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#Calum hood fic
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emergency contact | calum hood x fem!reader
FUCK this took so long and took so many twists and turns but i have finished lads
summary: you end up in the hospital after an accident, only to find that your emergency contact number hadn’t been updated. you are yet to find out if it’s a blessing or a curse. 
word count: 8.9k
warnings: self doubt, talking down about oneself, she/her pronoun usage, swearing, breakups, angst, drinking, car accident, hospital mentions, injury mentions, mentions of weed, partying, fighting
author's note: it might be rushed at the end and there's no set timeline of events, so it might not align with the true events IRL.
i also would like to say that we support girls here! no hate toward anyone, girls support girls!
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In defense of yourself, you hadn’t expected to be back in Los Angeles so soon. Nor had you anticipated an accident like this to update your contacts on your phone. It was on the back of your mind, yes, but you had intended to change your emergency contact list on your phone for events like these. It was something you’d remind yourself occasionally, only to push it off for the next day, then the next day, then forget about it altogether. 
And perhaps you were too cowardly to change the list. You didn’t admit this to another soul since it had been nearly a year since the two of you broke things off. Your friends time and time again had persuaded you to put yourself back on the market, to get over the musician. But how could you? You had dedicated the best years of your life to him, nearly six of them. You thought you were going to marry the man, but life had other plans. 
That being said, you still loved him. The small act of removing him off your emergency contacts list felt so final to you. Like that was the end of your sad little love story with him. Truth be told, it was the end. It was the end from the moment you broke things off with him. You were just too stubborn to admit that to yourself. 
It was your doing, wasn’t it? You were the one to tell him it was over. He had just gotten back home from their tour and went to greet you with open arms. You had been wretched enough to deny him that, pulling away immediately. You ignored his eyes when you told him you were tired of your lifestyle. Of waiting on him like a dog for him to come back from tour. Of relishing that one month of being together like it was the last thing on earth, only for him to leave once again for tours or writing retreats. 
And most of all, you were tired of not feeling enough for him. In the world of popular and beautiful stars, why did he stay with you? Calum never made you feel so ordinary, not on purpose, at least. You had nothing to offer him other than your love. You feared that wouldn’t be enough in the end. The more years that passed, and the closer the possibility of marriage became, you thought it would be better to let go of him first before he ended up resenting you for not choosing someone better when he had the chance. 
You didn’t listen to his pleas for you to stay. Or his professions of love for you, or how his promise to leave the band entirely if it meant you staying. You felt so cruel to let someone who loved you so much go so easily. He was willing to give up his music for you, so how could you ever claim that you were second best to his music? 
But that was the very thing, you were afraid. He loved you so much that he was willing to let his entire life go for you. You couldn’t let him do that to himself, to let go of his happiness. But you had enough self dignity to know that you deserved more out of life than waiting in an empty home to fill up again. 
Calum wasn’t sure what to make of the phone call he received just a moment ago. He never thought he’d hear your name again, much less be summoned to the hospital to see you. 
“Mate, why are you still here?” Ashton asked, tucking away his drumsticks. “The nurse called you a half hour ago. Aren’t you going to see her?” 
“I don’t know,” Calum uttered truthfully. “It’s been so long since I last saw her. It was probably a mistake, right? Why would they call me up?” 
Michael rolled his eyes from the couch where he was tuning his guitar. “Because you’re still down as her emergency contact,” he drawled sarcastically. 
“Thanks for pointing out the obvious,” Calum deadpanned. “I mean, why would they call me and not her parents or something? Or her new boyfriend,” he muttered under his breath. 
Luke approached the group from the bathroom, running his fingers through his hair. “Easy there, tiger,” he teased, grasping Calum’s shoulders from behind. “One might assume you’re jealous.” The youngest of the group quickly dodged the bassist’s shove, laughing while doing so. “To calm your worries, no, she doesn’t have a new boy in her life. And her parents moved to the east coast three months ago so they can’t come over.”
“Well aren’t you the stalker,” Ashton snickered. 
Luke shot the drummer a glare. “I’m not a stalker,” Luke defended himself. “In case you actually wanted to know, I still keep contact with y/n. At least Sierra does for the most part. Though, last time I heard she was in Boston.” 
“Boston,” Calum spoke up in confusion. “What’s she in Boston for? And how did she end up here?” 
Luke clicked his tongue, a knowing look on his face. “If you want to know, you can ask her yourself,” he sang in an annoying tone. 
Michael set his guitar down and stood up in defense of his friend. “While that’s true,” he began. “What about..you know?”
“What about “you know?”” Ashton piped up. “There’s no harm in Calum going. She could really be hurt and need someone with her. If what Luke said is true and you’re the only nearby emergency contact, it’s better safe than sorry that you go to her.” 
The boys shared a look with each other. In their heart of hearts they knew it was a bad idea to let Calum go, especially after everything that had happened. But a selfish part of them wanted their best friend back, so what harm was in that notion? 
“I’ll go,” Calum finally relented. “But she’s coming with me.” 
When Calum arrived at the hospital, he wasn’t sure what he was expecting. The doctor explained it was a car accident, and although you were recovering okay you still had to be observed after minor surgery. A part of Calum’s heartstrings tugged at the thought of you alone and afraid during the accident, thinking he could have done something if you hadn’t broken things off, but he pushed that feeling down. It’s been a year; you’ve probably gotten over him and he’s started a new chapter of his life without you. 
Calum followed the nurse to the recovery room where you were still unconscious. At the sight of you, he instantly lost all air in his lungs. Frozen, the bassist stood before you with a mix of emotions flooding through his face. 
It was as though you were entirely different but still the same in some way. Your face, albeit bruised, looked more peaceful than Calum had seen of you. Hell, even before you broke things off you always had a furrowed brow or frown of some sort. It broke Calum’s heart to know that he was the cause of that stress. 
Calum sat down beside you, instantly grasping your hand like second nature. It was just as soft as he could remember, and your nail polish was chipped and stained the skin surrounding it. Calum chuckled to himself, a tearful smile on his face. He knew your nail polish was your own doing, seeing as you had always asked him to paint your nails since he had “more precision.” 
“Oh y/n,” he whispered, his voice cracking slightly. “What the hell did you get yourself into now?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know.” 
Calum jerked back to see your eyes staring back at him. “Hi, stranger,” you managed to crack a smile. “What brings you to this hospital?”
Calum choked out a laugh, his thumb grazing against the top of your hand. “Oh you know me,” he said. “Always hanging around these parts whenever I get the chance.” 
“You idiot,” you snorted, shaking your head and wincing in pain.
“Easy now,” Calum reached over to cup your cheek. “The doctor said you have a mild concussion and a sprained ankle, but nothing a bit of rest can’t fix.”
Your hand met his on your face, instantly warming to his touch like nothing had changed between the two of you. “Why are you here, Hood?” you asked curiously.
“You tell me.” Calum pulled out his phone and showed his past calls list. “I got a call from the hospital saying I was your emergency contact.” 
You dropped his hand and covered your face in embarrassment. If your headache wasn’t killing you, the sheer embarrassment was. “Oh my God,” you groaned. “I’m so sorry, Calum. I had meant to change it but I never got the chance and–”
“It’s alright,” Calum calmed you down. “Relax. I’m not mad or anything. If anything, this gave us a great opportunity to reconnect and catch up on things. It’s been what, a year?”
One year, three months, twenty eight days, and twelve and a half hours, the both of you thought subconsciously. But who’s counting? 
The both of you were. Clearly.
“Something like that,” you lied smoothly. “How are you? How are the boys? I’ve kept contact with Crys and Sierra, but I haven’t had a chance to meet with them both. I was actually planning on shooting them a text as soon as I landed here, but obviously I haven’t had the chance.” 
Calum laughed at your blunt humor. He missed that a lot about you. “I’m alright,” he replied. “The boys are great, too. They send their love, by the way. We’ve been cooped up at the studio writing and producing music, though you probably expected that from us.”
Ouch. Was that a dig toward why you broke up with him? “Naturally,” you grinned. “Do I make a special feature in this album? The trashy ex that broke up with the bassist as soon as the tour ended? You best get back to the studio, I’m sure this whole debacle has given you something to write about.” 
“You are far from trashy,” Calum countered, continuing the light banter. “And I’m not going to throw your dirty laundry out like that, I have some taste, you know.” 
“Oh come on,” you pressed. “That hoe called me back, gave me a heart attack,” you sang terribly, making Calum cover his ears. “Oh yeah she broke my heart, that’s not even the start-”
“Oi, quit that!” he laughed. “Leave the songwriting to me because good God that was terrible. Any more of that and you’d put me in the hospital bed next to you. And please do not call yourself a hoe. That’s worse than Luke calling Ash “daddy.”” 
Once your laughter had died down and you ran out of lyrics to spew, a comfortable silence filled the room. His chocolate brown eyes rested down at your joined hands. 
“Thank you, by the way,” you spoke to break the silence. “For coming. You didn’t have to do that.” 
“For my trashy ex?” he teased, a smirk dancing along his lips. “I’d do anything.” 
God why did you break up with him? He was perfect, still is. Why does he still tug at your heartstrings and make you weak with one smile. How could you still feel this way after a whole year? Do you still love him-
“Babe, there you are! This place is a maze, I could barely understand the nurse’s directions.” 
You turned your head so fast, you nearly got whiplash again. Standing before you was a beautiful girl with the most luxurious beach waves and tan that every girl dreamed of. 
She bent down to kiss Calum’s cheek swiftly, making your breath hitch without you realizing. The girl smiled at you, taking your hand -that Calum instantly dropped at the sound of her voice- and squeezing it. “You must be y/n,” she concluded cheerfully. “I’m Tia, Calum’s friend.” 
“They are so not friends,” you grumbled to your friends, days after the initial encounter. 
Your friends chuckled at your gray demeanor, each of them taking sips of their coffee or bites of their breakfast. After being discharged from the hospital, the band and their significant others thought it would be perfect to catch up with you during brunch. You had agreed, eager to learn about everything you missed, especially the new couple. 
“You’d be right and wrong, n/n,” Michael replied, setting his mug down. The group was significantly more relaxed to talk about the subject considering Tia needed to take a phone call and Calum insisted on accompanying her. “The way they’re friends isn’t the same as how he’s friends with us–”
“Speak for yourself, baby, Calum keeps my bed warm whenever Sierra’s out,” Luke teased with a wiggle of his eyebrows. Sierra rolled her eyes playfully, elbowing him in the ribs. 
“And Luke keeps mine warm when they’re both gone,” Ashton chimed in without missing a beat.
Michael sent the youngest and oldest members a glare before continuing. “As I was saying,” he huffed exasperatedly. “They’re in the weird phase between friends and dating. They met a little after the tour and were friends for a while. It was Tia that made the move on Calum, like, two months ago.”
Noticing the stark difference in your facial expressions after hearing Michael’s explanation, Crystal came in to quickly finish the story. “He hasn’t confirmed or denied anything, but they have been on a few dates. He’s taking it very slowly.” 
“That’s..nice to hear,” you slowly began. “But the more I hear about her, the more guilty I feel about feeling this way.” Your shoulders caved in as your friends shared a concerned look. “She seems sweet, and Calum and I are old news. It was my own decision to break things off in the first place.” 
Sierra reached for your hand, squeezing it gently. “Why did you break things off with him?” she asked in a quieter voice. 
You couldn’t help but notice how the rest of the group leaned in to hear your answer. “You mean Calum didn’t tell you?” you inquired the boys. 
“He just said it was mutual,” Ashton raised his hands up in defense. “I didn’t know you broke it off with him.” 
“Why didn’t you tell us she broke up with Cal?” Luke whisper-shouted to his partner. 
Sierra only shrugged her shoulders. “I thought you knew,” she responded, her hands grasping around her mug as she took a sip.
“No one knew,” you settled. “And it’s going to stay that way.” 
The group let out shouts of disapproval that were instantly quieted once Calum finally returned and took a seat. “What’s the fuss about?” he asked curiously. 
You shook your head, taking an overly healthy sip of your mimosa. “Oh you know,” you sighed. “Typical group shenanigans, as per usual.” 
“What kind-?” he pressed before being curtly interrupted.
“Where’s Tia?” Luke cut in, saving everyone’s necks for the time being. 
Calum took in a draw of breath after stealing Luke’s cup of coffee, much to the singer’s distaste. “Oh you know,” he copied you teasingly. “Manager calls, as per usual.” 
“She’s been getting plenty of calls lately,” Crystal commented. 
You tried to not show immense interest in the conversation. After all, you didn’t know much about Tia and the group had been too distracted to show you her Instagram profile, damn Michael and his random tangents. In the meantime, you absentmindedly twirled your straw between your thumb and forefinger as the conversation continued. 
“Tia’s getting a lot of public interest, what can I say?” Calum responded. “Her videos are getting more views every day. Her manager’s been calling her nonstop since companies keep reaching out to offer brand deal after brand deal.” 
Ashton let out a hopeful sigh. “Imagine having a brand deal set for life,” he pondered aloud, setting his salad fork down. “I’d adopt more goats and expand the garden.” 
“Cool it, Old McDonald,” Michael snickered. “I can’t imagine the band doing brand deals. Remember One Direction and their Pepsi commercials during the Super Bowl? Louis hated them.” 
The table laughed, recalling the memory. Recognizing your confusion regarding Tia’s profession, Sierra leaned in. “She’s an Instagram influencer and interior designer. She went to school for design but has branched out since. Last time I browsed her page she was doing promos for some yoga company.” 
“Great, so she’s perfect,” you grumbled to yourself, quiet enough for only Ashton to hear since he was right beside you. The drummer snorted, elbowing you roughly. 
Calum, thankfully deaf to your comment, nodded along to Sierra’s explanation. “She’s great,” he hummed. 
Your heart clenched at his words, but a hopeful side of yourself couldn’t help but perk at his courtness. Of course, it could be just to spare your feelings to not speak much about her. But a selfish part in your mind wondered if it was because she wasn’t his missing piece, the way that you fit perfectly for him. 
Stop that, you scolded yourself. Calum is no longer yours, you made sure of that. You were the selfish one who pushed him away. Why do you continue to torture him when he’s finally happy, no thanks to you. You can’t continue to pull him back, that’s why you broke up with him. And here you are,  falling back into old habits. 
You blinked back your tears, the tears you had so desperately fought back since the day you broke up with him. You didn’t deserve to shed these tears when you caused the problem in the first place. Instead, you sucked in a breath and maintained your rigid composure. It’s better than falling apart, which you more than desperately wanted to do at the moment. 
“y/n, you alright?” Calum asked, breaking you from your trance. 
You jumped slightly, lifting your head to face the group. Forcing a smile, you nodded. “Perfectly fine.” 
You weren’t sure why you were called here. After becoming mutuals on Instagram (and thoroughly stalking her pristine profile) Tia was quick to invite you out for yoga. You weren’t too keen on attempting yoga with a certified instructor, much preferring to save face in front of the already perfect girl. However, you found her nice and sweet enough to befriend despite the heartache it caused you. 
“I’m really glad you agreed to come with me today,” Tia told you honestly as you finished your session for the day. 
You settled yourself onto the mat, easing yourself into a simple stretch. “I’m glad you offered,” you replied, grunting at the ache panging slightly in your ankle. You were careful not to apply extra stress on your injured foot since it was still tender to the touch at times. “I’ve been eager to relax, especially after that accident.” 
“And you deserve it,” Tia reassured you, beginning her own routine. “Yoga’s good for recovery and stress, I’ve always tried to convince Cal into joining but he wasn’t the most graceful learner.” 
You giggled, recalling how clumsy the bassist would be. “Yeah, I’d leave that to Ashton.” 
Tia nodded in agreement. Her fingers danced down her leg as she continued to stretch. Even as jealous as you were of her, you had to admit she was graceful in everything she did (and you were sure of it with a simple browse through her Tiktoks). 
The two of you stepped out of the yoga studio, mats in tow as you continued to talk about random nonsense. On the walk back to your friend’s house -you had been staying there for the time being-, you came to realize that Tia was as genuine as they come and found it very difficult to dislike her out of jealousy. 
“So you know how Cal and I met,” Tia began, referencing the story of how the two met at an awards show. “How did you and Calum meet and get together?” 
Your mouth went dry. She knew you and Calum were a thing in the past? “I-“ you stammered. 
Tia laughed at your sudden awkwardness. “I’m not dumb, you know,” she joked. “I knew about yours and Cal’s past. He talks a lot about you, you know? More now than ever now that you’re back.” 
You had to stop the butterflies forming in your stomach. “He does?” you catch yourself saying instantly. 
Tia nodded, uncapping her bottle and taking a sip of water. “Oh yeah, big time,” she answered. “It’s really sweet to know that you made such a big impact on his life.” 
Your cheeks began to warm at her words. “He did the same,” you responded with full honesty. Tia patted your shoulder and grinned. “To answer your question, I met Calum a little over ten years ago, once the band started getting famous. I was just a senior in high school when they moved to L.A. I interned at their studio and that’s how we formally met.”
Tia gave you an impressed nod. “You guys got history,” she mused. 
You couldn’t help but smile. The memories of the past always brought a smile to your face. Dyeing Michael’s hair and staining your bathtub red, constantly buying Ash bandanas whenever you came across one you knew he’d like. Luke coming to you when he had writer’s block, and Cal crawling through your bedroom window whenever he felt homesick and wanted someone to talk to. 
“We do,” you agreed. 
Turning a corner down the street, Tia continued to ask you questions. “Who asked who out?” she questioned. “Three years of being friends turned partners was clearly not an overnight thing.” 
“It wasn’t,” you said. “It was Calum who asked me, but it took a whole lot of convincing from the boys.” You laughed quietly to yourself, recalling how he asked you to be your girlfriend. 
You heard music playing softly in the night air. You had been studying nonstop for your college finals and hadn’t seen the outside of your dorm all day. You hadn’t called the boys in a while either since they’ve been touring the world after releasing Sounds Good Feels Good. You were significantly proud of them but you’d be lying if you said you didn’t miss your boys. Now, hearing the soft guitar strumming from outside your window made you feel more longingful for them than ever. 
Especially Calum. You had a soft spot for the bassist, everyone knew that. You spent the most time with him when you interned at the music studio. He trusted your opinion above everyone else’s, and reached out to you the most while on tour. To say you had a little crush on him would be an understatement. The boys teased you relentlessly and teased Calum much more. They always said it was a matter of time until one of you would cave in and confess to the other. But they were wrong. You’re here in a small college dorm with no air conditioning single as can be while the boy you loved was halfway across the world. 
