping your relationship private, since most things in his life were already out there. He wanted something serious with you and he wanted this to do it right.

“Really? Are you sure? I don't want you to feel pressured because the fans are figuring it out.” he said as you nodded, “yes cal, besides you looked stressed out, we've been together for 5 years and besides like you said hopefully they'll like me.” you said as he shook his head, “no they're going to love you as much as i love you.” he said as the both of you had pulled up pictures of the two of you and captioned it, “Alright done, ready?” he asked as you nodded,“3...2….1!” he said as you both posted the pictures and you had turned off your phones. You knew it would be blowing up in minutes, so today was going to be spent with one another. 

The next morning you woke up by a duke who had climbed into the bed as you saw Cal was missing, he probably had gotten up to make breakfast,“Hey duke, where's your dad huh.” you said as you held him in your arms as you walked towards the kitchen where cal had been preparing the table for you guys to eat. “Hey rockstar, what's this for?” you asked as you placed duke down and cal placed his hands on your jaw and you moved in to a kiss, as you smiled through it.

“Just wanted to make my lady some breakfast.” he said as you saw him being all cheeky and you grinned at him, almost making him blush, “Well this is nice, does it have to do with what we did yesterday?” you said as he nodded with a slight grin,“Depends on what you’re talking about” he asked as he smirked at you slapped his arm playfully. You two had gotten in the mood and well it's probably best to keep it a secret.

“Cal! Not in front of duke.” you said as you two laughed and nodded, “well i liked what we did after the post, but yeah the fans reacted well.” he said as you smiled seeing him so happy, “I'm glad, wait what picture did you post?” you asked as you got your phone and clicked on instagram, “just a couple of us and one of duke,” he said as you nodded and looked through. The first one was of the two of you two on your first date, which was one of the many dates you had after going out, but this one was your first date as boyfriend and girlfriend. The second one was a picture of the two of you asleep on the tour bus, when you had tagged along with them since you had free time saved up and cal loved that you were there, he was able to see you everyday, even when he was preforming and you were in the crowd.

“Where did you get that one of us on the bus?” you asked in awe of that picture, “the guys took it after the show and they later sent it to me,” he said with a smile as you swiped to the next photo. This was a picture of you when Cal and the guys were nominated for an award and even won and he brought it home to you and took a silly picture with the award. the next one was the first night you spent together and you were doing sheet face masks, that's how it all got started. And the last one was a picture of you and duke when you first met, duke was all over you and was happy to finally meet you. You remembered all of these moments clearly, they were moments you cherished the most. You then looked at the caption and cal had seen your eyes trailing the text waiting to see you reaction.

@calumhood: i guess you guys figured it out, so here it is. This is my soulmate, my person and Duke's mom. I never thought i would love again, but the day i met her i was already falling for her and well she's the best thing that has ever happened to me and of course our pup Duke. The day she came into mine and duke’s life we were blessed. She inspires me to be a better person and artist everyday and is the inspiration to all of the music I write for the band, so you can thank her for our records. She is one of the many people I love in life and I hope you can love her the same way I do. Duke and I  love you forever and always. @y/n <3

You looked up at him with small tears in your eyes and a smile. He looked over at you and saw you were crying as he was worried he didn't expect you to cry.

“Hey, you okay? What's wrong? Did someone say something?” he asked as you nodded, “yeah you did,” you said with a smile showing him the caption he wrote and he smiled and gave you a hug. You then cut your moment short and looked at Duke and back at him,“I'm Duke's mom?” you asked as he looked at you in awe and nodded, “yeah of course you are, you always were, probably since the first day you spent the night. He was pretty bummed out after you left.” he said as he remembered that day his pup was missing their favorite girl.

“Aw cal, all i wrote in the caption was a heart,” you said as he shook his head, “love, you show me everyday how much you love me, especially when we were away, this was my way to show you as well, but i'm not stopping there, i will show you everyday how much you mean to duke and i, but especially me. I meant what I said, forever and always.”  he said as you kissed him and duke had wanted some in on this moment.

You two who never believed in soulmates or even love yet you both found it again. The love you two have was something you couldn't describe with words. It was out of this universe to be quite frank with you. You were soulmates lost, and once found, you were happy with one another, your love was strong, any other couple would have broken up when their significant other was away, but the both of you were different. Different but perfect for one another. Cal knew that once you were in his life he would do his very best to keep you in his life forever and always.

[ificanthaveu]

Last Name || Calum Hood

Description: The bold line you’ve drawn between what you do and who you work for gets blurred when Calum Hood comes into the picture. Old habits die hard. 

A/N: Ahhh!! My first Calum fic! My first non-Shawn fic! I had this idea circulating for a while and finally committed to writing it and am absolutely in love with how it turned out. I hope you all love it!! also big shoutout to @cal-puddies​ because i’ve been binge reading her Calum fics which have been making me feel some typa way and ended up writing this because of it

Word Count: 6.8 k

These events were prime real estate for you. 

You bounced around from group to group of people dressed like they were CEOs. Pantsuits and business dresses, polished dress shoes, and stilettos that could kill. Looks that could do the same. 

The American Music Awards after-party was one of the few times of the year where you could meet the bodies behind the artists. The people that got them places on time, scheduled their tours, and recorded their music. 

Your goal, as always, was to get just a few more of them to add you on LinkedIn and remember your name when a new opportunity came up that was in your wheelhouse. 

The divide in the party was clear. A direct line between the faces and the nobodies. The artists and the personnel. 

This was typical, but tonight, something felt off. 

You felt the eyes burning in your back from across the room. You weren’t used to stares from the other side, only getting looks of acknowledgment from people near you. 

But you ignored it, knowing your goal was more important than some stuck up artist who thought your ass looked great in those pants and wanted to take you home tonight. 

So you introduced yourself to Camila Cabello’s manager and prayed whoever this was would give up and find someone else. 

He asked you about your current project, and you gladly explained it to him in detail, still trying to shake the chills down your back. 

When he turned to say a quick hello to someone who walked by, you took the opportunity to scan the room to find the culprit, but he was back to your conversation just when you thought you met someone’s eyes. 

“Excuse me,” you heard someone say as he brushed past you, his hand grazing across your back as he made his way to the bar.\

You turned around to watch his back as he walked away. You knew who it was. But you turned back to your current conversation and prayed he’d still be at the bar once you were done here. 

Once you excused yourself after he got distracted, you took the opportunity to go after the man who was sending chills down your body. 

He could hear the steady, incessant clicking of your heels from a mile away, and the smirk on his face only grew as he knew his risky stunt worked. 

“Mr. Hood,” you said as you leaned against the bar and signaled for the bartender before turning towards him. You smiled the same smile that got you jobs and said, “It’s great to finally meet you.”

“Ah, so you know me, but I’m afraid I don’t know you,” he said, looking at you as he took a sip of his drink. 

The bartender handed you a glass of white wine before you turned towards his lingering gaze. 

“I don’t expect you to,” you said before sitting on the stool. 

He followed suit and sat down as well. 

“I don’t expect those people to know me,” you said gesturing to the other side of the room. “However, I’d like to think a good chunk of these people do.”

You crossed one leg over the other, turning your stool to face him as he gave you a confused look. 

“That didn’t really answer my question.”

“You didn’t ask a question. You just stated you didn’t know who I was.”

“I guess so,” he said, your confidence only making him more intrigued. 

“I’m [Y/N],” you said, sticking your hand out like a business deal. 

He shook it, and you felt shocks shoot up your arm. 

“Great to meet you,” he said. 

“You as well.”

“So, how do you know me?” He pried. 

“Well, I’ve been a fan for a while, since before I ended up doing this,” you said, gesturing to the crowd. 

“Was I your favorite?” He asked, a smirk adorning his face again. 

You laughed before taking a sip, your reaction leaving him on the edge of his seat. 

“I’ve always been an Ashton girl,” you said, a small smile breaking through. 

“Ouch,” he said, his hand resting on his chest. “He does have a girlfriend.”

“Didn’t think I had a chance anyway,” you said through a laugh. 

“I may know another member though that might be interested,” he tested. 

“Hm,” you started. “I thought Luke also had a girlfriend?”

He shook his head at you, downing the rest of his drink. 

You glanced around the room quickly, noticing the signs of many of these people attempting to leave. 

“You’re good, I’ll give you that,” he said softly. 

“I know,” you said through a smirk. “Well, Mr. Hood, I should be going.”

“Can I get your number? And perhaps a last name?” He asked before you turned away. 

“You can get one of those things,” you said as you took the phone out of his outstretched hand, typing your number in, leaving just your first name as the contact. 

“Well, [Y/N], you’ll hear from Michael soon, he might be looking for a side chick,” Calum said, tucking his phone away. 

You let yourself laugh at that one, shaking your head before pushing yourself off the stool. 

“Perfect, he was always my second favorite.”

“Are you saying I’m in the bottom half?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

With that, you walked away, feeling his eyes burn on your back once again as you beelined it towards Kelsea Ballerini’s newest manager. 

It wasn’t even twelve hours later when a text from an unknown number popped up on your screen. 

Your roommate Tayshia grabbed it before you had a chance. 

“‘Can I take you out tonight?’ Who the hell is this?” She said, turning the screen towards you. 

You snatched it out of her hands and tucked it in your bag. 

“It’s nothing,” you said quickly. 

“Please don’t tell me you’re doing this again,” she said, rubbing her forehead. 

“I’m not doing anything,” you called from the kitchen as you grabbed a granola bar and a protein shake before you had to go to your meeting. 

You looked up, and she was leaning against the doorframe, a knowing look on you face.

“Who is it this time?” She asked. 

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” you said through a sigh, throwing your bag over your shoulder and walking to the door. 

You opened it and leaned in once more, looking at her. 

“It’s Calum Hood,” you rushed out. 

“What? Are you joking?” She yelled. 

“I really wish I was,” you said, resting your head on the open door. 

“You’re blurring a very bold line here,” she reminded you. “This could destroy your career if you aren’t careful.”

“Don’t worry, it’ll last two dates max. You know me. I have things to do. See you later,” you rushed out before shutting the door. 

You pulled out your phone once in the elevator, staring at the text. 

Before you had a chance to respond another text popped up. 

This is Calum by the way. I assumed you’d know, but maybe you have other guys also trying to win your affection? I would never know since all I know is your first name. 

You shook your head and fought the smile as the elevator opened, and you tucked your phone away once again. 

You made it to your meeting with a minute to spare, taking out your things before typing a quick response to Calum, sending him your address. 

And now you have my address, pick me up at 7. 

— 

Your new floral dress flowed as you looked frantically around your apartment for your favorite heels. 

“Tay,” you yelled. “Where are my light blue heels?”

Her hand shot out of her room with the pair dangling from her hands. 

You grabbed them just as a knock came from the door. 

Tayshia peaked out of her room and looked at the door. 

“Your latest mistake awaits,” she said as she gestured dramatically to the door. 

“Save it,” you said before shutting her in her room. 

You opened the door to see Calum standing there with his hands tucked into his pockets. 

To say you took his breath away was an understatement. 

The dress you were wearing and the sparkling smile on your face were a stark contrast to the dark blue pantsuit and fake smile you had on the night before. 

“Come in,” you said before shutting the door behind him. 

You leaned against the fridge as you pulled your shoes on and grabbed your purse. 

“What’s the plan, Hood?” You asked as you looked at him. 

He shrugged, leaning against the island. 

“There’s a small open-air wine bar downtown that has live music tonight,” he said. “However, you can’t use it as a networking event.”

You rolled your eyes at him before following him out the door. 

“I only network at work events, and last night was a work event,” you reminded him. 

“And where do you work again?” He asked, leading you out to his car. 

“Not important,” you said, climbing into the front seat. 

He shut the door behind you, shaking his head in confusion. 

His hand found his way to the bottom of your back as you walked into the bar, leading you towards a standing table near the edge. 

You waited there, responding to frantic texts from Tayshia as Calum grabbed drinks. 

He set your wine in front of you, taking a sip of his own. 

“Didn’t see you as a wine guy?” You pointed out. 

“Well, this is a wine bar, so they have approximately two different beers. I also felt like they’d judge me if I ordered anything but wine,” he said.

“I believe it. We have a place like this back home, just a few blocks from my parents’ house, and I asked for a beer. If looks could kill…” you trailed off. 

“Where’s home?” He asked. 

“New York,” you said. “As in New York, New York, middle of the city, New York.”

“Ah,” he said with a nod of his head. “Had to clarify?” He questioned, a smirk appearing on his face again. 

You shrugged while taking a drink. 

“Some people say New York and mean some suburb four hours away. It’s not the same,” you explained. 

He didn’t have time to respond as the first band introduced themselves. He took this opportunity to join you on your side of the table with the excuse that he wanted to see better. 

His arm brushed against yours, and goosebumps rose instantly. 

This wasn’t supposed to be happening. 

You pushed that thought to the back of your head as you let yourself lean into him just enough for him to notice. 

He didn’t move from that spot for the rest of the night, even when the bands were done. 

Your hand grazed his arm along the table as you told him about your first college party. 

The look he gave you while you spoke, the complete intrigue and adoration in his eyes, would stick with you far longer than you were willing to admit. 

As it got darker outside and you started getting looks as the waitresses were trying to close up, Calum’s eyes met yours and gestured with his head to the door. 

You followed him out, this time with your hand tangled in his. 

“I’ll be honest, I don’t want tonight to end just yet,” he said as you walked to the car. 

“Looks like we can agree,” you replied. 

He squeezed your hand before dropping it as you both got into his car. 

“Where to?” You asked, leaning your elbow on the center council. 

He leaned back in his seat as he started the car. 

“I’m trying to not have this sound suggestive, but would you like to come back to my place?” He asked. 

By the soft look on his face, you knew he was being honest, so you nodded your head. 

You didn’t expect to fall asleep on his couch, limbs tangled together after talking all night. 

Your phone ringing snapped you out of your sleep, the arm around your waist weighing heavier than just the body weight. 

You glanced at the contact displayed across your screen and stood up quickly, hitting answer and stepping outside on his balcony. 

You paced back and forth as you spoke to your client on the other line, the sweatpants of Calum’s dragging along the cement. 

Calum woke up moments later, rubbing his eyes and glancing around. 

The panic left him as he saw you on the balcony. Your eyes met his through the glass, and you sent him a smile of reassurance and a mouthed “sorry.”

He waved you off before going to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. 

He heard your feet patter across the floor before you came through the doorway and joined him in the kitchen, pressing a kiss to his cheek. 

“Sorry about that,” you apologized before grabbing the mug waiting for you. 

“Work?” He asked. 

You simply nodded your head, checking the time before shaking your head. 

“I have to meet with him earlier than expected, so I do have to get going,” you said as his arm wrapped around your waist. 

“Leaving so soon?” He asked with a puffed out lip. 

You took the opportunity to press a long kiss to his lips before pulling away and collecting your things. 

“I’ll take you home,” he said as he handed you your shoes. “When can I see you again?”

“Whenever you want to,” you said, pulling on your dress and slipping on your shoes. 

“Tonight?” he asked with a sleepy smile. 

You ignored the butterflies and nodded your head. 

“I have an event, but I should be done by 10:00. We can just hang out at my place if that’s ok?” You suggested. 

“Sounds perfect.”

He dropped you off in front of your apartment complex after a quick kiss and a promise to see him tonight. 

You leaned against your door after you shut it, closing your eyes for a moment and living in the post-date bliss. 

“What are you getting yourself in to?” You whispered to yourself. 

“I second that,” Tayshia said as she appeared out of nowhere. “Not very you to stay over on the first date.”

“I know,”  you said through a sigh. 

“[Y/N], what are you doing?” she asked for what felt like the millionth time. “You’re going to hurt the poor guy.”

“I’m not going to hurt him, maybe this one won’t be like the others,” you defended. 

“You can’t promise me that.”

You paused, leaning against the wall. 

“You’re right. I can’t.”

As promised, you saw Calum that night. And the next night. And the one after that. 

You ignored all of Tayshia’s warnings as well as the ones in the pit of your own stomach. 

The minutes ticked by quickly and with every moment you spent with him, you forgot about any responsibilities you had. 

Your meetings grew more often, your bags beginning to be packed, and flights and hotel rooms booked. 

You dodged every question he had about the ample amount of meetings you were in. 

You sat on your couch, alone with a glass of wine, staring at your suitcases hidden in the alcove by your front door, a plant and a prayer placed in front of them that he wouldn’t notice.

Before you thought too much, a knock sounded, and you greeted Calum with a kiss, tugging him in to join you on the couch. 

You spent the night entangled in his arms for the twelfth night straight. You ignored every call, text, and email as you tried to forget your obligations, instead losing yourself in the way Calum kissed the top of your head and whispered in your ear.  

With the excuse that you had an early morning meeting, you managed to get him out of your apartment without spending the night. 

You walked him out to his car, and when he kissed you goodbye, you kissed him a moment longer than usual, holding him a little tighter. 

“See you tomorrow?” He questioned as he got in. 

You swallowed hard and nodded your head.

“Tomorrow,” you said with a soft smile. 

You leaned in his car, pressing one more kiss to his lips before watching him pull away. 

You sat on the ledge outside your complex and begged your tears not to fall. 

You’ve done this before. You’ve done this many times before. You’ll get over it. 

Tayshia was waiting for you when you got back inside. 

“Did you tell him?” She asked, her arms crossed sternly across her chest. 

“I never do,” you said quietly. 

“I thought this one was different.”

“He is,” you choked out. “That’s what makes this so hard.”

Tayshia softened immediately and pulled you into a hug as you cried against her shoulder. 

“Whatever is meant to be, will be,” she reminded you. “Time and distance don’t really matter.”

And that’s what you kept repeating to yourself as you boarded your flight, ignoring Calum’s text asking you what time he could pick you up.

Calum checked his phone periodically throughout the day, expecting a response as quickly as you usually did. 

After spending some time in the studio, he had a rare moment alone. 

And he thought about you. 

He hadn’t felt this way about someone in forever, and he couldn’t think about you without smiling. 

He absolutely adored you. 

So when you didn’t respond all day, he brushed it off. You’d been busy lately, and he understood that. 

Granted he didn’t know why. 

Granted he knew almost everything about you except anything about your job or your last name. Which he thought was weird since those were the two things you told someone. 

But he brushed it off. 

As you watched the final rehearsal, you looked down at your phone to see a second text from Calum. 

It’s ok if tonight doesn’t work, I know you’ve been busy. Keep kicking ass, sweetheart. 

You took a deep breath, trying to forget about him as you focused on your task at hand. 

“You good?” Louis asked as he sat on the edge of the stage, taking a drink of water. 

You nodded your head, leaning against the stage next to him.

“Yeah, what about you? Feeling good about all of this?” You asked. 

“It’s perfect. You’ve outdone yourself again,” he said as he patted your shoulder before standing up and walking away. 

You released your breath and shook out your tense arms. 

You’d forget about him soon. 

Calum woke up the next morning alone for the first time in nearly two weeks. He checked his phone immediately with still no word from you. 

He clicked over to Instagram, scrolling mindlessly as you were the only thing he could think of. 

Which is why he was sure he imagined you in the picture he scrolled past. 

But he paused, scrolled back up, and looked again. 

It was a basic picture, a woman leaning against the stage and a man sitting on the edge talking to her. 

Except the woman was you. 

And the man was Louis Tomlinson. 

And the caption was “Tour starts tonight! Another perfect one put together by my amazing team, but especially this one right here, @yourusername.”

He stared at the post far longer than he probably should have, but still not long enough for everything to fully click. 

You just left on tour. 

You didn’t even say goodbye. 

He clicked over to your profile, learning your last name and your occupation within half a second. 

[Y/N] [Y/L/N]. Tour manager. 

His eyes wandered down farther to read your short and sweet bio. 

“Always on tour.”

It was that simple sentence that sent him over the edge, throwing his phone across the room and ignoring the cracking sound in favor of tugging at his hair and praying he didn’t see what he just did. Praying he didn’t actually see glimpses of pictures of you with artists on tour and that dazzling smile on your face that he thought only he knew. 

The next two weeks went by in a hazy blur as he spent most of his time in the studio trying to channel what he felt into something useful but with little luck.

He sat in the same spot, plucking the same three chords and thinking about you.

“Alright, what the hell is up with you?” Ashton snapped. 

Calum glanced up at him and sighed, setting his bass to the side. 

“It’s nothing.”

“It’s clearly not nothing, you’ve said five words in the past two weeks,” Ashton pointed out. 

“I was seeing someone,” he said softly.

“And you didn’t tell us?” Luke said, the confusion evident.

“I just felt really good about this one, and I didn’t wanna jinx it,” he mumbled as he ran his hands over his face.

“Clearly that didn’t work,” Michael chimed in. 

“Yeah, no shit,” he snapped.

“Who was she?” Ashton asked.

“Her name’s [Y/N],” he paused. “[Y/N] [Y/L/N].”

“That sounds familiar,” Luke said slowly.

“She’s Louis Tomlinson’s tour manager. Along with like a million other artists.”

They all went silent, well aware that Louis just left on tour a few weeks ago.

“Yeah, but you knew that was coming right?” Ashton tried to reason.

“No, I didn’t,” Calum snapped. “She never told me her last name. Never told me her occupation. Never told me where she worked. Never told me why she was really at the AMAs that night. And then she left. She just fucking left. Without telling me. Without saying goodbye. And I haven’t heard from her since.”

The room went silent again as no one knew what to say. Calum leaned forward and ran his hands over his face and sighed. 

Someone began a different conversation, back to the song they’d been working on as Calum continued to wallow. 

“Just go see her if you’re going to keep doing this,” Ashton snapped. “You can find out where she is with a Google search.”

Calum stayed silent and just stared at him. 

“Ok,” Calum said as he stood up and started grabbing his things. 

“You’re serious?” Luke said.

“Dead serious, see you guys soon,” he said before leaving. 

A quick Instagram search told him Louis had a show tonight in Denver, and he was on the first flight there, despite protests from every person who found out he was going. 

He stood outside the arena for longer than initially intended. He glanced at his phone to see that people would be let in in thirty minutes. He was able to pull some strings and get in before then. 

He went in through a back door and wandered into the empty arena. The general admission area was bustling with stagehands and security as they prepared. 

He stood near the back as he watched multiple people sprint around before he heard the obvious clicking of your heels.

You walked right past him, jogging towards someone in the booth with a tablet in your hand, talking quickly and pointing at different things. 

The soft version of you he fell for a few weeks ago seemed to be long gone in replace for the woman he met at the AMAs. 

You had a blazer on and skinny black pants that hugged you in all the right ways. Your black stilettos looked like they could kill him if you wanted to. 

The concert shirt underneath the blazer was different but expected. 

As he watched you interact with multiple people on your team with a stark smile and too much pointing, he felt himself hesitate. 

What was he even doing here?

You left. 

You left him without a goodbye. There could be a reason, but frankly, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to hear it, scared it would only hurt more. 

So he turned quickly and walked out the same way he came in. 

As you finished talking to the person in charge of one of the cameras, you heard the patter of feet walking away relatively quickly. 

You turned around to see someone with dark hair and hunched shoulders in the distance walking out, but you brushed it off to just be someone from the arena and went back to your task at hand. 

You’d been on tour for two weeks now and had everything down to a science. Everyone knew what they were doing and there were even rare moments where you just got to sit and watch for a song or two. 

You admired how passionate so many of the fans were as they belted out every word to every song without missing a beat. 

You stood backstage and waited for Louis to come running off. The same as every show, he gave you a big hug before high fiving everyone else near. You joined him in his dressing room as always to go over anything that went wrong. 

You sat on the chair in the corner of his room with some notes on your tablet, before you could say anything, he spoke up. 

“Do you know who I heard was here?” He said. 

You didn’t bother looking up at him as you said, “Who?”

“Calum Hood.”

You felt your heart drop to your feet as you looked up at him, knowing he knew nothing of what happened just weeks ago. 

“I’m just confused why he didn’t come to say hi or even stay for the show. Stacey said she saw him hang around for a little bit before the show and then suddenly just leave,” Louis said with a shrug. 

You wiped your hands over your face and took a deep breath, knowing you couldn’t keep avoiding this. 

But you were going to keep trying. 

So you swallowed hard before reading your notes. 

Calum was on the first flight back to LA, but he was in no hurry to see anyone. He sat in his car in the airport parking lot for a lot longer than necessary, occasionally resting his head on the steering wheel. 

He shouldn’t have gone in the first place, but now he was regretting why he left when you were just feet away from him. 

He found himself driving the familiar route to your apartment and banging on the door. 

Tayshia swung the door open and her eyes went wide at the person standing there. 

“Calum,” she said softly. “Uh, come in.”

He came inside, leaning against their kitchen counter with his head in his hands. 

“Why are you here?” She said carefully. 

“Why did she leave?” Calum snapped. 

Tayshia took a step back and went to sit on a stool against the island. 

“I went to see her,” he said as he looked up at her. 

Tayshia’s eyes went wide again before he continued. 

“I flew to fucking Denver. I was in the arena, and I saw her and I froze,” he paused to take a deep breath. “Because if she left without saying goodbye, then there must have been a reason, and I didn’t want to hear it.”

“Then why are you here?” Tayshia asked. 

“I don’t know,” he replied. 

She didn’t reply that time as she let him sit with his thoughts. 

He sat next to her on a stool and leaned his head in his hands as she rested a comforting hand on his shoulder. 

“This isn’t the first time she’s done this,” Tayshia confessed. 

Calum’s head snapped up to look at her. 

“She gets really anxious before these tours. She drives herself absolutely insane. But if there’s a guy around who will hold her at the end of the day, it’s easier. But she knows it’s hard to maintain once she leaves, so she does it without saying goodbye,” she explained. “I’ve been begging her to stop, and she said she would go and see a fucking therapist for once…” she trailed off and met his eyes. 

“And then she met you.”

He felt stupid. He was just a game to you. 

“And she told me you were different,” she continued. “And she says that every time, but I think she meant it this time.”

“Why?” He asked, his voice sounding hoarse. 

“She cried,” Tayshia said simply. “In the four years I have lived with her, I have never seen her cry over a guy. But when she said goodbye to you that last night, she came inside and cried.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because you are different,” she said. “[Y/N] is going to try to forget you like she always does, but I know it won’t work with you. She was different when she was around you. She had a different walk. A different smile. A different glow. You weren’t just a pair of arms to her.”

Calum went silent as he tried to figure out how to handle this. He went back and forth between thinking he actually was different for you or if he was just another chess piece in your game. 

He stood up without saying anything else and walked out. 

Tayshia’s phone was ringing thirty seconds later. 

You waited patiently on the other end for her to answer as you stood right outside Louis’s dressing room. 