“Thinking of you,” you texted Calum with a heavy heart. “And the boys, ofc :P” 
You set your phone down and attempted to go back to studying when your phone pinged again. 
“You don’t have to feel so blue, n/n,” he responded. “Look outside”
You hopped out of bed and opened your window as much as the old rusty thing could go. On the campus grass were your favorite boys flashing lights from their phones at you. Calum was resting on Ashton’s shoulders, waving at you with the wild boyish smile you loved with your entire being. Michael and Luke were beside him, Michael playing the guitar and Luke grinning and filming. 
Concentrating hard, you recognized the sweet melody. It was the very song you wrote with him, Beside You. 
“She sleeps alone
My heart wants to come home
I wish I was, I wish I was
Beside you”
Your heart did somersaults at the presentation before you. You had always begged Calum to sing more for the album but the boy was too shy. It took some pushing but you helped him get his confidence up. Taking a cardigan, you ran out of your hall and joined the boys on the lawn, tackling each of them into a hug. 
“What the hell’s wrong with you!” you shouted out with a grin. You didn’t care if your yelling woke up your peers. Your boys were here in the flesh. 
“We missed our girl,” Ashton told you, giving you a strong bear hug. 
“One of us more than the rest,” Luke added with a cheeky smirk. 
Calum had long been off Ashton’s shoulders, awaiting your hugs he missed so much. You, on the other hand, hesitated to do so. 
“Come on!” Michael playfully shoved you. “We’ve come all this way, give the boy a hug!” 
Your face was on fire. The extra pairs of eyes made you embarrassed. Calum took an extra step forward, his hands bashfully in his pockets. 
“Didn’t you miss me, sunshine?” he asked you, awfully shy now after his confession of love. He was nervous he put you off and that he read the signs wrong. 
“I did,” you whispered back, equally shy. “But I think I want something more than a hug.” 
The boys let out whoops and cheers of joy as you decided to bite the bullet, grabbing Calum by the loops of his jeans and pulling him into a kiss.
Once you had pulled away, Calum’s lips formed into a dazed smile. “Be my girl, sunshine?” he asked you softly.
You pressed your lips against his once again, though this one was much shorter. “I was always yours, Calum.”
“Why did you and him end things, y/n?” Tia asked you, bringing you out of your thoughts. You seemed to be stuck in a trance these days, always pondering over the past and what could have been. 
You chewed the inside of your cheek, truly at a loss of words. What could you say? That you had been selfish and pushed him away so that he wouldn’t end up hurting you first? That you drove the knife deep into Calum, twisting it in every way shape and form out of self preservation? There was no other way to put it than that in your mind. 
“Time heals but also kills,” you told her with a broken smile. “Cal and I decided to put ourselves out of our misery and end things while they were good before it got worse.” It wasn’t completely a lie. Sure, he had no say in your ending things, but you spoke the truth about putting him out of his misery.
“Do you still love him?” she asked. 
You glanced over at her. Her eyes shone in the light, curious and innocent. She didn’t know the pain you both had endured that landed you in this position. 
Yes, your heart cried out. You love him. You love him with your entire being, that’s why you let him go. Because you’d rather kill your soul every single day of your life than stop him from reaching his life goals. If you had to go through that awful night that you broke your own heart again, you would, just to ensure that he is happy. 
Even if that meant that he would be happy with someone else. 
“He’s my first love,” you told her tearfully. “Of course I love him. But I am not his love, and that is okay with me. Life goes on, and so should I.” 
The two of you stopped in front of your friend’s house. Tia took your hand and squeezed it. “I really do appreciate you coming along with me today,” she said earnestly. “And I’m glad I got to hear about you and Cal’s history. It really puts things into perspective.” 
You smiled back at her. “Thank you for having me,” you responded. “I hope my words haven’t changed anything between the two of you. I meant what I said; him and I are in the past. I truly want the both of us to move forward and grow in our own separate ways.” 
Your butterflies in your stomach turned into fierce wasps, stinging you sharply. Lies, your heart hissed. Tell her you love him and still want him. 
You forced the bile rising in your throat down. Tia, blind to your inner troubles, continued to speak. “That’s actually what I wanted to ask you,” she chuckled nervously. She grabbed your other hand, bringing them together. 
“I wanted to ask Cal to be my boyfriend,” Tia confessed.
Crack. There goes your heart.
Tia seemed to notice the dip in your lips and immediately retracted. “But I don’t want to overstep or anything!” she rushed. “You and Cal have history, I’m not stupid enough to deny it. And that’s okay, that’s no one’s fault. If you still love him and want him, I’m not going to get in the way. Calum, well, it’s clear he loves you, too. I’ve heard countless amounts of stories about you to not get the memo. I really like Cal, I do. But that can’t go up against love.” 
This was your chance. To right your wrongs from the past and take back what you truly wanted. Calum. You could take this moment to run to his house right now and take him back, and you’d have Tia’s full support. Zero guilt. 
But why did it hurt so bad? 
No. You made your bed, you have to sleep in it. It doesn’t matter if the bed was built of blades of self doubt and hate, you have to slip into the sharp sheets and let it pierce through your skin. You created your own mess. It is you alone that must deal with it. Not Calum, and surely not Tia. 
You’ve made enough problems for everyone as is. 
You mustered enough strength to let go of Tia’s hands and instead cup her cheeks. “Tia, honey,” you whispered calmly. “Our love is in the past. I’ve missed my chance, and I have learned to live with it. I’ve seen the way Calum looks at you, and that’s something that can blossom into something beautiful. There’s no need to dig up something that has already run its course.” 
Tia’s lip trembled at your words. You nodded carefully. “You don’t need my permission or anything to date Calum. You don’t owe me anything. You both deserve to be happy, and clearly you make each other happy.”
“Are you sure?” Tia asked. “I promise you, it won’t hurt my feelings or anything if you still want him.” 
“No, Tia,” you reassured her, despite the burning feeling in your chest. “Please, make him happy. Make him happier than I could ever make him. He deserves that much.” 
Two weeks have passed since your encounter with Tia. Last thing you heard was that the two were very happy indeed, but you didn’t hear if they made it official. You had plenty of dates with the girls, but you insisted on changing the subject whenever they brought Calum up. You feared that if you heard about him one more time, you might burst into tears or do something stupid. 
You finished up your work from the office in your friend’s house. Grateful to be able to work from home for the time you stayed in L.A., you had to admit that sitting on a chair from 9 to 5 made you quite sore. Eager to stretch your legs, you decided to take a walk to the local park. 
However, it wasn’t any random park. It was the place you and Cal used to have endless dates when he was back from tour or the studio. You’d lay on the blanket he took from his apartment at the time and stare at the stars. Back when you both didn’t have much, you’d snack on soup crackers you took from each time you went to the diner across the street and share a can of Coke Cal took from the vending machine after work. So many secrets were shared at this park, and so many memories were made, too. 
“I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who still frequents this place.” 
You jumped to see the last person you expected at this place. Calum gave you a bashful smile before sitting beside you on the grass. You took in the last hour of sun beaming down your skin before the sky went dark, closing your eyes and tuning out the sound of the infamous L.A. traffic. 
“How can I not?” you quipped. “This park is the only place in L.A. that isn’t stuffy or gross.”
Calum let out a laugh, quietly agreeing with you. “So what brings you here, Hood?” you asked, nudging his shoulder. 
The bassist could only shrug his shoulders. “Could say the same about you,” he hummed. “Sometimes I like to sit here and write music. Other times I just sit here and listen to the ambiance.” You nodded, crossing your arms on your chest and making sure to keep a safe distance from him. His touch was mesmerizing, but you had to remind yourself that he was no longer yours. 
“This place reminds me to stay grounded,” he told you truthfully. “When I get too in my head, I always go here, even after we broke up.” 
You dropped your hands to the grass, braiding the blades absentmindedly. “I’m glad,” you spoke up. Calum looked over at you, awaiting an explanation. “It’s too good of a place to let go after a silly little relationship.” 
“It wasn’t a silly little-” Calum fought back. 
“Let’s not talk about it, Cal,” you sighed exasperatedly. 
Calum instantly frowned. “Why not?” he pressed. “You never seem to want to talk about the good old days.”
“Because it wasn’t “the good old days,”” you insisted, lying through your teeth. 
Calum let out a stubborn huff. “Now that’s a lie,” Calum shot back. “But whatever, I won’t push.” A pregnant silence took over the two of you as Calum tried to find something to say. “Have you found yourself a new boyfriend yet?” he decided to ask. 
“Calum-” you began.
“You said not to bring up the past,” Calum argued. “This is the best I can do.” 
You shook your head at his words, giving in nonetheless. “No, I don’t,” you answered. 
“Are you not ready for one?” he asked. 
“I-” You took a moment to find the right words. “I need to work on myself before moving forward with someone else.” 
“Well, I don’t get that,” Calum commented with a snort. “You’re perfect, what could you possibly work on?”
You choked out a dry laugh, though there was no humor behind it. “Quite a bit, I’d say,” you confessed. “Calum, I was a mess, I still am. I can’t put someone through that again.” 
“You didn’t put me through anything,” Calum persisted. “And now that you mention us, I can’t recall anything that you did wrong in that relationship. It was all me.”
“No Calum!” you raised your voice, standing up abruptly. He quickly followed, standing up to meet your frustrated, tired eyes. “It was me. And I’m tired of you insisting otherwise.” 
“You said that I was always gone,” Calum reminded you, his voice matching the same volume as yours. “I don’t see anything that involves you in that.” 
You threw your hands in the air. ���Because I was needy!” you exclaimed. “And I was pushy, and I hated being alone all the time–”
“But I’m right here!” he yelled back. You took a step back in shock. He was never one to raise his voice at you, even when you fought in the past. It was your throat that got raw in those arguments from having a shouting match against yourself and losing hopelessly. “Goddammit y/n I’m right here. And I promised you that night that I would always be here if that’s what you wanted.” 
Tears began to stream down your face as you pulled your hair in anger. “You don’t understand, Calum,” you cried out. 
“Then help me understand!” Calum took a step closer to you, taking your hands in his. His brown eyes were desperate, searching yours for an answer. “Please, sunshine, let me in.” 
For a moment, you almost faltered. You nearly gave in at his sweet words and use of that old nickname. But Tia remained in the back of your mind, and guilt sunk in once more.
You released yourself from his touch, looking away from his eyes. “You can’t call me that anymore,” you whispered to him. “I can’t, Calum. I just can’t.” 
Calum watched you back away hopelessly. “y/n,” he sighed.
“I’m leaving for Boston in two days,” you told him. “I’m sure Ash told you that already, though. I overstayed my welcome at my friend’s house. I should start packing.”
The bassist followed you to the gate of the park. “But I feel like we should talk about this,” Calum pleaded. 
Your fingertips grazed the gate, the cool metal sending shivers down your spine. “I’ll see you at the party, Calum.” 
– 
When you told the boys the date you were going back to Boston, Ashton jumped at the opportunity to throw you a goodbye party. In addition to catching up with you and spending every moment available with you, the boys insisted on planning the “biggest party of the century” for your departure. 
“I still don’t see the necessity for all of this,” you told the three boys with a shake of your head. 
“Trust us,” Ashton said with a wild grin. “We all need this.” 
So here you were, casually sipping your cocktail in the corner of Ashton’s home while their exquisite rager took the house by storm. Sierra and Crystal stayed by your side throughout the night, insisting  to keep up with each other while you were away. This time, you made sure to not end contact with them the way you did last time. Tia had also been in the group but left some time ago to deal with something. 
“Are you sure you have to leave?” Luke asked, pouting dramatically. “L.A. isn’t the same without you here, n/n.” 
You ruffled his hair playfully. The singer was always a little brother to you, no matter how close in age the two of you were. “I do, bub,” you said in a sorry voice. “I don’t think my boss could stand another week without me in the studio.” 
“Then move back to this location!” Michael proposed, raising his glass and nearly spilling his drink on the floor. “Transferring wouldn’t be a bad idea, would it? The studio would love to have you back, producing and doing whatever else you do.” 
You laughed at Michael’s drunken state. You were having a lot of fun relishing in the last few moments with your friends before leaving them once again. You almost didn’t realize the shouting that was going on in the dining room of Ashton’s home. 
The entire group ran to the source of the noise to find Calum standing on the dining table with Tia pleading for him to get down.
“Calum, babe, please,” Tia shouted. “You’re causing a scene.” 
All guests turned to see what was going on, especially to see why the bassist of 5 Seconds of Summer was shouting complete intelligible nonsense. 
Ashton ran towards the edge of the table. “Mate, you need to get down,” he begged hurriedly. “You’re not thinking straight, you need to get down before you get hurt.”
“No,” Calum insisted, his words slurring slightly due to his inebriated state. “I need everyone to listen to me.” 
Someone had managed to find the speaker and turn it off so everyone could hear Calum. Your heart was beating out of your chest, not from the alcohol buzzing through your system, but because of the drunk boy standing before you. 
Calum raised his cup to the crowd. “I’d like to raise a toast to the girl who broke my heart,” he announced sloppily. “The “heartbreak girl” herself, y/n l/n.” Calum clapped loudly. He was the only one who was clapping while you stood there in shock and humiliation. “I loved you, you know?” he sniffed. “And I bloody well still do. Tia’s great, though. Absolutely nothing wrong with you, Tia, I hope you know that. But you’re not the one. y/n right here, she’s the one.” 
His brown eyes, red from drinking and smoking God knows what, teared up as he looked down at you. “But what I can’t figure out is why won’t she love me?” Calum threw back the rest of his drink and winced at how strong it was. “I was getting ready to propose to you, you know?” he told you. “I had the ring in my pocket, and I was just waiting for the perfect moment.” Calum chuckled to himself bitterly. “Guess I fucked that up tremendously.”
“Calum, stop,” you pleaded. 
“Why should I?” he asked you incredulously. “You didn’t stop packing your things when I asked you to. You didn’t stop running when I chased after you in the dark. You didn’t stop when you booked that flight across the country to run away from me.” 
Tears were streaming down your face now. “It wasn’t like that, Cal,” you cried. “W-we broke up for a reason-”
“And that’s what I can’t wrap my head around!” he shouted. “You barely gave me a reason! You told me you never saw me anymore. I was willing to make more time for you, to end my career for you, to get down on one knee and be with you, and that wasn’t enough! There had to be another reason-”
“There wasn’t, Cal!” you sobbed. “So drop it, please.” 
Silence spread throughout the whole house. No one moved an inch, too shocked to make a single sound or move. All that could be heard was the sounds of your messy sobs that you failed to keep in. Cal dropped his cup and gestured his hands at you. 
“The Heartbreak Girl, everyone,” he announced with a broken sigh. “Hope you enjoyed this one hell of a show, with your heartbroken host, Calum Thomas Hood.”
You ran out of the house as fast as your feet could take you. The air was brisk in your lungs, but you didn’t care. You couldn’t care when the man you loved poured his heart out to you, only for you to squash it like it was nothing. 
“y/n!” you heard a voice call out for you. You whipped around to see Tia, scrambling to catch up to you. In the back, you could see the band -minus Calum- and their significant others peering out the glass door to see what was going on. 
Tia grabbed your hand tightly. “y/n, fuck, I’m so sorry about Calum,” she apologized, swearing profusely. “I don’t know what’s gotten into him. First we were talking about our relationship then-“
“Please, don’t bring up your relationship,” you cut her off, roughly shaking your head. “I know I gave you my blessing, but please I can’t bear to get my heart broken again.” 
“You don’t understand!” Tia pushed. “We don’t have a relationship to begin with! y/n, I never asked Calum to be my boyfriend, I just couldn’t. I couldn’t interfere with a love as great as yours and his.”
You stumbled backwards. “What?” 
Tia nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “y/n, you and Calum are endgame, don’t you see? I only talked to him tonight to explain that you still loved him. I guess he was too caught up in the alcohol to think rationally.” 
“Tia,” you said, voice dripping in disappointment and dread. “That wasn’t your secret to tell him.”
“Were you going to say anything?” she shot back. “You weren’t, so I had to take matters into my own hands. n/n, I’m a firm believer in fate and second chances. This is your chance at making everything right-“ 
“But I can’t!” you cried, ripping your hand away from hers. “Don’t you get it? I’m the one that’s killing him! I put him through hell and I can’t continue to do that. Why can’t you see that I’m a fucked up mess that ruins everything I touch? I love Calum, I’ll never stop loving him, but I’m not blind enough to not see that my love is torturing him slowly.”
You pinched the bridge of your nose in frustration. Tears reappeared in the corner of your eyes, but you were too tired to wipe them away. “I’m never going to be enough for Calum,” you confessed. “That’s why I broke up with him. I can’t watch him waste his life away on a girl that’s only going to disappoint him. I’m not like you, Tia. I’m not perfect, or beautiful, or smart, or anything remotely interesting. And one day, Calum is going to see that and realize he missed his opportunity to find someone good for him, someone that he deserves.
“I don’t deserve him, Tia,” you finished in a broken whisper. “I never will. So I’d rather fade into the background and be a distant memory than become a face he can’t stand to look at.” 
“That’s not true,” Tia insisted, tears gracefully falling down her beautiful face. “y/n, you have to believe me when I say that’s not true.”
A car drove down the street, approaching the two of you. You let out a sigh of relief, recognizing it as your uber. “I don’t have to believe you,” you replied, opening the car door. “My word is all that I need.”
Calum woke up the next day with a pounding headache. He groaned aloud, sitting up on the couch and cradling his head. He wished he was drunk enough that night to forget everything that happened, but he remembered every single detail. From the beat of the bass from the stereo to the way your dress hugged your curves he loved to kiss and hold. 
He finally pushed you away, he realized. And for good, this time. Calum felt dread and regret rush through his system, and all he wanted was to crawl into his bed and sleep his life away. 
“You know grumbling isn’t going to cure a hangover,” Tia’s reprimanding voice rang through the living room. 
Tia. Calum jumped up to face her where she had been leaning against the door frame.
“Oh Ti,” he sighed, covering his face in embarrassment. “I’m so sorry for last night, I must have humiliated you. I’m a right idiot, and I’m so sorry I put you through that.” 
“Oh shut up,” Tia laughed, walking over to him and sitting him down. “I can’t say that I wasn’t hurt, but I also can’t say I was surprised with how things turned out.” Calum hung his head low, ashamed of his behavior. He never wanted to hurt either of you. “Cal, you don’t have to be so sullen. It’s okay, there’s no hard feelings or bad blood between us.”
When Calum couldn’t bring himself to respond, Tia decided to take it a step further. “I always knew you loved her,” she confessed. “That’s why I brought it up to you last night. I wanted both of you to work things out. She really does love you.” 
Calum let out a bitter laugh. “She sure has a way of showing it,” he muttered. “Tia, don’t make me feel worse by feeding me lies. It hurts enough that I hurt both of you, don’t make it worse by saying that bullshit.” 
“I’m telling the truth!” she fought back. “y/n still loves you, she told me that herself.”
“Then why did she break up with me?” Calum retorted. “If her love never left the table, where was it when she broke things off? Correct me if I’m wrong, Tia, but I don’t think that’s how you treat the people you supposedly love.” 
Tia screwed her eyes shut, heaving out a sigh. “She loved you so much, she thought you deserved more,” Tia finally explained. “She let you go so that you could find someone better, someone who makes you happier.” 
“That doesn’t make sense,” Calum shook his head, eyebrows furrowed in thought. “How could she think that? No one could be better than her, um, no offense.” Tia snorted at the last part. “If anything, I thought I didn’t deserve her.”
“Well you’re both idiots,” Tia deadpanned. “You two clearly love each other more than life itself but were too blind to see you were perfect for each other.” 
Calum’s shoulders caved in as he drowned in his thoughts. His hangover headache was piercing his skull but he couldn’t care less. He couldn’t process why you’d ever think so lowly of yourself when he praised the ground you walk on. 
“How can I go back to her and repair things when I never realized she was hurting?” he asked. “Why would she ever want me back when I wasn’t there at her lowest? All the signs were there. She stopped calling me every night to talk about her day while I was away. She’d dodge my Facetimes with bullshit excuses that I failed to point out.” Calum huffed to himself, beating himself up critically. “What makes you think I won’t fuck up again when she needs me?”
“Because you’ve learned from your mistakes before,” Tia told him, rubbing his arm soothingly. “And you can learn from them again. That’s what I like about you, Cal. You always made an effort to better yourself, no matter the challenge. And if you truly love her, you’re going to end up fine.” 
Calum smiled softly at Tia’s words, raising his chin to look her in the eyes. “I love her so much,” he whispered. The bassist took her hand, squeezing it affectionately. “I’m sorry things didn’t work out with us, Ti,” he apologized genuinely. “I really do hope you find someone who is willing to lay down their life for you.” 
“I’ve watched two lovers reconnect like no time has passed at all,” Tia smiled back. “Trust me, I have the groundwork laid out for what’s ahead of me.” 
Suddenly, Calum’s phone began to ring. Lunging towards the arm of the couch, Calum pulled his phone off the charger and read the caller ID. Eyes wide, he looked at Tia who gave him a knowing look. 
“I’ll start the car.” 
You opened your eyes, immediately squinting at the bright light. You were met once again with the familiar feeling of a skull splitting headache and aching ankle. 
“Must you always get yourself into these situations?” 
You turned to face those brown eyes and cheeky smile you adored. Calum shook his head in disbelief, taking your hand in his. “I thought you said you’d change your emergency contact,” he said in a scolding tone. 
Your face was on fire at his words. “I forgot,” you told him honestly. 
Once again, you ended up in the hospital with similar injuries to what you received at the beginning of your trip. But instead of a car accident, you’d clumsily fallen down the stairs on the way to your Uber to the airport. Luckily a neighbor next door heard the ruckus and loaded you into the Uber straight to the hospital. 
“Or it’s fate,” Calum suggested, resting his hand on the side of your head. 
“Calum,” you tried to counter.
He stopped you instantly. “I know why you ended things,” he simply told you. “And I think I deserve a say in it.” Closing your mouth, you let him speak. “You’re wrong, y/n. You do deserve me as much as I deserve you. And I love you no matter what. I don’t need a famous celebrity as my partner when I have you in my life. None of that superficial stuff matters to me, y/n, you know that. And I know that for as long as I live and you forget to change your emergency contact list, I’ll always come for you.” 
Your heart fluttered, and you allowed yourself to feel hope for the both of you. “But what if someday down the line you want more?” you asked in a small voice. 
Calum blinked away his tears. “What more can I want?” he said in response. “You’re all I want, y/n. I’m so sorry I ever made you doubt that.” 
“Don’t apologize,” you laughed, tears beginning to fall, too. “It was my stupid brain that made me doubt in the first place.” 
Calum leaned in, his lips brushing against yours. “So is that it?” he asked. “Are we done doubting? Will you finally come home, y/n? Be with me forever?” 
You raised your hand to cup his cheek. He instinctively leaned into your touch. “With you,” you told him surely. “I’m always home. I’m yours, Calum Hood.” 
if you enjoyed, please like and reblog! it would mean a lot to me <3
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alisonsfics · 10 months
Text
roommates best friend
pairing: calum hood x reader
summary: having ashton irwin as your roommate had its perks: he was nice and would always help out around the apartment, sometimes he’d be gone for months while on tour, and he had a hot best friend
word count: 2.3k
warnings: swearing, some heated making out, minors DNI
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You were scribbling down some notes in your planner when you heard a soft knock at your bedroom door. You glanced over your shoulder and saw Ashton, your roommate, in your doorway.
“Hey, Ash. What’s up?” You asked him. He crossed his arms, leaning against your doorframe. “I’m going out to run some errands. Do you need anything while I’m out?” He asked you.
You thought for a second and then shook your head. “I should be good, thanks for asking though.” You said, smiling. He nodded and then left your shared apartment.
You returned your attention back to what you were doing.
Ashton was a great roommate. He was nice and not too messy. He was on tour often, so sometimes you had the whole apartment to yourself. You liked it when he was home though because you both were pretty good friends.
About two hours later, there was a knock at the front door. You stood up from your desk and headed towards the door. You assumed Ashton had left his key at home, which he’d definitely done a few times before.
You quickly unlocked the door. “You forget your key again, Ash?” You asked, opening the door. The door revealed someone standing outside, but it wasn’t your roommate.
A tall brunette man was standing in front of you. You recognized him as Calum, one of Ashton’s band mates. You knew his face from some of Ashton’s posts on Instagram. You both had never actually met in person, though you both had heard stories about each other.
“Oh, sorry. I thought you were Ashton.” You said, feeling embarrassed. You’d always found Calum attractive, but he was your roommate’s friend. “No, that’s okay. Is Ashton not here? I didn’t mean to bother you. You’re Y/N, right? Ash’s roommate?” He asked you.
You nodded your head, giving him a soft smile. “Ash went out to run some errands. He’ll probably be back soon, if you want to come in and wait.” You offered, trying desperately to not embarrass yourself in front of him.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to get in your way. I can just come back when he gets home.” He said. Neither of you really knew how to act in this situation. You had never hung out before, and you both wanted to make a good first impression.
“No, it’s okay, I promise. You already drove all this way. You won’t be a bother at all.” You offered, stepping back and letting him walk inside. He gave you a soft smile and walked past you.
The smell of his cologne surrounded you as he walked by you. You could feel the heat rushing to your cheeks. It wasn’t your fault that he made you weak in the knees.
“Do you mind if I go work on some stuff in my room? You can watch tv or whatever you want.” You asked him. He looked over his shoulder at you, with a look that made you feel like a schoolgirl. “Yeah, go ahead. I’ll keep it down.” He told you, sweetly.
He was super nice, which wasn’t helping with your little crush. You retreated to your room and continued working on responding to your work emails.
You could hear Calum turn on the tv, and he made sure to turn it down, so he wouldn’t distract you. You went to take a sip of your water and noticed your cup was empty.
You weren’t ashamed to admit that you checked your appearance in the mirror before you walked out of your room. You fixed your hair and smoothed out your outfit.
You walked into the living room, and Calum’s eyes shot over to meet yours. He gave you yet another soft smile. It turned your insides into jelly.
You continued to walk past him into the kitchen. You caught your breath as soon as you were out of his view. You slowly filled up your cup up with water and screwed the lid back on.
As you walked out of the kitchen, you noticed Calum was watching one of your favorite shows. You stopped near where he was sitting. “You watch this show too?” You asked, looking over at him.
He quickly nodded his head. “Are you kidding? I love this show. You’re the first person I’ve ever met who actually knows anything about it.” He told you. Both of your eyes lit up as you found this common interest.
He patted the seat next to him, causing you to giggle. You happily joined him on the couch. You couldn’t help but feel your face heat up as his arm brushed against yours.
“Oh, this is such a good episode.” You said, recognizing it instantly. Calum agreed with you.
You both could already feel the chemistry between you two. You had always found Calum attractive when you had seen pictures of him, but there was something about being next to him that made him near-irresistible.
He smoothly moved him arm to rest along the back of the couch. You definitely noticed what he was doing, but you didn’t make any attempt to stop it. Calum smirked a little as you leaned in a little closer to him, but still weren’t touching.
You both stayed like that til the episode ended. Neither one of you had been brave enough to make a move yet.
Calum turned off the tv and turned towards you. “So, you’re the infamous Y/N that Ash is always telling me about.” He said, smirking at you.
“And you’re the infamous Calum,” you added. He chuckled and his smirk only grew.
“So, how have we never met until today?” He asked you, pushing a piece of your hair behind your ear.
You both were playing a very delicate game of cat and mouse. You both knew exactly where this conversation was headed, but weren’t sure who was gonna make the final move.
“We actually almost met once.” You said, only remembering the story in that moment. He cocked his head to the side, curious as to how he could have forgotten almost meeting you.
You turned to face him more, and Calum rested his hand on your knee. “Ash invited me to one of your shows and told me I could come backstage after the show to meet you all. I went to the show, but had an emergency, so I had to leave early.” You told him.
“So, what’d you think of the show?” He asked you, still with that grin on his face. You paused for a second, making him wait for your answer.
You shifted closer to him. Your legs were almost pressed up against his. “I thought it was a really great show. I also thought the bassist was really hot.” You said, your voice barely above a whisper.
You could see Calum’s eyes grow wider. He was left speechless. “You gonna kiss me or not?” You teased him. This seemed to snap him out of his trance.
He grabbed your waist and leaned forward to connect your lips. You pulled yourself onto his lap as you kissed him. He ran his hands up and down your back. His touch felt electric on your skin.
His lips tasted like spearmint as they moved against yours. “You are so fuckin’ gorgeous.” He mumbled against your lips. You pulled away to catch your breath.
Calum had other plans. He buried his face in the crook of your neck, sucking on the soft skin. “Oh my god,” you mumbled as your eyes fluttered closed.
You rested your hands on his shoulders. Before he could kiss you again, you stood up and grabbed Calum’s hands. “C’mon,” you told him, tugging him towards your room. He smirked at your eagerness.
You pulled him inside your room and lightly kicked the door closed.
“C’mere,” Calum said, when you both were standing next to your bed. He ran his fingers down your arms, and then lifted your arms and wrapped them around his neck. “You look breathtaking.” He said.
He placed soft kisses on your jawline and all over your face, except on your lips. He let his hands slide down the curve of your back and continue until they stopped on the back of your thighs.
He effortlessly picked you up and laid you down on the bed. He crawled on top of you, and you could feel the butterflies in your stomach.
He leaned in to kiss you, but stopped millimeters from your lips. “Such a tease,” you mumbled, flipping him over. You were now straddling him, and he looked stunned. “That was so fucking hot” he mumbled.
You leaned forward and slipped your hands under his tight tshirt. You let your hands trace the outlines of his muscles. He loved the way that your hands felt on him.
“Take it off,” he encouraged you, as you balled part of his tshirt up in your hand. You smirked and slowly peeled the shirt off his large frame, pulling it over his head.
“So much better,” you said, leaning in to kiss him. He quickly wrapped his arms around your waist, keeping you as close to him as possible.
Then, you both heard the front door. “Shit,” you both mumbled at the same time. Both of you had been so caught up in the moment that you completed forgot about Ashton coming home.
“Does he know you’re here?” You asked Calum, to which he shook his head no.
“Hey, I’m home.” Ashton called out.
You quickly jumped off your bed. “You stay here and put this back on,” you said, handing him his shirt.
You slipped out your bedroom door, closing it behind you. “Hey, you’re back.” You said, smiling at Ashton. He was in the kitchen putting away some groceries he had bought.
“Can we maybe talk about something?” You asked him.
He turned around to face you. His face changed from one of concern to a smirk. “What?” You asked him, cluelessly.
“I know what this is about.” He boasted, still smirking at you. You furrowed your eyebrows. Did he really know about you and Calum? “What do you mean?” You asked him.
“I’m guessing it has something to do with the hickey on your neck.” He said, chuckling. Your eyes went wide as you quickly tried to cover your neck with your hand.
“So, thank you for giving me the roommate courtesy and letting me know about the guy in your room, but don’t worry about it. Calum and I are gonna hang out today, so I can just ask to hang out at his place and you can have the apartment all to yourself with your new friend.” Ashton told you.
You would have really appreciated how considerate he was being if the circumstances were different.
“No, you don’t understand, Ash.” You started to tell him, “you know the guy.”
It wasn’t out of the norm for you both to discuss your love lives. Ashton knew all about your ex-boyfriends, and you had had plenty of awkward conversations with some of Ashton’s flings who stayed the night.
“Is it Jonathon? He was such an ass to you. I can kick him out if you want, but don’t get involved with him again.” He asked you, referencing your semi-recent toxic ex-boyfriend. You quickly shook your head.
“Ash, it’s not him, I promise.” You told him, still having trouble actually telling him who it was.
“So then…” he said, trying to think of who it could be.
“Ash, it’s Calum.” You confessed. That was the last answer Ashton expected to hear. “Wait…you and Calum? When did you both, wait what?” Ashton asked, his shock was very clear to you.
“He came over to hang out with you, but you were out. We were watching tv and then we started talking and, I don’t know what happened.” You explained.
Ashton chuckled. “I know what happened,” he said smirking.
“Cal, you can come out.” Ashton called out. Calum walked out of your room with a slightly awkward expression. “Hey, man.” He said, softly.
“Y’know, me and the guys have actually been talking about ways to set you both up. I guess you both had that covered though,” Ashton said, chuckling.
You all paused, not knowing what to say next. Ashton was having a blast with how uncomfortable you both looked.
“Alright, this is sufficiently awkward enough. You both should go hang out, like you had planned.” You said, trying to find a way to end your embarrassment. They both nodded, agreeing with you.
“I’ll go wait in the car and give you both a sec,” Ashton said, winking at the two of you. Once he walked out the door, Calum turned to you.
“Sorry we got interrupted,” Calum said, kissing the inside of your palm. You gave him a soft smile. “That’s alright. Ash is going on a date tomorrow night if you want to bring me over to your place. You got any roommates?” You asked him.
He shook his head, “Nope, no roommates.”
“Perfect, then we should have the place all to ourselves.” You whispered, kissing him on the cheek.
He grabbed your waist and pulled you close to him. He leaned in so his lips were inches away from your ear. “I’m looking forward to it,” he whispered softly.
You felt goosebumps spread all over your body. He gave you a peck on the lips and headed for the door.
“Oh, wait. One more thing,” he said, walking back over to you and pushing you against the wall. You felt your stomach do a flip as he did it.
“Y’know how you said you only got to see part of the show last time?” He asked you. You nodded your head.
“We have a show in a few weeks. You should come, and then afterwards, maybe you could fuck that bassist in his dressing room?” He whispered in your ear.
“I would really like that,” you said, pressing your lips against his. He smiled at you and squeezed your hand and then left with Ashton.
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princessroraa · 7 months
Text
lover | calum hood.
calum hood x reader.
summary: calum takes his girl to the eras tour.
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calum was always private when it came to his relationships. although he loved and appreciated each and every single one of his adoring fans, he never liked to be bombarded with taking pictures while out with his love. he never wanted to put her in a position to receive heavy amounts of hate just for being with him. when going out, he liked being low-key just for her protection. but tonight, he had high driven anxiety. tonight, he would be taking his beloved girlfriend to the eras tour.
calum knew how much his girlfriend loved taylor swift and her music. he knew it was a dream of hers to see taylor live. so, being the great boyfriend he is, he surprised her with tickets for her birthday and now the day had finally come. calum knew without a doubt that he and his love would be spotted by fans and that made him nervous. he didn’t want anyone to be mean to his girl or give her dirty looks as some had in the past. he just wanted her to enjoy this long awaited night and all he could do was hope for the best.
when the two arrived at the venue, they were lead to an open tent by security. the tent was mainly for celebrities and taylor’s family. calum was more than happy for his girl when she got to take a photo with taylor’s mother who also handed her, her first friendship bracelet of the night. a few minutes later, calum was enjoying drinks with his love and listening to the opening act, gracie abrams, another one of her favorite artists. he noticed how a few fans noticed them and tried coming over to the booth. “calum! I made these for you guys!” a girl yelled.
calum walked over to the fan, keeping a smile on his face. the girl handed him two bracelets. one with his initials and one with his girlfriend’s initials. “these are very nice, thank you so much!” calum smiled. he took a look back, checking on his girl who was simply singing along to the song that gracie was performing. “can i take a photo with the two of you, please?” the girl asked. that simple question made calum smile, it was the first time a fan wanted to take a photo with y/n as well. “of course” he smiled at the fan as he motioned for y/n to come over to him.
he didn’t miss the nervous expression on her face. “oh my god! you’re so gorgeous!!” the fan squealed towards y/n. a smile instantly crept upon her face as she thanked the fan. calum took the photo of them three and handed one of the bracelets to y/n. “that made my entire night, she was so kind” y/n spoke. calum smiled and kissed his love’s forehead. by the time taylor was on stage, y/n had both arms filled with friendship bracelets that fans had given to her. fans were so kind to her, begging for photos with both her and calum.
calum was more than relieved at the positive attention his girl was getting after being given nothing but hate for so long. it was definitely the best night he’s had in a long time. he sang along to songs with his girl, held her as she cried to different songs, danced with her, and carried her back to the car when she was so exhausted. as the two were back home in bed, calum scrolled through his twitter timeline and saw that fans had filmed them holding each other and slow dancing as taylor performed lover.
he smiled at the videos, watching his love look at him with so much admiration and love. slow dancing with him so carefree in a room full of so many people. he looked over at her exhausted figure, holding his hand as she was falling asleep. “i love you, cal” she mumbled before fully falling asleep. oh yeah, he was definitely marrying her.
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heartbreakgrill · 6 months
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how you get the girl: calum hood.
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1989 (Heartbreak Grill’s Version)
stand there like a ghost, shaking from the rain. she’ll open up the door and say, ‘are you insane?’