“Hey,” Tayshia said as she picked it up. 

“Cal was here,” you rushed out. “He left without saying anything to anyone.”

“Wow,” she said silently. 

“What the fuck do I do, Tay?” You asked frantically. 

“You have to figure this one out on your own,” she explained. “You clearly really have something with him, so call him.”

“I can’t,” you choked out, willing yourself not to cry over him again. “I’m on tour. I can’t just maintain something like this.”

“I think that boy would do anything for you,” Tayshia said. 

You nodded along, even if she couldn’t see. 

“Just talk to him. The worst he can say is no,” she said before hanging up.

You leaned against the wall behind you, hitting your head against it twice. You stared down at his contact in your phone, and your thumb almost pressed it. 

“Ready to go?” Louis said as he popped out of his room. 

“Yeah, let’s head out,” you said through a breath before tucking your phone away and trying to forget. 

You laid on your hotel bed and stared at the ceiling, the thoughts in your head running wild. Every few moments, you’d look at his contact on your phone or a picture you had snapped of him. You’d almost pressed the call button seventeen times, but every time, you didn’t do it. 

You didn’t want to hear his voice. You were so scared he hated you. 

You were terrified you’d just get sent to voicemail. 

So you just didn’t do it. 

For the next few weeks, you did everything in your power to forget about him. It had been just over a month since you left which was double the time you had been seeing him, but you were still thinking about him constantly. People started noticing, but you always brushed it off as stress. 

Tayshia visited one night, and you felt the weight fall from your shoulders as you could finally talk to someone about it. 

The two of you laid on the bed in your room and faced the ceiling. 

“Calum came to our apartment,” Tayshia said out of nowhere. 

You shot up and turned around to look at her. 

“When?”

“The same night he went to the show in Denver,” she said quietly. “He told me everything.”

You ran your hands over your face and tried to calm your breathing. 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” 

“Because you created this mess, and you need to get yourself out of it,” she snapped. “You’ve done this to so many guys, and I just let it go because I get it. I really do. But Calum is a really great guy who is head over heels for you, and you can’t get your head out of your ass to realize that.”

“What did he say?”

“That’s between me and him.”

You pulled your legs underneath you as Tayshia wrapped an arm around you, running her hand up and down your arm. 

“His tour started a week ago,” Tayshia said after a few moments. 

“I know,” you replied. 

“You always say that no one understands, but he does,” she said. “He lives the same life you do.”

“That’s why it would never work,” you choke out. 

“You don’t know that.”

You sniffled before pulling out your phone to look at their tour schedule. 

“They’re in Chicago,” you said. “Where the hell am I right now?”

“Minneapolis,” she reminded you. 

“I have the next two days off,” you said as you looked at her. “That’s a short flight.”

Her eyebrows shot up as she looked at you, waiting for you to say you were joking. 

“You’re just going to show up?”

“Yeah,” you said quietly. 

The team had a quick meeting the next morning before everyone dispersed to head to the next city or spend the next two days back home. 

You hugged Tayshia tightly in the terminal before she left to go back to LA. 

You waited around as your flight got delayed three different times. You went between checking the current time to checking the concert time and verifying you had a badge to get in. 

You finally boarded the plane and stared anxiously out the window the entire time. 

Meanwhile, Calum went on like he always did. 

He was finally shaking the feeling of you, but you still lingered. 

Anytime he heard heels click he couldn’t help but hope he’d turn around and see you. 

But he was two weeks into this tour, and he was trying his hardest to not show how this was killing him. 

He ran out on stage, playing everything like he always would. 

He took a moment during a song near the middle to scan the outskirts of the crows like he always did. He found it funny watching the parents and boyfriends on the edges with their arms crossed and uninterested stares. 

And then he saw you. 

You had your arms crossed and your eyes locked with his. You had no expression on your face, hoping he didn’t actually notice you. 

He looked away before looking back and squinting, knowing it was you standing right there. 

You felt the familiar chills run down your spine before you tore your eyes away from his. 

They had started a new song, but Calum still wasn’t playing. A few concerned glanced and a head shake, and he was back to playing. 

He found himself glancing at you every few minutes just to reassure himself that you were there. 

His heart beat out of his chest and yours did too as the concert came to its end. 

You watched people clear out of the arena as you slowly made your way to get backstage. You flashed them your badge and walked down the hallway to find him. 

His back was turned to you as he drank a bottle of water. 

“Hey,” you said softly. 

He turned around quickly, swallowing hard before sending you a sad smile. He glanced down at your feet, knowing he usually heard you coming from a mile away. 

But you were wearing sneakers. 

“Hey,” he choked out. 

He gestured to an empty room right next to him, and you walked in and sat on the arm of the couch in the corner as he stood on the opposite side, leaning against a wall. 

“Word got around,” you started. “I know you were there in Denver.”

He simply nodded his head, not meeting your eyes. 

“Tayshia tell you?”

“No, actually,” you said with a shrug. “She only told me yesterday that she knew. Someone in the crew recognized you. Louis told me.”

“Ah,” he said in acknowledgment. 

“Why didn’t you say something?” You asked. 

He sighed and finally looked at you. 

“Because you left without goodbye, and I knew there had to be a reason. I wasn’t sure anymore if I wanted to hear it,” he said with a slight nod of his head. 

“My reason kind of sucks,” you admitted. “But I have a feeling Tay told you.”

He nodded his head. 

“I just…” you trailed off, running your hands over your face. “These things are hard. I work for months to get it perfect and then I’m there for every show and something always goes wrong. I barely have time to call my parents.”

“I know,” Calum said. “I do the same fucking thing,” he said a little louder than intended. 

You ignored the snap in his voice and said, “I get so stressed, and it’s easier to just be with someone who doesn’t know about any of it for a little bit before I have to deal with it 24/7.”

“But I understand,” he reminded you. “I get what it’s like to leave everything behind for upwards of a year. And you know that. We’re in the same damn business, and I didn’t know that until Louis posted a picture of you.”

You stayed silent, staring at your feet. 

“Why are you here?” He asked. 

“You’re not just another guy to fill the space,” you admitted. “I thought you would be, but you’re not. And I shouldn’t have left without telling you what was going on and saying goodbye. It’s the only thing I’ve thought about for the past month.”

“I can’t stop thinking about you,” he admitted, finally meeting your eyes. “And I hate it. I hate that you could up and leave and not say goodbye and that still all I do is think about you.”

“I regret it, Cal. I do,” you said as you stood up. “I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing. I haven’t had an actual relationship since high school because I’ve been so damn busy that nothing goes past two weeks. But I’m trying to fix that.” 

Your voice sounded hoarse as you waited for him to say something. 

“You cried the night before you left?”

“Like a baby,” you said through a forced laugh. 

He smiled back at you, the sad look on his face slowly dissipating. 

“Look, I don’t know what I’m doing or how this works, but I don’t care,” you said, slowly making your way closer to him. “I don’t care if the only time we can talk is at 2:00 in the morning for five minutes or the only time we can see each other is in passing at an airport. Because I’m fucking crazy about you, and I don’t want to keep pretending I’m not.”

He reached out and grazed his fingertips along the side of your hand before hooking his fingers in between your own. 

“I’m sorry,” you whispered. “I’m really sorry.”

He simply nodded his head, pulling you close to him and pressing a kiss to your forehead. Your body molded against his as your arms wrapped around his middle. You could hear his heartbeat as you closed your eyes and rested your head on his chest. 

“I don’t have to fly back for another 36 hours,” you whispered. “That might be the longest we have for a while.”

He pulled away and rested his hand on your cheek, pressing a kiss to your lips. 

You stood on your tiptoes and wrapped your arms tightly around his neck before he pecked your lips a few times. 

“We’ll figure it out,” he whispered. 

And 36 hours later, after a day of watching Calum in his element, you were at the airport, wrapped tightly in his arms and ignoring the speaker telling you your flight started boarding. 

“I’ll see you soon,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to your forehead. 

“Three weeks,” you said through a sigh. “That’s nothing.”

“You left me for over a month, so I think you can do it,” he said through a smile. 

You rolled your eyes and pushed him away, tossing your backpack over your shoulder before pressing one last kiss to his lips. 

He watched your back as you walked quickly to security. He watched you pull off your pristine white sneakers and your denim jacket, throwing them in a bin with your phone. 

When you got through the final check, you turned around and locked eyes with him before blowing him a kiss. 

He caught it and returned it before watching you again as you disappeared around the corner. 

You didn’t cry. 

Instead, you texted the team that your flight was on time and told Tayshia that everything was perfect. 

You found your seat near the back of the plane and went to turn your phone on airplane mode until a notification popped up that made you smile in a way no one would really understand. 

[Instagram] New Follower: Calum Hood

--- 

Reblog! Reply! Like! Follow! Send me some love! Come talk to me about my fics! I love to talk!

(ok not tagging anyone on my taglist bc y’all signed up for shawn but if you wanna be tagged in future 5sos fics, shawn fics or both, please send me an ASK and specify which one!!)

[cyclogenesis]

i have to tell you that the second i saw cal and ash on that mountain getaway a couple weeks ago, i thought about how desperately i would love a sequel to your turks & caicos fic set during that trip. (this is not a request, i promise, i just wanted to tell you bc that is one of my fav fics of all time)

Aw anon!! 🥺 Gosh I hadn't even thought about that when I was in my feelings about the mountain getaway pictures, which is wild because I am just remembering now that I started a fic after the honeymoon comment initially happened (like, very soon after, because @elliebirdthings was at that show and told me about it and we were freaking out haha), before we knew that they went to Turks & Caicos, and I had them taking that trip to a cabin in Maine.

Just for kicks, because this message made me smile and I love you for that, here's the beginning of that fic. It's unfinished obviously (not even any kissing!), but there's some nice stuff in there I think. This fic was going to be titled A whole fucking lifetime of this after the American Pleasure Club album which was a title I should have kept, goddammit. Also randomly in here I have them driving to the cabin while listening to My Bloody Valentine, who Ashton later called out as one of his main influences for Superbloom.

1600 words of unfinished Cashton under the cut! 😘

The day after the last meeting about the promo schedule the dressing room conversation turns, as it does, to plans for the break. It’s a month out, but they’ve to a man developed a fetish for planning their free time carefully as soon as the schedule’s set. Planning things makes Ashton feel like a grown-up. He likes renting cars. Sometimes he scrolls through AirBnB for hours just to see what’s out there.

“I’m going straight back, we got Dodgers tickets,” Michael says.

“I remember when you used to say ‘we’ and it meant you and me,” Calum says. He wiggles a little from where he’s snuggled against Michael on the couch like he wants to get away, but of course Michael doesn’t let him. Ashton thinks he probably wasn’t really trying.

“Aw, you’ll always be my first love,” Michael tells him, squeezing Calum to him more tightly. “You wanna make out just for old times sake?”

“I do not,” says Calum, but he lets Michael give him a big kiss on the forehead, his face squinching up happily.

“I just wanna get away for a bit, no work or social media or anything,” says Ashton, ignoring their tomfoolery. “A little cabin by a lake somewhere.”

“Oh yeah?” Luke says. “Where are you and Cal going this time?”

“Maine,” Calum says, at the same time as Ashton says, “Why would you assume we’re going somewhere together?”

A small silence falls over the room.

With dignity, Ashton says, “Calum and I are going to Maine.”

“Just get out in front of it this time,” Michael advises. “Let everyone know it’s another honeymoon. Take control of the narrative.”

“How many times can you go on a honeymoon before you have to acknowledge that you’re married?” Luke asks nobody in particular.

“It’s a bro trip,” Ashton says firmly. “For bros.”

“It’s very bromantic,” Luke says. “It’s okay, I’m not hurt I wasn’t invited. I love going back to LA and jerking off alone.”

“It’s nice that we’ve all got plans,” Calum says. He’s settled peacefully back against Michael, Michael absently petting his hair.

“It’s not a honeymoon,” Ashton insists.

*

Whatever, Ashton called it what he called it, okay? Might as well control the narrative.

Over drinks at the bar after their last show Calum asks, “Where would you want to go on your honeymoon, anyway? Somewhere new?”

Ashton pokes at the ice in his cocktail with his straw. Aren’t they supposed to not be using straws anymore because of the ocean or whatever? Ashton loves the ocean, it’s very important to him. Also this cocktail sucks. “Can I try your drink?” he asks. “I don’t love mine.” Calum has something with ginger in it, and bubbles. Calum slides his obligingly over, and Ashton passes his own over to be fair.

“I like yours better,” Calum says after a sip. “You wanna trade?”

Sometimes Ashton does believe in soulmates. “Yes, thank you.” He takes a long drink. “It would be nice to spend more time in Italy. Not one of the tourist-y parts though, somewhere quiet. Up north, maybe, one of the smaller towns.” He tries to picture what it would be like: olive groves, blue skies, stone churches. An old villa with lemon trees and a view of the hills. He’s so used to traveling with the band or just with Calum that it’s hard to picture anyone else there with him. They’re all as prone as anyone to get swept up with girls to the exclusion of most everything else, but Ashton can’t really imagine a future without seeing Calum all the time, without talking to him every day. Maybe he and Calum could just get married around the same time and they could all go on a honeymoon together.

“Yeah, that’d be pretty nice,” Calum says, looking wistful. Ashton wants to take a picture of him, capture the way a curl rests against his temple, how the blue neon lights behind the bar hit the glitter he let Ashton smear on his cheekbones before the show. They made a no social media pledge for this trip but Ashton’s bringing his camera anyway. He has to keep in practice, doesn’t he? Anyway, it’s important to capture these memories.

“Maybe we should just go,” Ashton tells him. “Why not? Who knows how long it could take for me to fool someone into living with this forever?” He sucks down the last of his drink, feeling sorry for himself now. What if he falls in love and she moves in and Calum stops coming over in the morning to walk to their favorite coffee shop together, and stops picking Ashton up so they can go hike Runyon, and stops bringing Duke over like he owns the damn place and doesn’t care about the dog hair that Ashton has to hoover off his couch pillows? That would be terrible. Worst of all, what if it was Ashton that suddenly wanted those things to stop?

“I’ll live with you forever,” Calum says, too busy flagging down the bartender to intuit Ashton’s emotional crisis. He gestures to Ashton’s empty drink. “Another one of those, right?” His own is still half full. Maybe he didn’t really like Ashton’s better after all.

“Yeah, thanks man,” Ashton sighs.

Calum bumps his knee against Ashton’s, the barstool squeaking beneath him. “Ash, you’re gonna find somebody if that’s what you want. Anyone would be the luckiest person alive to be with you. Maybe we could do Italy after the tour wraps, we’ll finish in Spain so it won’t be far.”

The thought cheers Ashton a bit; that’s a decent amount of time to get on AirBnB and see what he can find that’s available. It’ll be nice to have something to look forward to, Italian sunshine and limoncello and the quiet.

“Mike and Luke will definitely give us shit though about planning another honeymoon while we’re still on this one,” Calum says.

“Let ‘em,” says Ashton.

*

It’s not a long flight but it’s a bit of a drive from there to get to the cabin. But Calum said he wanted something remote and quiet, so it’s worth the wait, the drive in the dark. There’s moonlight, anyway, and Calum took the wheel, getting them the rest of the way there in their little silver Prius rental. He puts on My Bloody Valentine and sings along, low and comforting to listen to after so many days straight of playing, of promo. Halfway through the trip Ashton thinks he sees a shooting star, maybe thought he dreamed it until he felt Calum’s soft nudge of knuckles against his arm, heard his quiet, “You see that, bro?”

The way gets bumpy, thick with trees, dark and hard to navigate once they turn off the main road. At the end of it all there’s the cabin, looming in the dark, lights left on for them and the key exactly where it’s supposed to be. It’s past one a.m. but they still give the place a wander, stopping at the largest bedroom facing the lake. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows Ashton sees trees, darkness, the black glitter of water under starlight. Calum asks, “You want this one?”

Ashton looks further and just sees more darkness. “It’s kind of unnerving at night,” he says. “Anyone could be out there.” The other bedroom has smaller windows, but the point stands. “Do you wanna just watch TV or something in here and then decide?”

“If we get axe murdered here I hope our ghosts come back and leave a one star review,” Calum says, but he’s already shrugging his duffel off his shoulders and kicking off his shoes.

The host left them a bottle of pinot grigio so Ashton pours up a few glasses while Calum strips down to his boxers and gets in bed. The boxers have cartoon pugs all over them. “I can’t believe that’s the lingerie you’re wearing for our honeymoon,” Ashton says, handing him a glass. “I also can’t believe those boxers even exist.”

Calum raises it to him in a salute and takes a sip. “These boxers are fantastic, but I guess if you want me to take them off…” he trails off, eyebrow raised, thumb hooked in the waistband pushing them down past his hipbone, then further until Ashton can see the crease of his thigh.

“No, no,” Ashton says hurriedly, “I’m just saying, what’s wrong with a nice pair of footie pajamas? Keeps you warm. Keeps you modest.” Nevertheless he shucks his own clothes except for his own (very grown-up, perfectly normal, in a flattering shade of dark green) boxers and joins Calum in bed. Calum’s already stopped paying attention to him, too busy trying to figure out how to work the remote. He finally gets the screen to flash on, and Ashton stays quiet, sipping his wine while Calum flips channels, finally landing on something in black and white. Cary Grant comes on screen but Ashton still isn’t sure what movie it is; Calum seems interested enough, setting the remote down between them, so he doesn’t complain. The wine goes down easy and Ashton does too after not too long.

He rolls onto his side and sees that Calum’s eyes are already closed. It doesn’t look like he’s asleep yet; it always takes him a bit, leaving him in a dozy stage for about ten minutes during which he might respond crankily to any communication or with adorable mumbling affection. Ashton turns the sound down and says, as quietly as he can, “TV off?” Calum’s eyes don’t open, but he nods a little. “Okay. You want me to go sleep in the other room?”

Calum moves then, a sleepy shift of his body, fumbling a hand up and blindly patting the sheet until he makes contact with Ashton’s hand on the remote and squeezes it, links their fingers together like he can’t quite figure out how to make it work. It feels nice. “’S’okay,” he murmurs. “Stay here.”

Ashton didn’t feel like getting up anyway.

[ukulelecal]

First Concert (Dad!Calum)

In which Aroha and Kai attend their first 5sos concert together.

Warnings: just fluff my dudes

A/N: i have baby fever. which is nothing new. so i wrote this instead of the other thing that i’m working on lmao. 3.2k of my fav dad!cal enjoy folks

dad!sos universe

“Are you excited to see Daddy play tonight?”

“Yeah!” Kai cheered excitedly, practically bouncing in his car seat.

This was Kai’s first time seeing the guys perform. Aroha had seen them a couple times, but she didn’t remember the shows. For Aroha and Kai’s first time seeing the band together, Calum got them matching 5 Seconds of Summer t-shirts in child’s sizes with “Hood” printed on the back, and then surprised you with one as well. Of course, he got one for himself, and you secretly hoped he would wear it on stage.

Calum was already at the venue for soundcheck, and you were just arriving from the airport. He had been on tour for about a month, and the kids were already restless to see him again, so you and Calum worked out a plan to come visit. You were sure this would be one of multiple visits for the tour; not that you minded.

The car that was sent to pick you up eventually pulled up to the back of the venue, and you ushered Aroha and Kai out of the car as the driver assured you that your luggage would be taken to a safe place until you were ready to head to the hotel. You kindly thanked the man and slipped him a tip before being let inside by the security guard.

Much to your surprise, Calum was standing just inside waiting for you. Big smiles spread across your faces, and Aroha and Kai were quick to drop your hands to run to him.

“Daddy!” They exclaimed, reaching their little arms up to hug him. Calum dropped to his knees and pulled them close, peppering their cheeks with loving kisses.

“Oh, my babies, I’ve missed you so much!” He cheered. The feeling of his kids in his arms was one that could never be beat. He would miss these days, when they were so little and so enthusiastic. The mere thought of his babies growing up made his heart clench, and he tried to keep those thoughts out of his mind as much as possible and cherish the moments he had.

“We’re gonna see you sing tonight, Daddy!” Aroha announced as if he didn’t already know. Calum chuckled and ruffled the dark curls on her head.

“I know, peanut, I’m excited! Are you guys excited?”

He received passionate affirmations from both children and the smile that had been resting on his lips since he saw the door open only got wider. He pressed one more kiss to each of their foreheads before starting to stand up right.

“Let me say hi to Mommy, okay?” He mumbled, releasing his grip on them and making his way over to you. He noticed the happy tears welling in your eyes as he opened his arms, and you wasted no time in throwing yourself at him. You breathed in the scent of his cologne and relished in the familiar feeling of his arms around you.

“I missed you so much,” you whispered, feeling his lips come in contact with your hairline.

“I missed you, too, sweetheart,” he sighed. He tilted your head up to capture your lips in a sweet kiss, making up for all the kisses you didn’t get to share in the past month of him being gone. You could hear Aroha and Kai express their disgust at the affection, but you and Calum only chuckled lightly against each other at the childish actions. 

As you pulled away from the hug, your gaze landed on the shirt he was wearing. Just like you had hoped, he was wearing the band shirt that you and the kids had on, over his long sleeved black and white striped shirt.

“You gonna wear that shirt on stage tonight?” You asked hopefully, smiling brightly up at him.

“‘Course I’m wearing it. Gotta match with you guys.”

You let out a giggle, and Calum cocked his head to the side to lead you to the dressing room that he was in. Aroha and Kai immediately reached up to grab his hands, and you walked beside them. The kids talked his ear off the whole walk back, asking him questions and telling him all about the travel to get there. He listened intently with a smile, trying to answer their questions quickly before they moved on to the next thing. 

As you all turned the corner to the dressing room, another voice caught your attention. 

“Would you look at that, it’s the Hood kiddos!”

“Uncle Ash!”

Aroha and Kai ran to greet Ashton who lifted them both up off the ground, spinning around as they giggled wildly. It made both you and Calum nervous for a moment, but you trusted him.

“Y/N, hey!” 

You turned at the sound of your name, shooting a smile to Luke and Sierra as they approached you with open arms.

“Hey, you.”

You shared a quick hug with them as the kids found Uncle Mikey, and Ashton came up to greet you as well. Michael greeted you last while Aroha and Kai ran to Luke and Sierra.

“How about we have a family cuddle before the show?” Calum suggested when Aroha and Kai returned to you. Everyone perked up at the suggestion; family cuddles were very common in the Hood household, and there never really needed to be a reason. You all simply loved snuggling in together and being close.

Calum led you into the dressing room and immediately flopped onto the large couch, opening his arms.

“Come on, my loves. I haven’t gotten a good cuddle in a month.”

You took your usual spot next to him, laying on your back by his side as Aroha and Kai climbed on top of you, snuggling into your chests. Calum sighed in content, one hand resting on Aroha’s back while the other wiggled around to find yours. He laced your fingers together and gave them a squeeze.

“Love you guys,” Calum mumbled, his eyes on you. “Thank you for coming to see me.”

“We love you, too,” you whispered in return, a soft smile on your face. “We’ll always come see you, bubba.”

Calum tilted his head to peck your lips, feeling beyond fulfilled having his wonderful family with him while he did what he loved. It wasn’t easy, being away from his wife and kids, but he managed to survive. You all did. It still broke his heart when he received late night texts from you, informing that Aroha or Kai had been crying for him, and he couldn’t be there to hold them and soothe them. 

The four of you cuddled and talked quietly amongst yourselves until a knock on the door got your attention, and the voice on the outside informed you that there was ten minutes until showtime. The kids begrudgingly crawled off the couch, wishing you could cuddle a little longer but still excited to see the show, and you and Calum both stood up, still holding hands. 

You exited the dressing room and a crew member handed Calum his bass.

“Wait!” You announced, slipping your phone from the pocket of your jeans. “We need a family picture in our matching shirts.” Calum chuckled and called Ashton over to take the picture. You and Calum crouched down behind Aroha and Kai, and everybody smiled wide for the camera. You then took one with your backs to the camera, making sure to get in “Hood” printed on the back.

“Thanks, Ash,” you mumbled gratefully as you took your phone back, making a mental note to send them to Calum and put them on Instagram later.

“You’ll need these,” another crew member said as he walked up, holding out two pairs of headphones for the kids. You remembered Aroha hated them in the past, whining and trying to pull them off, and you could only hope that she would deal with them better this time around. She also hated the noise even with the headphones on, and you thought it would be safe to assume that she wouldn’t like it this time either. You grabbed one pair and Calum grabbed the other.

“What are these for?” Kai asked curiously as Calum knelt down in front of them to place them on his head. He cringed for a moment as they slipped over his ears, and he patted them with his little hands for a moment, but he didn’t seem to be hating them.

“They protect your ears, bud,” he explained, softly pinching his cheek. “The music is going to be very loud.”

Just as he finished his explanation, he heard a whine come from Aroha.

“No, Mommy! Don’t like them!”

“I know they’re uncomfortable, sweetheart, but you’ll hurt your ears if you don’t wear them.” You tried to reason with her nicely. “Look, Kai is wearing them!”

She glanced over at her brother with a scrunched up face for a moment, but still shook her head. Calum sighed, hearing the conversation, and plucked the headphones off her head before placing them on his own.

“Daddy is wearing them, too!” He exclaimed, hoping that seeing him wearing them would make her feel better about it. She still looked hesitant, so Calum beckoned over Luke.

“Hey, put these on,” Calum muttered under his breath, handing them to him. Luke shot him a questioning look. “Just do it, please.” Luke placed them on his head slowly, still looking confused. “Uncle Luke wears them too!”

Luke caught on to what Calum was doing and nodded his head.

“Do I like pretty, Roro?” Luke joked, striking a silly pose. Aroha giggled loudly, nodding her head.

“Pretty,” she repeated and beamed at her uncle. Luke handed the headphones back to Calum, quickly fixing his hair.

“You look very pretty in them too,” Luke added, and Calum slowly placed them back on her head. Thankfully she didn’t argue any further, and you silently did a cheer that there were no tears this time.

“Two minutes, boys!”

You followed Calum backstage, and the screams of the fans were already loud. Aroha and Kai’s hands immediately flew to their headphones, pressing them further into their ears.

“It’s ok, loves, just the crowd,” Calum mumbled soothingly.

“Say ‘good luck’ to Daddy, babies!” You encouraged, and Calum crouched down to pull them into his arms. They chorused their good luck wishes, beyond excited to see their father and their uncles sing.

“Play Mesia, Daddy!” Kai cheered enthusiastically. He meant Amnesia, which was his favorite song of the guys, but he had trouble pronouncing it, so it always came out as “Mesia.” He always danced to it like it was an upbeat, happy song, trying to sing along, and you had many videos that you and Calum always sent to Luke, Michael and Ashton.