“there’s someone here for you!”
i looked up from my computer screen, eyes trailing across the rainy window, pattering softly from the droplets that drenched the glass. my roommate passed my room, lazily shouting the sentence through the open door.
i furrowed my brows. i wasn’t expecting anybody, and i didn’t have any packages that were getting delivered- at least, not until tomorrow.
“who is it?” i shouted down the hall, towards the living room, as i stepped from my room.
“don’t know. some boy,” she replied. the television unpaused and a laughter track interrupted any further conversation we could have.
i turned back towards the front door. a blurry shadow was illuminated through the frosted panes of the door. it was a tall man. part of me worried that this was the moment at the beginning of a horror movie, when girls like me always died.
part of me worried it was someone worse.
i latched a hand around the door knob, cowering in on myself as the brisk wind gushed through the foyer of the apartment. goosebumps nibbled at my skin. i shivered. my hair wafted over my shoulders.
and my eyes focused on the figure looming over my doorstep, their black clothing dripping with water, hair soaked to the scalp.
my jaw slackened, my eyes widened. “what the fuck are you doing here?”
calum let out a heavy sigh, as though he’d been holding his breath since the last time we spoke. my eyes drug over his stormy demeanor, images flashing through my mind of a time i tried so hard not to remember.
“calum,” i insisted, “what are you doing here? what- don’t you have tour? shouldn’t you be in- in mexico right now?”
“i had to see you,” he rushed out.
rain splashed on my bare feet, against the exposed skin on my arms, as the sky continued pouring. i flinched at the cold droplets.
“what…” i couldn’t put together many words right now, but i knew, “you need to come in, you’re gonna get sick!”
i stepped aside, ushering him into the foyer. the carpet dampened under his converse and a puddle started forming on the hardwood. calum shook his hair out, spraying water across my shirt like a dog fresh out of a bath.
i huffed, “um…let me get- a towel. hang on. stay,” i gestured to him like he really was an animal.
he chuckled shortly.
say it’s been a long six months and you were too afraid to tell her what you want.
i ushered calum into my room, shoving a towel into his hands. i lay another one across the floor to clean up his mess. he shed his converse, his jacket, tossing it into my hamper.
“you still have my zeppelin shirt,” he stated, memory clear as a day.
“is that what you came here for?” i crossed my arms, a little defensive at his somewhat rude accusation.
calum dried his curls out with the towel. he chuckled again at my words. “no…i-“ he ran the towel over his face, then pointed at his body, “i’m soaked. you have my shirt.”
“oh!” i straightened up, red in the face at my lack of understanding. “yeah…i…”
i ashamedly dug through my pajama drawer, pulling out the top-big t-shirt that i resisted the urge to wear to sleep sometimes. i turned my body away from calum as he began to take off his shirt, with no warning. but, i could him in the mirror.
my eyes trailed over his body, as sure as my fingertips remember it.
say it’s been a long six months, and you were too afraid to tell her what you want.
calum spoke my name, a sound so sweet, so sacred, that my body wracked with anticipation, with a drawing want for what we had.
i looked back at him, arms uncrossing themselves. “why are you here, calum?” my tone had dropped, a saddened furrow pulling my brows together. “it’s been…six months.”
“i know,” calum stepped towards me, hands shaking before him. he lay them out like a truce. i wanted to grab them, to hit them yet hold them. to curse them and worship their fingertips.
i pressed my own fingers to my forehead, cooling the heat that sprouted there. “what- just please, say something! i don’t hear from you for six months and you just…show up, out of the blue? what’s going on?”
calum fidgeted with the ring on his finger, rolled his lips together. they were nervous habits i’d picked up on in the short time we’d spent together.
flickering memories i’d never seemed to be able to forget.
“i’m sorry,” calum shook his head, as if rejecting his own actions. “im sorry for leaving. im sorry for not saying goodbye. im sorry for…for not telling you…”
and that’s how it works, that’s how you get the girl.
“telling me what?” i could feel frustrated, angry tears welling up in my eyes. i was just so…how could he do this?
how could he come into my life, unexpectedly, make me feel things i’d never known before, then shut the door on a chapter that had gone unfinished?
then, pick back up the book after six months, as though he could just finish me off whenever he so pleased?
“telling me what, calum?” i pressed, taking a step closer.
“telling you that i love you,” he nearly whispered it, as though he was scared of the confession, as though it would shift the entire world.
i blinked.
calum stared back at me, the hood in his eyes flooding over with confusion as the silence lingered on. “i…” he tried to find some new words, tried to fill the blanks, “i love you, y/n. i’ve loved you since i saw you at the bar that night. i- i haven’t been able to forget you, and i-“
“get out.”
calum’s words stalled. his lips sat parted, the unfinished sentences lingering on the tip of his tongue. he ran it over his lips, “what?”
i crossed my arms again, tightening the clutches, as if to hold myself together, to hold myself strong. i wasn’t going to give into this.
“get out. go. leave. go back to mexico and go play your stupid little concert,” my voice was low because i was afraid that if i spoke any louder, i would crack. i’d cry.
i’d tell him that i love him too.
but i just couldn’t.
“what-?” calum went to defend himself, to try to explain the situation.
but, i was shoving his shoulder. i was gathering his shoes, tossing his coat at him, opening the front door. he battled me, weakly, sputtering out useless words, twisting around to face me, though i kept pushing.
“leave me alone.”
remind her how it used to be with pictures in frames of kisses on cheeks.
i locked the door. calum’s shadow lingered on the porch, blackened against the light. i reached a finger up towards the button and shut the porch light off. i heard calum groan.
the tears fell down my cheeks.
i had spent the last six months getting over him.
i had spent hours in therapy, wondering why he had never picked me in the first place, why he had abandoned me like an unwanted path of his life.
i had grieved a relationship that never even got to exist, i had gotten over somebody who i never even had in the first place. i had rebuilt myself, i had redownloaded the dating apps. i was starting over.
i was moving on.
and now he was here and i felt like that naive girl from six months ago.
i went back to my desk. i crossed my legs, balanced my chin on my fist, and stared at my computer screen, blankly. my mind spurred with unwanted thoughts, my heart palpitating with emotions i had been used to not feeling for so long.
i typed out a few words for my essay, hoping it would stimulate the academic side of my brain. maybe if i focused on something else, i could pretend like tonight never even happened.
i continued on my assignment, until i reached a pass. there was a section of the reading that referenced another book. i needed to get it from my closet.
of course, while i was reaching for the textbook, a box, tucked far into the corner of my closet- the corner of my mind- came toppling down onto my head. i helped at the impact, rubbing the minor injury as i reached down for the shoebox.
my brows furrowed at the sight. when it rained, it poured.
i slowly lowered myself to my knees, shaking hands reaching out for the spilled contents of the box. pictures, ticket stubs, receipts, dry flower petals, a pop can tab, candy wrappers, a ring, and a thing of red lipstick.
calum and i, at the state fair, riding the carousel like we were just kids. kissing when we hit the top, and we could see the entire town. us at the diner, two straws for one milkshake, a plate of fries, and a song on the jukebox that we’d dance to every night he stayed over. in the recording studio, on the couch, sprawled out like old friends, listening to ash and luke argue over a single beat of a song, and discovering a pair of lyrics calum had written about me.
concerts, comedy shows, basketball tournaments, high school football games, recitals we had been to.
a print out of a plane ticket to australia for next month, now refunded in my bank account. a promise for a visit that would never come to fruition.
red roses for my birthday, red roses for my grade of an a in a hard class, red roses for a friday night dinner, red roses for a late night visit. red lipstick i’d wear when we went out, just to leave vibrant, still, stuck lip prints on his cheek.
tell her how you must have lost your mind when you left her all alone and never told her why. that’s how you lost the girl.
i gathered the items back into the box with hands that would not stop shaking. it took longer than it should have because i ruminated on every detail. i held every photo like a piece of glass, examining its contents like i could renter the moment and fix things before they broke.
i set the box on my bed, gently sitting down beside it. i didn’t know where to go, what to do. i needed to work things out, i needed to find an answer.
because i loved him, too.
i found myself reaching for my phone, dialing his number. i found myself under an umbrella, headed towards that old diner.
“thanks for meeting me.”
i wrapped my frozen fingers around the steaming cup of coffee, grateful for the radiating warmth. the air conditioning was still sputtering above us and i shivered.
“y-yeah,” i barely nodded, still unsure of what to say.
calum took a sip of his own coffee. he gulped. he licked his lips. he prodded at the ketchup bottle on our table with a stray straw. his eyes trailed over to the colorful machine on the table. “they raised the price of the jukebox.”
i followed his gaze. so they had. it used to be 50¢ per song. now it was $1.00.
“hm,” i remarked, staring at the dollar sign. “strange.”
“you didn’t know?” calum inquired, looking to me with a raised brow.
i shrugged, “i haven’t been here since…”
“july,” he filled in my gap. “it’s been…since july.”
“ah,” i nodded once. “seems like forever ago.”
“i know.”
a thick pass of silence sat stale in the air.
i nursed a few sips of my coffee. if he wanted, then he should talk. i would not be the one figuring this out. i would not beg him to make up for the loss he’d made me grieve.
eventually, he whispered, “i had to go.”
i flicked my eyes up to his before pulling them back down to the table. he dropped his head, chin against his chest, defeated. “i’m sorry. i’ll say it a million times- i’m sorry. i had to go. we- we decided last minute to announce the tour. there was a lot of bullshit we had to handle before starting it. and i, i don’t know…i didn’t want you to get caught up in the drama of it all. i didn’t want the world to get its hands on you…”
“so, you ghost me? you leave with no letter, no text, nothing?” i blinked back a tear. “wow…my knight in shining armor. thanks, calum.”
he huffed at himself, “no…i- listen, please-“
“no,” i denied him, “no, you listen, okay? i devoted myself to you for six months. i centered my whole life on you. i fell in love with you and i- gave you everything. because you were everything to me. and, i fucking waited and waited for you to say something, to tell me you wanted me, to ask me to drop everything and come with you because i would have! i would have gone to the ends of the earth with you because i loved you.
“and you left me,” i quickly brushed away tears as they rushed from my eyes, pattering against the table like the raindrops outside the diner window.
calum didn’t respond. he shuffled in his seat, leaning back, head dropping again.
and you know that i don’t want you to go. and say you want me.
i couldn’t handle it anymore. i’d given him a chance. i’d heard him out. his explanation just wasn’t enough for the heartbreak i’d had to handle.
so, i pushed up out of the booth, tugging my purse strap over my shoulder, my hood over my head. i veered for the door, passing our waitress with a half-hearted, “excuse me.”
i cursed the diner for being so big, for the exit to be on the other side of the building from where our usual table sat. i cursed that friday evening for drawing in so many customers to watch me, mascara blackening my cheeks, snot on my nose, storm like a baby from the restaurant.
just as my hand reached the bar on the door, the jukebox wound to life. the regular radio had been playing from the louder speakers because no one really paid for the old sound machine anymore. it didn’t have any modern songs, and it cost too much, apparently.
a familiar sultry beat came from the rusty speakers. my sneakers squeaked against the linoleum floors. i pushed the strap of my purse further up my shoulder. my heart tugged itself back towards the table, but i grounded the soles of my shoes.
i turned my head, caught his eye. he smiled, sadly. his hand had been cranking the knob on the quarter insert and it slowly dropped to the table. i glanced my eyes over the back of the diner, near the bathrooms, where a space sat for dancing, abandoned by the modern years. i saw two people dancing, consuming one another, lost in the thrill of it all. lost in the music.
and then you say i want you for worse or for better, i would wait forever and ever.
i crossed my arms over my chest and slowly walked back to the table. i slid back into the booth, dropping my purse down beside me.
“why did you leave?” i whispered, that heartbroken disbelief still heavy on my chest.
“i was scared,” calum admitted. he reached a hand across the table.
i leaned back, away from it. “of what?”
“of you,” he let out a breathy laugh. i didn’t smile. calum frowned again, searched for words, “i was scared of what loving you might mean. when we were here to record the album, we got to pretend like we were normal people for a while. i didn’t have to care about the pressure from the fans, staying sober, being a good person. life just came easy and naturally. but, if i left here with your heart in my hands- things would get hard. i wouldn’t be able to keep you distant from my real life. i wouldn’t be able to keep you sacred. nothing would be normal for us ever again.”
i understood it, now. i didn’t like it- i was still angry about it. but it made sense.
he wanted a peaceful love, but life made it so everything was rocky. not even i could prevent the world to taint this.
“i couldn’t…” calum trailed off. he reached out his hand again. “i can’t do it with out you anymore. i don’t care…”
he lost his words. i set a hand upon the table, fingers inching near his. he gratefully pressed his fingertips into mine, opening my palm. i stared at our hands. electricity crackled under my skin.
“i want you and i don’t care about the rest of the world. we’ll deal with it. we’ll figure it out. if it means losing you…these past six months have been hard. i’m sure you know what i mean…”
i nodded with a hopeless chuckle. “yeah, i do.”
broke your heart i’ll put it back together. i would wait forever and ever.
“i struggled with staying sober cause i just…i felt so stupid and worthless. i know i put you through so much pain. i know leaving was wrong and awful and i’ll never forgive myself for not even explaining it. i never want to…i never want to leave you again,” he was crying.
“calum, i…” i took his hand in both mine, “i don’t know. i’m just…you took so much of me with you. i had to learn how to exist without those parts of myself. i had to relearn who i was. i had to grieve her- us. it was so hard- you just left me. but…i don’t know. i need time. i need time to think and…”
“i know, i know, i know,” calum nodded quickly. “no, i know. i don’t expect…i don’t expect any answers. i don’t expect you to confess your feelings for me. i just…i needed to tell you that i love you. i couldn’t go another day without you knowing it. i needed to tell you and…and try to get you back.”
“well,” i glanced up from our hands, meeting his eye with a hopeful smile, “i think you got me.”
and that’s how it works. that’s how you got the girl.
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takemealivelh · 19 days
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takemealivelh’s masterlist
LUKE
1.what are you doing after this? - 2.is that for me? - 3.she’s friend-zoning you so hard - 4.what are you doing here? - 5.upstairs - 6.what are you saying? - 7.can we talk? 8.we’re not done here yet, okay? 9.what do we do then?
Bruised Knuckles *tw: racism
Don’t hog the blanket
Vinyl Magic
Who would you be today?
1. i bet you look cute *mild smut
sweetheart *smut
are you dating more people? 
midnight city pt 1 *smut
you wanna get high? *smut
you want me to fuck you in your car? *smut
don’t do that
send me more pictures *smut
you win some, you lose some *smut
tidal wave *smut
easier to blame
you want a napkin with that? (part one) *smut - you wanna wait till tonight? (part two) *mild sexual content
stay out of trouble *smut
heart is gonna flatline *smut
- Concepts -
fuck me at a quarter to three + choker
MICHAEL
I Can Tell You A Secret
Raspberry Chocolate Milkshake
One Night Stand Pt. 1One Night Stand Pt. 2 One Night Stand Pt. 3 *smut
ASHTON
You’re in Trouble *smut
I think I adore you
You are a gem
I told you not to fall in love with me
Battle of the Bands Pt. 1 Battle of the Bands Pt. 2 *smut
Señorita
that doesn't mean i don't want you *smut
CALUM
Cat’s got your tongue?
Hummingbird
I really need to see you smile right now
- Concepts -
let’s fucking dance
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afatallovesong · 1 year
Note
Happy New Year you wonderful human! Pleeeease tell me you’re gracing us with more Calum goodness soon?! You’re my favourite writer. Loves
Ask and you shall receive... eventually! This has been a labour of love, I've been writing it on and off since November. Its one of my longest fics so far (I'm sorry) but I really think you'll like it! If there's any mistakes, mind ya business.
Happy birthday to the main man himself
At Your Convenience
A Calum Hood one shot
18+, Smut, NSFW
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Word Count: 15,821
You’re fucking tired. It was actually starting to become painful just how tired you were. It hurt to keep your eyes open. It hurt to close them even for a second. They were so insanely dry from tiredness that they’d become sore. Each blink felt like repetitive razor sharp cuts. You’d have done just about anything for a cat nap instead of restocking the shelves. The sun glaring through the window as it started to set didn’t help. You were squinting and covering your line of sight as much as you could, but it still pierced through, targeting you especially, some evil vendetta against you. Its drying your corneas even faster, you really didn’t think it was possible. You manage a not-so-elegant yawn, barely covering the gaping black hole your mouth created. Only four more hours to go. Four more hours of this.
Its crisp and cold out. The early signs of winter were rolling into the city. The leaves were now lacking existence. Fallen branches scattering pavements, cracked under leather docs. Breaths were seen in the air as well as heard. Cheeks and noses were rosy with the bite of a harsh incoming wind. The sun was beginning to set just a little before 6pm. The darkness befalling the streets of California. Calum had often liked a walk at sunset. There was something oddly calming about it. Watching the world carry on as the day was meeting its end. It’s not that he’d even see much of the sun’s disappearance with all the buildings and lights and the busy billboards, but he’d known it was there. He’d known it was leaving him.
He liked walking home in the dark too. The city was so vastly different like that. The stores, the staff that changed over, the people you found wandering through. People were teaming and seemingly bustling with character, not all good, in some circumstances maybe even foul but certainly more outgoing than the daylight crowd. Some were tired and rushed off home from work. Often moving so fast he’d nearly been trampled down into the pavement twice. For the most part, the characters could only be described as friendly, interesting, and easy to watch going by. None could have captivated him quite as much as you though. He’d soon find that out. His friends and family would never describe him as particularly observant, this ought to prove them wrong.
He’d been across the street, a little over 10 feet away maybe when his eyes set upon your figure. It seemed as if the building encasing you hadn’t been there at all. Like you were just stood there on the street corner exposed to winter air as much as he was. The concrete cage above and around you, merely an afterthought. He’d spotted you with an impressively keen eye. He could pin point any detail about you from the style of your hair to the colour of each stripe on your shirt. He may even go as far as to say he’d memorised the order they appeared in. Light blue, dark blue, off white, and black, and repeat and repeat. You weren’t doing anything spectacular to catch his attention in the way that you did. He just knew that you had and now he was stuck watching you on a loop. Stood restocking shelves by the window, a couple of bags in each hand. Despite the averageness of it all, he’d felt the world stand still, calling him inside, calling him to you. The girl in the window.
He went completely unnoticed by you at first. He was thankful for that. You’d had a delivery that morning and spent most of the day painstakingly unboxing and replacing items running low around the store. You were at the last one, placing individual packets of chips on the shelf and the rack beside it. You decided to organise them into rainbow order, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. You had a little song about it, so you knew. You’d been foolish to assume you’d had the whole colour palette. You try to invent a flavour for indigo and violet to rectify that. You could send a strongly worded sales pitch to Lays. For now, though, you were stood atop a step ladder to reach the highest shelf. You weren’t exactly short, but the additional height did come in handy when you couldn’t find the energy to stretch higher than what was natural. Its only as the sun tucks itself away, do you finally brave peering out of the window again for some form of escape.
He catches your eye as you hover there, throwing the cardboard box, now empty, down on the ground behind you. In the space it took you to finish the task and turn back around, he’d crossed the street now looking at you from the corner. He hoped he didn’t look weird. He definitely looked weird. You don’t think much of the exchange at first. But as the seconds escalate you find yourself partaking in a little staring contest. You’d felt that burning sensation in your eyes again after a short while. Just as you go to blink it away, he’d gone. You half wondered if you’d hallucinated his appearance in the first place. Stranger things had happened after a long day after all. Whether real or not, you’d lost the contest. You knew that much. You took your loss and patted down your thighs in defeat. 
The door opened with a collection of high pitched tones from your butterfly wind chime above it. It’s just as alarming as it was when you’d first started working there. You thought you would have acclimatised by now but a mixture of tiredness and a slow moving day in store had you beat. So instead, you found yourself jumping out of your skin. You were lucky you didn’t fall. It might have been a more exciting day if you had. You may return to the idea if the day dragged out any longer.
You managed to get back on the ground safely. Your ladders were folded and slotted back against the window where you’d retrieved them from. Your cardboard box now back in your hands to flatten for the recycling bin out back. For now, you’d rest it near the ladders, but you may as well complete half the job while you’re at it to save you doing more than necessary later on. Judging by your exhaustion now, it would be the last thing on your agenda at 10pm. Plus you were never one to leave a customer unsupervised in store. You may have been tired, but you weren’t stupid. 
He stepped inside, warmth flooding around him, engulfing him in a large hug. It was a California summer amongst the shelves and aisles. At least that’s how pleasant it had felt. Now that he thought about it, that was a horrible way to describe somewhere that sold fresh food. It’d be a nightmare for food hygiene and longevity. He might have been a touch hasty in his earlier description. It was undeniably cosy though, that was a better fit for it. It was a pleasure to be shielded from the cold.
His eyes easily floated back to you now that he’d entered your space. That was probably just as creepy as it sounded. He didn’t have any sort of plan in mind for entering the store, he never usually did. He’d just made it inside and assumed that that would be enough but of course it wasn’t. It would never have satiated his need to meet you. But he couldn’t just stand in the doorway with his hands in his pockets watching you like some sort of weirdo. Which admittedly, was exactly what he was currently doing. Until he snapped out of it and shuffled himself down the next aisle. He had to approach you somehow though. He’d made it this far; he should follow through.
He could see you through the shelving. There were gaps between produce and items without height, quite similarly to bookshelves in a library. The more he looked the more he could make that comparison. Were these second hand shelves? The shop wasn’t as tiny as it looked from outside either. There were at least 5 short aisles which considering the location, was impressive. The old convenience store seemed no larger than a matchbox from out there. Now he’d stepped inside he’d argue it was more of a healthy apartment, or maybe a doctors waiting room. Yes, those really were the best locations he could think of.
He couldn’t help but notice how the light still caught you as he peered through the confectionary to the place where you stood. The light was illuminating your striped shirt and little blue waistcoat resting in coordination on top. It also bounced off the shiny, scribbled out name badge hooked into the left pocket. He wondered why you hadn’t gotten your name printed. Perhaps you were new here. He’d never seen you in here before. He’d like to think he’d remember you if he had. Not that he was the biggest or most loyal customer to ‘Convenience Corner,’ but he had made it inside once or twice before. It was mostly while drunk, just picking up extra supplies for a party or so but it was enough for him to know. No, he’s certain he’d not seen you before. He ought to find out your name before he forgets to.
“Can I help you?” He jumped at the sound of your voice. It was melodical and cheerful, sweeter than he’d expected. He’d not been prepared to feel even more intrigued by you so soon and in a situation like this no less. You’d caught him staring hadn’t you? He could never show his face in here again if you had. He’d have to leave immediately; God forbid pretend to buy something to make the interaction less awkward. That’s if that was even possible at this point. He wasn’t that sure that it was. His fight or flight had to kick in sooner or later. He looked up from the pack of pistachios his hands seemed to instinctively land on. “Sure, the freezer’s in the back.” He lifts his head to follow your voice with an eyebrow arched. He hadn’t asked for anything in the freezer section. You weren’t speaking to him at all. He’s not sure which was more embarrassing, the fact he was self-centred enough to believe he’d been caught or the fact he was now too aware that he hadn’t been. 
“Guess I’m buying the damn pistachios,” he muttered under his breath before grabbing one packet off the shelf, heading in the direction of check out. He was about to make it there too, before he changed his mind, turning back to grab another just to be safe. Surely it was weirder to buy one packet. Or was that just him? He made his way to the counter for good this time. It was adjacent to the entrance as one might expect, easy escape route if things went south. He hovered in place, occasionally stretching onto the tip of his toes and then back down again as he waited patiently for you or another employee to aid him. Though he hoped, deep down in his soul that it would be you.
During his wait he noticed the green chair behind the register. The chair clad in worn leather, looking about as old as the building itself, tucked away neatly. The next items he spotted were the locked cabinets with indication to liquor and tobacco from the warning labels and age restrictions printed on the doors. The little bronze bell atop the counter was next. Then it was the vintage green radio buzzing to the left of it, sputtering out some classical tune he’d never for the life of him be able to recognise. Then it was the cup of what he assumed was coffee, in a branded cardboard cup he also didn’t recognise.
The more he looked the more he found. The walls were patterned with blue and white vertical stripes. The floor shared the same colour scheme with checker tiles. Suddenly the blue uniform was making sense. The décor reminded him of the 80’s, bright, in your face and yet comforting and familiar. His favourite piece of décor in the whole store had to be the painted sign that read ‘please don’t fucking steal.’ He wondered if it worked much as a deterrent or if he was gullible. His second favourite was the collage of confiscated fake id’s with various graffiti vandalising the faces. He laughed at those harder than he thought he would. The Marlboro’s in rainbow order weren’t far behind.
It was cluttered and unorganised, certainly had an eclectic vibe, but he felt strangely at home in his surroundings. He’d liked that. He’d also liked that the price labels on everything were the same shade of green as the chair and radio, some kind of extreme case of colour coordination. Perhaps there was an ongoing discussion about replacing the walls and flooring. It seemed like the favoured shade in the establishment in its current state, was green. It would look pretty green. He really was dull today.
“Hey, sorry I took so long.” You had appeared behind the counter slightly out of breath, hair swept over one shoulder, slipping down your back in an untidy fashion. You were rubbing the back pockets of your blue jeans, looking from left to right and all around for something, he couldn’t quite fathom what. You’d moved so fast he barely registered your arrival there at all. Let alone be able to guess what you were doing there now. You’d startled him in the best way, rushing in to save him just as he feared he was losing grip on reality.
You’d smelt so sweet, next to the dust heavy, 80’s vibe of the shop floor. You had this fresh aroma of apples mixed with mint or something similar, and he liked it. He really liked it. He could have bottled that up. He couldn’t take his eyes off of you as you scrambled around. He watched you in awe like he’d never seen a retail worker before in his life. You’d seemed so colourful and lively against the drab old signs pinned behind you and it was absolutely mesmerising to him. What was a girl as bright as you doing in a place as drab as this?
Another customer entered with a gust of wind following shortly after. Trickling that breeze across the back of both your necks. Both your eyes floated over to the doorway and back simultaneously. A shiver had shot up his spine when your eyes had met his for the first time, well second actually. He quite enjoyed the feeling of your gaze on him. “Just those?” You asked sweetly. It took most of the energy you had left to lay it on thick for him.
You never enjoyed taking your tiredness out on customers. Not just because it was unprofessional but because you quite liked other humans. You liked them a lot. They were the sole reason you were employed, sure but you also just liked the experience of your fleeting moments with the rest of the human race. You didn’t need to know their life stories. You didn’t need to chit chat and ask about their day because it was simply polite to do so. Any conversation carried between you and the passers-by, the window shoppers, and the regulars, was a part of your day that you enjoyed and often craved. Somewhere, not so deep down, very clearly found instead, you hoped this new customer would allow you more than just a fleeting moment.
You eyed him with large, soft eyes. A genuine glimmer of happiness was lit within them. Despite the bags beneath them which made his heart ache for you, he thought you had the prettiest eyes he’d seen. So much so that it took him a while to return to you, remembering exactly where he was. Buying something. He watched you peering down to the items he’d handed over, fascinated by literally anything that you did as if it were his first day on earth. And for the love of God, how could someone so tired be so devastatingly beautiful?
“Uh, yeah, that’s it.” He really took over a minute to pause and then came out with that. Pathetic. He’d kick himself for his lack of conversational skills later. For now, he just glanced down to your name tag with curiosity but not enough guts to back it up. You caught him, addressing it immediately. It seemed you were paying just as much attention to him as he was to you. Funny he hadn’t noticed it, since he clearly saw everything else that you did.
“Printing error, would you believe it?” He shook his head, he’s not sure why. “You’d think I wouldn’t need one at all, owning the place.” He was quite impressed by that; he hadn’t shown it as well as he’d have liked to, but he was. He wouldn’t have guessed it. You started shuffling around, just like before. Your eyes dart beneath the counter, then above, to the side, even to the ground. “I don’t suppose you’ve seen some keys on a lanyard?” You eye him hopefully, anxiously gnawing on your bottom lip. Stay strong Calum. You rushed a hand through your hair as your panic set in. He had a feeling this wasn’t the first time you’d lost them.
Ever the hero, he glanced around to where you were stood before. He remembered your position exactly. He might have been a serial killer. He’d have to book himself a therapy session later that evening. These were early signs for sure. There kicked beneath the bottom shelf, a slither of silver caught his eye. Before you could clear the counter yourself, he’d already grabbed them, wrapping the sunflower printed material around his hand.
The smile you greeted him with was similar to that of a damsel who’d been delivered from distress. He knew he wasn’t worthy of such praise, but he so enjoyed the sight of it as it was presented to him. “Thank you.” You gestured a prayer as you said it, bringing the keys to your chest, your breasts squishing together significantly. He wished he hadn’t noticed that. “I swear that’s the 6th time I’ve done that.” You sink the key into the cash register, springing it to life, opening the drawer beneath it.
“Just today?” He dug at you, earning a blush, he felt blessed to have seen it let alone to be the one to cause it. “Well, that’s 2.75 then.” You said happily, hands flattening atop the wooden countertop as if you were smoothing out a piece of fabric. He hands money over the with a “keep the change” and a smile that flashed his perfect pearly whites. You placed the 5 he gave you in the cash register, eyeing him sceptically as did so. “See you around big spender.” His breath escaped him at the nickname, the possibility of seeing you again too. That was the most fun either of you had, had all day. 
-
“I should give you a job since you’re in here so often.” He doesn’t fight the smile that braces his face when he enters the place this time. “Then you’d have to finally tell me your name.” He knows he’s got you there. “On second thoughts, you’re my best customer and you’re so, so welcome here any time honestly.” You slam your magazine down on the counter for emphasis, resting your face in both your palms, elbows on the wood. “Oh yeah? Don’t get a lot of pistachio fiends?” He wanted to be embarrassed; he had no legs to stand on. He’d been coming in every Thursday for the past 5 weeks, buying a pack of pistachios each and every time. His car was just about overflowing with them at this point. The shells, bags, full pistachios he couldn’t quite toss and catch in his mouth in less than a minute. It was an addiction to most, you included. 
“What brings you in today?” You held your hand out to stop him answering you, only he never began to speak in the first place. He was proud to say he was used to you doing that. “Let me guess.” He flipped you off before responding light heartedly. “Maybe I’m just checking in to see how your name tag is coming along.” You thought for a moment before responding. “You know, it’s taking a whole lot longer than I thought, guess labels aren’t on trend right now.” The sarcasm was dripping. He nodded as he headed down the aisle, fighting heart palpitations as he went. He didn’t have to get the same thing. There was no reason to now. He wasn’t in a hurry. He wasn’t panicking only grabbing the first thing he found. Yet, he still grabbed a bag like clockwork as if it would ever be impressive to you.
“I never thought anyone liked pistachios.” He jumped about 3 feet as you appeared beside him. This was the closest you’d ever gotten to him. “Jesus fucking Christ.” You sniggered a laugh at his expense, thoroughly. “No, that’s not my name but it’s a good guess.” You patted him lightly on the shoulder. He felt like he’d been shocked by electricity. “As I was saying, scaredy cat, I thought it was just something adults lied about enjoying to seem more mature or something.” Every bone in his body had him wanting to agree with you. They tasted like dog shit, but he couldn’t resist them.
“Rude of you to give me another nickname without so much as a whiff to your own name.” He raises you. You didn’t think he had it in him. “Would it please you if I let you provide me with a nickname?” Its patronising as fuck but he’d already been glad to accept your offer regardless. “You sure you’re ready for that?” You shrugged it off, there was no way he’d think of one on the spot. He was so painfully awkward and flustered around you at all times, the tiny burst of wit he pushed out a few seconds ago was probably all he had left this week. You could let him do his worst with full confidence. Knowing he’d never conjure one good enough to knock you down.
“Stripe.” Your eyes widened to the point where he feared they might pop out of your skull. “Fucking Stripe?” You half yelled, repeating the word far too many times in disbelief. He was fully aware of how awful it was, really, he fucking knew. But your reaction made it all the more worth it. “I’ve never seen you in anything other than a stripey top and that blue fucking waistcoat, it was the best I could do.” If that was the best, you’d hate to see his worst. “I’m not mad, just disappointed.” You then rubbed his back so platonically he thought he might scream.
“But uh, they’re great yeah, yummy.” He shook his head at his own awkwardness. “Yeah, must be, you’re the only reason we replaced the stock you know.” You pointed at the tiny marking slammed on the shelf just below the item up for debate. An “out of stock” label was scrawled out messily in black marker. “Shit really?” There was that laugh again. He could record that and sell it as a cure for depression, it was the happiest sound he’d ever heard. You could cure all ailments with a laugh as cute and dorky as yours.
“Nope, but it did make you panic for a second huh?” You were facing him, arms behind your back, chest pushed out proudly as you smiled at your own mischievousness. You tended to do that a lot. You weren’t ever aware of the way your breasts pushed forwards like an offer he couldn’t refuse. But he had so hoped that he was right in assuming it was accidental. Although, if that was just how sexy you were even without trying, he could only melt at the thought of a real attempt. Pull yourself together man, you’re not 14, not every pair of tits has to destroy you. Even if yours were perfect. “Do I really come in here that much?” He's white knuckling his way through that question until you finally relax your shoulders, the tension also leaving his own.
“Yeah you do.” You said it with sympathy and a kindness as if that was the making of an intervention. “I could lie.” You offered. He thought about it. Then he thought about the way he could recognise every single note your wind charm had been able to make. The way he knew the floor creaked in the centre of every aisle but never the edges. How the lights only flickered above the freezer section and buzzed like a swarm of bees when they did. How there’s always an excess of toilet roll stacked the near the door because you’d accidentally ordered too much. How you’d tripped over it most days despite you being the only reason it was there. How you’d told him you’d done it only once, but he knew for a fact it was 5 times just in his presence because he laughed every single time. Yeah, he might come here a little too often.
“Would you please lie?” His face heated in several different shades of red, one after the other coordinating with your striped shirt of the day. A blush brown, red, and orange. You were yet to repeat an outfit. The horizontal stripe was the same, but the colour was not. That wasn’t really saying much in the grand scheme of things. He had only met you 5 times so far. But 5 different stripey tops was still arguably hard to come by. “You just really love your nuts.” You dragged out your s.’ He hit his head on the shelf before him with a thud. “That’s even worse.” He mumbles while continuing his downward trajectory into self-loathing. 
“Yeah, maybe you should go with your dignity still intact.” You nodded, brushing off laughter. “You’re right. Though I think that would require having any in the first place.” He made a lot of jokes at his own expense, more so than anyone else you’d ever met. You hoped he didn’t really feel like that about himself. “Yeah, no I was lying to make you feel better.” You nodded repeatedly. “Didn’t really try it before, now I did. I don’t really like it.” You shrugged. He smirked.
“So, same time tomorrow?” He did the same old thing with his feet, standing on his toes, slotting back down, his tell-tale sign that he was waiting for something. “Maybe.” He left it open for interpretation. You leaned in close, your face not far from his, like the counter had disappeared altogether. “Oh, a maybe huh, that’s how we’re playing this now?” You’re so close to him he can now identify the exact kind of mint you carried on your breath. It wasn’t peppermint like he’d assumed at first. It was spearmint. You were spearmint and spiced apple rolled into one. It should never have worked but on you, it was perfection. 
“Can’t bear to see me twice in one week Cal?” He thought he might combust as you shortened his name. It took every ounce of energy he had left not to melt at your feet. “I am getting too predictable, do need to keep it fresh. Can’t have you sitting there all day just expecting me to arrive.��� He was proud of himself for keeping up. There may be hope for him yet. “Oh, but it’s such a crucial part of my existence.” Your hand slid across countertop, and he thought he imagined it even as his own lifted involuntarily, aiming to meet it.
“Very funny. So witty.” He was reduced to two word sentences and sarcasm, brilliant. “I know, I know, keep going, talk dirty to me.” You were definitely a dork; you both knew it. One of you found it endearing. Your hand touched his, he was almost certain it wasn’t an accident by now. His heart still didn’t believe him. “I will see you, eventually.” Your fingers pried his open, hands joining, fingers bumping knuckles, fumbling around in a beautiful whirl. He didn’t know when your relationship got to the point where you’d been able to touch like this. He also didn’t know what it meant. He just knew he enjoyed it, and you could touch him wherever you desired.
“Eventually?” You say it slowly, breathing it out to see if he’d like it. His eyes couldn’t avoid your glittery lip gloss any longer. It was all he’d thought about for the last 45 seconds since he’d noticed it. He wished he never noticed it. Now he can’t do anything but notice it. He also thought about the possibility of wearing it himself. Not because he wanted to go out and buy the same one but because he so desperate to feel your kiss, he wouldn’t mind the transfer. Those thoughts weren’t helping anyone.