“And Youngblood!” Aroha added in her favorite song.

“Don’t worry, we’ll play both of those,” Calum chuckled, giving them each another kiss on the cheek before standing up. “You guys stay by Mommy during the show, okay?”

They nodded in agreement as Calum came over to you, pulling you into his arms again. You pressed a kiss to his jaw, something you always did before he went on stage when you were there to watch shows. It was like your little good luck charm for him.

“Kill it out there, rockstar,” you mumbled, shooting him a grin. He smiled lovingly.

“I will, angel. For you, as always.”

One more kiss and you pulled away as Michael called his name to head on stage.

Once the guys got on stage, you and the kids stood in the wings to watch with Sierra. As soon as the music started, you barely heard Aroha whimper slightly as she backed up into your legs, holding her headphones. You knew she hated loud noise and crowds, but she managed, and you hoped it would get better as she got older. You bent down to her height.

“It’s okay, sweetheart, Mommy’s right here,” you mumbled loud enough so she could hear, and you saw her nod before you stood back up.

She tried to ignore the loudness as the show went on, bouncing around to the music with Kai and singing along to the words she knew. They both cheered for Calum every time he sang, and you could see the smile on his face grow a little bit each time.

“You want to tell everyone about your shirt, Cal?” Michael asked between songs.

“Oh, this?” Calum teased, doing a silly little dance to show off his shirt that made everyone laugh. “Yeah, my wife, Y/N, and my kids, Aroha and Kai are backstage watching right now, and we all have matching shirts. I couldn’t not match with them tonight.”

The crowd awed at his words, and he turned to you and the kids to blow you a kiss.

“Love you guys.”

The kids cheered loudly and you returned the kiss, heart swelling with love for the man in front of you. He was an amazing husband and an even better father, and you couldn’t ask for anything more.

Calum talked for a bit longer before they started playing again, and Aroha turned around towards you with her arms stretched upwards. You lifted her into your arms and noticed the distressed look on her face.

“Too loud, Mommy,” she whimpered, burying her head into your neck. The headphones dug uncomfortably into your collarbone, but you ignored it. “Wanna go.”

“The show’s not over yet, sweetheart,” you mumbled, rubbing her back to soothe her. “Don’t you want to stay and watch Daddy?”

She shook her head, and you sighed in defeat. As much as you wanted to watch, you didn’t want Aroha to be miserable. You thought for a moment, and then remembered that there was a screen in the dressing room. 

“Do you want to go back to the dressing room?” You offered. “There’s a screen that we can watch Daddy on, and it won’t be as loud.”

She nodded in agreement, and you bent down to tap Kai on the shoulder. He stopped his adorable dancing for a moment to turn to face you.

“Aroha and I are going to watch Daddy in the dressing room. Do you want to come or do you want to stay here?”

“Stay here!” He answered, crossing his arms. The noise didn’t bother him at all; he was absolutely loving his first concert. 

“Okay, that’s fine, buddy. One second.”

You stood up to get Sierra’s attention.

“I’m going to take Aroha to watch from the dressing room, the noise is scaring her. Think you can keep an eye on Kai for me?” You asked hopefully. You didn’t want to ruin Kai’s experience for him.

“Of course!” She answered with a smile, and you thanked her before bending back down to Kai’s height.

“You’re going to stay with Aunt Sierra, okay? Daddy will take you to the dressing room after the show,” you explained, and he nodded, then running over to join Sierra.

You slipped the headphones off Aroha’s head as you got further away from the stage, and she rubbed at her ears to get the discomfort away. 

“You okay, sweet girl?” You asked softly as you entered the dressing. She hummed in affirmation and picked her head up from your shoulder. Your heart broke at the tears welling in her eyes that she tried so hard to fight back. You pressed a kiss to her forehead as you sat down on the couch and held her so you could both see the screen. “It’s alright, baby.”

Aroha was perfectly content to watch the show from there, dancing in your lap and cheering even though Calum couldn’t hear her. She always loved to hear Calum sing and watch him play, but the noise was too much for her. 

Shortly after you and Aroha left, the guys came offstage for a quick break. Calum looked around for you and the kids, but he only saw Kai with Sierra, which made his eyebrows furrow in both confusion and worry. 

“Daddy!” Kai cheered, reaching out his arms to be lifted. Calum did so gladly, pressing kisses to his chubby cheeks.

“Hey, buddy, are you having fun?” He asked. Kai nodded excitedly and Calum turned to Sierra. “Where did Y/N and Aroha go?”

“Aroha was scared of the noise, so Y/N took her back to the dressing room to watch from there,” she explained, and Calum felt his heart clench. It hurt him when his little girl was scared, and as much as he wanted to go give her a cuddle, there wasn’t time for that. He trusted that you were giving her all the cuddles she could ask for.

Kai babbled for a few minutes about the show before Calum had to go back on stage, and he set him back on his feet.

By the time the guys took their final bows and exited the stage, Kai was being held by Sierra, clearly tired, even though he would never admit it. Calum chuckled and plucked his son from her arms, and Kai was quick to rest his head on Calum’s shoulder.

“Did you have fun, Kai?” He asked as he pressed a kiss to his forehead, slowly making his way back to the dressing room where he already knew you and Aroha were. Kai nodded slowly, his adrenaline and excitement quickly wearing off.

“Can we watch you again tomorrow?” He mumbled, and Calum laughed softly.

“Not tomorrow, buddy. We’re going to have fun in the city tomorrow with your uncles, how does that sound?”

“Then can we have waffles for breakfast?”

“Sure, we can have waffles,” Calum chuckled at Kai’s sleepy state. He discovered Aroha was feeling similar as he entered the dressing room, her being cuddled into your chest with her eyes barely open. The late night was clearly getting to them. 

“Daddy,” she called softly with a smile once she saw him. She reached out for him, and Calum picked her up as he handed Kai to you. 

“Hi, peanut,” he mumbled, giving Aroha a forehead kiss of her own. “Aunt Sierra told me you didn’t like the noise, are you okay now?”

She nodded, snuggling into him like she always did when she was tired. You stood up from the couch to give Calum a kiss.

“You were amazing, bubba,” you murmured. He always amazed you with his talent, and watching him perform was one of your favorite things to do. 

“Thanks, my love,” he returned lovingly. “Should we head out to the hotel now, get some sleep?”

“Definitely,” you chuckled. “It is way past their bedtime.”

“I’m not sleepy,” Aroha lied, causing you and Calum to both laugh.

“Whatever you say, peanut.”

By the time you left the venue and got to the hotel, Aroha and Kai were both fast asleep in their carseats, much like you and Calum had expected. You and Calum carefully unbuckled them and picked them up, asking for the luggage to be brought to the room.

Once you got checked in and headed to the room, you settled the sleeping kids in one bed and pulled the covers over them to let them sleep. You and Calum got ready for bed and got comfortable in the other bed. He easily pulled you into his arms, your favorite place to be.

“Thank you again for coming, baby,” he whispered as not to wake the kids. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too, rockstar.”

[cal-puddies]

3rd times a charm // calum hood

another from the prompt list that @kindahoping4forever​ and I have been working through!

prompt: just let me finish this level and I swear i’ll go down on you until you cum at least 3 times.

warnings: boyfriend cal, slight angst, suggestion of masturbation and anal, oral on a female.

word count: 1330

Cass & Crystal’s Collab Masterlist

Let  us  know  what  you  think!

Social distancing with boyfriend Calum had been weird thus far. You hadn’t been together long, well just long enough to know you enjoyed the sex. But after the album release and all the long hours of promo, he kinda started in on playing his video games with Michael and you saw even less of each other. 

After a brief blow up about it the night before, Cal slept in the guest room, it was his choice, and you slept alone in his bed, which might have been worse.

“Think I’m gonna go home.” You mention early, over coffee.

“It was a fight babe. I heard you. Don’t leave… you can’t come back.” He sighs. “I should be paying more attention to you, you’re not wrong. Just a lot going on and things are different. I should cherish this time because I’ll leave and we won’t see each other for months, and we’ll only talk every few days. And I don’t know, we might not even make it through the first tour.” 

“Wow I definitely want to stay now that you feel so strongly about us making it through the first tour.” 

“You didn’t let me finish.” He points out. “I was gonna go on to say that I should be putting more time into this, I asked you to be here because I wanted you here. Meaning I wanna give this the best chance. So, yes. I should be paying more attention to you.” He agrees. 

It lasts all of 2 weeks. And then you have to beg him to get his attention. And you’ve had enough. 

So you pull out all the stops, the lingerie and just his t-shirt over it. You collapse next to him, gently touching him, running your fingertips up and down his forearm. 

He finally glances over at you, and does the double take you’d wanted him to do. He quickly brushes his fingers against your thigh. “Five more minutes babe.” 

“Cal you promised we’d spend more time together.” You remind him. “You asked me to be here, to give us a better chance in the long run.” 

“Yes, I know and I swear I meant it babe, just let me finish this level and I swear I’ll go down on you until you cum at least 3 times!” He starts, “and then I’m yours the rest of the night.” 

“Calum… I will start without you.” You warn, spreading your thighs. 

“I hear you baby, please. I’m almost done, don’t do this.” He chuckles, glancing at you again, making sure you aren’t starting without him. 

You run your fingers up your own thigh and let out a little sigh. 

“Ok… I’m fuckin done.” He laughs, chucking the controller to the floor and pulling you beneath him for a kiss. He very briefly pecks your lips and is instantly pushing the t shirt up. “Wow, you didn’t have to go all out baby.” He smirks, kissing your bare stomach. 

“Wanted your attention.” You murmur. 

Cal continues to place open mouth kisses down your stomach, pressing his thumb against your clothed core. “Well, you’ve got it. All of it.” He moves his mouth down to your thighs, leaving open mouth kisses, sucking and nibbling marks into your skin. “So… 3 orgasms? Should they all be from oral? Or should I be ready to get my cock out?” 

“You said you’d go down on me until I came three times.” You murmur, and he hears the neediness in your voice. “And I didn’t assume it’d be done then.” You shrug. 

“A whole night of pleasing my very pretty, very patient girlfriend? Sounds good to me.” He smirks. 

“That mouth will get you anywhere but flattery is not the way.” You smirk. 

“Someone needs to get their sassy ass to my bed.” He laughs. Cal tosses you over his shoulder and takes you to his bed, setting you down, he quickly pulls your panties off and then he’s kissing back up your legs. Paying extra attention to your thighs, rubbing his scruff against your skin, because he knows you like it. He likes the way your body shudders, and you giggle. 

His tongue is flat as he takes the first lick, the tip of his tongue flicks over your clit a couple times and then he traces it around your opening a few times before attaching his lips to your clit. He wraps his arms around your thighs, pulling you closer, and then works his tongue softly over your clit, because he knows it makes you crazy. “Taste so good baby.” He murmurs, flattening his tongue against your pussy, “I could eat you all night.” 

“I wouldn’t complain.” You grin down at him, meeting his eyes. 

“I know you wouldn’t.” He chuckles, unwrapping one arm from around your thigh, he pulls his face back, rubbing his hand over your clit before pushing two fingers in, you gasp, “neither would I, just so I could hear your noises forever.” He wraps his lips back around your clit and it isn’t long until he’s having to hold your hips down. You’re whining above him, pulling his hair, which he loves. “C’mon pretty girl.” He coaxes, until you’re writhing and moaning, chanting his name, and ultimately coming on his tongue. 

He lets you go, but barely gives you a second to relax before coaxing you up on your knees. He licks one long stripe from your pussy to up over your asshole, “this ok baby?” He murmurs, “remember how much you liked it last time.” 

“Yeah… yeah… it’s ok.” You nod, gripping into the blanket. 

Cal sets to work, slowly rolling his tongue over your tight hole, the more he does, the more relaxed you get, and he starts to rub circles against your clit. You completely lose it when he starts to press his tongue inside. 

“Cal.” You whine, pushing your hips back against his tongue. He pushes his tongue in a bit further, letting your relax around it, rubs tight circles on your clit. Your whimpers give you away before your body does, and he feels you cum for him. 

He wastes exactly no time, moving his tongue back to your pussy, but slowly slips his finger into your ass. “Still ok baby?” He checks. 

You nod frantically, “so good baby, please.” 

“You want another? He checks. Pulling the one out and gently rubbing two around your hole. He watches you nod for him. “You know, at this rate baby, you’re gonna end up with my cock in this tight little hole.” He groans. You inhale sharply as he pushes the second finger in with the first and he goes back to sucking on your clit, “but it seems to me, you might want that.” 

And honestly you did, you actually liked anal with Cal because he would be so attentive. “Yeah.” You whimper. 

“Good god baby, I want that too. Cum for me.” He murmurs. He sucks your clit between his plump lips, carefully moving his head back and forth to increase the sensation for you and then he grins as you cum on his tongue, again. He listens to your little whines, and the way you're murmuring to no one in particular as he slowly slides his fingers in and out of you again. His tongue slowly circles your clit, enjoying all your little shudders. He gently bites your ass cheek as he pulls his fingers out, he grips your shoulder and pulls you up on your knees for a kiss. “Am I forgiven?” He checks. 

You nod, clearly spent from all the orgasms so close together. “Yeah.” You nod, looking at him, “still want your cock.” You admit. 

“I’m so hard baby, you can definitely have my cock. So so good for me.” He praises, kissing you again.

Tag list: @cocktail-calum @1dthewantedlove @youngblood199456 @lustingforwunder @calumsphile @neso-k @rosecoloredash @radmcqueen @justayoungandwisefangirl @itsnotmyblood  @lietoash @pushthetide21 @5sosfanficrec @therealmrshale @fallfrxmgrace @lukashemmos @justarandomgirlthatyoudontknow @5sos-microwave @madbomb @sweetheartmendes1000 @literally-anythin @lfwallscouldtalk @clemmingstylins0n @ccnicole02 @lustingfor5sos @buteverythingiscopacetic @rosesfromcth @bodaciousbonzi1996 @ashtontotheirwin @captainam-erika-trash @xxgendurvikixx @jazzyangel242 @bluebabycal @rhiannonmichellee @iovehemmings @glitterycalum1205 @katcontreras @cashtonasfuck @ificanthaveu @kindahoping4forever @here-for-the-uproars @canterburyfiction @opheliaaurora​  @queer-5sos​ @banditocth @gigglyirwin  @glitterycalum1205 @rebelwith0utacause​ @thesubtweeter​

** if you have not interacted with at least 1 of my last two posts, going forward, you will be removed from the tag list. **

gc tags: @sublimehood​ @sugarcoated-pain​ @5sosnsfw​ @angelbabylu​ @aspiringwildfire​ @irwinkitten​ @lashtoncurls​ @myloverboyash​ @singt0mecalum

masterlist || ashton || calum || luke || michael

wanna be tagged? go here

[writingfortoomanyfandoms]

Neighbourhood Barbecues

Pairing: Calum Hood x Reader

Summary: Its been a rough couple of months for him so he returns home at the plea of his mother and gets reunited with a distant friend from school

Requested: It won the vote so I guess it kinda was 

Warnings: Swearing, it’s also excessively long so I figured that deserves a warning as well

A/N: I’m actually really happy with this one, I loved writing it and that’s probably why it’s as long as it is. I hope you guys like it as much as I do! This is another fic it would be cool to do spin-off blurbs for so if you have any spin-off requests then just let me know! Please remember to let me know what you think, if you liked it then please reblog or comment or send me an ask telling me so, I love hearing from you guys, getting those messages honestly make my day :)

Calum regretted coming.

If it wasn’t for the facts that he’d promised his friend he’d make an appearance and that he’d already rung the doorbell and that his arm was aching from the beer he had brought, he would have scarpered.

He figured he’d suffer through awkward conversations with old acquaintances for a bit and try to ignore the fact that most of them were just showing an interest in him because of his fame and then hang out by the food table and make use of the fact the food was free and so was the alcohol being provided.

And then he’d return home and find a new Netflix series to start binging and there he’d try and ignore his mother’s disappointed eyes on him.

God, she would be disappointed in him. 

She had been so excited when Calum had said he was going to a barbecue today. He had been trapped inside the house almost the whole time he had been home so her excitement at his plans was understandable. He knew how worried his mother had been about him recently. He didn’t want her to hurt anymore than she already was.

He supposed he could stretch the awkward socialising from an hour and a half to two hours, just to keep his mum happy.

“Hey! Caleb said you’d be coming!” The smile on the woman’s face was wide and Calum desperately tried to place her, knowing that she must have been someone he went to high school with.

“Yeah, hi - he said it’d be fine if I came along?” He offered awkwardly.

“Yeah, course it is, Calum!” Yeah, he should definitely know who she was judging by her familiar tone of voice. “It’s good to see you again!”

“Who is it, bro?” Another voice called from the hallway and the woman who Calum assumed to be the hostess of the barbecue turned around to grin at the other woman who was walking down the hallway, a bottle of beer in her hand.

“Calum - you remember Calum right?”

“How could I forget Calum! He once kicked a football at my head,” this woman he recognised.

She looked different from the last time he saw her - though that was understandable considering that they had last seen each other in high school. She wad a little taller than before, held herself with more sureness but the smile on her face was the same, as were her eyes.

Yeah, perhaps she was difference appearance-wise but her mannerisms remained the same.

“Are you ever going to let that go?”

“Not until I get pay back and kick you in the head with a football,” Y/N assured him, placing her arm around the hostess’ shoulders. “I came to tell you that Rowen decided he’s a real man and so he’s in charge of the barbecue. I figured you should know before... you know, the house burnt down or something.”

“Fucking hell, again?” The other woman groaned, turning back to Calum. “Make yourself at home, Cal - it’s nice to see you again.” Y/N’s eyes fell onto Calum as her friend walked away, a  half smile tugged at her lips.

“Admittedly it’s probably my fault - I’m on Rowen duty today but sometimes it’s just so funny to watch him when he’s pissed.” Calum was surprised by the laugh that her words caused in his chest.

“He still can’t handle his alcohol?” Calum asked in disbelief.

He remembered Rowen from high school - he was the life and soul of most of the parties held once their year group had discovered alcohol. Rowen was famous in school for being a complete lightweight and not giving a shit about it, and it was comforting to know that nothing had changed.

“I think he’s actually worse than before,” Y/N confided, turning to walk back through the house. She paused when she realised Calum wasn’t following and looked over her shoulder at him, eyebrows raised. “You coming? I mean, I know we kinda annoyed you in high school but I promise we’re not quite as insufferable anymore.”

“You didn’t annoy me in high school,” Calum protested, following Y/N into the house.

“Dude, we pissed off everyone. We were all so fu-hecking annoying but we’re slightly less so now.” Y/N scoffed.

“’Hecking’?” Calum quoted, his eyebrows raising.

“Oh right - yeah, these barbecues are a no-swearing zone. Didn’t Caleb warn you?” Calum shook his head and Y/N let out a breath. “You have been gone a while, Hood - a lot’s changed since you got too good for us small towners.” 

“That’s not what happened,” Calum immediately said and Y/N let out a loud laugh that Calum wanted to join in with.

“I’m joking, Cal.”

“So... you say a lots happened - fill me in,” Calum insisted as they moved out into the garden of the woman’s house, filled with the familiar smell of barbecue food.

Y/N led Calum over to the table of drinks for him to deposit his beers down on.

“Well... that’s the reason over there that we’re a no-swearing zone,” Y/N nodded over to the other side of the garden.

A man he vaguely recognised was over there holding a toddler in his arms as he chatted with some friends - Caleb included.

“One of your lot has a kid?” Calum asked and Y/N nodded in confirmation, tipping her beer bottle up and finishing it off, throwing it into the trug being used as a bin and getting herself another one, seeing Calum’s look she scoffed.

“It’s my second, Cal, don’t worry,” she picked up a bottle opener and Calum picked up his own bottle, holding it out for her to take the top off of. “But, yeah, Alistair had a kid - she’s two years old and the sweetest child in the world. Her mum, however, is a complete bitch who we don’t talk about,” Y/N filled in and Calum nodded.

“Okay so... what else is new, then?” Y/N looked at him with cocked eyebrows. “Come on, I don’t care about you judging me for being so out of touch with the people I went to high school with but I don’t want all of them to think I’m a complete arsehole.” 

Y/N watched him for a minute with a level gaze before nodding.

“Alright - well, I can’t imagine this coming up in conversation but Rowen is asexual and aromantic, a new thing. He cried when he told us and his parents weren’t best pleased either so it’s still a bit of a touchy subject anyway-”

“Why did his parents care?”

“Oh, none of us know. Rowen doesn’t either but hey ho, his parents always were dicks.”

“I thought it was a no swearing zone,” Calum deadpanned and Y/N raised her middle finger at him.

“Kind of an important one, actually but, you know...” Y/N gestured at the woman who was hosting the barbecue who was stood at the barbecue with the rather drunk person who Calum assumed to be Rowen.

“Yeah - I can’t remember her name, though,” he admitted a little sheepishly.

“Good - that’ll serve you well. They came out as non-binary a few years ago and while they’d understand you getting it wrong because you haven’t seen them since, try and make an effort?” Y/N suggested and Calum nodded, guilt flooding him from the assumption he had made. “Hey, don’t worry, Cal, you’re not the first one and you will make an effort so Charlie - that’s what their name is now - will be understanding.”

“Y/N!” The woman looked away from Calum and towards Alistair who was calling her.

“Yeah?”

“Can you watch her for a moment?” He requested, approaching her and Calum. Caleb was behind him, clearly only now noticing that Calum had arrived and he raised his hand in hello before walking towards Charlie and Rowen, clapping his hand on Rowen’s shoulder and Calum could hear him let out a loud laugh.

“Of course I can!” Y/N beamed, handing Calum her beer, who took it so that Y/N could take the young girl from her father. “Heya, sweetheart, you look exhausted,” Y/N chuckled. The young girl nodded tiredly against Y/N’s body.

“Who’s that?” She mumbled, her eyes only half open and fixed on Calum.

“That’s Calum - he’s a friend from school and he’s back in town for a little while.”

“C-Ca-Cal.” The girl struggled to say his name and Calum felt a smile come to his lips.

“Just Cal is fine, buddy - what’s your name?” He crouched down a little to be more on eye-level with the small girl.

“Emma,” she mumbled.

“It’s nice to meet you, Emma.”

“You know, Em, Cal’s really talented,” Y/N stated and Calum had to restrain himself from letting out a sigh, having reserved a slight hope at the back of his mind that Y/N wasn’t going to bring up the band and hark on his ‘talents’. He was having a nicer time than he had expected talking with his old distant school friend. He didn’t want it to be ruined now.

“Why?”

“Cal used to play football for the school team.”

“With Uncle Caleb?” Emma asked, her head perking up in interest.

“Yeah, that’s how we all met Cal, through Caleb.” Y/N confirmed.

“And I was in some of your classes.”

“Yeah but you only started talking to us because you made friends with Caleb on the team,” Y/N pointed out and Calum gave a conceding nod of his head.

“Where?”

“What was that, sweetheart?” Y/N asked, her attention returning to Emma, who was reaching a little for Calum. He placed their drinks down and took Emma from Y/N’s arms.

“Where?” She insisted.

“Where has he been?” Y/N offered and Emma nodded, curling up closer to Calum, her eyes drooping tiredly.

“I’m in a band, Emma.”

“A band?” 

“Yeah - we go touring so I left Australia a while ago which is why I’m... never here.” 

“But he’ll be coming to our barbecues, right Cal?” Y/N said, grinning at the bassist. 

“What?”

“This is a weekly thing, Cal,” Y/N laughed. “Come on, Caleb must have told you.”

“I guess he mentioned something.”

“So you’ll come, right? Next week it’s at Rowen’s? He probably won’t be quite as drunk.”

“I - uh - I don’t have his address.” Calum mentioned and, truthfully, that was the only thing he was thinking about.

Because he’d spent half an hour with these people - with Y/N and her friends. And it was like he was back in high school, with nothing more to worry about than just one friend being a lightweight, than thinking of a funny comeback to a friends response. 

It was the first time since leaving high school that he’d felt truly normal. Surrounded by people like Y/N. People like Caleb, Charlie, Rowen, Alistair and little Emma. Their other friends who he hadn’t yet managed to speak to.

“I’ll text it to you, Cal - and Emma will bring her trainers and you and Caleb can continue her football lessons.”

Yeah, Calum reckoned he could manage a few more barbecues.

///

“Calum! No way man! When did you arrive back in town?” Calum was surprised by the hug Rowen brought him into. 

“Ro, dude, seriously how pissed were you last week?” Alistair asked, raising his hand at Calum from behind Rowen in the hallway.

“Were you at Charlie’s barbecue as well?” Rowen asked in shock, furrowing his brow as he tried to remember.

“Yeah, we actually had a very similar conversation and hug last week as well. It’s still good to see you again, though,” Calum told him, a smile on his face. Rowen stood back and allowed Calum to enter into his house. “You doing alright, Alistair?” 

“Not bad, Calum. Yourself?”

“Yeah I’m good, thanks.”

And it was true. For the first time in a while, Calum was actually feeling good. He felt normal. At Charlie’s barbecue Y/N and Calum had exchanged numbers and they had been texting almost all week, about irrelevant things. It had started with Y/N sending him a photo of a dog she had seen on a run in the park that she thought he’d appreciate the photo. It had sparked a conversation and Calum found himself smiling more than before.

The day after the dog photo Y/N had added him to a WhatsApp group chat. She had texted him immediately after, apologising because she had realised she forgot to ask him if he wanted to be added. He didn’t mind at all, it was the only group chat other than the one with his bandmates that he hadn’t muted.

It was almost constantly going and it had taken a couple of days with Y/N encouraging him for him to get in the swing of writing responses.

“Wait - are you on the group chat?” Rowen asked, following Alistair and Calum through his own house. Calum and Alistair looked at each other in evident amusement and Alistair chuckled, shaking his head.

“Come on, man. Y/N has been waiting for you to turn up so that you can take her place in ‘football training’,” Alistair informed him, clapping his hand onto Calum’s shoulder in a friendly gesture and Calum’s heart soared at the mention of Y/N looking forward to see him.

“Oh - about that! I remembered Y/N saying that Emma was into football? And I saw what you were saying on the chat about, y’know, getting her some actual boots?” Calum said awkwardly.

“Oh, Calum-”

“No, no, man... I was just looking through some of my old stuff and I found my first pair of football boots and so I know they’re not much and it’s a kinda crappy gift but...” Calum reached into the bag he found and brought them out as an awkward offering. Alistair looked between Calum and the football boots before nodding.

“If you’re sure then... that’d be great... Emma’ll love them.” 

“Okay, uh, cool,” Calum smiled and put the boots back in the bag to pass to Alistair.

“Go give them to her,” Alistair laughed, shaking his head a little. “I’m going to get some beers from the fridge - you want one?”

“Yeah - oh, can you put these in the fridge for me, then?” He asked, holding up the box of beers he had brought with him.

The moment that he stepped outside he felt his heart flood with instant relief, he felt free upon entering Rowen’s garden, surrounded by his new friends. Especially when he caught sight of Y/N. She was running around with Emma and Caleb. Emma was in a swimming costume and a pair of armbands, Caleb in a pair of trunks and Y/N was in a bikini and a pair of shorts, a flannel shirt unbuttoned adorned her shoulders and a pair of sunglasses perched on her nose.

The three of them were barefoot, kicking a football around, Caleb and Y/N taking it in turns to help Emma and ensure she didn’t stumble and fall.

“Cal!” Emma changed course quickly and Calum laughed, dropping his things to the floor to accomidate her rushing towards him.

“You made it!” Caleb cheered.

“I did,” Calum agreed, sweeping Emma up.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Y/N said, her tone a little soft and Calum wished she would take off her sunglasses so he could see her eyes.

An hour later, when food was being served up, Calum joined Y/N by the edge of Rowen’s pool, sitting down with his own legs dangling over the edge and into the cool water. Y/N looked over at him and offered him a grin.

“You stink,” she informed him.

“Well some of us have been entertaining children all day.”

“If you’re trying to bag a spot as being Emma’s favourite aunt or uncle then I’m afraid you’ve already missed the boat and you’re looking at her - she’s more loyal than you’d think.” Calum joined in with her laughter.

“I wanted to say thanks.”

“What for?”

“Y’know... all of this,” he gestured at the people around him and shrugged. “Just wanted to say thanks.”

“It was Caleb who invited you, remember? The rest of us just put up with that decision.” Calum smiled down at his plate of food and shook his head.

“Tell me something?”

“What’s up?”

“If Rowen’s parents were so pissed about... you know... him coming out... why do they let him have all of you guys at their house?”

“Well... he’s their only kid, you know? They’re... trying to get better with it all and... they’re on holiday anyway for the summer so they wanted someone to house watch.”

“It’s weird that you’re all back home for the summer.” Calum commented and Y/N shrugged her shoulders sighing and allowing her head to drop and land on his shoulder. Calum felt his heart rate pick up.

“Well Alistair moved back so Sydney a little after Emma’s mum abandoned them to be with his parents for support and all, and Tate moved here a couple of months ago for a job, and I guess you know why Caleb’s home,” Calum nodded, remembering what Caleb had told him about his mothers health. “Jess recently got together with Tate - but they think none of us know that - so while she says she’s back all summer to spend time with all of us we know that’s just a lie,” Calum laughed a little. “And then Rowen agreed to house sitting in an attempt to appease his parents.”

“What about you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Why are you back all summer?”

“Well it’s nice being home and seeing the family, Calum. Not all of us have a rockstar life in LA to be missing out on,” Y/N said with a meaningful glance his way, her eyebrows raised in challenge and Calum understood the meaning behind her words.

“Well I’m glad you’re here,” Y/N’s expression softened as she listen to him and took in his somewhat bashful appearance.

“I’m glad you’re home too, Cal.”

///

“So are you feeling better, Cal? After being back home?” Michael asked his best friend down the phone. 

Calum had been in Sydney for approaching three months and for two of a half of them he had been spending going to the weekly neighbourhood barbecues held by Y/N’s group of friends. He had very quickly been accepted into the group and had formed close friendships with most of them, the only two who he wasn’t as secure with being Tate and Jess, but Y/N had assured him that that was because the two of them were too wrapped up in each other at the present moment.

And he and Y/N had gotten especially close. He liked being around her. He appreciated the feeling of contentedness she brought him. He liked that she made him feel normal. He liked that she made him feel wanted as more than just ‘the bassist of 5 Seconds of Summer’. 

“Yeah, man… I feel a lot better than I did.” Calum agreed. He was currently walking over to Y/N’s house. It was her week to host the barbecue, admittedly some of the others had had to have it multiple times but it was fair enough seeing as though Y/N’s parents were still home for the summer as well, but had agreed to get out of the house for the day to allow Y/N to play hostess to her friends.

Y/N had joked down the phone that it really was just like being in high school again, having to wait for her parents to be out of the house for her to host a party.

That was another thing, him and Y/N spoke almost constantly. Outside of the barbecues that were fairly regularly scheduled, almost always landing on the same day every week, often at the same time as well, they would invite each other out to get coffee or ice cream or walk down the beach. Much of his summer break from the band had been spent accompanying Y/N when she took Emma to football practice to help out Alistair as much as she could.

Calum would likely never admit it to anyone but it was fairly doubtless in his mind that Y/N was much of the reason he was getting better by being back home in Sydney. 

“That’s good…” Michael trailed off and silence fell between them over the line. For the first time since Calum’s somewhat downward spiral had begun, though, it wasn’t an awkward one. It felt as though he could feel the happiness radiating off of his best friend that he was feeling better, the pride that Michael felt in him that he was taking steps towards recovery. “I think-”

“I’ve been-” they began to speak at the same time, the two of them letting out chuckles. “Sorry, what were you…”

“No, no, you go first,” Michael said. Calum wasn’t surprised by that response. He hadn’t been willingly speaking much in the past few months before returning home so his friends encouragement made sense.

“I was just going to say I’ve been writing again.” Calum admitted as he began the walk up Y/N’s front garden to her door.

“Really?” Michael’s excitement was almost painful to hear and Calum winced, it hitting then (not for the first time) how much his mental state had been affecting his friends. 

“Yeah! I was… I was thinking about maybe emailing what I have to you? You can check it out, see if its worth anything, you know?” He raised his hand and knocked on the door.

“Dude, I don’t think you’ve ever written a bad song, even when we were first starting,” Calum was laughing at Michael’s words when Y/N opened the door, raising her eyebrows as she saw Calum on the phone.

“Who is it?” She mouthed.

“Michael,” Calum audily answered.

“What?” Michael asked.

“Oh, shit. Sorry man, Y/N wanted to know who I was talking to,” Calum explained as Y/N stepped back to allow him into her house, mild amusement dancing over her features.

“Wait, Y/N from high school?” 

“Yeah, Y/N from high school,” Calum confirmed, giving the aforementioned girl an exaggerated eye roll and Y/N covered her mouth to stop herself from giggling.

“The same Y/N you harboured a crush on for, like, three years and invited to our first concert to impress her?” Michael teased and Calum felt the blood rush to his cheeks, infinitely grateful that Y/N couldn’t hear Michael’s side of the conversation.

“Yeah, that Y/N… plus, at least I invited someone to that who actually showed up.”

“Is this your first concert?” Y/N asked Calum quietly and he nodded. “Showed up and brought friends - remember, Rowen somehow got in.”

“Yeah, remember how she brought a friend who got completely smashed?” Michael remembered at the same time, the coincidental nature of the situation causing Calum to laugh again. 

“Is he coming home as well?” Y/N questioned and Calum relayed the question to his friend.

“Ah, yeah that was what I was trying to tell you - we’re all coming back for a couple of weeks. We’ve had our tickets booked for a while but didn’t want you to think we were checking up on you.” Calum explained Micahel’s answer to Y/N who nodded thoughtfully before grabbing the phone from his hand. Calum made a noise of indignation and chased her down the hallway and out into her garden.

“Cal’s having a barbecue at his next week, you should come! And the other guys too,” Y/N invited.

“It’s my fucking house!” Calum complained, but he didn’t really mind, truthfully he was thrilled at the idea of Michael, Ashton and Luke meeting his new friends properly.

“Language, Calum!” Alistair scolded, Emma was giggling in his arms after having heard Calum swear.

“Sorry Em!” Calum called, still chasing after Y/N.

“Yeah, of course they can come! I didn’t realise you were engaged, Mike, congratulations! And Luke’s really got a girlfriend? I figured he was still too awkward to talk to girls. He almost shit himself that time I congratulated him after the gig.” Y/N mused. She turned around and couldn’t stop herself from letting out a yelp of surprise when she saw how close Calum was. “I think he wants his phone back,” Y/N explained. “Yeah, it was nice speaking to you too, Mike… yeah, see you next week then!” Calum had his hand stretched out and while he tried to hide it his amusement from the situation was clear in his eyes. Y/N was reluctant to pass Calum the phone but placed it in his hand nonetheless with an innocent smile.

“She seems like fun.” Michael commented and Calum met Y/N’s eyes as he replied.

“Yeah, she’s pretty great.” Y/N’s embarrassment was clear and she excused herself away, joining Jess and Tate, stepping in the middle of the ‘secret’ couple and clapping a hand on each of their shoulders.

Calum and Y/N met again almost an hour later. He was last in line for food - all vegetarian this time since Y/N’s whole family were veggie and Y/N refused to cook meat and they walked together over to where two deckchairs were on the patio outside of her house, giving them a view of their friends.

“You okay?” Calum asked after a moment's silence and Y/N nodded. “You just seem quieter than normal,” he mentioned and Y/N sighed a laugh, leaning to rest her head on his shoulder.

“Sorry - I get a bit nervous when it’s my turn to host,” she admitted.

“Well it’s all been pretty great,” Calum assured her. “Excepting the lack of meat, of course,” he added, nudging her gently and Y/N laughed again.

“Cal?” He made a noise of acknowledgement. “Why… why are you back?” For the first time, the silence between them felt awkward. “Sorry - you don’t have to answer, I was just…” Y/N sat up, shaking her head. “I’ll go.” Calum’s hand was working on its own when it reached out to stop her from standing up.

“Stay,” Y/N looked at him, her eyes a little wide, unsure at his command but she gave  hesitant nod. “My mum told me to come back,” he admitted and suddenly their closeness didn’t feel close enough. He wanted the comfort being near her brought him and he tugged her closer. 

Y/N didn’t fight back against his affections and moved over from her deckchair to his, allowing his head to fall into her shoulder.

“I wasn’t… I wasn’t doing well in LA. I mean, I was. The band was doing great, we were planning for the tour and the next album and everything but…”

“But you weren’t great?” Y/N offered gently and Calum let out a long sigh before nodding. 

“I was sad… I was just so sad so much of the time and I couldn’t find inspiration to write, I didn’t want to talk to anyone, I didn’t want to go anywhere and I just didn’t feel like me… do you know what I mean?” Y/N gave a wordless nod of understanding, knowing that if she spoke now, Calum would never finish his confession and she got the idea that he needed to get it off of his chest. “And I knew the others were worried about me - Mali wanted me to visit her in London because she thought a change of scenery was what I needed, Ash offered to let me move in for a bit but then my mum called and… she basically begged me to come home.”

“I’m glad she did,” Y/N confessed, rolling over so that they were face to face, her hands gently playing with the curls of his hair. He smiled gently at her, nodding.

“So am I… with you and the others I feel more like me than I have in a while,” he admitted.

“Because we’re all a bit more fucked up than you?” Y/N offered and Calum laughed, shaking his head. 

“Because you don’t just see me for the band.”

///

“Am I early?”Calum was equally shocked at seeing Rowen on his doorstep.

The man was the least prepared of the whole group, consistantly late to anything they organised, always forgetting to respond to messages on the group chat and when he did send something it tended to be prefaced by something dumb he had done, he was almost always borrowing food from other people because he would forget to do his weekly shop.

Rowen was an idiot, but they all loved him.

Though it was the aforementioned reasons that their friends gave for not putting Rowen as their accountant, despite that being what his job was.

“Yeah, man - you feeling okay?”

“Yeah - I’m fully going to rub this in all of their faces when they arrive, though,” Rowen declared, entering through Calum’s house before pausing in the hallway and turning back.

“What?”

“I left the beer at home.”

“It’s probably for the best for you, Ro,” Calum mused, patting Rowen on the back. “And I know I said you’re early but there are already some people here.”

Ashton, Luke, Sierra, Michael and Crystal had arrived in Australia two days ago and had barely left Calum’s side the whole time. While they had assured him countless times that they weren’t checking up on him, Calum was well aware that they were, in fact, checking up on him. As a result of his friends suddenly developed clinginess, it was unsurprising that they were already at Calum’s house helping him prepare for the barbecue.

“Y/N also said she was going to try and come a little early,” Calum added after informing Rowen of his band mates presence.

“That was something I wanted to talk to you about, actually,” Rowen added as they moved into Calum’s back garden. “Dude you didn’t say you had a pool!”

“I one hundred percent did, but what did you want to talk to me about Y/N for?”

“Oh shit yeah. Right so, are you planning on telling her you like her or not?”

“Valid question!” Michael called from where he was attempting with Luke to light the barbecue.

“I-I don’t know what you mean,” he stammered out, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck. 

“He’s lying!” Ashton called from where he and the girls were arranging the drinks in the coolers on the table. Calum flipped off his friends.

“It’d be cool if you did because she likes you too.” Rowen informed him and Calum froze.

“She-she does?” 

“Please, Y/N is never normally this friendly to anyone,” Rowen scoffed. 

“She’s lovely!” Calum argued, growing a little defensive of the girl he had been harbouring a crush on.

“Yeah she is but she’s also a sarcastic bitch a lot of the time,” Rowen pointed out, rolling his eyes. “Either way, my point was that you should tell her.”

Rowen walked away to take a beer from where Ashton, Sierra and Crystal were, leaving Calum stood stock still alone on his porch, his mind racing. 

“He’s right,” Ashton said as he approached his friend, passing Calum a beer as he joined him.

“Not you too,” Calum sighed, rubbing his forehead.

“Dude, this is the happiest I’ve seen you in months and I know for a fact its thanks to her, I’ve never heard you talk about any other girl in the same way that you talk about Y/N so… you need to tell her.”

“I can’t, Ash. She’s so painfully too good for me that the idea of telling her I like her with the hope of her liking me back is laughable. Actually, she probably would laugh if I told her. Look, you’ll meet her today and you’ll see what I mean.”

“I don’t need to see her to know she’s out of your league but that’s beside the point,” Ashton argued. 

“You’re doing a great job at boosting my self esteem and building my confidence, by the way. Have you ever considered going into counseling if the band doesn’t work out?” There was a knock on the door and Calum gave Ashton an incredibly pointed look. “I’m going to get that. When I come back I want you to have learnt how to shut the fuck up.”

Calum walked away from Ashton, his friends infectious laughter following him down the hall and bringing a smile to his face.

“Sorry - I know I said I’d be earlier than this,” Y/N greeted him apologetically.

“Don’t worry about it - the guys were here to help set up,” Calum assured her, taking the box of alcohol from her hands.

“I just need to grab the rest of the stuff from my car,” she smiled.

“Do you need a hand?”

“No, no it’s fine. I’ll see you out back?” Calum nodded his confirmation and carried the box of booze she had brought out to his garden. 

“Did you tell her?” Luke hollered across the garden, everyone but Calum erupting into laughter as the bassist groaned heavily.

“You make me want to slam my face into a table!” 

“Don’t do that - you have quite a nice face,” Y/N responded as she came out of the hallway into the garden carrying two carrier bags. Rowen wolf whistled loudly and Y/N struggled with her luggage for a moment before managing to extend her middle finger at him.

“What do you even have in there?” Calum questioned, trying to move so that Y/N couldn’t see his face, which he knew would be red from embarrassment at her compliment. 

“I made too much food last night for tea so I brought some leftovers for Al, Emma and Ro. And then I also picked up a bottle of wine for your parents to-”

“To thank them for letting you come over?” Calum interrupted, seeing where Y/N was going and she nodded. “Wow, we really are back in high school.”

“Fuck you,” Y/N groaned. “I’ve met your parents, like, once and we literally have come over and kicked them out of their home so we can be here and have a barbecue instead, I feel bad.”

“Trust me, they like you because they think you single handedly are the reason for me being happy again.”

“Are you trying to say that’s not the case?” Y/N gasped in offense, her hand going to her heart. 

“Come on, we both know that Em was at least half the reason.”

“Valid point - I also bought some champagne that was on offer? Figured we could celebrate your band coming back or, if that’s too cheesy then there’s more alcohol for us to drink away our sadness with!” She cheered, bringing the champagne out of her bag.

“I like the sound of option B,” Luke chipped in, joining Calum and Y/N.

“Bro, you look absolutely nothing like I remember you,” Y/N commented, her eyes widening in surprise as she looked Luke up and down. 

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“It was meant as one,” Y/N assured with a smile. “I’m Y/N, by the way. Not sure if you…”

“I remember you,” he confirmed, grinning and his gaze slid over to Calum. “Besides, with the amount Calum-”

“Alright, Luke, that’s enough,” Calum had never been more grateful for Sierra’s presence. “Hey, I’m Sierra, Luke’s girlfriend. It’s lovely to meet you.” Calum watched Y/N take her hand, her smile a little more nervous than he had seen it be before.

“Y/N, it’s nice to meet you too. Mike mentioned that you and…” Y/N’s face dropped a little, her eyes widening as she seemed to search her mind for the name.

“Crystal,” Calum filled in for her quietly.

“Yeah, of course. He said that you and Crystal would be coming,” she confirmed, turning to give Calum a grateful smile.

“Luke, I need your help with something,” Sierra mentioned and Calum and Luke’s faces both furrowed in confusion until Sierra shot a look at Calum and he quickly cottoned onto what she was trying to do. Calum shook his head, his eyes wide but the couple left, giggling as they did so.

“Everything alright, Cal?” Y/N asked, seeing the panicked and mildly pissed off look on his face.

“Uh, yeah! I was actually going to ask you the same thing, you seem nervous,” he added, allowing his concern to outweigh his own personal worry.

“Ah, I’m just not great at meeting new people.”

“You’ve already met the guys.”

“I never spoke to any of you guys really in high school, though,” she pointed out and Calum nodded a little, conceding to her point.

“You didn’t seem nervous talking to me,” he said after a moment of thinking.

“Yeah, but… I dunno, you’re you, you know? Plus, I had all the others to fall back on if you did decide you hated me so that was less pressure than this,” Calum snorted in laughter.

“You’re such a dumbass.”

“I take pride in it.”

Calum could feel the eyes of his bandmates, their girlfriends and Rowen burning into them as they lapsed into conversation. When there was another knock at the door, Calum was unsurprised to hear someone else call to say they’d get it.

“They’re… they are all acting kind of strange today, right? I’m not just imagining it?” 

“Oh no, they’re definitely acting strange.” Calum confirmed.

“Do you know why?” She asked, observing them, though now they had gone into their own individual conversations. Calum had a feeling it was to try and play off that they were watching him and Y/N.

Calum sighed. He had a feeling that it was better to just tell her rather than have Rowen or Luke drunkenly blurt it out, knowing that the likelihood of that happening was quite high.

“I need to tell you something,” he began and his nerves came to hit him flat in the face when Y/N turned to give him her absolute full attention.

“That sounds serious,” she said, a nervous smile on her own face. “Is this a ‘sit-down-with-a-beer’ kind of serious talk or a  ‘stand-up-and-shut-the-fuck-up-Y/N’ kind of serious talk?” Calum chuckled, his nerves easing just a slight bit from her familiar mannerisms. 

“The second one, but I don’t want you to shut up,” Calum took a deep breath. “In fact, I’d gladly listen to you talk forever,” Y/N’s expression softened a little. “I… I’ve been really lost for the past few years of my life. Perhaps… perhaps I never really knew who I was because of what happened to the band happened so early in our lives that we never got a chance to figure out who we were. And the months before I came to Sydney I thought that… that maybe I wasn’t anyone other than ‘Calum the bassist from 5 Seconds of Summer’ but… when I’m with you I feel like I know who I am,” he explained, his gaze dropping down to his hands.  “I thought being home would be shit, just another reminder of who I am and I thought when I went to Charlie’s barbecue that anyone I met there would just see me for the fame and not see me. But… you never did. You saw me for me and you accepted me and looked out for me and cared for me despite me being kind of standoffish that first barbecue,” when he risked a glance up he saw the tears in her eyes and sadness swamped him. “Fuck, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

Calum lifted a hand to her cheek to catch the tear that slipped from her eye and Y/N giggled a little, leaning into his touch.

“Happy tears, Cal, I promise - now go on, you were about to profess your undying love for me,” it was teasing, of course it was, but Calum could hear the underlying insecurity in her words, the worry that she may have misinterpreted what he was going to say.

“I really like you, Y/N.” 

It was easier to say than Calum thought. He thought the words would be groundbreaking, momentus and earth shattering. But no. It was easy. Simple and sweet and natural. He wasn’t sure why he was so surprised. Everything with Y/N was easy.

Just like how it was easy to allow her arms to wind around his neck.

Easy to place his hands on her waist.

Easy to relax and let her tug him down to meet her.

But easy wouldn’t be the word to describe their kiss. Groundbreaking, phenomenal and otherworldly wouldn’t be quite right either.

No, their lips sliding together, the kiss tasting of beer and spearmint gum, the way that when they broke apart they laughed gently into one another's mouths, it wasn’t any of those things.

Being with her like that was natural.

[malgal7777]

Hiking with Tracy 2021:  Put it on the board...YES!

I did it!!!!   Woo-Hoo!  I walked 100 miles - almost in the whole month of April.  Since the last weekend of April was a bit of a snow bust, I had to finish my 100 miles this past weekend 5/1-5/2!  And what a way to finish...

I was feeling defeated last week when I wasn’t able to complete the 100 miles up in Tahoe.  I ended up being 17 miles short!  Can you believe that?  17 miles!! And I have a friend, let’s just call him “Barry” who was going to give me the whole $1000 if I was able to do it.  So I really felt down knowing I had blown it.  Blown all that training and blown it for the Ride4Reason fundraiser.  But “Barry” said hey, finish it up this weekend and you’re still in the running.  So I went back to the drawing board to find another route that would push me over the finish line.  But it was Bob who suggested I hike San Francisco.  AND, if I hiked SF, he would be encouraged to join me.  Bob’s a city slicker.  If he goes too far from being able to purchase a newspaper out of a metal box, he gets hives.  So, we mapped out a 10-12 mile route (I had to go easy on the guy) starting from the Ferry Building and walking the circumference of the SF peninsula to Ocean Beach.  It was FAN-TAS-TIC!  WOW.  Just WOW. 

We started at Justin Herman Plaza and since it was May Day we were hoping to find a rally or march happening.  And in perfect SF fashion, we were not disappointed!  Sure enough a large rally was gearing up to head down Market.  I’m going to assume the march was for workers rights, but it was actually unclear to us what their message was.  Not a good sign for a march/rally!

This first stretch of The Embarcadero was a bit sad.  Covid and the lockdowns have definitely taken their toll.  I know it was early and a weekend, but a lot of these businesses are still shuttered and closed.  And there’s a couple of homeless encampments taking over the street car kiosks.  The homeless.  Sooner or later I have to go there.  I can spout my love for California all I want, but it’s California’s biggest shame.  It’s no longer a skeleton in the closet, it’s all out in the open for all to see.  And I have no answer for it.  It’s always been here, since I’ve been here.  And it definitely has gotten A LOT worse within the past 10 years.  And it’s not just one issue, it’s the perfect storm of multiple issues coming together:  not enough affordable housing;  not enough livable wages; mental instability; drug addiction; nomad living lifestyle - yes that’s a thing.  I don’t think California is doing nothing.  There’s just too many people.  And you can’t just throw them in jail or put them onto a bus to make someone else’s problem - like other regional areas have done, there has to be some compassion and humanity.  But these encampments are not humane.  They are breeding grounds for disease and despair.  What does that say about you as you walk on by?  Trying to ignore the garbage and filth these people are living amongst.  But I have no answer.  I don’t even know where to begin to help these people.  So for the time being, I’m going to continue to stick my head in the sand and hope that California will rise to the challenge and find some solution, sooner rather than later. 

The Embarcadero curves around and leads you to the touristy part of the city...Fisherman’s Wharf.  I personally hate this part of town.  It’s just too much:  too many people; too many lame chain restaurants;  too many cheesy chotchkie stores.  My parents on the other hand love it.  When they come to town all they want to do is come to Pier 39 and Alcatraz.  My dad would live on Alcatraz if he could.  One of these days I just may lock him in one of the cells.  Today though, things were different.  I loved seeing that Alcatraz tours are once again up & running.  AND not a lot of people yet...wink wink wink...for those of you who've tried to go but weren’t able to get a reservation.  It was early, so the area was just coming alive. The street vendors setting up their wares or street performers getting into character. Then there’s the abundance of colors of all the flashy stores and restaurants.  The sounds of the sea lions barking at the tourists watching them.  The marina with the famous “Rocket Boat!”  I was digging it.  Fisherman’s Wharf also has some great views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.  It wasn’t so horrible.  Bob showed me Scoma’s restaurant, a tiny seafood restaurant that’s been here for years and is supposed to be pretty darn good.  There’s even a chapel for the local fishermen.  Then of course there’s Musee Mecanique.  A museum of antique slot machines, animations, coin operated pianos and the like.  It’s pretty cool and I believe most of the games are still functioning, so you can play.  Unfortunately it is also closed because of the pandemic.  You can donate to help keep it open though.  Just go to https://museemecanique.com.  

Then we hit Aquatic Park. An interesting cove at the West end of Fisherman’s Wharf.  This is where crazy people swim in the freezing waters of the bay, most without wet suits.  On this cold, windy morning we found a group of children being taught how to acclimate their bodies to the water so they can grow up to be crazy people.  Horrible way to spend a Saturday if you ask me!  

We continued to go around Aquatic Park and up and around to Fort Mason. There’s a great trail that we’ve never taken that gives you an even better view of the GG bridge and Fort Mason below.  And once you get on the other side, you’re in local land of OZ!  Where the curtain is pulled back and the locals are enjoying the real SF.  Now for those tourists who spend their whole time at Fisherman’s Wharf and The Embarcadero, more power to you.  Just don’t say you’ve been to San Francisco.  Because you haven’t.  Once you get over the hump, one of my favorite scenes of SF...the buildings.  Squat, square homes of multiple pastel colors rolling like waves along the hills of San Francisco.  In other areas of the city, the hills are rolling with colorful victorians.  The colors are what I love best about San Francisco.  

It was here that I realized I was hiking with Cher.  We had to make yet another stop so Bob could make a wardrobe change.  It’s also kind of a production with him narrating what he’s doing.  I got to hear all about the ins and outs of why he rolls his flannel rather than fold.  Why he’ll wait to take off the thermal leggings.   Where to put his first UO sticker. Yada, Yada, Yada.  Good thing he’s pretty cute.  As he was changing, we noticed a statue of an older man in a suit but no plaque telling visitors who he is.  I thought he looked like Rodney Dangerfield.  But why would anyone put up a statue of Rodney Dangerfield in SF?  That would be the ultimate “no respect” though, a statue but no plaque.  Ends up it’s a guy named Phil Burton.  He was a US Congressman from California who is responsible for 87,000 acres of the SF Bay Area being designated as a National Park. I was basically ending my hike in a National Park thanks to this man.  He deserves a plaque god damnit!