“Mmhmm, sometime, somewhere.” Did his voice go up an octave? “Probably here.” You corrected him, thumb smoothing over his. “Definitely here.” He confirmed, he’d not taken a new breath since you’d touched him, and he might have started going purple because of it. “But sometime.” You poked with a smirk. “Exactly.” He said inching closer. As much as you liked it, you panicked. You released his hand in a flash and stepped back, legs knocking into the chair behind the counter. He’s gutted to lose your touch but chooses not to hold it against you. You must have had your reasons.
You pretended it didn’t make you want to yell out every curse word under the sun under the scrutiny of his stare. The way your chair dug into your calves was dire. You cut your flirtation short and hoped that masked it adequately enough. It didn’t. “Get out of my store.” You bossed him around with a smirk. He felt relieved by it. At least he hadn’t fucked anything up. You smiled away at him as he did as he was told. Holding it right until he’d disappeared, not only from the shop, but the view of the exterior too. You sank into your chair safely this time and let out a deep sigh. Was it hot in here or was it just you?
-
“I get off at 10.” You rush, bringing your hands back down to your sides. You didn’t smile, you didn’t wave, you didn’t breathe. You just blurted it out. The corners of his mouth twitched upwards but didn’t react more than that. “You do?” He isn’t really sure what to say, he never is. He wants to ask if you mean what he thinks you mean, and what he thinks you mean is that you’d like to see him when you finish. He’s not sure if he has the courage to do something about it. He still needed to work on communication, if you had taught him anything, it’s that his verbal skills were lacking.
“I get off at 10 and I think you should come hang out.” Your spare hand floated to your hip; you hoped it appeared as casual as you intended it to. But truth be told your grasp on it was nothing close to gentle. The silence growing between you was painful. “I’ll see you then.” He said, just as quietly, just as unsure.
“Fuck, you will?” You stepped in closer to him, absolutely relieved. He reached out to you; you’re attempting the same. “I uh, yeah.” This is the only time you’ve been tongue tied around him and you’re not enjoying a single second of it. “Now please leave before I have a meltdown over this.” He didn’t budge. He still wanted to touch you, hold your hand, your hip, your scissors that you were previously using to cut open packaging, anything he could. “Seriously oh my God.” You’re laughing but you need it, you wouldn’t think straight again until he left. “I’m gone, I’m going, I’ll see you at 10.” Fuck yeah you will.
-
“What can I help you with today?” You asked as softly as you always did. You leant right over the counter already cutting the distance. It was 10:02pm. There was no more wasting time. He started to lean in a little too. You wet your lip in anticipation. The way you often did when you saw him. Because you couldn’t keep it together for even a minute, needed that sensation across your lip to prevent you from finding another. Under the watchful gaze of those fucking browneyes, you’re helpless. “I actually panicked when you didn’t come in at 6 today.” Distracting yourself with conversation was something you’d always done; may it help you now.
“I didn’t think you’d miss me too much.” He was happy you did. He was selfishly ecstatic if he was being completely honest. “Well, I did.” He nodded at the information, letting it sink in. He also let it go straight to his head. It wasn’t his fault. When a girl like you says she misses you, you’re living the fucking dream as far as he was concerned. He leaned in, elbows nudging yours on the counter, a parallel to a couple of weeks back when you’d held hands in the very same spot for the first time.
It felt much more natural this time. Hands gravitating towards each other without a care in the world. Nothing but the brushing of fingertips against knuckles and blushes being hidden with large smiles. You supposed without the worry of any other customers entering the store, you could finally relax into this. You weren’t being unprofessional by seeing to your urges. It felt so incredibly good. You’d like it like this more often. Probably not in this exact location. You think you’d seen enough of the inside of this place for a lifetime.
“I can tell you what I’m not here for.” You nodded along intrigued. “Fucking pistachios.” You snorted a pretty hearty laugh. “I knew you didn’t like them.” You raised your voice accusingly. He was shaking his head in disagreement but the way he laughed wasn’t fooling you. “No one likes them that much I don’t care who you are.” You’re determined to receive his admittance. He’s gone beet red in the face, willing to pull his beanie down over it to save him further humiliation. That should have been enough for you, it wasn’t. You had to hear it.
He’s shaking your hands in his to grab your attention back and your heart is just bursting at the action. You wouldn’t mind holding his hands all day. “No, I do like them, I do, stop shaking your head, I do. Just yeah, not that much, I don’t know what I was doing.” He’s looking at your hands as a source of comfort, fiddling with them while he reflected on his past decisions regretfully. “Think I just really wanted to impress you, clearly did that. Shows I’m committed though right?” He lets one of your hands slip free. You lift it into the air and draw an invisible tick. “Oh yeah, honestly there’s nothing sexier than getting 2.75 from a hot stranger every week, ticking that right off my bucket list. And yes I like your level of commitment, I will consider it heavily in your application.”
His brows arch. “Hot stranger huh?” You’re not surprised he’d only listened to the part with the compliment; you’d be the same. “You’re kind of hot I guess.” It was your turn to blush, coyly looking anywhere but at him as if you’d save yourself that way. It didn’t stop him looking at you like you thought it might. He was still peering down at you, your lashes fluttering against your cheeks, your hair falling down into your face like curtains ready to close on him. He didn’t want to be closed out. He needed more access in fact. He just needed to be subtle about it as not to spook you, or him for that matter.
He was careful when he pulled his left hand from yours. It was so cautious and polite you didn’t even miss it when it was gone. He just reached forward, touching you elsewhere. Tucking his thumb beneath your chin, lifting your face so you’re back looking at him. He could look at you for hours. You’re like a piece of art that had come alive, and he needed to appreciate you for that. He was equally as pretty, his eyes big and beautiful, with a softness you wanted surrounding in. You wouldn’t ever get used to a stare like his.
You combed some of your hair behind your ears to give him a better look at you. You’re not sure why but you felt it was important for him to see you like this. With more vulnerability. He may have seen you every week, but your time was so fleeting. You’d been working a million miles a minute. Your head was often fuzzy. Not to mention your hair was a constant tangled mess. You rarely wore makeup either, sweat too much stocking shelves which you did pretty much every single Thursday, his day. It was absolutely crucial to you now, for him to see you and really seeyou.
Not you that wore the uniform. Not you that lived and breathed this shop or this job. Not you that made witty remarks about other customers because that was your only form of entertainment during a shift. You needed him to see you in a way that he couldn’t associate you with this place. You wanted him to like you separately. You had other interests. You had other clothes. You had a whole other personality. If you let him look at you like this, perhaps he just might find it.
“I might be wrong.” His voice had gone unintentionally gravely allowing his accent to shine through. “But I think you might like to kiss me.” He says it barely above a whisper, but you heard it in the deepest parts of you. You tried your best to remain composed as he’d read your mind exactly. All these weeks of flirting with no result, building and building tension with no real end game in sight. But now, finally, there was opportunity. “It’ll cost ya.” You whispered. He grinned back down at you affectionately; he hadn’t moved an inch yet. “I’ll tip you generously” he goes to say more but you’d already shot forward. Everything he could possibly have said was now well and truly out of the window, gone and completely forgotten. You had erased his mind and it felt wonderful.
“You’ve been on my mind for fucking weeks you know that.” He’s taken aback, from the kiss, your hand clutching his, your confession. He was flattered to say the least. “I watch the damn clock every day, even though I know you only come in on Thursdays.” You retreated your hands away from him and he’d have been offended by it if he weren’t still pining for your lips back on his. He could settle for hearing your truth first. He was a patient man when it came to you. “Why do you only come in on Thursdays?” He wonders if you were actually asking or not and then he realises it’s just a stepping stone in your monologue, so he kept it zipped and watched you with a bemused smile.
“I was scared, did I tell you I was scared? Thought I’d never see you again Calum, I mean fuck I was about to mark down pistachios to 1 cent if it would bring you back in here, what the fuck were you playing at?” He’d say he was shocked at the way you’d overreacted, but he’d been wracking his brain just as heavily. The entire day, he watched the time flying by, his leg tapping, his riffs never sounding right, his vocals never hitting the right note, his lyrics not carrying into verses with fluidity and synchronicity, every second he spent away from this God damn store was an additional second of insanity he couldn’t bear. 
“Promise I’ll never ditch you again.” You tugged him in close. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep Calum.” You breathed out grabbing hold of the collar on his fleece. “I would never do such a thing.” He tipped his head down at you, thumbs reaching out to stroke adoringly over your cheeks, your aggression dissolved as quickly as it came. “Shit, kissing you is like, I can’t even think of a word for it.” 
“That’s awfully romantic, wow Calum.” You said between kisses. “Shut up.” He bit back. “Trying to but you keep pulling your lips away.” You’re mumbling into his mouth. “Feels weird kissing here, like some other customer is gonna pop outta nowhere.” You rolled your eyes at the mention of it, biggest turn off of the century. “Would you like me to put the shutters down so you can feel safer hmm?” He smirked down at you. “That’s the sexiest thing you’ve ever said to me.” Swoon.
His hands squeezed where he now held your hips fondly. His eyes were shining, even in the dim light. His brows were furrowed with concern, you couldn’t be sure what for. There were so many things either of you could have been thinking at that moment. You were checking his deep eyes for signs of distress or regret, a hint of regret would certainly destroy you now you’d gotten to this stage, but you’d still wished to know if he was okay with all of this. “Are you okay?” You weren’t sure why you said it so quietly. If anyone were to break from a loud and startling voice, it would have been you more so than him. 
He nodded his head into the palm of your hand. You’re heart fluttered but you still wondered. “Promise me?” He nodded again but it wasn’t enough truth for you. “Need to hear it.” You nudged. “I’m more than fine.” It sounded calmer than either of you had expected. You were eyeing him with your lips tucked neatly between your teeth and he swore he’d lay down his life to feel you do that to him instead. “Gonna kiss you now.” You said it as if it was the first ever time. It was at least the third, maybe fourth or fifth but felt just as fresh. Somehow more important than the others. It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t messy. It was planned and it was delicate, and it had mattered.
He leaned into your mouth; plush lips gently caressed yours. You knew he was more eager than he let on, felt it in the way he clutched at your belt loops like he himself was the one to hold up your jeans instead. “You don’t have to be so gentle.” You muttered through fluttered lashes. “Wanna treat you like you deserve.” You didn’t expect such a response, never being taken care of before. You were glad to receive it. “Kiss me sweetly later, I want the good stuff.” His lips didn’t miss the opportunity to send a smirk your way before he swooped in, arms wrapping around your middle, lips plummeting down onto yours. A moan teared from your throat sending his stomach churning and flipping with delight. 
It’s a tender kiss still, even if he weighed down heavy on your lips. His cushiony mouth took the fall. Your arms were thrown messily around his shoulders, finding a home there, your fingers combing the hair at the base of his neck. He gave you his tongue, offering it like a gift. He wrapped it in your lips, sliding between them, teasing your own tongue with it. There it is, your signature scent, apple and mint, a taste so distinctively yours. He tasted of tobacco and coca cola, and you hadn’t a single complaint about it. You’d happily keep that recipe locked in your mind to associate him with forever. He retracted his lips and you found yourself chasing him, rising onto the tips of your toes, nearly toppling the both of you over in the process. He grinned wide from ear to ear, and you just stood there with your eyes big, gawping at him like a goldfish.
“You might be the sweetest thing I ever tasted.” He tucked your hair behind your ear, caressing your heated cheek with a precise and carefully crafted technique. “Can’t really trust your tastebuds though.” He would never live down them pistachios. “I’m gonna make you forget all about that.” You knew he wasn’t really embarrassed about it, but if he really wanted to offer a mind altering experience, you wouldn’t dare decline. “Is that right?”
“There’s only one room in this entire building without security cameras you know.” It’s far too detailed to be a hint but you hope he took it like that anyway. “What would we need that for?” He pecked you over and over, your body squirmed in is grip. “I think you know what.” He did, he loved idea of it too, it was unique and adventurous and sure maybe there wasn’t much risk of getting caught but that didn’t make the location any less scandalous and out of the ordinary. Calum needed you somewhere private around yesterday. “Care to enlighten me?” He saw the cogs turning and ticking away in your pretty little head. He had a rough idea of where you’d take him, but it didn’t make it any less fun to ask. He needed to hear you say it. 
“How sexy is the idea of making out in the stockroom?” You just came out and said it. “How sturdy are the shelves?” You shoved him. “Shut up.” He snickered. “Keep that up and you’ll be banned for life Mr.” He leaned down to kiss that thought from your mind. “You know I can’t survive without this place, it’s just so- “ he paused purposefully, he knew exactly the words he needed but chose not to speak them, “convenient?” you finished for him, to which he nodded along happily. “Convenience corner where all your needs are at your convenience.” You cheerfully recited your slogan, it was adorable to him, nostalgic and cringey to you.
“What else in here is at my convenience?” He pushed the boat out a little. “What would you like?” You played along too, enjoying the way his blush didn’t end with his cheeks but fell down towards his neck as well. “To speak to the manager of this establishment.” You wanted to roll your eyes so badly, but he was just too charming to ridicule. “Think she’s a little busy right now, you’ll have to come back later.” You pulled him back down to kiss you and he relaxed into you within an instant. “Mm, I’d like to ask her something.” He kissed you again. “Oh yeah?” He took a little bit longer to respond that time, your tongue sinking into his mouth, making it pretty difficult for him. “Want her to check something in the back for you?” You encouraged. He nodded down at you eagerly. “Right this way sir.”
You grabbed onto the sleeve of his jacket, tugging his body close to you. He’s about to trip and fall right into your arms for the remainder of the evening but you had other plans. You were leading him elsewhere. In reality, you hadn’t even needed to touch him, he was like a lost puppy in unfamiliar surroundings, only latching onto the one figure he knew, he’d have followed you anywhere. He was whipped. He stumbled along in your path, you may have been short, but you were awfully fast. His vans scuffed across the tiles, squeaking as he walked. It was a step up from his docs but just as irritating. If you weren’t so set on becoming a cliché snogging in the back room, you’d curse him for it. Nevertheless, you lead him to the door just right of the freezer section, you weaved through a sharp right hand turn and kicked open the stockroom door. He wasn’t sure what to expect from it. He’d never really had the need for a job anywhere like this. He didn’t know the ins and outs of what a stockroom could provide. The answer being not a fat lot.
There’s towers of shelves in 3 aisles. Boxes both filled and emptied are spaced out throughout the room. Its colder back here than it was in the main section of the store. It made sense when storing products and trying to preserve them, but it was awfully uninviting. “So, this is kinda the break room too.” You let out. He felt nothing but sympathy for you. There was barely enough room for the 2 of you, let alone any other employees coming and going. He followed you through the aisles toward the back door. Hanging above was the inevitable gleaming green exit sign that glowed more than it should have, casting a faint green light over that portion of the room. His eyes then followed you, stepping on without him, gesturing to a green leather couch he was surprised he hadn’t clocked yet.
“You want a beer or something?” You awkwardly fiddle with a stray, loose strand on your jeans. He shook his head slowly, stepping closer to you. Your legs were already open to straddle the arm of the couch making it easy for him to find himself between them, leaning down to kiss your forehead. You let your arms encase his waist, pushing you face into the fleece he was adorning. Your hair smelt so nice he had to force himself not to take a deep inhale of its fragrance. It wasn’t the weirdest thought that had ever occurred to him in your presence but that just made it worse.
“You’re like a fuckin siren or something.” He blurted out. He expected the way you pulled back, biting your tongue as an attempt not to snigger at him for his comment. “You know what I mean.” He barely defended himself. He started to talk with his hands, and you huffed at the lack of his touch while he did it. “You drag me in here every week. You’re always on my mind. I literally don’t even know your name yet I’m falling over myself trying to be here. I’m back in here like clockwork.” You really ought to tell him, put him out of his misery once and for all. 
“It’s Y/n.” You said gently. You should have said more after he’d rambled on like that, but you were struggling on what you could say. You were far worse for expressing your feelings than he was and that was a great feat. “Y/n.” He repeated it a few times, testing it out, deciding he quite liked the sound of it in his mouth. “Yup, not a siren, just Y/n.” You giggled, like a schoolgirl you actually giggled. “Really stepping up our relationship here Cal, what’s next you want my last name too?”
He was already letting his hands cup your chin, deciding he’d been lacking your intoxicating lips for far too long. “I have a couple of ideas in mind stripe.” Before you could protest the foul nickname his lips were back against yours. They slot against your own so neatly you’d argue they were a piece to your puzzle, finally settling into place. You moaned against the tongue swiping across your bottom lip and his knees nearly buckled under the heat of it. “When you moan like that pretty girl,” he can only pull back for a second or two, “makes me weak.” You’re pushing him back; he stumbled about as gracefully as you could imagine in a moment like that, little to 0%. “I like you weak.” You toy with him, stepping towards him, sparking him to back his way up against a shelf. 
The wood creaked under the force of him. It dug deep into his spine, but you hadn’t given him a moment to complain before you tangled yourselves together again. “I think your nicknames are getting better.” You praised, looking up at him through your long, curled lashes. The sight had him thinking sinfully. You also took the time to admire him. His curls were messy, framing his face in every which way beneath the pressure of his woolly hat. You needed to see his hair without that god damn beanie on or you might explode. You tugged it off him slowly, grateful he didn’t object. He only squinted at you now that he was aware of just how wild his curls had actually become. They’d sprung out in every direction, you weren’t prepared for the volume, not that you’d even minded. “Fuck.” You sighed. He wished he knew what the context was behind that hot little expression of yours. “I love your hair.” Your eyes were so focused on it as you tangled your fingers briefly, catching a couple of curls accidentally. He let out a puff of air as you caught him like that. “Shit, sorry, couldn’t resist.” He shook the comment away, he knew he was in for it with you. 
“So, you’ve lured me back here, now what will you do?” You felt his eyes watching you expectantly, you tried to remain as calm as you could in responding but his gaze burning into you had you tripping over every word before they even threatened to come out. “Have my filthy way with you.” You were dripping with a false confidence; one you hoped he didn’t catch onto. He didn’t. He was heavily convinced you were the filthy minx he’d been dreaming about none stop since he first saw you across the road. Might as well live up to those expectations somehow.
His hands were no longer soft and sweet, barely caressing your frame. His fingers were digging into the flesh of your hips, scooting your body forward till you lined up just right with him, just enough to make him pant with those peachy plush lips. Your own fingertips were buried in the curls at the nape of his neck, and he urged you to tug them in his mind. The guttural moan that escaped him when you finally did it, had you dying to hear it again and again. “Jeez take me to dinner first.” You managed before he’s tucking your bottom lip between his own teeth. “I think you owe me more than one.” You continued in a sudden array of nerves he wasn’t quite used to you having. “Do you ever run out of things to say?” That was his polite and desperate way of asking you to shut the fuck up. You might have done it too. 