So once you pass Fort Mason, you are now in the Marina district.  It’s where Cal Berkeley students go after they graduate. They mutate here on the hollowed grounds of Crissy Field.  Like yuppy gremlins. Working out or drinking Philz Coffee.  The homes along Crissy Field are gorgeous. Huge picture windows with a front row seat to the Golden Gate Bridge.  Each one is architecturally different and once again, the colors!  Beautiful. The only downside was the wind.  It was pretty darn windy along this stretch.  But Bob had his windbreaker and I had my knit cap.  I can endure the wind if I have my ears covered. 

It’s a long stretch from Crissy Field to the Presidio.  The old barracks of the Presidio on one side and the entrance of the Bay on the other.  The GG Bridge is the main attraction here.  It’s majestic. Great time to get over there.  Parking was plenty and not a bad way to have a picnic. There’s a climbing gym, a trampoline park and under the bridge is Fort Point.  I have been here before, took my parents.  I was able to slyly divert their attention from the bells and whistles of Fisherman’s Wharf with the chance to view history!  They are suckers for historical buildings.  And Fort Point is a National Historical Site.  It was built during the Civil War in 1861.  It’s been awhile so I don’t remember too many of the details, but definitely worth a visit.  

Now we began our assent to the Jewel of this hike...The Golden Gate Bridge.  It’s a National Icon and San Francisco’s mascot.  As you climb the hill and get closer to the bridge there are a bunch of tunnels and “hide outs” along the way.  Remnants of the military presence that once dominated San Francisco.  But the absolutely coolest thing about this hike was I had NO IDEA you can actually walk underneath the bridge itself...like right below the huge steel red frame!!  It’s literally a wind tunnel, so hold onto your hat!  But super duper cool!!  If you have any engineers or construction people in your circle, this would be a great spot to bring them.  

As you continue around the bend, you come to Baker’s Beach.  Not sure if it’s still a nude beach, but it used to be.  The unfortunate thing about nude beaches is the people who SHOULDN’T be nude are the first ones to get into their birthday suit. But that’s my problem, not theirs!  Some nice trails along this stretch, but nothing too exciting to report.

We soon came upon the neighborhood Sea Cliff.  Now this is where the really rich people live.  Like Robin Williams had a home here;  Nancy Pelosi I think lives here.  Mansions with a view of the Pacific.  Bob & I had to walk through right?  I am happy to report the other half live very well.  I stopped to smell the roses (literally) but I noticed that all the gardens actually smelled horrible.  The fertilizer was strong here.  Bob & I laughed that that was how they kept the riff-raff away, by surrounding their homes with a shit moat.  Worked for us!  We high tailed it out of there.  

Now we came to our last stretch...Land’s End.  A labyrinth of trails along the coastal edge.  We needed to stop for another wardrobe change.  This time his leggings were going back on.  Which meant he needed to get down to his underwear.  Let’s just say a whole group of people got a little more than they were expecting that day!

Finally we made it to Sutro Baths and the Cliff House!  Fantastic!  Unfortunately the Cliff House closed due to the pandemic and is not reopening.  I cannot imagine this space will be closed for long.  Fingers crossed.  We decided to head down to Ocean Beach and end our hike by having lunch at the Park Chalet.  We were both famished and Bob was getting cranky.  Needed to feed him STAT.  I have more to report here but Bob might get mad at me, so if you see him again, just ask him about our new friend Franklin!  

BTW, Sunday I did my final 4-5 miles back at my MacArthur Trail.  I brought Stella this time and she loved it.  It was as fabulous as ever!

I’m still going to hike y’all and write about it.  So check in to see where I go next.  I enjoyed writing my thoughts and feelings down.  Even if nobody reads it, it’s my journal to this wonderful life I’ve been blessed with.  Why not tell the world!

Thank You to all who have donated to the Ride4Reason fundraiser and have endured reading these ramblings.  But, That’s All Folks!  (for now).  xoxox

[rhinoswriting]

A Life On The Road - Part 3 (A Luke Hemmings FanFic)

A/N: Hi, sorry it’s been a while since I posted. I’ve been busy moving home and doing all the admin shit that comes along with it. But anyway, Part 3 is here! It ends a little abruptly because I’ve got writer’s block, but I didn’t want to hold off posting for even longer. Part 4 will be here soon, I promise.

Part 2 Ending Recap: After a great gig you and the boys celebrate on the bus. It’s now the early hours of the morning and it’s just you and Luke left in the tour bus lounge chatting and getting to know each other better.

Part 1, Part 2

********************************************

My drunk get-to-know-you-better chat with Luke was really fun, sweet and eye-opening. We asked about each other’s families, dreams, fears, regrets and fondest memories. And we answered with the truth; bearing our souls drunkenly to one another to build a closer friendship.

It was nearly 5 am and we were still sat asking each other questions.

"What’s your favourite breakfast?” Luke asked.

“If we’re talking sweet, it’s banana pancakes. If we’re talking savoury, it’s anything with a poached egg on top.” I answered before firing my next question at him, “Would you rather visit the moon or Atlantis?”

“Easy! Atlantis; there’d be way more to do there. What’s your biggest fear?”

“Developing some form of memory loss. What do you miss most from your pre-fame life?”

“Not being able to form genuine connections with people.”

Luke’s answer caught me a little off guard and tugged at my heart strings. Before I could respond he spoke again,

“Right now being a much welcomed exception.” He smiled at me with eyelids heavy from a lack of sleep and his head tilted to rest on the sofa.

“Right now being a much welcome exception.” I repeated and mirrored his closed lip smile, “We should probably go get some sleep though y’know. You look shattered and it’s a press day tomorrow. And I mean that in a caring friend way, not a Lou way.”

I forced my tired, stiff body up from the sofa and put my hand out to him. He gratefully took it and used me as a counterbalance as he pulled himself up from the sofa. We kept our hands loosely held together on the short walk to the bunks.

“Goodnight, Luke. And thank you for tonight. It was really nice getting to know you a little better.” I told him as I pulled the curtain of my bunk open.

“Honestly, thank you. I look forward to more late night tour talks.” Luke admitted before pulling me into a lazy, sleepy hug, “Goodnight, Elizabeth.”

And with that we both clambered into our respective bunks for what little remained of the night. Just as I was beginning to drift off to sleep, I heard my phone double vibrate to let me know I had just received a text. I opened one eye and saw my bunk had been slightly illuminated by my phone screen. Too tired to muster enough energy to see who was messaging me gone 5 in the morning I simply flipped my phone over and allowed the mattress to absorb the annoying rectangle of light.

What felt like an hour later I woke up and instinctively reached for my phone to check the time, only to find it had actually been 10 hours since my head hit the pillow. I also saw now that the message I received just before I fell asleep was from Luke. I held my thumb on the fingerprint sensor and opened his message.

Luke Hemmy: Lets grab a coffee tomorrow after we finish up at Oui FM x

Seeing as I’d already left him hanging for 10 hours I immediately typed out my response:

Shit! Sorry! I’ve only just seen this. I’m awake and definitely down for coffee. Meet you where? X

Then I grabbed my toiletry bag from the foot of my bunk, hopped out my bunk and freshened up in the tiny tour bus bathroom. When I got back to the row of bunks I pulled on fresh underwear, my jeans, a t-shirt I’d grabbed from the batch of merch being sold on this tour and then went in search of my docs and jacket. 

The tiny coat cupboard was an overflowing mess. Instead of digging around I grabbed one of the many leather jackets stuffed in there. The jacket smelt like Cal, so I knew I’d definitely be fine to borrow it. I quickly glanced in the cupboard door’s mirror. Satisfied with my outfit choice and how well Cal’s jacket added to the look, I grabbed my purse and phone off the counter before exiting the bus and locking up.

Not knowing what direction to head in I checked my phone to see if I had had a response from Luke. I had a few.

Luke Hemmy: Meet you here x Luke Hemmy has shared his location with you. Tracks done about to go in for the interview dk how long Given your name to the station so you can get in the building to wait x

Now having a destination, I made my way to the little red pin on the map.

When I arrived at the tall, plain building I saw a large group of fans patiently waiting outside the entrance on one side of some metal railing the radio station had put up. I did a lap of the block hoping for another entrance to the building. I didn’t want to have to walk right through and in front of all those fans patiently waiting. I knew I’d look like an ass and they wouldn’t like that I could just turn up, in a 5SOS t-shirt of all things, and saunter into the building. But of course there was no alternate entrance; so I made my way over to the crowd again and zipped up Cal’s leather jacket.

“Excusez moi. Excusez moi. Désolée. Excusez moi. Merci.” I said as I made my way to the slight gap between one of the rails and the building and then approached the large, silent man stood in front of the glass doors, “Excusez moi, je m’appelle Elizabeth Phillips. Je suis attendue.”

Fuck I hope I said that right. And if it is right I hope I don’t sound like a dick saying ‘I’m expected’.

I stood awkwardly and blushing before the tall man and surrounded by 5SOS fans as he checked with someone inside over his radio that I was indeed expected and not a fan trying my luck at getting in. Eventually my name was confirmed as valid and the man stepped aside and opened one of the glass doors for me.

“Merci.” I thanked him with a smile then hurried in and over to the reception desk. I’d used up about as much French as I could remember from school so tried my luck in English with the receptionist, “Hiya, is it okay for me to wait on the sofa here or is there somewhere I should go?”

“The sofas here is fine. They should be done soon, but can I get you a drink?” The man behind the desk responded, who was so surprisingly young I assumed he must be an intern.

“Oh no, I’m fine thank you. Thank you for the offer.” I told him with a smile as I sat on one of the two leather sofas and fought the urge to take my jacket off.

To distract myself and appear occupied I pulled out my phone, popped in one earphone and started scrolling through my Instagram feed. Once I was caught up with the feed I went through a couple of stories. When it got to Ash’s story I was greeted by the video he uploaded last night of me, him and Luke dancing and singing to KISS. He hadn’t put my handle on it so I couldn’t re-share it onto my story. I made a mental note to get him to send me the clip later.

I was about to go into my emails when I heard the elevator ding. I looked up from my phone and saw the guys and Lou spill out into the lobby. The portion of fans with a good view through the glass doors also noticed this by the sounds of the sudden fanatic screaming outside.

I made my way over to the guys, 

“Hey, hey!” I smiled at them all.

“Nice jacket,” Cal said as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me into a side hug, “I better be getting that back.”

“Oh you will.” I said before adding playfully, “Although it does look damn good, so maybe not.”

“Honestly I wouldn’t keep it. You don’t know where that’s been or what liquids have been spilt on it.” Michael grimaced which cracked everyone up.

We quickly wrapped up the pleasantries so the guys could go outside and meet their fans. It turns out there was an underground car park with two cars waiting, so I stayed in the lobby with Lou and we chatted about the tour, business and my KPIs. Around 40 minutes later the guys came back in and we were led to the underground car park and the two waiting cars.

“Coffee?” Luke asked as he turned to me while simultaneously putting his hand out behind him to reach for the handle of one of the car doors.

“Coffee.” I confirmed with a nod, then turned to the others to be polite and extend the invitation, “Coffee?”

“Yeah I’d be down for coffee.” Cal said with a casual shrug and began walking towards the car we were stood in front of.

“I’m still feeling a bit rough from last night. I’m gonna head back to the bus and nap, so I’ll see you guys at the restaurant for dinner.” Ashton answered.

“I’ll be honest with you, I just want to go back to the bus and play some games.” Michael said.

So with our next activities decided, Cal, Luke and I jumped in one car and Ashton, Michael and Lou got in the other. Luke asked our driver to drop us off at a coffee shop he’d recommend and with that we were on our way to a mystery coffee shop.

Much to our delight, our driver had an exceptional taste in coffee shops. He dropped us off near a narrow road, that wasn’t quite an alley, and instructed us to go down it until we came to a coffee shop on the right. He also recommended their lattes. We dutifully followed his directions and were rewarded with a small and comfortably busy coffee shop that made an excellent latte.

Lattes in hand, we made our way over to the small circular table right by window. I was sat between Cal and Luke, looking directly out onto the street with the fourth chair opposite me left empty. We chatted a lot about their afternoon at the radio station as well as the press so far on this tour in general. Then, as we were finishing up our lattes, we moved onto trying to plan something to spend the night doing after our big meal out.

“More importantly, should we not actually be on our way to the restaurant now?” I asked after glancing at my watch.

We quickly donned our jackets and headed out of the coffee shops. When we were out on the street Cal looked up directions to the restaurant on his phone and began leading the way. 

I pulled out my phone to check my emails as the three of us mindlessly followed Maps. I saw a response had come in from one of the editors at ELLE. After reading the first two lines I stopped dead in my tracks and just stared at the screen I was cradling in both hands.

Luke was the first to notice I’d stopped walking alongside them both, 

“You alright back there?” He asked.

I looked up to see him and Cal taking a few steps towards me to close the little distance they had gained. I beamed at them giddily, 

“ELLE are interested in running two of my pieces in upcoming months!” I squealed, “They said they like the exert from the Glasgow piece I wrote. They want to publish the completed thing and they’re interested in the idea I outlined for Munich!” 

“That’s amazing!” They congratulated me as I was engulfed into a group hug.

“I’m so proud of you, EP!” Cal added as the three of us pulled apart.

“It’s such a relief that this gamble might actually pay off!” I said still smiling from ear to ear, “I need to tell Drew!”

I turned my attention back to my phone and excitedly told Drew the news in all caps.

YOU’RE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THIS ELLE WANT TO RUN WITH TWO OF MY ARTICLES THIS MIGHT ACTUALLY GO WELL FOR ME ALSO HI FROM PARIS, I MISS YOU WE SHOULD FACETIME SOON XX

After hitting send I put my phone away and continued walking with the boys. After a left and two rights we found ourselves at the restaurant, and being the last to arrive, sat at the table’s remaining spaces.

[pinkbubbles-and-bigtroubles]

Electricity (Part 2)

Part 1 can be found HERE

Part of the Pink Kink AU I wanted to explore the dynamic between Jinx and Michael and Michael and Calum. This is M/M smut featuring toys, anal sex and voyeurism. Feedback is appreciated. Lyric edits requests are still open.

Calum stepped out of the shower feeling cool and tingly from Jinx's peppermint and lavender body wash. As he toweled himself off in front of the mirror, he inspected the marks beginning to show on his neck. 

"Fucking vampire," he chuckled. Michael always left hickeys when he got in his dominant mood. He got restless when he was left alone for too long. Calum was the same way and the uncertainty about his relationship with Kitten wasn't helping.

Years ago, this kind of stress would've resulted in the two of them getting blindingly drunk before tumbling into bed together. As they'd gotten older, they'd been able to be more honest with themselves and each other, and no longer needed to be wasted to seek the other out. 

Calum's phone jumped to life, vibrating against the steel grey stone countertop. He was surprised to see Kitten.

Are you at home? 

Nah, staying at Michael's tonight

Jinx is out of town so your boyfriend called? I see how it is. Wanna get lunch tomorrow? 

Sounds great, I'll hit you up when I head home

Miss you babe, see you tomorrow

She sent a picture of herself in nothing but her robe, sitting on her bed facing a mirror, legs slightly apart, one nipple barely peeking out past the fabric revealing a silver barbell matching his own. He was momentarily tempted to head over to her apartment. However, even though he'd missed his Kitten, he couldn't be Sir tonight, he needed something else. There was a submissive side of Calum that didn't come out often but when it did Michael was one of the few people he trusted enough to satisfy him. He sent Michael a text even though he was just in the next room.

Can I get some help and maybe a drink? It's been a while 

Go wait for me in the bedroom

Michael grinned as he sent the message. He was happy to give Calum a hand, and after making sure the dogs were set for the night he grabbed a couple of cans out of the fridge and put up the baby gate at the entrance to the hallway leading to the bedroom. He'd run down to the basement while Cal was in the shower getting cleaned up and out to select the toys he wanted to use. 

He knocked softly as he opened the door, not wanting to startle Calum. He found the other man with a towel around his waist standing in front of Jinx's vanity rubbing her moisturizer into his face. 

"She'd kick your ass for using that," Michael told him. 

"Nah," Calum replied. "Jinx loves me."

"Yeah, I'd be jealous if I didn't know that she loves me more." He stuck out his tongue, still watching Calum in the mirror. He started to say more but Calum raised one eyebrow before letting the towel drop. Michael sucked in a breath at the sight of Calum's nude body, his eyes traveling down the broad back, rippled arms before dipping down past a slight tan line to the round curve of his cheeks to his solid muscled thighs. It wasn't anything he hadn't seen many times before, but it still took his breath away. 

Calum watched him in the mirror as Michael walked over to the bed tossing a towel and a green velvet bag onto the duvet.

 "Get over here," Michael commanded with a slight smirk. He reached up, turning on the floor lamp flooding the room with soft golden light just bright enough that Calum could still see the green in Michael's eyes. "What's that look for?" Michael asked as Calum's eyes searched his face. 

"I always forget how gorgeous your eyes are up close, and your lips…" Calum let his words trail off while watching Michael's mouth. 

He blushed at the unexpected compliment. He'd always had a bit of a crush on Calum when they were younger, but he'd ignored it as just being close friends. He'd ignored how Calum would get handsy and flirty when they played FIFA without the other guys around. He'd played it off when he'd get hard when they'd play wrestle or pretend not to notice when Calum did. On the road surrounded by girls and booze, they'd surrendered to debauchery and lived out every teenage boy's sexual fantasies making it easier to not question his feelings. Once the novelty wore off it became a bit of a slog, and one night Michael, tired of it all, went back to their shared room and in a drunken haze passed out naked on Calum's bed. When Calum had stumbled back into the room he'd stripped to his boxers and snuggled up as the big spoon. 

"You're not half bad yourself mate," Michael snapped back to the present, trying to make a  joke but his voice was thick with lust. "These piercings are killing me." He bent to flick his tongue over the silver bar earning a moan from Cal followed by a hiss as teeth scraped skin. "Bend over with your elbows on the bed," he instructed, pulling back and reaching for the bag. Michael pulled a bottle of lube and a dildo from his bag. 

"I bought this hoping I'd get to use it on you," he told Calum. The toy was a  thin shaft, made of clear glass swirled with purple and green, ending in four beads of decreasing size down to a slightly rounded tapered end. He wanted to giggle at the expressions of curiosity that crossed Cal's dark features as his eyes lit up and mouth drawn into an "O" in wonder. Michael traced the point of the toy down Calum's spine raising goosebumps as he did before nudging him open and letting lube trickle past the beaded part of the toy all the way down to his tight waiting hole. His cock stirring despite his concentration as he felt the younger man shiver with chills of anticipation against him. Slowly and carefully he worked the toy into Calum's ass. 

"Remember before we knew about toys and decent lube?" Michael asked with a slight chuckle, as he stopped for a second letting Calum adjust. 

His dark features flinched a bit both from the memory and the slight pressure/pain of the toy. "We didn't know what the hell we were doing. You got it worse than I did. Keep going I can take more." 

"You don't tell me what to do Hood." Michael started to pull back until Calum begged him not to.

"Please Mikey," he whined. "Please keep going, fucking hell that feels good," he moaned as Michael went a little deeper. "More, more please Mikey." 

"Mmm mmm you know how I am when you call me Mikey," he grinned, pushing the final and biggest bead in with a bit more force. He began to wiggle the toy in and out feeling his cock twitch with every grunt and moan that rose from Calum's throat. Michael had just worked it all the way in again when his phone rang on FaceTime. 

"Don't move mate, stay right there," Michael wiped his hands on a towel and reached for his phone.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Calum was a little annoyed but laughing. 

"Hey baby," Jinx's voice filled the room. "That was quite a show to wake up to at 5:30 in the morning. I'm about to leave the hotel and head to the airport.  I had to get myself off before I called you, I'll send the video right before I take off. What are you boys getting up to?" She looked behind Michael. "Are you in the bedroom?"

"Yeah I've got Calum buck naked, bent over with a toy stuffed in his ass to open him up for my cock," Michael shrugged, his voice nonchalant as he turned around in a circle so she could see Calum behind him for a second. 

"Oh my God Michael why would you answer the phone?" Jinx squealed in disbelief. "Calum sweetie, please let me make it to you when I get home." 

Calum laughed, feeling the flash of awkwardness at his position fizzle away. The laughter rippled through his body squeezing down and the bumps on the toy. His moan was loud enough for Jinx to hear. Michael tapped his phone, switching the camera angle so she could see his point of view. 

"Ohhhhh," she stopped dead in her tracks halfway to the door. The sight of Calum's strong thighs and perfect round ass made her pussy twinge. The way Michael was slowly and deliberately playing with him, and the sound of Calum's moans her ears as she quickly put on her headphones made it hard to leave the room. In less than a minute they had her wet and throbbing and she was going to be late if she didn't hurry.  Jinx hit screen record and blessed the inventor of the privacy screen as she hopped on the nearly empty elevator. 

"Wiggle for me Cal," Michael stroked his fingers down the curve of his butt and along the bronzed skin of Calum's hip, following the feather-light touch with a quick sharp smack. 

"Yes please," came the strangled cry in response. 

"Have fun with him, Michael, he's being a good boy," Jinx fought to keep her voice cheerful so the taxi driver wouldn't suspect.

"Oh I plan on it, it's been a while since I got to have him like this," he pulled the toy completely out and set it aside. He pulled out a large butt plug from the bag and Calum winced a bit at the chill of the stainless steel as it stretched him open even more.

"I know, I know," Michael's voice was soothing. "You're not a big fan of plugs but I gotta keep you open for a bit. You can stand up for a second before your foot falls asleep." 

Calum stood stretching his arms over his head, before rolling his shoulders and flexing his biceps at the camera. "You like what you see?" He posed like a bodybuilder before his eyes crinkled and lit up as he and Michael both laughed. 

"Your boyfriend is so cute babe," Jinx sighed, appreciating the sight and feeling more homesick than ever before. She hadn't been shocked when Michael had admitted to having a long-standing intermittent sexual relationship with a bandmate. He'd told her three months after they'd first gotten together. He was headed out on tour for the first time in their relationship. They were both head over heels and already knew they had a unique connection that required openness and honesty. She'd assumed it was Luke but was delighted when he told her it was Calum. 

She watched as Calum looked back at Michael and moved his hand to his cock, now hard and pressed against his stomach, and began to touch himself. She could hear Michael's heavy breathing as the taxi pulled up to the airport. 

"Shit," she muttered under her breath. "Babe I gotta go through security. I'll call you back," she said before reluctantly ending the call. 

Michael tossed the phone on the bed before taking a step towards Calum. One arm wrapped around his waist while his other hand snaked up to feel the close-cropped hair on the back of Cal's neck as Michael pulled him in for a kiss. Michael's stubble was rough against Calum's chin but his lips were soft and warm as he slipped his tongue inside the other man's mouth. At first, it was playful, Calum giving Michael's ass a squeeze so Michael nipped his bottom lip in return. It heated up quickly, Michael peppering Calum's jaw with kisses before working his way down to his neck his desire fueled further by the soft little "ah" noises as his teeth scraped over the marks he'd made earlier that evening. Cal's hands slipped up under Michael's t-shirt until he could feel his heartbeat beneath his fingers. 

Michael bent down flicking his tongue over Calum's piercing, before blowing cool air over the flushed slick bud.  Trailing kisses across Calum's chest, to repeat the motion on the other side, he felt Calum's fingers twisting and tugging at his own nipples. He pushed Calum back towards the bed laying him down before climbing on top. Michael sat up straddling Cal's hips so he could tug his shirt off wanting to feel Calum's heated skin pressed against his chest. Cal surrendered as Michael's mouth explored his body leaving feverish kisses and love bites he'd have to explain later. He whined as Michael caught his earlobe between his teeth before sliding a series of wet sucking kisses along his collarbone. Michael's hips were just far enough above his that Calum was desperate for any sort of friction, the fabric of Michael's boxers grazing his aching cock was a maddening tease. He tried thrusting his hips up for relief but Michael had him pinned too well. 

"You're always so impatient," Michael laughed, kissing Calum on the lips before rolling off of him and climbing off the bed. He tugged off his boxer briefs and Calum caught in his throat at the sight. Michael's cock wasn't a monster like Ashton's or as thick as his own but it was large with a curve that hit all the right spots.  He reached to touch him but Michael caught his hand bringing Cal's fingers up to his mouth sucking them noisily with lots of tongue his green eyes bright and unwavering locked on Calum's. 

"Please Mikey," Calum's whole body was thrumming with the electricity of his bed and desire. "Need you, need to feel you." His brown eyes were almost black with lust. 

Michael nodded, dropping his hand and reaching for the bag again.  "Get on your hands and knees." 

"Maybe on my back?" Calum's voice was hesitant. 

"Oh, of course, Cal." Michael found what he needed and shoved the bag aside when he turned back Calum had crawled to the other side and the bed pulling the nightstand more towards the middle of the bed. "What are you doing?" Michael asked.

"Giving her a show if she calls back," Calum winked at him. 

Michael grinned and gave him a kiss, "I got lucky with the two of you." 

"Will you stop talking and get on with it?" Calum laid on his back and began stroking his cock as he watched Michael put a condom on. He spread his legs to give him better access and moaned as he felt the plug slowly being eased out. 

The phone began to ring and Michael quickly accepted the call. "Are you guys still at it?" 

"Where are you?" Michael asked her, still teasing Calum with the plug. 

"I've got the first-class lounge almost to myself because someone upgraded my ticket." 

"Only the best for you my love," she heard Calum's moans and saw the smile on her boyfriend's face as he spoke. "I'm getting ready to fuck Calum pretty ass and he wants you to watch."

Jinx felt like her brain might explode at his words. She'd had this fantasy for ages and now she had an hour to kill with the two sexiest men she could think of giving her an exclusive private show. She crossed her legs paranoid someone might be able to tell how excited she was. 

Michael looked down at Calum laid out beneath him, panning the camera up to his broad torso and chest, lingering on his tattoos. Cal played with his piercings and stuck his tongue out at the camera before Michael set it on the nightstand making sure Jinx had a good view. Cal's eyes fluttered close when Michael brushed his entrance with the head of his cock, nudging past the tight muscle and with torturous slowness and shallow strokes began to move inside him.

Michael moaned at how tight Cal's walls were gripping him, holding back with all his self-control from taking him hard and rough right there. He needed to give Calum what he needed first. He added more lube before pushing a bit deeper and Jinx could hear the wetness in between the moaning coming from both of them now. 