His hand slipped dangerously onto your throat, light pressure building when he introduced you to the idea of his hand sitting there, capturing you. “I could, but I’d rather not.” He had to smile proudly when you pouted up at him, nails digging into his shoulders when he blocked your airways, little gasps the only sound running from your delicious, fuchsia stained mouth. He leaned in close to your ear, lips brushing the lobe, your eyes were sent rolling back. He’d found one of your weaknesses and you’d only just begun. “Think you should try and stay quiet for a little while.” As much as you loathed being the quiet, obedient woman, if he asked you to jump off a bridge, you were certain you’d do it. 
His fingertips pulled back and you surged forwards, lips crashing into his own. You whined a breathless moan into his lips, and he still wasn’t happy with the amount of fuss you were making for him but if you rocked into him the way that you were for much longer, he’d be the one struggling with the silence. As if you were reading his mind, always one step ahead of the game. You were tugging at the green, oversized fleece you’d hoped he’d worn for you. 
It hurt to be away from his lips even if it were to rid himself of the many layers that concealed him away from you. “Come on now stripe, wanna see what’s under them.” You wanted to send a snarky comment his way, but you were so breathless at the vision of him stood there without a shirt on and in your fucking stock room no less. “Fucking hell.” Your hands were forgetting every instruction he’d given you. You had a childlike curiosity that needed fulfilment, you’d always wandered about his tattoos. Sometimes for days at a time. Not always at the most convenient of times either, you just couldn’t help yourself. When they graced the back of his hands like that it was only natural to consider how they’d look in situations like- well situations like this one.
“I’ll give you a tattoo tour later.” His forehead was fitted against yours, fingers combing through your hair as his lips ghosted over yours. You closed the gap momentarily, enjoying him before his other hand flushed across your stomach beneath your shirt. Your stomach flipped at the contact. His hands edged over the pudgy skin that was a source of anxiety for you, it always had been. You’d wondered how much he’d actually like you underneath those stripes. “Can I get this off you?” He was trying to connect with you, sensing your hesitation. “You don’t have to.” He promised. “Just really want to see you.” You appreciated his honesty and his kind encouragement. You lifted your top yourself, grateful you couldn’t see his face when it was pulled over your head revealing your upper half to him. The strong urge to suck in a breath hit you like a freight train.
He nearly growled at the sight of your breasts spilling over the cups of your bra. He’d always agreed with women when they said they hated the claustrophobic item of clothing. But seeing your boobs bunched up like that, toppling out of them, he thought he might like bras for the first time in his life. You avoided his gaze. Even going as far as to closing your eyes to avoid the scrutiny. It doesn’t come. His lips were on you so fast, he doesn’t even bother unclipping the thing. He yanked down the cups, bending down at the knees, stuffing your nipples into his mouth like a starved man. You choked out a cry when his teeth tugged at the hardening skin of your nipple. His hips bucked helplessly into yours while he continued his assault. Any fear you’d had was now out of sight and out of mind because the boy before you didn’t care if you were fat or thin, you were his pretty, witty, annoying girl and he wanted to love on every part of you that you’d let him get near which was honestly, all of you. 
“Jesus Calum, leave some for the rest of us.” His eyes opened, blinking a couple times as he pulled away, a trail of spit formed between you, connecting his lips to your breast. His cheeks flushed crimson, lips about the same shade, pupils blown out entirely. He was love drunk and as dazed as ever. He caught your eye like the very first time, an accidental staring contest forming from a glance he just could not stop taking. You’d been more than willing to participate this time around. 
“Best tits I’ve ever fucking tasted.” You stroked under his chin; he leaned into your palm as you offered him the much appreciated affection. “Anyone would think they’re the first.” Had he really gone that nuts? (Pardon the pun). “Weeks’ worth of pining make you go a little crazy?” He furrowed his brows at the mock hidden poorly in your question. “Wait, wait, wait, you knew?” He was dumfounded. “That you were buying pistachios left right and centre to keep coming back in here?” He nodded along like he was amazed you’d caught on. As if he had even a shred of subtlety. “Doesn’t take much genius.” You tapped your temple symbolically. “So, this whole time you let me buy you out of stock, and didn’t say a damn thing?” You gave him your brightest smile. “You’re so cute when you think you’re undetectable.” Your finger prodded his cheek and he huffed against it. 
“I didn’t know you wanted to pound me in the break room or anything, but I caught onto the crush pretty early on.” He was truly mortified. He may have gotten the girl, even had you whining for him tonight, but his pride was certainly damaged. “And you-“ he asked before he wondered if he even wanted to know the answer. “Was hooked day 4 when you tripped on your way in.” He leaned back, eyes closing, hands coming to cover his face, sadly leaving your body. You’re giggling before him, and it feels incredible to witness the joy of hearing it, but his embarrassment was a much stronger sensation. 
“It was very cute how you then proceeded to shuffle every step just in case you did it again, even if your damn docs left track marks across my floors.” He was sheepish about that part; he’d find a way to apologise for it at some stage. He’d clean it with a toothbrush if he had to. “This might be super unprofessional of me,” you said as if your entire relationship thus far had been anywhere near adhering to your code of conduct working here. “But the part apart pounding the in the breakroom-“ he was already cutting you off “yes fucking please.” His lips were on yours like they’d never left. Arms wrapped round you so tight you could scarcely breathe. Hadn’t even wanted to. 
“You know, I was hoping you weren’t all talk,” he beamed with pride, taking in the sight of your bite swollen lips and chest heaving with ragged breaths, his trail of saliva still glistening across your breasts. He placed a hand on either side of your hips, his head dropped to mouth hungrily at your neck while he’d fastened you in place, a sort of retaliation for your comment just before. Sure, you could talk but he could take action. He could mark a sweet and tender bruise into your collarbone to prove just how much he could back up those words.
“Been wanting to mark you up since we met,” he sighed deeply into the hollow of your throat, you can feel the air leaving your lungs, “what if I’d been wanting that just as bad?” You responded, he didn’t even mind that you did, he may not have been able to shut you up completely but the hint of whining and tiny noises just beneath each word was certainly a victory for him. He had been the only cause. “Oh yeah?” His words vibrates as he dragged his lips across your neck. “What else have you been wanting pretty girl?”
You leave him with nothing for a few seconds. Just weighing up the options in your head. There wasn’t much that you didn’t want him to do. You’d allow just about anything at this point. The lack of an answer was slowly destroying him. He could go ahead and try something he’d wanted but for him, sex wasn’t about that. He needed to tend to your needs. He needed to make you feel good. “Come on baby, don’t hold out on me now.” It’s impatient and desperate and it had you gripping onto him for dear life, a very clear image flashed into your mind of just what you’d wanted from him.
“Your fingers. I need your fingers.” He was already letting his hands slip down your bare tummy before sentence could dare meet its end. Just as quickly as those fingers began drifting, he was retreating. Hands fluttering in the opposite direction, much to your dismay. You barely pout before he’s focusing his gaze on you. He has half the mind to scold your battiness but he’s just so keen to give you what you need, he couldn’t deprive you, not when you looked so sweet. “Do me a favour real quick pretty girl,” you needed a second to recover from the pet name, “suck my finger real slow for me.” You needed several hundred to recover from that. “That’s it, good girl.” It’s extremely condescending and under any other circumstances, you’d be sure to give him a piece of your mind, but this wasn’t a casual scenario. The roles were well and truly reversed and you were throbbing from the realisation that he just might be as fucked up as you were in the bedroom. 
“Never been this quiet for me.” You hum sweetly around the second finger he’s pushing into your mouth. You do as you’re told initially, just sucking the digits plainly. Its only when you notice the jagged breaths he’s taking while watching you, that you decide to show off. Just sweet little licks, swirling your tongue around the tips of his rough fingers, admiring the salty taste of his skin across your tongue. When you take him to the knuckle you know he’s fighting all the restraint he has not to ram his fingers right down your throat. “I wish that was my dick so fucking bad.”
Although you don’t expect the blunt and brazen confession, you’re not at all alarmed at the content of it. You knew the tricks to captivate your audience. It was no secret that the two of you would never be anywhere close to each other’s first time but that hadn’t taken any of the excitement and uncertainty away that kept the air heavy with tension. You could never have anticipated just how successful your performance would be with him. “Gotta give me my fingers back now.” 
He makes no effort to retract them from the vice grip of your lips despite the contrasting command and his genuine eagerness to hurry this along. “Come on.” He’s grunting, tapping his feet with urgency. You released them with a wet pop that near echoes throughout the room. He’s sliding his now glistening fingers, back down between you both. He’d not noticed, too distracted by your tongue no doubt, you’d already made quick work of unbuttoning your jeans and pushing them down along with your underwear. All he had to do was slip a finger or two daringly over your pussy. A slow stroke through the soft, sweet heaven. It was so inviting, so pretty. He’d not needed to see it at all to know it was perfect. Not in the sense that it was the most attractive or most neat in terms of aesthetic but simply because it was yours, and he wouldn’t dare dream of a better haven than the little mountain peak between the valley of your thighs. 
You both let out a rushed sigh. He captured your lips as they invite him to meet. His fingers are met with a soft, supple, soaking welcome. “Baby.” He was about to lose his mind over the sweet wave of wetness that washed over the digits of his fingers as he barely pushes inside. “You’re so fucking wet.” He’s thanking and begging whatever deity above for more of the pleasure of your touch and the ability to make you feel as sticky and sweet as you do across his fingertips. He’d done something very right and wonderful to deserve you in this state and he couldn’t fathom what on earth it may have been, but he’d be sure to repeat it once he did. 
All for him, this was all for him. Oh, if only he knew. All his, you were never for anyone else. From the second he walked into your life you were his. He was hoping that too. You thought your eyes were telling him too much, showing him too easily the depths of your affection but they weren’t even close to letting that secret out. He had no idea how you’d wanted him until this moment. This wasn’t even the first occasion you’d been damp at the idea of him. This was just the only situation in which you’d actually be able to do something about it without carrying a backbreaking amount of guilt. He must know this is how it’s been for you.
His fingers don’t dive into you like you may have needed them too, and you did, really. They simply explored you. They were slow to enter but were keen to twist and turn and stretch. He was learning the gateway to your paradise. He was finding the secrets you had hidden. “Fuck.” You were sighing so sweetly for him at each given breath, he might just have figured you out. “Oh, that’s it.” His smile was hard to miss, hard not to mirror too. “Yeah.” You try with all your might to compose yourself, not fall to pieces from the brush of his thumb to your clit while his fingers flickered a beat to the soft and sweet space inside of you. “God yeah that’s it.” You rolled your hips, fucking yourself on his fingers. He’d barely twitched his wrist to aid you, hadn’t needed to. It was far too hypnotising to watch you take it for yourself. “So, fucking pretty baby.” He’s watching with a childlike curiosity, eyes wide, lips parted, brow’s quirking upward with inquisitiveness. “Finally shut you up.” He couldn’t resist the dig. You don’t resist the harsh shove you give his chest. Sending him backwards but never letting his fingers escape you. No, you needed to be filled, you would be filled. 
“Gonna get all bratty on me now?” You opened your eyes, a panic washed through them, and he spotted it because he’s not taken his own eyes away from your face from the moment he tucked his fingers inside your damp little pussy. “Not gonna punish you, don’t worry.” You weren’t really worried. It was more of a muscle memory. It was an instinctive reaction to the response you were used to receiving. Even if you hadn’t gotten anything it was nice to know it might have been something he was into, once again checking off an invisible tick list of activities you might enjoy together if you ever did this again and God you hoped you would do this again.
He stroked your hair then, the side of your cheek just after. Your eyes hadn’t opened for the last few minutes, maybe even longer. So difficult to keep them anywhere near open when he’s plunging his fingers inside you like that. It’s not precise, it’s not clean. You wouldn’t say it was particularly clumsy, but it was far from perfect, and yet, you had so enjoyed it. He filled you in a way that there was room for improvement but not enough to avoid the urge to clamp down on his fingers when he’d curled them inside you. He certainly had a handle on that little trick. “Shh, you’re getting so loud sweetheart.” His grin wasn’t seen but it was certainly heard. “Gonna keep it down for me?” You knew he wanted to hear you, couldn’t want anything more actually but the prospect of teasing you and having one over on you where he usually couldn’t, well that was far more tempting to toy with. You knew damn well no one was close enough to hear a peep from either of you even if you screamed and honestly, you just might have.
“Fuck Calum,” he picked up his pace, his lips ghosted over your neck as he reached a new depth inside you. Your pussy clenched on his fingers. Your own nails scraped into his shoulders, biting into his skin, slipping a hiss through his teeth. “Come on baby.” Your eyes fluttered open to catch the look of concentration on his face, his eyes met yours with a twinkle of knowing. He can feel that you’re about to cum. He just knew it. Without your confirmation he knew. Your eyes rolled back, your head too, dropping far enough that your hair dripped down your back like water. He caught the back of your neck to support you. As if he’d really thought of everything. Knew to rescue you from that deep dull ache you might have gotten if he hadn’t bothered. “You gonna be a good girl and cum for me?” His words had you squeezing him again, so hard he felt his pulse throbbing in his fingers, as well as your own beating deep in your cunt. “Come on sweetie don’t you wanna cum for me, know I’ve thought of little else.” It was like he’d been reborn the second you moaned his name. He was a different person here, he was remarkable. There was a burning passion within him that you’d only hoped he might have but seeing it in practice, confirming your fantasy of how good it could be, God that was enough. You were coming undone.
“So fucking pretty when you cum, you know that?” His fingers left you. You protested with a whimper and the rutting of desperate hips, but it was too late, his fingers were sinking between his lips. You were eyeing him like a tiger watching its prey as he tasted you, devouring your cum slicking his fingers. The noise of satisfaction and crude slurping is pornographic, and you simply can’t bear to be without his touch any longer. If he didn’t bury his stupid cock inside you, you’d never shut up ever again so long as you shall live. You’d make his every visit here his personal hell until he gave in and gave you what you needed. “You taste fucking delicious.” That tiny restraint you’d mustered in the past five seconds. Instantly disposed of. 
Your hands flew to the zipper of his jeans, slinking inside them, hands coming down to grope the bulge concealed by his underwear. His lips parted as you kissed him, curiously gathering your own taste wrapped around his tongue. His back slammed roughly against the shelf and his only retaliation was to bite down hard on your bottom lip, fingers pulling on your hair to make you back up and add some space between you. “Jesus Calum, I know you want me to shut my mouth but biting off my bottom lip won’t do it.” He was apologetic in his mind but only in his mind. “Couch.” Is all he said. You shook your head. “No?” He took a daring step towards you unhappy with your defiance. Just as he’d tamed you, you go and act out again. It would never be enough, you only needed more. You shook your head, holding a breath as he looked around the room for other possible locations. He was sure he’d fuck you on the floor if it came to it. He hoped it wouldn’t come to it. 
“I’ve never fucked standing up.” Is what you offered him, shoulders shrugging as you come out with it. He’s amused for sure. Not exactly the way he’d imagined his first time with you going but then again, he also didn’t imagine it being in the break room or this shop at all really. “Okay.” His calming smile settled the tension in the pits of your stomach. “Okay?” You asked him quietly. At first he thought you were just mimicking him in efforts to gain control but then he heard the way it wavered and pitched higher at the end. He broke his tough act and cupped your face in his hands. He adored the way you looked back at him, not a rain cloud or single storm in your sky. “Gonna need you to turn around for me.” He made no effort to let you move just yet, awaiting your willingness to comply before he set you free. He kissed you briefly before you did as he wanted without question, turning 180 degrees to face the shelves pressed to the wall. 
He took both of your wrists from behind. You allowed his grip to guide you, first assuming he’d be crossing them behind your back, a flurry of excitement tingling within you. But instead, you found he’d lifted them forwards, your hands slipping onto the shelf in front of you as he’d wanted, holding onto it instinctively, realising now that he’d been offering you stability instead. Your body burned even brighter than before. You’d be needing something to grip because he wasn’t going to take you lightly, you needed to hold onto something if you were going to cope with him. 
He knew you couldn’t possibly break. You’d proven to him already that you could handle it. You were so prepared to take him. Until you’d noticed the one little error of your ways. You’d not had the chance to see him, to wonder if your assumptions had been correct. You’d not known how big or how thick he was or how it’d curve and which direction it would curve in if it even curved at all. You may have felt your arousal trickling down your thighs. You may have been holding your breath and white knuckling the shelves before he even attempted to prick you but oh my. You were not even remotely prepared for the fullness. 
Calum’s hands rested heavy on your hips. You expected to feel the nudge of his hand grazing your backside as he touched himself in preparation to graze your cunt, but he does no such thing. He simply thrusted himself between the hot, wet mess of your lips and cunt with no attempt to enter you at all. He didn’t dare stop until he was satisfied with the coating of your dampness now slicking his cock ready to take you. He leaned forward, chest embracing your back. He flipped your hair over your shoulder, his chin resting in the now empty space he’d created on the other side. You felt a slight drag of stubble close to your neck before he’s uttering his instructions for you. “Take my cock in your hand.” You shuddered under the breath he fanned across your ear. “Come on baby, just for me.” He kissed your neck in encouragement. His arms wrapped around your middle. Your left hand released the shelf with a crack at the knuckle, finding a new home now between your legs. You leant down, back arching, ass pushing out, bumping him as you refrained from hunching to complete your task. 
You didn’t miss the way his hips bucked, and his cock jumped when your fingers found him. You didn’t miss how only your middle and ring finger could span the entirety of his thickness. You didn’t miss how one hand wasn’t nearly enough to capture his full length at once. And you certainly didn’t miss the amount of exposed skin going untouched when you glided your hand up and down him just to gather a better picture in your mind of what he might look like. You knew that in fact, it may take two. Two of your palms and even the addition of your lips at his tip to fully encase him. He was big. He was mouth-wateringly, cunt achingly big. You tugged him inside of you and braced the for the heat of the fever it brought upon your body. “Jesus fucking Christ.” A groan ripped from his throat.  