"More, need more Mikey, need all of you," Calum's voice was deeper than she'd ever heard him. His face a mask somewhere between ecstasy and pain and Michael went balls deep in one hard stroke. Jinx watched as Calum stroked his own cock, matching the slow rhythm. Michael bent down kissing Calum's jawline and neck as he thrust harder with each stroke. Calum was getting louder, grunting each time he bottomed out and moaning as he pulled back completely blissed out by the way Michael's cock was stretching his ass. 

Jinx began rubbing her thighs together watching Michael return to sucking his nipples while Calum squeezed his cock and tugged at Michael's hair with his other hand.

Calum was completely blissed out. The words "more, more, need it please, harder, please," tumbling from his lips like a long remembered chant or prayer. Their bodies moving together to give them both release.

As Calum got louder Michael began to increase his pace spurred on by his lover's needy cries. He pushed Cal's knees up driving his cock deeper as Calum's eyes rolled back in his head. 

"Need you Mikey," Calum shouted, his breath getting shallow and rapid, knowing he couldn't hold back much longer. His words muffled when Michael moved up for a kiss cupping Calum's face in his hands slowing his hips again wanting to draw out their release. 

Jinx watched them barely able to breathe. She felt invasive, watching something so intimate. She'd never seen Michael so passionate with anyone other than her, not even the times they'd played with Calum. She watched Calum clinging to Michael as they moved together, watching each other. 

Michael pulled back, his fingers digging into Calum's thighs as his thrusts became more urgent. He suddenly remembered something and felt along the duvet until his fingers found it. He clicked on a small bullet vibe and held it against Calum's balls as he resumed his rough pace. The sensation of Michael's cock pounding into him and the vibration traveling up the length of his shaft made Calum see stars. 

"Show her how you cum for me Cal," Michael purred, throwing a quick glance at Jinx watching him on camera. 

Jinx felt her heart racing. She was afraid she might start hyperventilating as she inched closer to her phone, digging her nails into the palm on her hand to remind her to keep quiet. 

Calum's head rolled to the side. She could see his dark eyes half-opened and glazed over. His hand was on his cock, pumping and squeezing, bringing himself closer to the edge. 

"Harder Mikey, fuck me harder, so close," Calum's voice was whiny and breathy, giving himself over to Michael to find release. Jinx felt shy seeing Calum so open and desperate, but it was also the hottest thing she'd ever seen. 

Calum's eyes rolled back, his jaw tensed up and with a groan that was almost a growl his orgasm hit him in waves, making his legs shake uncontrollably with each thrust. He covered his chest and stomach first in streams and then shaky spurts until he was completely dry and oversensitive. He lay there still trembling as Michael's climax hit driving him deep inside Calum with a loud shout that made Jinx jump in her seat. Michael collapsed on top of him, his arms clutching his shoulders as Calum felt his cock twitch as it filled him with Michael's release. 

They lay there a sweaty sticky mess trying to catch their breath when a faint voice broke through. 

"Babe, I've got to go," Jinx's voice wispy and thick. "I love you, Michael, that was amazing Cal. Thank you." 

"I'll probably be here when you get home," his voice muffled under Michael's shoulder. 

"You'd fucking better be," she growled. "Y'all don't wear each other out you'll need your strength tomorrow." 

"Love you," Michael told her. "Hurry home." 

"Love you more, and I can't get home fast enough." She hit end call and went to find somewhere with some privacy. 

Michael gave Calum a kiss on the cheek before rolling off of him both of them shivering as his cock slid out. 

"I gotta take another shower but I can't move," Calum looked over as Michael rolled on to his side looking at him. 

"You ok? That was pretty intense, even for you" Michael asked, tracing a finger along the Roman numerals.  Calum nodded, looking half asleep. It always amazed Michael that despite how familiar he was with the man in his bed, his brother, his bandmate, his best friend, his oldest secret, despite how many times they'd hooked up, each time felt electric and new. 

"Come on let's get cleaned up before you fall asleep or you'll be pissed at me tomorrow," Michael shoved him. 

"No don't wanna," Calum grumbled, screwing his eyes tightly shut. 

Michael laughed moving in and nuzzling Calum's neck in a spot where he knew his friend was unbearably ticklish. 

"Stop stop stop," Calum begged, pushing him off of him with a laugh. 

He rolled over and kissed Michael across the bridge of his nose. "Fine, but I'm still the big spoon." 

"Are you kidding me? It's my turn," Michael protested. 

"No way, I'm always the big spoon." Calum got up. He was a bit woozy so he paused and sat back down to clear his head. 

"Fine," Michael conceded, "but you gotta help me clean up the mess we made in the kitchen. I can't wait to see what she's got in mind for us."

@ghostofmashton @sexgodashton @maluminspace @kiiiimberlyriiiicker1995 @5-secondsofcolor @irwinkitten @wildmichaelflower @kchillout @sublimehood @kchillout​ @h0tsos​ @5sosnsfw​ @goth5sos​

[bebewheezy]

hi! i’d like to request an ashton fic where ash and the reader go clubbing as friends and he get’s really jealous when a guy would come up to her so he’d basically scare them off 🥺

Notes: this is low key shit lol i’m sorry it’s so cringe but enjoy anyways my loves :)

word count: 1211

The flashing lights illuminated the dark and crowded club I was in with my friends. I couldn’t remember why we had come here, some sort of celebration, probably to signify the end of another tour for them. I was on the middle of the dance floor, squished in between Sierra and Calum’s giant sweaty body, but I was just as drenched. Her and Crystal had managed to convince me to actually wear a dress tonight, which I rarely did, and with how tight it was hugging every curve of my body, I could feel a number of unwanted eyes on me as I was drunkenly twirled around by my two closest friends.

“I’m gonna go get a drink, do you want to come with me?” I yelled to Si as I halted our, no doubt, embarrassing excuse of dancing.

“Yes! I need more vodka,” She giggled while we snuck away from Calum and the rest of the horde.

I was beyond parched, Sierra and I had been dancing together for almost the entire three hours we’d been here before Cal joined us. Knowing I’d have a bad hangover the next morning if I kept going, I went against my irrational side and ordered an ice water to sip. Right as our drinks arrived, Luke came up behind his girlfriend, eliciting a squeal of joy from her, and she downed her glass faster than she should’ve, then tried to pull me back onto the dance floor.

“I’m gonna hangout here for a bit, Si,” I sat down on the bar stool closest to me to rest my aching feet and squeezed her arm. “I need a break, go have fun with Luke.”

“Whatever you say, Y/N/N.”

I was by myself at the bar, I couldn’t find any of the others in our group who tagged along, and I was too tired to go searching for them to make the slight feeling of anxiety from being alone go away. I was only going to be here until I finished my first water, then order another and I’d be back on my way to Sierra or to find Michael and Ashton sitting at the table they snagged when we first arrived. My mind wandered to Ashton, in my still drunk state. We’d been good friends for as long as him and Sierra had known one another, I knew all of them thanks to her, and we’d occasionally flirted while clubbing or smoking a joint at one of Calum’s notorious parties, but lately it felt deeper than casual flirting between two friends. I always had a soft spot for the drummer, but I didn’t know if his feelings were mutual.

Before I could delve more into my dreamy thoughts of the raven haired boy, I felt an unfamiliar arm snake around my waist. When I looked up, I was met with more unfamiliar features. I knew men had been watching me all night, but I didn’t think any of them would have the guts to actually approach me, guess I assumed wrong.

“Hey pretty thing,” His voice slurred.

“Hi,” I shakily said. “Do you think you could let go of me? I’m happy to have a conversation with you, but I’d appreciate it if you didn’t touch me.”

“Pretty thing’s got some spice to her, yeah?” He spoke into my ear. “I like that in my women.”

I pushed him off of me, causing him to stumble backwards a bit, but his arm was still clutching my waist, and I fell off my stool with him. I stumbled into him more, and my heartbeat started racing. I turned my head away from him and closed my eyes, trying to think of a way to get myself out of the potentially dangerous situation without causing a scene, but before I could act on anything, I was being pulled away and into someone’s chest.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing to my girlfriend?” Ashton’s normally giddy voice sounded pissed, and filled with venom.

Girlfriend? She’s been sitting at the bar alone for the past twenty minutes, some boyfriend you are,” The stranger scoffed.

Ashton didn’t respond, only tucked me closer into his large body and started walking away from the scene, with the man still on the floor, staring up at us. Once we got back to the table, he sat me down in between him and Michael, easing my nerves to know I was hidden between the two bulky Australians. As the night went on, I clung closer to Ashton, feeling comfort in the way he scared off an unwanted stranger, but also called me his girlfriend.

“Hey, Y/N, are you feeling alright now?” He ducked his head to be level with my ear.

“Yeah,” I softly spoke while burying my head into his shoulder.

“Do you wanna head home soon? I was gonna order an Uber once Calum came back to let him know I’m heading out.”

“Yes please,” I responded. Ashton pulled away from me slightly to take out his phone and get us a ride back. My mind back to daydreaming about the man in front of me, how his gorgeous hazel eyes looked concerned every time they had met mine tonight, how he made me feel safer just by being around me. Calum came into my peripheral vision while Ash put his phone away.

“Cal, Y/N and I are gonna head out,” He said as he stood up with me.

“Okay, have fun mate,” He winked at Ashton as we started to walk away. He grasped my hand and led me out the hot and overcrowded club, out into the much appreciated cool night air. Having my hand being clasped in his only made my swirling head worsen, I couldn’t deny the attraction I had for him anymore, I needed to either confess or let my emotions consume me.

“What was that about? With Cal before we left?” I asked once we arrived at a small bench to wait on. I made the mistake of looking into his soft eyes, they changed into ones of embarrassment and worry after I asked him my question.

“I should’ve told you this a while ago,” His gaze fell to his boots instead of looking at me, and my heartbeat spiked in anticipation. “I like you Y/N, a lot, so much that I think I’m in love with you.”

My breath hitched in my throat, he just admitted to what I had been feeling for almost two years. I wasn’t sure if my feelings were as strong as love, but I knew I wanted to grow to love him the same.

“I like you too, Ash,” I said as my left hand reached out to cup his cheek and pull his forehead against mine. “I don’t know if I love you yet, but I can definitely see that happening in the future.”

His hand went behind my neck, and Ashton crashed his soft lips against mine. It was the best kiss I ever experienced, there was undeniable chemistry between us, and it fueled us as his tongue slipped into my mouth for a moment, before he reluctantly pulled with a smirk on his beautiful face.

“Let’s get you home, baby.”

[calpalirwin]

Breathe

A/N: Inspired by a s***ton of song lyrics

And away, and away we go

~~~

One month.

That’s how long you had been crying yourself to sleep. That’s how long you had stared at his side of the bed, wishing he was still there. That’s how long you thought the pain was never going to fade. That’s how long you stared at your phone, fingers itching to call. But you knew it would only set back any progress you were making. 

So, your phone stayed silent, your fingers stayed itchy, your eyes stayed red, your pillowcase stayed stained with your tears, his side stayed empty, and the pain stayed just as painful as ever.

One month.

One month until it didn’t hurt to breathe.

Coincidentally, one month was also how long it took until he couldn’t breathe himself. Almost like your pain had finally passed on to him.

~~~

“Hey, it’s Ash,” your voicemail played and you stomach twisted at the voice. “I… uh… your coffee cup… the lipstick… it’s faded… I know you didn’t always wear lipstick because you said I smeared it too much for you to be bothered… but uh… god, it was a work of art when you could be bothered.”

You stared at your phone, finger hovering over the delete button. You took a breath to steady yourself. You had finally moved on from utterly heartbroken to trying to survive. And now his voice was going to drag you right back down again. You wanted to be angry. But, something about the way his voice cracked, like he was crying himself, kept you from deleting the voicemail. Instead, you turned your phone over and went about your day.

~~~

“I wasn’t even trying to do anything other than have a night out with the guys. And then you were there. And then I was doing anything I could to catch your attention. You took my breath away that night. You still do.”

~~~

“Do you remember when I took you to San Francisco? God, we had it right, didn’t we? I can still smell the perfume you were wearing. That sweet little scent that you sprayed on yourself in that shop. I swear my shirt smelled like that perfume for weeks.”

~~~

“I don’t dance… I wasn’t ever really much of a dancer, but you always wanted to. Didn’t matter where. God, the way you looked in parking lots as our feet moved over the painted white lines. My feet don’t dance like they did with you.”

~~~

“What we had was real, right? God, I wish had amnesia because I’m not fine at all.”

Your jaw tightened as you listened. If only he knew you had asked yourself the same question. If he wasn’t fine, why had he left you so easy? The nerve of this guy!

~~~

“Sorry about my last message. That wasn’t fair of me to assume this hasn’t been hard for you. But, God, have you tried getting over you?”

~~~

“Does he know that you hate drinking? Does he shave before he kisses you? Does he let you miss me or does he say something funny or clever to take your mind off it? I hope he does. I hope he realizes that he has the greatest girl laying on his chest. But, please… lie to me and say it isn’t true. Tell me there isn’t someone else.”

~~~

One month.

That’s how long you had watched your phone ring. That’s how long you had listened to his messages, his voice broken and stone-cold sober.

That’s how long you waited until you finally picked up the phone the next time it rang.

“What?” you asked, pinching the bridge of your nose. “What confession do you have tonight? And why? Why now? I’m not a booty call, Ashton! I’m not someone you can call every time you get lonely. I have more self-respect than that!”

“Uh.. Y/N? It’s Cal…” Calum’s voice sounded over the line.

You pulled your phone back to check the caller ID. “Oh, sorry.”

“Yeah,” the man rushed past your apology. “Look, I’m sorry to do this, but can you get down here? It’s Ash.”

“Cal… Ash is…”

“The last person you want to see, I know. But, I’m desperate Y/N. You know I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.”

You sighed. “Where are you guys?”

~~~

“Y/N!” Calum exclaimed in relief when you made your way into the bar.

“Where is he?” you said shortly.

“Over here,” Calum said, leading you to a very depressed looking Ashton sitting by himself in a booth. “Hey, mate, look who’s here.”

Ashton’s hazel eyes looked up from his glass to find you standing there. He would’ve smiled, but it hurt to move.

You looked at the glass in front of Ashton, and glared at Calum. “God damn it, Cal! You promised me!” you scolded the man. When Ashton called things off 2 months ago, you made Calum swear that Ashton would stay sober.

“Would you relax? It’s Coke, damn…” Calum said, not bothering to hide his irritation at your misplaced anger.

“Can’t get drunk anyways,” Ashton deadpanned. “Can’t get over you that way.”

“I, on the other hand, can,” Calum forced a grin. “I’ll be over at the bar if you need me,” he told you, resting a large hand briefly on your small shoulder before walking off.

You sighed and slid into the booth with Ashton. Now was your chance to get everything off your chest. To put Ashton Irwin in his place for breaking your heart. As you opened your mouth, prepared to unleash holy hell on this man, a soft “I’m sorry,” reached your ears, Ashton’s lips barely moving.

“What?” you asked, leaning in closer to hear better.

“I’m sorry… I… I didn’t know what I was thinking… I just knew I was scared.”

“Scared of what?”

“Losing you.”

“So, you thought pushing me away was the answer?” you scoffed.

“I said I was sorry.”

“Sorry doesn’t cut it, Ashton!” you yelled, clenching your fists as a tear slid down your cheek. “God damn it. Do you know what you did to me?” you hissed. “I missed work because I couldn’t drag myself out of bed. I thought I was going to go blind from crying in the dark for so long. God, I couldn’t fuckin breathe!” You hastily wiped at your eyes. “And when I finally got to a point where I thought I could survive again, you started leaving me those damned voicemails! But sure… you’re sorry. Cuz that’s the magic phrase to fix 2 months of shit.”

He stared at you, listening to you unleash your fury. When you stopped he opened his mouth to speak, but you cut him off. 

“If you say you’re sorry, I swear I’ll slug you,” you growled, glaring at the man across from you. God, did he have to look so sad?!

He closed his mouth and just stared.

“Well…? Say something, damn it!”

“I’m sorry.”

In a blind rage, you swiped his glass of Coke off the table, getting a small satisfaction of the look of the shock that crossed Ashton’s features and the shattering of glass. “What did I just fuckin say?”

“But, I am, okay? And I know that doesn’t fix anything, but it doesn’t make me less sorry. I was doing what I thought was best for you, okay?”

“What you thought was best for me? Ashton, you don’t get to make that choice for me!”

“I know, and I’m so-”

“Ashton Fletcher…” you growled, daring him to say he was sorry again.

His hands went up defensively. “I know, okay?”

“You didn’t even give me a chance…” you said sadly, the fight leaving you “You just gave up. On me. On us. Over in one phone call like it never mattered.”

“I know. I’m the stupid one who ended it, and now I’m stupid one regretting it. But, you’ve clearly moved on. And I have to live with that mistake. Go home, Y/N. I’ll stop calling.”

“Moved on?” you asked. “You think I moved on?”

“Well yeah. I’ve seen the stories.”

The stories… of course. “You mean the stories that smeared my name? The stories that claimed you broke up with me because I was using you?”

“The stories that showed you out with someone else not even a week later?” he shot back, tired of being on the defensive. “The stories that got brought up in interview after interview that I then spent more time defending you than getting interviewed?”

“Oh, boo fuckin hoo! I’m Ashton Irwin! I do 3 interviews between tour dates! I want to brag about my life, but they keep bringing up my ex who’s heart I ripped out without a second thought!” you mocked.

“So, you don’t deny it.”

“Deny what?!”

“The guy?”

“What guy?!”

“From the STORIES!” he roared, his hazel eyes flashing dangerously. “God, Y/N, it wasn’t even a week later…”

You rolled your eyes. “It’s a good thing you’re famous and pretty. Honestly, is Luke borrowing the one collective brain cell you guys have? He’s my friend, Ash. A friend you actually met along with his wife, who was conveniently cropped out of the pictures.”

“Oh…”

“Yeah… God, do you really think I would do that you?”

“So, you haven’t…?”

“Moved on? Gotten over you? No, Ash, I haven’t. I can’t. And more than that, I don’t want to.”

“Why? I broke your heart, Y/N...”

“Because I still love you. Because I’ll let you ruin my life over and over again if it means I get to keep you for just a second longer. Because I need you more than I’ve ever needed anything in my entire life. Because even though you broke my heart, I’m desperately wishing you’ll put it back together.”

“Can I have a second chance? I don’t deserve one. I know that. But, please? I’ll get it right this time. I promise.”

Instead of answering him, you stood up. He dropped his gaze to hide his hurt, a sigh escaping his lips. If he was honest, he was surprised that you hadn’t stormed off earlier. He didn’t deserve this conversation, let alone a second chance.

So, when your hands wrapped around his neck, he had just enough time to give you a surprised look before your lips were on his. He quickly got over his surprise and melted into you, his arms snaking around your back to pull you closer to him.

When he had gone out earlier that night, Ashton never would have dreamed that he’d end up with you straddled on his lap, lips locked together. But, he was glad it was happening, and he was never coming up for air.

[just-for-cal]

Homesick - [c.h]

word count: 4762 warnings: none ? hooray go me summary: calum hasn’t been away from his family ever since his daughter was born, and the distance is a tug to everyone’s heart strings

(y/n) stirred in bed, something waking her up from her sleep, but she couldn’t place what it was, until a small voice called out to her.

“Mama?” The quiet voice of a little girl called.  A slight frown tugged on (y/n’s) lips, and she waved her hand to bring the girl in.

“Isabelle, what’s wrong baby?” Her voice was raspy from just waking up, and the five year old shut the door before padding into her mother’s bedroom.  (y/n) sat up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed.  “Did you have a bed dream?”

“No,” She answered softly, taking her mother’s outreached hands with her small ones.  “I couldn’t sleep”

(y/n) lifted Isabelle up  and into her lap, sliding back onto the bed again, cradling the girl in her arms.  As Isabelle’s head laid on her chest, she began to stroke the short strands of wispy chestnut hair on her head.

“What’s bothering you, my love?” She asked her little girl, lips dropping to the crown of your head for a brief moment as she awaited her answer.  “Why are you up so late?”

“I miss Daddy”

(y/n) hummed quietly holding a girl a bit closer to her.

“Oh, baby,”

Her father had been gone on tour for a month now, and would be gone another month before coming home.  It was his first time being gone with the band since Isabelle was born, and she wasn’t getting used to his absence.  (y/n), on the other hand, had been dealing with her husband’s absence since before they were dating.  But every time he left there was still a vacancy in her that wouldn’t be filled until his return.

“I know, sweetheart, I know” She mused, and Isabelle nuzzled against her collarbone.

“How much longer?” She asked in a whine, her eyes shutting like it was irritating her.

“We’re halfway there baby…” (y/n) whispered, still petting her hair.  “I miss him too, but we’re getting even closer”

“Not close enough” Isabelle sighed.  (y/n) smiled at the response, remembering feeling the same way before.  A part of her has grown accustomed to it, but it’ll never feel completely normal with him gone.

“Have you finished your letter for him?” She asked, and isabelle nodded her head.  “Good, you know he loves getting those” (y/n) smiled down at her daughter, before a thought popped into her head.

Checking the time on her alarm clock, she pulled out her phone.

“We could call him, if you want to tell him goodnight.  It’s the middle of the afternoon where he is”

“Really?” Isabelle asked excitedly, and (y/n) nodded, already opening FaceTime for her daughter to make the call.

“Go ahead,” She said, turning on the bedside lamp so that they would be visible on the screen.  “That button, love” (y/n) pointed to the screen and Isabelle happily pressed it.  She adjusted herself in her mother’s lap, sitting criss cross between (y/n’s) legs and bouncing excitedly as she waited for her dad to pick up the phone.

“Hello Angel Face!” Calum’s voice rang happily through the speaker, and Isabelle laughed, knowing that he thought it would just be (y/n) on the phone.  Angel Face was his nickname for her mom.

“Daddy, it’s me too!” Isabelle teased, and his smile lit up their screen.

“Hi Pumpkin,” He said.  “What’re you doing up so late?”

“Somebody,” (y/n) drawled, leaning forward and setting her chin on her daughter’s small shoulder, “-couldn’t sleep without Daddy saying goodnight”

“Hey! You were awake too Mama!” Isabelle accused, making Calum laugh loudly.

“Only because you woke me up!” (y/n) tickled the girl’s sides, making her giggle.  “Anyways, we figured we might as well call you, since you’re up and at ‘em”

“Pretty much always up and at ‘em,” Calum mocked his wife in a tired tone, before turning his attention back to his daughter.  “Miss you kiddo-”

“Is that Izzy?” A voice in th background called, and soon enough Ashton had run up to Calum and pushed his face in front of the camera.  

(y/n) chuckled quietly as Isabelle’s designated uncle, although there were two others, started to excitedly talk to her.

“How are you? How’s school?”

“Good! I learned the days of the week song!”

“Well prove it then!” Ashton responded sassily.  He was pretty much ignoring (y/n) completely, but that was normal when Isabelle was around.  She was pretty much his number one girl.

The five year old proceeded to sing the song she’d learned, and when she finished, Ashon had acted so shocked by her singing that she began to giggle bashfully.

“I can’t believe it! Cal she sings better than you! I think you should replace your dad in the band” Ashton gushed, only making Isabelle laugh more.

“Hey now,” Calum interjected.  “You’re just gonna kick me out like that?”

“Yeah, obviously Izzy has more talent” Ashton joked.  Calum rolled his eyes, and (y/n) smiled at him through the screen.

“Thanks Uncle Ash,” She said, before yawning.  “I’m ready to go back to bed now Mama” She whispered up to (y/n) who nodded.

“Alright baby, I’ll tuck you in,” She agreed, and Isabelle began to shuffle off of her legs.  “Aren’t you gonna say goodnight to Daddy?”

“Oh yeah,” She mumbled, popping her head up to look at the phone screen.  “Goodnight Daddy!”

“Goodnight Pumpkin, I love you,” He said, and blew her a kiss.  Isabelle pretended to catch it, and then blew one back.  “Sweet dreams, I’ll see you soon”

“Bye Daddy, love you too!” Isabelle waved before sliding off the bed and going back to her room, leaving (y/n) still on.

“You have time to wait to talk to me after I put her to bed?” She asked, and he grinned, nodding his head.

“Always”

“Alright, I’ll be right back” She left her phone on her bed as she headed after Isabelle, finding her already in bed, waiting to be tucked in.

“I’m glad Daddy was awake” The five year old told her.

(y/n) hummed, pulling the covers up and tucking her in to keep warm.

“You need anything else baby?” She asked softly, pushing her hair off of her forehead, and Isabelle shook her head.  “Alright,” A soft smile tugged on (y/n’s) lips.  “I love you” She leaned forward and kissed her head.

“Love you too Mama” She murmured, shutting her eyes and cuddling one of her (many) stuffed animals.  (y/n) hesitated only a second longer in the moment before getting up, shutting off the light and closing the door, almost all the way, but not quite.  The way Isabelle liked it.

She went back to her room, and shut her door, excitedly picking up her phone to see Calum’s screen facing up, towards the top of the tour bus.  She could hear his voice, gushing to the guys about his little girl.  And (y/n) stalled for a minute, just eavesdropping on the sweet conversation.

“Cal?” She finally called, and his face popped on the screens in seconds.

“Angel Face!” He declared happily, picking up his phone, and he must’ve walked back to the bunks for some privacy.

“How’s the tour going?”

“It’s uh… it’s fun” He answered, but she could hear the hesitation in his voice.

“Everything alright?” She murmured, and he raked a hand through his hair, making her frown a bit.  “Cal?”

“I just… it’s harder… than it used to be”

She wished she could hug him right now.

“It is,” She agreed.  “We really miss you.  I really miss you”

“I really miss you too sweetheart,” He sighed, and for a moment she just smiled and looked at him, a fear tears pricking her eyes.  “The guys say hi by the way, they miss you too but… they might miss Isabelle more”

“I don’t blame them,” She said sweetly, but her voice cracked, indicating that she was getting choked up.  “I’m sorry,” She apologized, wiping away the tears that threatened to fall off her lashes.  “I’m sorry I- I miss you, a lot”

Calum smiled sadly, and she knew he was thinking the same thing she was.  Just one hug.

“And I’m touch starved” She added, making him raise his eyebrows, before a slight smirk tugged on his lips.

“I’ll just have to come home soon to fix that for you, love” He said, winking and making (y/n) smile brightly.

“Maybe check your snapchat when you’re alone then,” (y/n) said with a devious sort of look in her eyes.  “Might not be able to wait that long”

Calum grinned, already knowing she’d sent him a scandalous photo and was eager to open it.  “I’ll see what I can do”

“Can’t wait,” She said excitedly.  “I should be getting to sleep, it’s midnight here”

“Alright babe, goodnight”

“Goodnight,” She murmured back.  “I love you”

“I love you more”

“I’m not sure that’s possible, Rockstar” She responded quietly, making him smile.

“What happened to my girl who believed anything was possible?” He joked back.  “Goodnight, Angel Face”

“Goodnight Cal” She hummed, and he blew a kiss before ending the call.

(y/n) sighed as she got situated back in bed, wishing he’d be home sooner than a month, but for now, she’ll just have to take what she could get.

Calum dragged himself onto the bus, feeling absolutely drained from the show tonight.  He’d never craved sleep like this before, but he told himself that every time he felt this exhausted.

“Cal!” Ashton called, holding up an envelope.  “Someone’s got fanmail!”

“Do we have to read them now?” He asked, and the other boys snickered as Ashton handed him the letter.  Calum’s face lit up seeing that it wasn’t just fanmail, it was from his family.

He eagerly opened it, sitting at the table as two things slipped out, a card made of construction paper, and a folded piece of paper from the love of his life.

He took the card from Isabelle first.  It was a blue paper, and on the front was a big heart, a drawing of three stick figures inside of it.  He could only assume it was their little family, and he grinned from ear to ear as he opened it. i love you daddy! Was written throughout the whole inside, more hearts surrounding the words.

He made sure to tuck it carefully back into the envelope to keep it from getting crumpled, before opening the note from (y/n).

A couple of pictures fell out of it, and tears came to his eyes as he looked at them.  A few were of the two of them, ones they must’ve taken while he was away.  But there was one that was of all three of them, a selfie that Calum had begged they take while on a trip to the beach.  Isabelle was playing around with a plastic shovel in the sand, and had only brought her attention to Calum’s camera for a few seconds, still holding her beach toy.  (y/n) had on her giant sunglasses and was smiling brighter than the sun that day as she wrapped her arms around Isabelle, and Calum had wrapped his arm around the two of his girls.

It was one of his favorite pictures, and (y/n) had known it.  It was his wallpaper on his phone, it was on the fridge, in their room, he adored it.

“Hey Rockstar,” her letter read.

“We’re really really really missing you, two extra ‘reallys’ courtesy of Isabelle.  We’re spending a lot of time talking about you and counting down the days hours and minutes that you’ll return.  Your daughter made me download a countdown app so we would know down to the second when you’ll be back…

Isabelle is really coming along in school! She can write just about anything with a bit of spelling help, and she loves to draw.  Have you seen her card? You should look at it now, she put a lot of time into getting your hair just right.  There’s more drawings on the fridge at home, I know you’ll love them.  I told her if she keeps at it she could make designs for your album covers.

She’s been bragging a lot to her friends at school about her Daddy being on tour, she’s definitely growing into being a bit of a diva.  I wonder where she gets that from?

Love you lots babe, xoxo

       ~ (y/n) and Isabelle”

“What’s it say?” Ashton asked.

“Any of those pictures nudes?” Luke followed up, earning a slight glare from Calum.

“No, Luke they’re of my family”

“Let me see!” Ashton was pushing past everyone to look at the photos (y/n) had send, aweing and gushing over every one.

“I think Ash has baby fever,” Michael muttered to Luke.  “Seriously, this is getting out of hand”

“I think it’s nice,” Calum said, patting his friend on the back.  “Just remember she’s still my girl, not yours”

“Isabelle of (y/n)?”

“Both.” Calum muttered.

When he was finally in pajamas and crawled into his bunk on the bus, he looked over the letters and photos again before finally falling asleep.  He loved when they sent him things on tour.  It was so much more special than a text or an email.

[ cal 💛  ] : i love you

[ cal 💛  ] : i love you so much

[ loml ] : i love you too rockstar ❤️

[ loml ] : now go to sleep, i’ll call you in a few hours when our times line up right

[ cal 💛 ] : no kiss goodnight ??

[ loml ] : xx

[ loml ] : goodnight

“Do you want me to tie the ribbon to your wrist so that the balloon doesn’t float away?” (y/n) asked Isabelle as they walked into the airport together.

“Yes please,” Her daughter responded, and (y/n) crouched down to carefully secure the ribbon around her wrist.  “I want Daddy to see it, I don’t want to lose it”

“Me too,” (y/n) replied excitedly.  “Is that too tight?” Isabelle shook her head, and when they started walking again, took her mother’s hand to keep up better.  “I can’t wait to show him!”

She was so excited about the balloon she’d picked out.  It was a simple flowery welcome home balloon, but Isabelle had fallen in love with it.  She couldn’t stop tugging on the ribbon to make it bounce in the air.  It made her giggle every time.

“I’m sure he’ll love it, sweetheart,” (y/n) said, squeezing her hand.

The boys were expected to land in twenty minutes, and she was so eager to see him again.  They both were.  Two months felt longer than ever, (y/n) wasn’t sure how’d she’d ever handled going even longer without him.

“How much longer?” Isabelle asked when they reached the area outside of the gates, where they could look through the glass to see people getting off their planes and heading into the airport to pick up their luggage.

“About fifteen minutes, love” (y/n) answered, taking a seat on one of the booths provided by the window.  Where most families and friends wait for their loved ones to return.  But Isabelle was too restless to sit with her mother right now.

“But I can’t wait another fifteen minutes,” She whined, dragging her hands over her face dramatically.  “It’s already been years”

“It’s been two months, my love,” (y/n) answered softly, taking her daughter’s hands and pulling her to stand closer to where she sat.  Someone nearby chuckled, and (y/n) shot them an humored smile.  “You’ve got a bit of your father in you”

“He says I have more of my Mama” Isabelle said cheekily, smiling widely.

She had Calum’s smile.  (y/n) saw it in her every time.

“Of course he does,” (y/n) laughed softly.  “He doesn’t want to take responsibility”

Isabelle laughed at her mother’s tone, not so much understanding what she was saying, but finding the way she said it to be funny.

“I’ll tell him you said that” Isabelle said, and (y/n) laughed again.  She checked the time on her phone, her stomach doing flips as it grew nearer to when he would be home.

“Who are you most excited to see, Daddy, or Uncle Ash?”

“Uncle Ash!” Isabelle said excitedly, but quickly changed her mind and shook her head.  “No, Daddy”

“You sure about that?” (y/n) giggled, just trying to keep her daughter occupied while they waited.

“Both!” She exclaimed, just as happily as before, and (y/n) nodded, accepting her answer.

“Well I’m telling Daddy you picked Uncle Ash first,” She teased, tickling Isabelle’s stomach.  She gasped between giggles, making (y/n) smile even more.  “He’s gonna give me all of your kisses!”

“That’s not fair! You always get his kisses!” Isabelle grumbled irritatedly.

(y/n) picked the girl up and set her on her lap, cupping her face and planting a kiss between her eyes.

“You truly are the light of my life, darling” She mused, and Isabelle threw her arms around her mother’s neck, giggling bubbly as (y/n) planted featherlight kisses all over her face.  Her phone made a buzz, and she pulled it out to check it.

[ cal 💛 ] : just landed, if you two aren’t at the exit to my gate, i might just cry

“Daddy just landed,” (y/n) said, sending back a quick text to tell him they were here, before putting her phone away.  “And you definitely get all your drama from him”

“I can’t wait I can’t wait I can’t wait!” She squealed and leapt off of her lap to run up to the window.  (y/n) had to pull her back slightly so she wouldn’t press her face  up against it.

“Baby- babe- sweetheart don’t put your face on the glass,” (y/n) said as people began to walk from their gate up through the windowed area.  “He’ll be here soon, real soon”

“I need to be against the glass so I can see him better- oh mY GOD I THINK I SEE HIM!”

Isabelle’s screech practically rang through the corridor as she began to jump, the balloon tied to her arm springing around wildly in the air.  And sure enough, Calum and the others were just down that hall, though they hadn’t caught sight of Isabelle and (y/n) yet.

Normally, (y/n) would’ve scolded her daughter for yelling in a public place, but instead she just put a knowing hand on her head, silently telling her to be more quiet.  Finally, Luke started to pat on Calum’s arm, pointing up towards where (y/n) and their daughter stood.

“He sees us!” Isabelle yelled, not as loudly as before.  She began to jump again, waving wildly to hold his attention.  

He grinned, and picked up his pace to walk right up to the window, putting his hands against it.  Isabelle matched her hands to his against the glasses, her giggles echoing in the space.  (y/n’s) heart jumped to her throat as he practically ran up to the exit doors, (y/n) and Isabelle making their way over to greet him in person.

“Daddy!” Isabelle ran away from (y/n) and into her father’s awaiting arms.  He’d gotten to the floor on his knees, engulfing her small body completely.

“Oh, Pumpkin, I’ve missed you,” He said, voice cracking as the palm of his large hand cradled her head, and she giggled.  “I missed you so much, I loved your card, you’ve gotten very good at drawing,” He released her to look at her face.  “Wow, you’re practically all grown up” He peppered her face with kisses.

“It hasn’t been that long Daddy” Isabelle said, and noticed behind him that the others had shown up.  “Uncle Ash!” She hollered, and ran to him just as she had to Calum.

“Come ‘ere Angel Face,” Calum stood up and (y/n) jumped into his arms, her legs wrapping around his hips as her arms held onto him, hugging him tightly as tears filled her eyes.  Her face was buried into the crook of his neck, breathing him in, lips quivering a bit as she tried not to cry.  “God, how I missed you” He sighed, squeezing her closer.

“I missed you so much more,” (y/n) said breathlessly, pulling back, only to lean in, hastily kissing him like it could be the last time she ever did.  It was hungry and passionate.  They hadn’t made out in public since they were just teenagers, before they cared about common decency and respecting their privacy.  But right now, neither of them could care less.

When Luke let out a whistle, they finally pulled apart, only from their kiss.  Their foreheads pressed together as they smiled at one another.  Calum spun her around before setting her down, giving her one more loving kiss before going back to his daughter and bandmates.

“Daddy we got you a balloon!” Isabelle told him happily, waving her wrist around to make the balloon move in the air.  “I picked it out for you”

Calum grabbed the balloon, smiling at it before directing it down to his daughter.  He scooped her up, holding her on his hip and kissing her nose a few times.

“It’s perfect, Pumpkin, I love it” He told her, and she smiled big, real big.

She held her arms around his neck, and (y/n) took his backpack from the plane so he could carry their clingy girl.  He kissed her cheek as she did so, eagerly making small talk with Isabelle.

(y/n) drove them home, not able to wait another second to have her whole family at home again.

Calum had unpacked his things, and was settled on the couch, already asleep.  The jetlag had tired him enough into taking an evening nap.  But he wasn’t alone.  Isabelle had crawled on top of him while he was watching some generic television show, and she’d crashed as well.

(y/n) smiled when she’d come down looking for them, snapping a few pictures before lifting Isabelle up carefully, trying not to wake either of them.  It was her bed time, and (y/n) figured she’d take her up to bed now.

“That was comfortable,” Calum mumbled sleepily, “You better replace it”

“I’ll do so myself,” (y/n) hummed, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips before carrying Isabelle up the stairs to her room.  “Goodnight baby,” She whispered softly as she tucked in the sleeping girl, and then left.  Shutting off the light, and leaving the door open a crack.

She tiptoed back down the stairs, in case Calum had passed out again.  But when she rounded the living room sofa, he opened his arms out to her for her to join him.

“Let me shut off the lights first” She told him flicking off the lamp and lowering the volume of the tv.

“Setting the mood, love?” She giggled at his attempt of sounding suave, when his voice was raspy from sleep, and clearly was in no shape to do anything tonight.  

“Mhm, sure am sleepyhead,” She teased, poking his cheek as she swing her leg over his hips, settling in on his chest.  Calum grinned as one of his arms lazily wrapped around her back, his other hand tangling in her hair.  He opened his eyes and turned his head to look at her.

She’d rested her head against his chest, her own eyes fallen shut.  He craned his neck to slant his lips over hers, and (y/n) sighed in delight.  He held his lips against hers for only a few seconds before pulling back, heart doing backflips as her nose nuzzled against his.

“Can’t believe we’ve been together this long and I still manage to fall more and more in love with you”

(y/n) awed softly, a small giggle escaping her lips as her gingers combed through the hair on the back of his head.

“Let’s keep doing this, for the rest of our lives,” She murmured, kissing him again gently and longingly.  “Keep on falling in love”

“Whatever you want, Angel Face” Calum hummed, his hands on her hips as she brought her lips back to his once more.  HIs fingers slid up under the hem of her shirt, stroking against her skin there with his rough fingertips.

Something between a sigh and a moan came from her in response, and Calum smirked a bit, knowing that the mood was already there, as much as she was certain they’d just cuddle.  His lips trailed away from her lips, along her jaw, until he reached that sweet spot between her jaw and her neck.

Her hands raked down his chest, fingers curling around the hem of his tee shirt and tugging at it until he got the hint that she wanted him to take it off.  He chuckled at her attempts, before pulling it over his head with ease.

“Thank you” She mumbled before connecting their lips again.

“No problem” He answered in a cocky tone.  She smiled at him for a moment, tracing his jaw, the curve of his lips, his eyebrows, just laying there and admiring him.  “Ya gonna keep staring at me or do you want to go back to the fun stuff?”

She giggled, her eyes crinkling as she leaned down, lips touching his with a feather light weight.  Calum smiled to himself, one of his hands releasing her hip to slide into her hair, tugging her in closer, deepening their kiss.

Just as he was tugging at her tee shirt with his free hand, about to pull it up over her head, a small voice called out from upstairs.

“Daddy!”

Calum sighed, his head falling back on the couch as (y/n) giggled, already shuffling off of him, and taking his shirt from the floor.

“I’m coming Pumpkin!” He called back, watching sa (y/n) changed out of her shirt and into his, smirking to himself before kissing her lips and pushing himself up off the couch.  “Meet you in bed?” He asked her, and she nodded as he jogged up the stairs.

(y/n) tidied up the living room a bit before heading up, sighing as she collapsed into bed.  She kicked off her leggings to just sleep in Calum’s shirt and her underwear, one of Cal’s favorite things to see her in.  She could hear him across the hall, cooing to their daughter and tucking her in.  She could only catch a few things he said, but at one point she could tell that Isabelle had made him sing to her.

He came into their shared bedroom a few minutes later, shutting the door behind him and falling on top of (y/n), catching himself on the mattress before his body could crush hers.  She giggled up at him, taking his face in her hands and pulling his lips down to hers.

“Glad to see you lost the pants” He chuckled, one of his hands running up her bare leg.  She kissed him again.

“Too sleepy now, you killed the mood when you left” She said, and Calum groaned, rolling onto his side, but pulling (y/n) with him into his chest.  They weren’t even under the blankets, but they didn’t need to be, his body heat was enough to keep them both comfortable.

“Fine, but you’re still gonna cuddle and talk to me, right?” He asked, and (y/n) laughed into his chest, nodding her head.

“Of course, that’s why I married you, isn’t it?”

“I thought it was cause you loved me unconditionally?” He asked, pursing his lips.

“Hm… that too” She mused, a playful smile on her lips.  Calum rolled his eyes, but wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her completely into him, their langs tangling together.  He hiked one of hers over his hip, making a blush rise to her cheeks.

All these years, and he could still make her blush.

“I can’t even put into words how glad I am that you’re home,” She murmured, placing a kiss over his MMXII tattoo.  “I’ve missed you”

“I’ve missed you too, Angel Face,” He hummed, his eyes falling shut as he started to feel sleep overcome him again.  “Gonna write a real angsty song one day about how hard it is to be away from you for so long”

“Can’t wait to hear it” (y/n) mumbled already half asleep.

He’d have to show her tomorrow, because he’d written it while he was gone on tour.

xoxo ~ jordie

[neonweeknds]

Second Chances (Dad!Cal One Shot)

*this is pure fluff, I got this idea just randomly one day so I wrote it down, I just wanted to have some fun with it, I know I haven’t posted in a while but I should hopefully have more time to start writing now, I’m also not sure if I want to keep this as a one shot or make a series out of it, so if you guys have any ideas for me for this dad!cal, don’t be afraid to tell me, anyways enjoy (2.3k)

***

He was tired.

Calum had been running around all day doing promo for their latest album. It wasn’t easy, especially if you have a six-year-old attached to your hip 24/7. Kaia was filled with more than enough energy to go around. The whole band had been up since six in the morning, but Kaia has yet to feel even slightly sleepy.

The twenty-five-year-old dad had made a promise to his daughter that morning, that if she were good all day, he would take her to go get her nails done professionally. Ever since she saw uncle Lukes red nails, she’s wanted hers done too. He’s starting to regret that already because truth be told he just wants to go to bed.

But he kept his promise which is what led him and his little girl walking into a quaint little nail salon at around seven o’clock at night. Probably later than she should be staying up for but its obvious she wasn’t going to be tired any time soon.

The salon was empty of customers, the only person visible he could see, was someone tidying up. Was this place closed? He thought to himself, but there was no closed sign on the door.

The bell rung signaling that someone had entered the store. Gwen turned around to find a rather attractive tall, tanned skinned man with dark curly hair, holding onto, who she could only assume to be the man’s daughters, small hand. She paused what she was doing and set down her cloth as she walked towards them.

‘Hi, is there anything I could do for you’ she smiled politely.

Calum cleared his throat as he looked at the absolute beauty in front of him. Her voice was so soft and delicate. She had long and thick curly hair, freckles adorning her makeup free face and the prettiest green eyes he’s ever seen. She was almost a foot shorter than him as he looked down at her and caught a glimpse of her name tag.

‘Gwen’ he thought to himself. It suited her.

His daughters excited voice pulled him out of his trance as she spoke up. ‘My daddy’s letting me get my nails done. He promised me that if I was good all day, he would let me’ she said rapidly.

Calum looked up at the girl in front of him ‘You aren’t closed right?’ he asked, hoping he wouldn’t let down his daughter.

Gwen was surprised at his deep voice, she could sense a slight accent in there. Technically she was about to close, but she wasn’t going to turn them away. She smiled at the two and shook her head ‘I think I can make an acception for you two, follow me over here’ she said as she lead them towards the back.

Kaia’s eyes lit up when she spotted a pink manicure chair, covered in butterflies and hearts. ‘Have a seat’ Gwen said to the little girl. Kaia eagerly climbed onto the chair, the look of pure excitement never leaving her face.

Gwen turned to the energetic girl’s father ‘You can have a seat right there if you’d like’ she told him while pointing to a chair a beside hers. He nodded quietly, not saying anything as he took a seat beside her. She pulled out a bin under the table with an array of different nail colors for the little girl to choose from. Her eyes got even bigger in size once she sees all the polish.

‘Now, you can pick any color from this box, and maybe later we can add some sparkles to finish it off’ Gwen told her as her smile widened at the sight of the little girl.

Calum was watching them both intently, interacting with one another. Kaia, of course reached for the bright red color to match her uncle’s nails.

‘Red huh, this is a beautiful color’ she said. Kaia nodded and grinned as she spoke excitedly ‘My uncle Luke has red nails, I wanted to match with him’, Gwen nearly melted at what she’d just said.

‘Daddy’ a small voice called. Calum blinked rapidly before looking at his little girl. ‘You should get your nails done too, uncle Luke said you guys used to go all the time’ she beamed and continued to look at her nails being painted.

Gwen turned to look at him, wondering what his response would be. She wouldn’t mind doing his nails, especially if she got to be closer to him. The father was quiet, before a small smile made its way onto his face. ‘Sure, why not’ he shrugged ‘You good with that’ he asked Gwen wanting to make sure she was ok with it, especially since she was probably supposed to be closed already.

She smiled happily and nodded ‘I’m good with that’.

It seemed odd to Calum that he knew her name, but she didn’t know his, so his next move was quite bold on his part. ‘My name is Calum’ he blurted out. Gwen giggled, not trying to b rude but he was being really cute without even trying.

He’s not sure if her laughing is a good thing but it still made a blush arise on his cheeks. Give him a break, he hasn’t been on a date since he was nineteen. Ever since Kaia was born, she’s been his only priority. Her mom wasn’t around anymore, and he had no time for dating with his busy schedule. He can bet that the boys would all be laughing at him right now for his lack of flirting skills.

‘Its nice to meet you Calum, I’m Gwen’ she said. She realized he’s most likely seen her name tag already, but he looked a little nervous. Who knew someone as attractive as him could get all shy and flustered.

‘And I’m Kaia’ the little girl giggled. That seemed to ease the nerves in the room.

He had no idea why he was so nervous. He’d just met the girl less than half an hour ago. Maybe it was just her kind presence or her gorgeous smile. It also helped that she didn’t seem to know who he was in terms of the band and if she did, she wasn’t showing it.

 ***

 Kaia was sitting still, afraid to mess up her red nails. Her and Gwen were having a conversation about Disney princesses. Kaia arguing that Belle was the best and Gwen saying it was Ariel.

‘But Belle saved the beast she-‘

‘Yes but Ariel traded her legs for love I-‘

‘You guys are both wrong, Jasmine is the best’ Calum stated while shrugging. Kaia’s mouth hung agape while Gwen just shook her head ‘And why do you think that huh’ she teased.

‘Well first of all, she’s so full of spirit and determination, she’s so focused on fighting for her dad really she just-‘ Calum stopped as he realized he was rambling on about his favorite Disney princess to a cute stranger. Both girls are silent before they both burst out in a fit of giggles.

The older girl found it adorable and, in some way, oddly settling that he wasn’t afraid to admit to watching Disney princess movies and even having a favorite.

‘Sorry but you are wrong, Ariel is the best and you can’t change my mind’ Gwen said as a small smile made its way on her lips.

The three of them continued to talk about anything and everything. Kaia told Gwen some stories about her dad and her band while they’re on tour, she told her how excited she was to go back to school. She talked about how much she missed her dog Duke and how her aunt Mali is looking after him.

And Gwen loved it. So did Calum, he loved seeing his little girl converse so easily with another person. Especially a girl, since she hasn’t really had a close bond with another woman other than Mali.

Before he knew it, Kaia’s nails were all done with the perfect sparkly red manicure. She hopped out of her chair before she ran around the table to show her dad.

‘Daddy look, they’re just like uncle Luke’s, they’re so pretty’ her eyes were full of excitement showing off her new nails. Kaia whipped her head around, her brown curly locks flying with her, she ran into Gwen’s legs and hugged her tightly.

‘Thank you, thank you, thank you, I love them’ her muffled voice said. She pulled away and looked at her dad who had a smile on his face from watching the interaction. ‘Daddy, it’s your turn now’ her small voice spoke as she continued to admire her nails.

Calum looked up at Gwen and raised and eyebrow ‘Alright let’s do this’ his gruff voice spoke as he took a seat in front of her instead of beside her. Kaia had taken Calum’s spot and was currently on his phone that he gave her to distract her for bit.

Gwen started on the basics, cleaning his nails, filing them, making sure they’re even as he chose a simple black color for his nails ‘So, you’re in a band huh’ she asked him. She was surprised when Kaia had mentioned this, she wasn’t very in tune with the generation’s music, so she wasn’t necessarily surprised she didn’t recognize him.

Calum didn’t mind that she had no clue whatsoever as to who he was, it was kind of refreshing. ‘Yeah, me and my three best friends, been together since 2011’ he told her. Her eyes grew wide at this. ‘Eight years wow that’s a long time’ she stated. He nodded ‘I don’t know how I’ve managed to stay sane this long’ he chuckled ‘But no I enjoy it, I travel the world with my best friends, play for thousands of people, create music’ he told her with a look of pure joy on his face

‘Sounds like a dream come true’ she smiled, and he nodded in agreement ‘It really is’ he paused ‘Tell me about you though’

She shrugged starting to coat his nails in black polish ‘There’s not much to tell, I own the salon, I opened around two years ago, I guess I’ve always been interested in cosmetology so after I graduated from the cosmetology program in college, I took out a loan and opened up this place’

‘Looks like we both found something we loved and made a lives out of it’ he paused, unsure if he really wanted to ask this next question, but it slipped out of his mouth before he knew it ‘I don’t suppose you have a partner who helps you, a boyfriend maybe?’ he mentally cringed, he doesn’t remember the last time he tried to asked a girl out.

Key word is tried.

Gwen thought it was adorable ‘That’s a lame way to find out if I have a boyfriend or not’ she laughed. Calum lets his head fall and he groaned ‘Was it that obvious’ he chuckled. 

‘Daddy, even I knew that was bad’ Kaia’s voice called out before giggling. Calum looked at his daughter and then back at Gwen who has a grin plastered on her face. ‘Are you just gonna sit there and laugh at me now’ he said as he tried not to move his hand, so he didn’t mess up his nails.

Gwen shook her head and smiled ‘For the record, it’s just me, no boyfriend’ she stated, she sees him take a deep breath at her confession. ‘Good’ he said.

She raised an eyebrow ‘Why?’ she questioned. It was quite obvious as to why, but she just liked bugging him, he was even cuter when he got nervous. ‘You’re getting a kick out of this aren’t you’ he asked. Gwen finished the last coat of nail polish on his nail before looking up at him ‘Maybe just a little bit’ she giggled.

The chair screeched from beside Calum as he saw Kaia move closer to him. She sighed ‘Daddy, do you need me to ask her for you’

Gwen laughed even harder at this, finding the father and daughter duo absolutely endearing. Calum shook his head, dark hair moving with his actions, ‘No sweetie, I think I’m good’ he told her, rubbing his eyes.

‘Can you please hurry because I’m hungry and I need to show uncle Luke my nails’ she breathed out. Calum nodded ‘I’ll try’. Gwen was watching this interaction with grin stuck on her face as he turned to look at her.

‘Well, Gwen, I’ve had a surprisingly good time with you here, so would you maybe wanna go out with me sometime?’ he asked, his eyes filled with hope.

‘How could I say no to that’ she smirked.

Maybe he’s getting a second chance at love after all.

***

tags : @softforcal @irwinkitten @gothcal @glitterprincelu @gigglyirwin @crownedbyluke @keeponfallling @abitloudforanaccousticset

[sugarcoated-pain]

Heavy Rotation Part 5

Thanks to everybody who’s been reading, especially those letting me know what you think! Keep an eye out for Part 6 soon because it is gonna be GOOD! ;)

As always, thanks @sublimehood for all the help, guidance, and general reassurance lol. 

Best Friends to Lovers- original character + Ashton

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Over the next few weeks, things started to go back to normal. Well, I mean, as “normal” as things could ever be for us. Ashton and I didn’t speak of the kiss again, and we all did what we could to help him get over his break up. I respectfully didn’t bring up the “friends with benefits” comment while he was grieving, though the thought definitely crossed my mind more than once.

Around the end of January, we got a regular visitor around the studio. Ray is a music producer and owner of a brand new recording studio in New York City, as well as an old friend of Luke’s parents. He’s visiting LA on business, and had never seen the studio, so he stopped by whenever he got a chance, just hanging out and picking up ideas for his own studio.  On his first day in town, Liz was giving him the grand tour and they caught me messing around in the recording studio. Whoops. Ray was amused by this, and also could immediately tell that I am an “East Coast Girl”. Didn’t realize it was THAT obvious.

It’s almost impossible for me to stay away from the studio now that I am getting the hang of how things work in there. When business is slow, Ashton and I have been working on editing my demo, but it’s taking longer than it should, since we’re actually supposed to be working. Ray walked in one day and overheard part of my track, and was intrigued. Ashton played it for him from the beginning, much to my embarrassment, but Ray said it was “really good” and that I have “a lot of potential”. Holy crap. This is amazing.

On his last day in town, Ray approaches me alone while I’m working in the store.

“I’ve been really impressed by you while I’ve been here. You’ve got the same energy that I’m looking to have in my studio. If you decide you’d like to move back closer to home, there’s a job waiting for you.”

I’m initially stunned. He hands me his business card. “Wow, thanks. That’s incredible and honestly really flattering, “ I start, once my brain is able to process what he is saying. “But I’ve already kinda built a life here, and I love what I’m doing.”

Ray glances down at the pile of records in my hand, and gives me an incredulous look, “Stacking records?”

I chuckle slightly. “Touche.”

“Just keep it in the back of your mind, okay? The company would pay to fly you there and there could be a nice signing bonus involved. Hit me up if you change your mind.”

I stand there stunned for a few moments after he’s left, staring at his business card in my hand.

“Hey, you okay?” It’s Georgia. She’s bringing Calum lunch, and has clearly noticed that I’m in shock.

“Uh.. yeah I think so... That Ray guy just offered me a job in New York.”

“WOAH…seriously??  are you..actually considering it?” She asks, looking impressed and also mildly concerned.

“Nah not really… I mean, my gut says no, I love my life here.. But it sounds like it could be good money, and it would be nice to be closer to home…” I reply with a shrug.

“Well, you know we’d all miss the hell out of you, but I’m excited for you and support whatever decision you make!”

I smile. “Thanks, G.”

I was on closing duty for the store that night, and everybody else had shit going on, so once my shift was finally over, I had the apartment to myself. I cooked myself some pasta without anybody getting in my way, and plopped down on the couch to watch a movie. Ashton was the first one home.

“Are you watching the Wedding Singer AGAIN?” He asks, shaking his head.

“I love this movie, leave me alone!”

He plops down on the couch next to me, and before I even know what is happening, he grabs my fork and steals a bite of my alfredo.

“Hey! Get your own!” I snap, slapping his hand playfully.

He smirks triumphantly, taking another bite.

“How was work?” He asks, settling back on the couch.

“Boring as hell. OH but that Ray guy came back and actually offered me a job in New York!”

“What?? For real??”

“Yeah but I'm probably not gonna take it.. it's just kinda flattering, ya know?”

“Why aren't you going to take it?”

“Well, I mean, I've already got a job that I usually enjoy..and I've built a life here.. and there's all of you guys…”

The look on his face is hard to read but I'd say he seems pleased with my answer. His cell phone buzzes and he checks it, then let's out a frustrated groan.

“What's up?” I ask curiously.

“Nothing… just… Camille keeps texting me lately..”

“WHAT?!? What does that skanky bitch want??”

“She says she wants to 'talk’. Keeps trying to get me to meet up with her. She is apparently sorry and made a 'mistake’.” He sighs.

“....you're not buying that bullshit, right??”

“I don't really wanna talk about it right now. Let's just watch your stupid movie.” He adds, the last part in a playful tone. Without responding to the text, he puts his phone back in his pocket.

We sit in silence for a little while just watching the movie together, even though I've seen it dozens of times. I’m hyper-aware of the fact that we seem to be inching closer together on the couch, until the point that our legs are touching. I can occasionally feel him watching me out of the corner of my eye. My cheeks start to feel flushed and the air feels like it’s made of electricity. The tension starts to become too much to bear. My heart is racing now and it’s taking everything in my power not to climb on top of him right here on the couch. Almost a month has passed since the breakup, and I decide in this moment that this is a reasonable amount of time to address the thing I can’t stop thinking about.  

“So.. remember on New Year’s Day when you made that comment about ‘best friends with benefits’?” Before I can finish my sentence, his lips are on mine. Pulling me closer to him, i wrap my arms around his back and run my fingers through his hair as I kiss him back.  “But that’s all this is, right? No strings attached?” I say quickly, pulling away, but with our lips just inches apart. He instantly breaks the space between us to continue kissing me.  It’s a deep, passionate kiss, the kind I pictured every time I imagined this happening, but I need to make sure we are on the same page, so I try again, “Because you’re still getting over Camille....”,

“And you don’t want a relationship…” he retorts, but his lips are back on mine as soon as he finishes the sentence.

“And we’re best friends who live together and anything more would be weird….and I wouldn’t want everybody else to know..” I say into his ear, as he moves his lips down to my neck.

“Just shut up and kiss me.” He pulls me up onto his lap, and I straddle my legs on either side of his.  I move one of my hands from his hair to his back, moving up under his shirt and running my fingernails all the way down. I can feel him getting harder beneath me, and it’s almost too much to take. He runs his hands up under the back of my shirt to undo my bra.

Suddenly, we hear keys in the front door and I jump off of him as fast as I can. We both frantically straighten our clothes and hair, panting. Luckily, Cal and Georgia are lost in conversation and not paying attention when they first walk in. I pull my loose bra through my shirt sleeve discreetly and stuff it under the throw blanket next to me. I notice Ashton is using the other end of the same blanket to hide his erection, which makes me smirk proudly.

“Hey guys, what’re you up to?” Cal asks as they enter the living room

“Just watching a movie .. but it’s almost over and I’m exhausted so I was thinking about going to bed soon.” I reply, with a pointed look at Ashton.

“Yeah, me too.” Ash adds, picking up on the cue. He better know that I expect him to crawl through my bedroom window the second I get in there and fuck me senseless.

“Aw. We actually had a movie we wanted to watch with you guys. The four of us haven’t gotten a chance to hang out in a while.” Georgia replies. Great. Guilt trip. Ashton and I exchange a look.

“I guess I can hang out a little while longer.” I answer. How long can the movie be, right?

I can wait two more hours for the guy I’ve already waited eight months for. But about halfway through, the rush from our little makeout session has worn off and I start to feel drowsy. Last thing I remember is laying my head on Ashton’s shoulder.

I wake up several hours later, wrapped in Ashton’s arms on the couch. Someone appears to have thrown the blanket over us, so that’s kind of awkward. I realize the sun is already up, and reach for my cell phone to check the time. I’m supposed to be downstairs for work in 30 minutes so I gently move Ash’s arms and begin to stand up. He’s still passed out but he instinctively tries to pull me back to him. It’s adorable and everything I’ve ever wanted but this shit can absolutely NOT happen. This was a terrible idea. I should NOT have allowed this to happen.

“Hey, Ash. Wake up. You’ve gotta go to work soon.”

“morning” he says groggily.

I stand up and fold the blanket, and try to give him a second to wake up.“....We need to talk about last night..” My tone a little bit more serious than I intended.

“Why am I getting a deja vu feeling?” he says, as he stretches and begins to sit up.

“I changed my mind. I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to do this whole ‘friends with benefits’ thing…”

“Can I assume you’re not going to give me a reason as to why?”

Because you’re the most perfect man I’ve ever met and I’m secretly falling for you, which makes you the world’s worst distraction for a girl on a mission. “I just don’t want to deal with everybody in the apartment finding out, but I also don’t want to have to sneak around. I think we’re really better off as JUST friends…”

“Well I’m gonna call bullshit because I know you don’t give a damn what anybody else thinks, but fine. If that’s what you really want, then I respect that... Just friends.”

“Thank you. It is.” UGH it’s very much NOT what I really want. Why can’t I just be real with him and myself right now?

I take a super quick shower before work, and all I can think about is how badly I want Ashton in there with me. This is a problem. This HAS to stop. I’m here for my music, and I can’t let some guy hold me back, no matter how perfect he is. It occured to me in this moment that Ashton was the reason why I immediately told Ray no when he offered me the job. This is everything I wanted to avoid. What if this NYC opportunity really was my fast track into the music industry? The fact that I didn’t even consider it for a second all because of Ashton TERRIFIES me.

As soon as I step out of the shower, I reach for the jeans I had fallen asleep in, and pull Ray’s business card out of my pocket. Before I even get dressed, I send him an email asking for more details about the position. As I head downstairs for work, I hear a notification on my phone. It’s Ray, getting back to me much quicker than I anticipated, and the offer almost feels too good to be true. The money is great, I’d get to be helping make music instead of stacking cds and records all day, and I would receive a signing bonus. He even mentioned that there was a flight at the end of the week on the company’s preferred airline that still had seats available on such short notice, so he had used their miles to secure a ticket for me, just in case. That seemed a little presumptuous, but also nice to know that this guy wanted me to work for them that badly.

It was a lot to think about, and I spend most of my shift daydreaming about what it would be like to be back on the east coast, and REALLY working in the music industry. Being closer to my family and old friends would be nice. The reasons to go seemed to be adding up quicker than the reasons to stay. But I realized that my main reason to stay was more important to me than all of the reasons I should go.

Part Six

Part Seven

Part Eight

Let me know if you’d like to be added to the taglist, and I love hearing feedback!

Taglist: @cheyenne-in-wonderland @drummerboy794 @harrysgucciclothes @emmamarshmellow @rbforsmileycal @asht0ns-world @dukesnumber1

[cal-puddies]

little toes || calum hood

return of the real smut. cigarette series. let’s hear those thoughts. :)

Cal’s brow furrows as he tries to put a new diaper on Flynn. The nurse lets out a noise of frustration, this was the third diaper change that he had failed. At least he could put her in the car seat just fine.

“I’m sorry princess, I’ll figure it out.” He coos as the nurse gently pushes him away.

The doctor walks in, pushing you in a wheelchair after an exam, just as the nurse hands the newborn to Cal to hold against his bare chest.

“Happy to report, momma is good to go home.” She smiles.

Flynn has been ready since day three but the doctors had been worried about you so they’d kept you both. You’d been a little more lethargic than they’d hoped.

“Alright!” Calum grins. “Finally get to take both of my girls home.”

“Did you figure out the diaper thing yet?” You smirk, getting up from the wheelchair.

“No.” The nurse says matter of factly before turning on her heel and leaving. She likes you, but she’s had enough of Calum.

The doctor leaves you and Cal alone with Flynn, you start to pack the things Cal had brought for you, while Cal holds the baby.

“The guys postponed the rest of tour. Ashton can’t wait to come meet her.” He smiles, kissing the top of her head.

You give him a soft smile. You loved Flynn, and you loved seeing Cal with her, but you felt distanced from her. You couldn’t breastfeed, your body wasn’t producing milk, which didn’t surprise your doctor or even the lactation specialist after reviewing your history. “He’s gonna be good with her.” You cross the room and kiss the back of her head. Calum holds the back of your neck and kisses your forehead. “I’m excited to go home. I want real food and whiskey and to sleep in our bed.” You whisper.

“I’m excited to take you home. Duke is excited to meet his new human.” You give him another tired smile. “You ok baby? Why don’t you hold her while I finish packing your stuff?”

He gently hands off the baby. “Are you gonna leave your shirt off?” You try to look innocent.

“Just for you baby.” He winks. You take a seat and hold Flynn where you can look at her. Cal knows to be worried by the look in your eye. The doctor had already addressed both of you about it and you asked Cal for a couple weeks, before you wanted to address it. He agreed, because he was going to be around every day, because the rest of the tour was postponed.

She starts to fuss, it’s a little cold in the room and she wasn’t swaddled because she was supposed to be cuddled to her daddy’s chest, so you pull her in and hold her against your chest. Cal relaxes a bit at the motion.

Duke was very curious about the newborn and more importantly, he was extremely gentle.

And then she was always in Cal’s arms, he’d hand her off to you if you wanted but he never assumed that’s what you wanted.

And that lasted until Ash came over to meet her. He brought Luke with him and they were both instantly in love. And they both came with way more baby things and tons more diapers too.

“She’s precious.” Ashton says, staring down at the little girl who’s the spitting image of her father.

“Hold her?” Cal asks his friends.

“I want to.” Ash volunteers first and Cal hands her over. You knew Ash wanted a family but this definitely solidified it. “Little Flynn… first 5sos baby.” He says quietly to her and everyone laughs. Cal looks at you and smiles, and pulls you close to sit next to him. She fusses a little but Ash rocks her and hums the same lullaby Calum had been since she was born. “I’m gonna be the best uncle to you.” He promises. He kisses the top of her head and hands her to Luke.

“Hi little Flynn.” He greets. “You look so much like your daddy.” He coos. “You’ll be pretty like your mama though.” He nuzzles his nose to hers and kisses her forehead. “I love her so much.” He says, looking at you and Cal.

Cal grins, “that’s how we felt.” He squeezes your knee.

“She’s so sweet.” Ashton says.

“She’s already got Cal wrapped around her tiny fingers.” You chuckle.

“It’s true. She’s my little princess, she so much as whimpers and I’m right there.”

You gently bump his shoulder with yours, “you’ve always been attentive like that.” You smirk.

He grins and shakes his head at you. “Stop it. They don’t need to hear that.” He presses his lips to yours.

Ash is there, holding her, six weeks later when you get back from a doctors appointment.

“Hey baby.” Calum greets you. “Everything good?” He asks. You hold up to prescription that your doctor had prescribed for the post partum depression everyone knew you were suffering from, but everyone was super supportive.

“Everything’s great.” You push up on your toes to kiss his cheek, and whisper, “got the all clear for sex too.” You wink at him as you pull away. “How was she?” You ask, kissing her cheek and rubbing her back while Ash holds her.

“She just woke up.” He explains.

“And I’m fixing her bottle.”  Cal says. “Why don’t you go take a nap? We can take care of Flynn. And you need the rest.”

When you wake up, an hour and a half later, your phone is blowing up. It’s all instagram notifications so you open Instagram and click on the first comment that mentions you. It takes you to post Cal made. It’s a few pictures. The first is of Flynn and Duke’s feet. The second is of you and Calum, smiling widely at each other, something Ash had taken, and the third is of the guys gathered around her, she’s in Ash’s arm and you can only see the top of her head and them smiling down at her.

Baby girl Hood, her little toes, her favorite cuddle buddy, her beautiful mum, and the reason 5sos postponed the rest of the tour. Thank you to everyone for their love and patience. So excited for my little family to grow together. He’d posted and tagged you.

You’d left it up to Cal, whether and when he wanted to announce it, it was bound to come out eventually. And it warmed your heart to see all the love. There were also tons of demands to see her face and know her name.

You put on pants and head back to the living room, the house was fairly quiet, but it always seemed to be even when the guys were over since Flynn came home.

“Hey beautiful.” Cal greets with a big smile on his face. You look around the room and notice there were a whole bunch of people over, the guys, Crys, Roy, Mitchy, and a few of the girls you didn’t know that well. Crys is holding Flynn, cooing at her. Cal pulls you into his lap, wrapping his arms around you. “Should’ve let you know so many people were over.” He kisses your cheek. “But I figured we’d wear her out and then you and I could have a night, since she’ll sleep so well.” He grins into a kiss.

“Can I see her?” You ask, and Crys immediately agrees, bringing the little girl over to you. “Hi little princess.” You greet the baby. She smiles up at you and it’s the first time you can remember enjoying having her in your arms. You smile back at her. “Little Flynn. Baby girl Hood.” You whisper quietly to her.

Calum grins wide, “you saw it?”

“My phone was blowing up from it. It was so sweet Cal.”

“I know we talked about not posting pics of her face…”

“It’s perfect.” You grin and lean in to kiss him.

“Can I get you a drink baby?”

“I’d love one.” You nod.

Cal talks the majority of people into leaving around 6, leaving the three of you with just the guys and Crys.

Ash is holding Flynn, feeding her, which seems to be common these days.

“See you woulda been fine if she was yours.” Luke points out as Ash holds her to burp her.

“I’m glad she’s Cal’s. I don’t know if I’m ready for this full time.” He admits. “Someone mentioned food, I know you don’t expect us to eat baby formula as well.” He looks at you and Cal.

The two of you are practically in your own world, a small, quiet conversation, his hands are on you, and you’re grinning at him. You wish you could kiss him, but you don’t want it to be weird for your guests.

“They probably haven’t had more than a minute alone since she came home.” Ash mentions, rocking Flynn. “I mean he said she sleeps well, but they’re both exhausted.”

“Guess we could try giving them a night off one of these day.” Luke says. “Uncle Luke and and Uncle Ash to the rescue.” He gently grabs her little foot.

“We should probably figure out how to put her to bed first.” He mentions. “Hey guys, sorry to interrupt… but I think little one is ready for bed. And we’re hungry.”

“Hmm.. sorry Ash!” You say, sadly drawn from your conversation with Cal. “We did mention dinner.” Your stomach growls.

“I’ll take her to bed.” Cal stands and leans over to kiss you, slipping you tongue. You let out a little moan against his mouth and intertwine your fingers in his hair. He pulls away and grins at you, “later baby.” He whispers and presses his lips to your forehead. “Why don’t you guys figure out dinner?”

He goes to take Flynn from Ash but him and Luke insist on helping, and Michael excuses himself to go with.

You and Crys start talking about what to get for dinner until you hear the guys singing the lullaby Cal’s always humming to Flynn.

“Do you know this song?” You ask Crys.

“Cal’s never played it for you?” She asks.

“No. He’s been humming it since we brought her home.”

“It’s her lullaby, he wrote it for her.” She smiles.

“Why is Michael… like mad. It’s like he doesn’t want Cal to have a family.”

“He’s afraid Cal’s gonna want to be with his family more than Cal wants to be in the band. Listen, no one thought Cal would be the first one with a kid, and so far he clearly loves being a dad and I think that worries Mike.” She sighs. “He’s trying though. He knows Cal is so happy.”

“I don’t want him to go back on tour.” You whine a little.

“I think that’s a perfectly normal feeling but it’s 10 days and Southy and I will be here and we can be here” she taps the table, “at any time.”

“Thanks Crys.”

“What’d you pretty ladies decide?” Luke asks, he’s the first one back in but the other three are right behind him.

Cal sits and you cuddle against him, resting your head on his chest. He drapes his arm around you and kisses the top of your head. “You ok?” He whispers to you and you nod your head.

“We decided… Mike gets to decide.” Crys laughs.

He groans but pulls out his phone to pick something.

“I can send them home if you wanna get our night started. You look tired.” Cal whispers to you.

“Mmm mmm. It’s totally ok. I like having our friends around.”

“I was worried about you.” He admitted. “I shouldn’t have been. I should’ve known. It’s always taken you a little while to adjust when your life changes drastically.”

You furrow your brow, “D’you think I was just gonna leave you with Flynn?” You chuckle.

“It crossed my mind.” He gives you a soft smile. “You’re still my best girl.”

“I love you Cal… thanks for being so supportive.”

“Of course baby. Thank you for the cute baby.” He smirks.

Most everyone leaves by 9:45, Luke being the only one left and only because he was holding Flynn, feeding her again. But he burped her, changed her and put her back down without any help. And then he wished you both a goodnight.

“My love.” Cal says, watching you clean up the dining room. “Leave that. Let me take you to bed.”

“Why don’t you help me instead and you can talk dirty to me while we clean.” You wink.

He comes over and wraps his arms around you. “Or…” He kisses your neck, “We can go to bed… let me take care of you, and I’ll take care of this and Flynn in the morning.”

“Can you take care of me in the morning too?”

“Depends on what care you think you’ll need.” He smirks.

“More dick, probably.” You shrug.

“God baby… c’mon. Lemme take you to bed. Lemme get you naked, taste you, make you cum for me… don’t you miss cumming for me?” It’s gruff, and his breath is hot on your neck. His hands cup your breasts over your shirt. “Been too long for daddy too baby girl, know your wet, dying to have my tongue and fingers work you again.” His nose skims over your neck, teeth tug at your earlobe. “Baby girl…” He taunts, “you really gonna make me beg you for it?”

You turn your head to Calum and press your lips to his. “Fuck Calum.” You moan, turning your body fully toward him, “take me to bed.” His hands quickly find your thighs and he pulls you off your feet, carrying you to the bedroom. He easily turns off the lights while carrying you.

He sets you to your feet the second the door is closed and he pushes you against it. His lips press to yours and then move along your jaw, and you try desperately to get any friction you can. “Baby girl.” He groans at you. “Want daddy’s cock?” He pushes your leggings down.

“Uh-huh, please daddy.” You whimper. His fingers swipe through your wetness and he grins.

“Already soaked for daddy.” His lips push forcefully back to yours and he tugs your shirt over your head, followed by his. His fingers tweak your nipples and he massages your breasts before turning you around and pressing your front against the bedroom door.

“Yeah… daddy…” you whimper. You look over your shoulder and watch him drop to his knees, he pushes your legs a little further apart, and then his tongue is slicking through your folds.

He works a hickey into your thigh and then gently sinks his teeth into your ass cheek. “Daddy can’t stand this baby girl. Bed. Hands and knees.” You scramble to the bed and get into the position he’s asked for. “This ok sweet girl?”

“Mmhmm… perfect daddy.”

“God I love your sweet ass baby girl.” You feel the bed dip as Cal settles behind you, his hand gently smooths over your skin, and then he gives you exactly what you expect, and smacks your ass. You let out a moan, and Cal uses his fingers to gently rub around your lips, and he spreads them, “you are so wet, pretty girl, did I do this to you again? Of course I did. Daddy knows.” His hand comes down on your ass again. You let out a whimper and Cal chuckles. “You love this, dontcha baby?”

“Mmhmm.” You agree, enjoying the feel of his hand on your ass again.

“Missed this too. Missed your noises. Missed your lips… wasn’t expecting you to go for this tonight though.” He muses.

“I just miss your body against mine.” You say quietly.

“I’ll do better baby.” He promises. “For now though…” he doesn’t give you anymore warning; just slides in. He lets out a low groan as he does so. His pace starts slow and you drop your face to the pillows. “You ok?” Cal asks, working his rhythm up.

“I’m so fuckin good Cal… so… good.” You breathe. “Please don’t stop… harder.”

“You got it baby.” And he delivers, snapping his hips hard against yours, he reaches for your shoulder and pulls you up against his body. His lips start working against your neck, his hands are everywhere.

“Calum…” you moan.

“Oh fuck baby.” He groans, “when you moan like that…”

Cal pulls out and you whimper, “not done.”

Cal chuckles a little, “I know baby, me either.” He gets off the bed and reaches for you, pulling you against him and carrying you to the wall. “Needed to look at you.” He explains, hips resuming their old pace.

You keep one arm wrapped around his neck, fingers in his hair, the other is pinned to the wall, fingers intertwined with his. You press your forehead to Cal’s. He gently kisses you despite the hard, fast pace of his hips.

“That’s it… cum for me.” He coaxes, knowing you’re close without you having to say a word. He bites your lip and then kisses your bottom lip. “C’mon baby.” You grip his hair and drop your head against his shoulder, letting your teeth sink into his collarbone. “Fuck I love that feeling.” He groans. Cal’s not far behind you, quickly spilling his cum into you with a gruff moan in your ear. He gently pushes the two of you away of the wall so he can hold you. “Damn baby. I love you.” He says quietly, smoothing your hair and pressing his lips to your cheek.

“I love you too Cal.” You tighten your grip around him, and kiss his shoulder.

He sets you down and steps back, reaching to hold one of your hands. “Hot as ever.” He moans, bringing your hand to his lips so he can kiss your knuckles. His free hand goes between your thighs, pulling some of the mixed juices out with it. He holds his fingers to your lips and you gladly clean them. “So good for me.” His thumb gently pulls at your lip and he leans in to kiss you. “Wanna shower with me baby?” He mumbles against your lips.

“Absolutely.” You agree with a small grin.

Cal doesn’t wake you in the morning which is perfectly fine because you were against the wall in the shower and then begging him to use his tongue on you an hour later in bed. And he’d woken you up at 4 for one more slow, soft round before you curled back up together naked until Flynn woke up.

You pull one of his shirts on and a pair of panties and then go to the bedroom door to listen. Cal was talking and singing and all you heard were little sounds from Flynn, so you figured it must just be the two of them.

“Hey, there’s our beautiful mama.” He greets.

“Hey handsome.” You give Cal a quick kiss. “Hey little Hood.” You gently rub her little tummy.

“How ya doing this morning?” Cal smirks as he hands you a cup of coffee.

“Sore. Very sore.” You admit.

“Poor thing.”

“I know! Jeez, you’d think I got good dick last night.” You wink and take a sip of your coffee.

“You did get good dick last night and this morning… remember the dick that got ya pregnant.” He gently tugs the shirt to pull you closer for a kiss.

“Oh… hmm are we sure this little baby is yours? Could be Ash’s.” You shrug.

“That little girl could not be more mine.” He laughs.

“She’s so sweet.” You smile over at her, “and she’s definitely yours… look at these chubby lil cheeks.” You rub her little cheeks, “and all this black hair, just like daddy. Huh sweet love? Definitely daddy’s.”

Cal wraps his arms around your waist, his nose skims up your neck and his lips push just below your ear, “someone else is daddy’s too.” He whispers.

You turn your head and press your lips to his, “you're a mess.” You whisper against his lips.

“You’re the reason I’m a mess.” His lips drag along your jaw before he kisses your cheek.

Cals large hands wrap around your daughters feet, and the contrast is almost comical. He kisses her little feet. “Little toes here is about ready for a nap, mama. You wanna put her down and meet daddy back in our bedroom?”

“Yeah daddy. Sure.” You quirk an eyebrow at him.

He winks and then kisses your forehead. “Hey also, Mali and my mom will be getting here while I’m gone, just a couple days before i get back…. but they’ll be here.” He mentions.

“Ohh just the girls huh?”

“If I could change it, I would.” He chuckles. “Put our little one down and come see me.” He holds his fingers in a ‘v’ up to his mouth and flicks his tongue through it. “Bet that got you so wet.” He smirks.

tag list: @kaxseychill @musicsavedme-00 @que-serasara @abitloudforanaccousticset

cigarette || corona || rolling papers || black on black|| stuck || navy button down || a hotter touch || pancakes || the second thing || ours || losing you || little toes || holy water || date night || me, you and little hood || five years later

masterlist || ashton || calum || luke || michael

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