He expected to give you a moment. He expected you to need adjusting like those he’d had before. He expected you to cry that it was too much and all too soon and that you couldn’t possibly take him completely. He expected his ego to be boosted so high he wondered how we was ever nervous of being with you in the first place. It never came. You didn’t dare wait to accept the intrusion of his thick cock. You didn’t dare to linger and wonder if it would ever start to feel better than a stretch. You just pushed your hips back onto him, your ass flush against his pelvis, cock sheathing itself inside you as far as it could go and then some. And then some because you’re not just taking him whole, swallowing him up till he couldn’t reach any further. No, you’re wiggling your ass, skin recoiling and wobbling against him with the quickness of your movement. You’re taking his cock so deep he’s feeling claustrophobia from the way your cervix is blocking his path, walls closing in on him preventing him from travelling deeper. And it excited you to think about the delicious specks of pain his hot cock was pricking your insides with. 
It took every ounce of his strength not to flood you with his cum that very second. He could have done it. He wouldn’t have been embarrassed, not when it felt that good just to be inside you. Not when you really were made to engulf him in your flames. If he finished, who could blame him? To be hugged like that. To be warm and snug and held so tight. It would be cruel for anyone to tease a premature finish from a predicament like that.
“Baby, baby please.” Your voice was shaky, breathy, and so quiet. No wonder he hadn’t heard you over his own thoughts. How was it that you were the one stuttering when it was you that had felt so transcendent, not him? You had no fucking idea how well you took him. Even when he’d been standing there in bliss so long he’d forgotten he was supposed to be moving and enjoying you in the first place. It slipped right by you.
He kissed your neck, sucking sweet bruises beside those already scattered there previously. His hips pulled back, cock barely leaving you before surging back forwards. He pulled back further each time, pulling more of him away only to force it back in again with the echo of your wet cunt bouncing around the room. You gripped the shelves so hard you feared you may dent them, as he drove his cock into you. His hips pulsed into yours, balls slamming into you whenever his pelvis made contact. His one hand dug into the flesh of your waist, bunching your skin in his fingers, gripping so tight you worried he might pull the chunk clean off of you. Every now and then he bit down on your shoulder when you convulsed around him. “Keep squeezing me like that and I’m gonna fucking lose it.” You took it as an invitation to grip him again. He felt good because of you. You felt good because of him. Might as well enjoy it.
You threw your head back, resting it against his shoulder, exposing more of your throat to him as you started to fuck yourself onto his cock. He was losing it, not sure he ever had it to begin with actually, not around you. With every second passing by. Every time you made a fucking sound you drove him to madness. You were absolutely feral. You had all of the power. You met his every thrust. You angled him towards you, to your liking, even standing on the tips of your toes to feel him rub your sweet spot the way you’d needed. How was it that you’d ended up back in charge? Even when he’d been so convinced he’d gotten you where he wanted. Your pussy was so damn distracting, that’s how.
“Oh Calum.” He was revving himself up to regain control of you. His spare hand trapped your throat, his fingers and thumb adding little to no pressure around your neck just yet. “Please, God please fucking choke me.” His lips grunted heavily into your ear. Of course, you wanted it before he’d really thought about it. Always one step ahead of him even now. “This what you like?” He was beginning to constrict you, knowing full well you couldn’t communicate effectively now that he had but this time, he’d actually force you to. 
“Come on, tell me.” Despite the steadiness of his tone, his lower half was anything but steady. He was pounding into you. It was so hard for you to focus and feel the structure of your own body as well as the shelf before you rattling away violently. You were trembling at his thrusts. Your back arched involuntarily. You pushed back to meet his hips whenever you could, and he certainly didn’t let you slip away far enough to make it easier on you. You were so overwhelmed you couldn’t tell which way was up, down, left, or right. He’d fucked you completely dumb, no thoughts swirling around your pretty little head anymore and yet, he needed the conversation. Why would he dare to make your life easier now? 
“Tell me you like it; tell me you like my hand on your throat. Tell me how you like my cock fucking your pussy. Tell me this cunt is mine baby come on.” He was pushing you; he was forcing a response you’re too embarrassed to give and he was desperately hanging on the edge waiting to hear your confirmation. “Tell me baby!” He was the one crumbling to pieces now. His fingers loosened around your throat in an attempt to draw the words from it but it’s not his hand that was the problem. The problem was that you couldn’t dare speak because if you did, if you even attempted to produce a sound he’d know what you were doing. He’d know that you were so needy and gagging for it that you’d been cumming all over his cock just from the way he spoke to you. “I- love-.” You just couldn’t say it. You couldn’t catch your breath, you just moaned hard. “Fuck, did you just, did you just cum?” 
You were so embarrassed. You knew he wasn’t upset; how could he be? He’d made you finish not once but twice in one night; your first night together might he add. Your embarrassment was lying in the fact you weren’t even close to being finished with him. You needed more. You had to get more. You’d had a taste of his addictive drug and you were not going to relinquish it now. “Good fucking girl.” He rasped. “Fuck you’re so good, unbelievable, unreal.” He was a mess of praises and curses. He was mind blown at the response he received from you. He knew it was good, knew you were feeling good but if he’d known you’d fall for him like this, he’d have made a move a lot sooner.
“More Cal, I need more.” His eyes nearly bulged from his skull. “What’s fucking wrong with you?” You snorted out a laugh to his question. You wish you fucking knew. Your body was way out of your control now. “Just fucking me so good.” You knew he wasn’t buying it. “Please baby.” He scoffed at your level of greed. You’re not playing it up to make him cum, you’re doing it because you want to another orgasm for yourself. 
“You’re such a slut, you know that?” You did, you really did. “You’ve been holding out on me hmm, standing all sweet and precious behind that counter. Made me think that glitter lip gloss smile was sent from heaven above. You’re just another whore though aren’t you?” You were nodding furiously. “Been wanting this the whole tine haven’t you?” 
His hips were more erratic and aggressive now. He was fucking into you so hard it actually started to hurt him as well as you. It was so hard your feet didn’t stay in the same spot for long, his thrusts forcing your form forward each and every time no matter how much you fought to remain still. “Fuck fuck.” You weren’t sure who it came from. You were reduced to nothing. No words, nothing coherent anyway, I mean fuck, you couldn’t even breathe properly, couldn’t stand properly. You were getting fucked rougher than you ever could have imagined and your whole body ached in pain but just to feel him you stood there and took it. You took it all. 
“Cum already.” He half demanded half begged. He was on the cusp and would be damned if you didn’t finish before him even if it was your third time. “Or I finish without you.” A very empty threat. If he’d held it this long, he had the patience of a saint and he could wait a bit longer for it. His hips snapped into yours, cock so sharp inside you, spearing into you, ramming inside your cunt like it was the last thing he would ever do. He chased and chased the euphoric feeling, suddenly neglecting to check if you had found your own, so ready to take you for real, to give you all he had. “Fuck, where should I?” He tried to string the thought together before it was already too late. 
You wanted it inside, more than anything you want it inside you, flooding your pussy, filling you up so much you overflow. You couldn’t be so irresponsible. Not this time. “Pull out, cum on me, come anywhere on me.” He pressed sweet kisses atop your spine while his cock still rocked into you milking your tight cunt for all it was worth right up until he couldn’t bare it any more, cock slipping out, his hands gripping it, pulling on the wet flesh before he jerked off, his release dripping hot beads of cum to coat the roundness of your ass. He gasped and grunted as he emptied himself, forehead pushing into your spine, sweat sliding down it. His left hand clutched yours pulling it down from the shelf to interlock with his. Once his breath was less short he brought it to his lips for a sweet kiss so unlike your treatment a moment ago. 
The two of you stood there with your legs shaking and your breath ragged. “Jesus fucking Christ.” You broke the silence with a croaky voice, a surprise to neither of you with the amount of screaming you’d done. Calum sighed deeply, and you thought he might tell you to shut the fuck up, wouldn’t even blame him for it actually, but it never came. He instead pulled away from you, slinking down to his knees to grab your jeans and the panties crumpled inside them, sliding them back up your legs.
He used his discarded shirt to wipe the mess he’d made of your back, before tossing it to the ground, making a move to grab your striped top. He prodded your hips to get you to turn around, gasping at the blood trickling down your lower lip. “Oh sweetheart.” His thumb dipped to gather it away, lifting to show it to you briefly before suckling it into his mouth like some kind of vampire. You simply couldn’t avoid the way your lips whined at it. “Oh no, no way, you’re not getting turned on again, you’re banned.” He pecked your nose to lessen the threat before pulling your shirt over your head. He was hoping you might lift your arms to slip inside the material but not he wasn’t upset or surprised when he’d had to really commit to dressing you by himself. 
When your head poked back through the material, a pout was coating your lips. “No seriously, what’s wrong with you?” He tried to deadpan the question, but you knew he wasn’t the slightest bit concerned for you. He enjoyed your neediness, it had him unashamed of the throbbing sensation returning to his cock at the vision of you bloodstained lips. The lips you’d bitten cause his cock was too fucking much for you, he adored that thought.
“You’re pretty mean.” You commented with lack lustre intensity. “And you’re pretty.” He responded, he didn’t even cringe, neither did you, thankfully. He continued to dress you till there were none of your clothes left lying around. He guided you over to the sofa, letting you rest before he even  considered throwing his fleece back on. It wasn’t as if he was cold enough for it anyway, your comfort was more his concern right now. If that was the state of your lip, he can only imagine the damage to the rest of you. 
“Can we cuddle?” You didn’t really think about how possible that would be on the tatty couch you now sat upon. The one you’d gotten from a thrift store a couple months back, painstakingly dragging it through the fire exit singlehandedly. Once he’d gathered his belongings he sat beside you, the couch dipping where his body sank down. He grabbed you with ease, bringing you into him. You cuddled into his side, your head first on his shoulder before dropping lower with your fatigue. You were now resting somewhere across his chest, low enough for him to rest his head atop yours. He stroked over your back absentmindedly but soothingly enough to have your eyes closing in relaxation. He caught your head drifting, twitching as you stumbled into slumber, the peace of being in his arms just carrying you far away. 
“Hey pretty girl.” He nudged you lightly. “Don’t really think you wanna fall asleep right here.” He knew he wasn’t far behind you, but he had no intention of spending the night in that store room, even if the building was becoming his favourite place on earth. “What about upstairs?” You half yawn. “Upstairs?” He repeated it as a question. “Mmhmm.” You responded, as if it made it anymore clear to him. “A shred of context might be nice stripe.” You may have been exhausted but you were not about to let that nickname go unpunished. “Firstly, fuck off, secondly, when you fuck off, be sure to go through that door.” You weakly pointed at the door adjacent to the fire exit, again, something in this room he’d never have noticed unless it was pointed out to him. It must have been some kind of magic, surely he wasn’t ignorant enough not to spot that. “I live upstairs if you haven’t caught on yet, handsome.” He rolled his eyes playfully and you knew what was coming next when he started smirking before he even finished the sentence. “Well, isn’t that convenient?” 
453 notes · View notes
ameliora-j · 9 days
Note
Hey babe! Could you do beard burn with Calum? Like him just absolutely going to town on you and not caring about the rash he’s given you?🌟
THIS IS SO JENDISJENRJFKD brb switching lanes love u mikey !! ♡
content: beard!calum, oral (f!receiving), mean!calum (j mocking frl), bonus content at the end !! 18+ MDNI !!
“c-cal… gonna… gonna be late!” you whine out through moans, tugging at his curls as your eyes roll back. he hums, quickly coming up from between your legs to shoot you a smirk. you two are supposed to be heading to the ama’s, but calum had other plans once he saw you in the dress he’d picked out.
“darling… look at what you’ve got on” he mumbled, kissing up your thighs. your back arched and you whined as you felt his stubble rubbing against your already sensitive skin. “you look absolutely ravishing… let me finish and we’ll get going” he whispered, licking a bold stripe all the way up your pussy as he moaned at the taste.
the dress had a high slit up your right leg, and a very low back. simple spaghetti strings with an a-line, but he went wild as soon as he saw you put on the matching heels he had called in a favor for. you had mentioned how cool it would be to have a red pair of red bottoms to match your red dress, but louboutin didn’t sell any. so the only obvious answer was for calum to call and get a custom pair for you to wear for the awards show.
you were now sat on the edge of the bed, legs spread wide with calum kneeled between them as he practically made out with your cunt. you had cum once already, but he said it wasn’t enough for him, pressing you further into the mattress and continuing to eat your pussy like it was the last supper.
your thighs had begun to burn as you neared your first high, and the small rash from his stubble had only gotten worse the more he ate you out. “calum…” you whine as his lips wrap around your clit once more.
he chuckles meanly, pushing two fingers into your cunt and fingering you quickly to make you wrap your legs around his head. he groans as he feels one of your heels digging into his back, being motivated by the pain to double down. his arms wrap around your waist and he pulls your hips up, using his strength to grind your cunt against his face as he slurps at your juices.
you cry out his name, tugging harder at his hair as your legs begin to shake. he moans at the pain, shaking his head back and forth as he eats you, his beard rubbing up against your sensitive thighs as he tongue fucks you. “cumming!” you cry, barely able to give him a warning as his thumb connects with your clit and rubs it in quick, harsh circles.
he moans as he tastes you creaming on his tongue, making sure to slurp at his mess. your legs shake, hips twitching with aftershocks as he cleans your sticky cunt with his tongue. calum smirks as he sees the dazed look on your face, and it widens as he sees the red irritation marks forming on your thighs. he rubs his cheeks against them for good measure, chuckling meanly as you shriek and try to squeeze your legs shut to get away, only making the rash worse.
he knows you’re gonna be whining and squirming your way down the red carpet tonight and he couldn’t be more proud of this fact as he fixes your panties and helps you to stand so you can get to the car.
° 𐐪𐑂 ♡ 𐐪𐑂 ₒ 𐐪𐑂 ♡ 𐐪𐑂 ₒ 𐐪𐑂 ♡ 𐐪𐑂 ° 𐐪𐑂 ♡ 𐐪𐑂 ₒ ° 𐐪𐑂 ♡ 𐐪𐑂 ₒ
bonus!: you hear childish giggles and snorts as you leave the red carpet to go find your seats in the show, turning to glare at the other guys and their girlfriends. “what’s so funny?” you frown.
“first day walking in heels, yn?” sierra asks and the group laughs even harder. calum stands beside you with a proud smirk, holding your waist as he has you practically pressed against his side. he licks his lips, biting his bottom one gently at the recollection of what had occurred merely an hour before.
“not with the look calum has” michael smirked, causing the group to laugh harder—even earning a chuckle from calum himself. you gasp in mock offense, playfully slapping calum’s chest.
“oh i’m sorry princess” he mocks a pout, kissing your head. “it’s just so cute when you get all limp-y and try to walk so the beard burn doesn’t hurt” he whispers softly. “know it makes you more wet though, doesn’t it?” he mocks lowly so only you can hear.
the thick swallow that he hears is more than enough to give him an answer, and at that he just laughs harder.
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suchalonelysunflower · 8 months
Text
I Hear a Symphony (c.h)
You, Again Spin Off
Pairing: Soulmate! Calum Hood x Soulmate! Fem! Reader
Summary: it’s the most important day of Luke’s life, and, even if Calum doesn’t know it yet, it would be his as well
Warnings: Fluff, kinda angsty but not Sunny’s type of angst. Language. Some grammatical errors (English is not my first language, I’m sorry)
Word Count: 4.2 K
Authors Note: OKAY, this does not mean I’m back posting every week like I used to, but it’s something. Thank you for the 2K 🥹🩷 more things are coming, I promise. But like give me time cause I’m moving continents this month. Please remember to REBLOG the works you like, that’s super important to keep writers (me) going, as well as COMMENTS LIKES AND REACTIONS. PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR WRITERS. Hope you like it and happy reading 🥰🦋🌻
My masterlist // tag list in bio!
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He could hear the sound of nervous pacing echo through his head as he rubbed the tip of his thumbs over his eyes. It was a normal occurrence as lately, they’ve all grown accustomed to Luke’s endless worrying. But everyone has their limits, and Calum’s all but reaching it at this point.
“Mate, sit the fuck down!” He said, a bit more harshly than he intended in the first place.
“Yeah!” Michael seconded without paying much attention to them, sitting across the room on the couch, with no pants and a bowl of Cheetos sitting next to him as he played yet another game of FIFA “You’re gonna run out your shoes before you walk down the aisle”
Calum glared at him for that comment.
“What?! That can happen?!” Luke shouted as he immediately jumped to the bed and took off his shoes to inspect them.
“Of course not” Calum sighed, going up to Michael and flicking him on the forehead, ignoring his complaint “But you do need to calm down”
Luke’s been erratic these past few weeks as the big day approached. They’ve all had their fair share of laughs at the “bridezilla’s” post on Reddit every once in a while. But they never thought that their best friend would ever turn into a “groomzilla” Calling them in the middle of the night for their opinions about ties and eyeliner color; overhearing phone calls in the office with vendors about how “teal” was not the same thing as “cerulian”; almost having an aneurysm when Ashton said he was going to shave his head… to name a few.
Although - Calum thought - that term was not fair to Luke at all. He could understand the man being nervous about his own wedding and wanting everything to be perfect. Especially as his best man - aka the man who made sure everything was not in shambles after Luke ended up crying on the office kitchen floor at 2 p.m. on a Wednesday - What he did not get was his underlying fear of his soulmate running away at the last minute.
“I’m sorry!” Luke moaned, hiding his face in his hands as he lay down on the bed “It’s just- what if she just decides she doesn’t want this anymore?”
“You’re joking, right?” Calum sighed as he sat next to Luke.
Calum knew the whole story of their love. When he first met Luke on his first day at the company, the first thing he noticed was the mark on his skin. He remembers a blushing Luke smiling shyly at him while he rubbed his fingers unconsciously over the mark as he told them the story of how he met his soulmate. It was the first time Calum met someone so young and so in love, at least until Michael met his soulmate, but that is a whole other story - and albeit a more dramatic one.
When Luke told them he was going to propose, no one took it as a surprise. It was just how it was supposed to be for them. At least that’s what Calum thought. If he was being honest, all the idea of soulmates and having one person to love for the rest of your life seemed… weird.
He knows he should not have those thoughts out loud, and he probably agrees with Ashton’s theory that maybe it was just because he hadn’t found his yet. But, what was he supposed to think? That magically, somewhere around the world, there was someone destined to be with him? And that they would love him back? It just doesn’t seem real.
But then… He turns toward Luke, who’s now observing his mark, touching it so delicately as if it were to fall. He noticed how his lips moved to say his lover’s name as he sighed. Then, he looks over at Michael, whose mark got him a novella out of that story, and how he smiles at the text his soulmate probably sent. He thinks about how their smiles change when they’re around their loved ones; how they talk about them, as if they were the most interesting people in the world and no one could compare to them. And Calum knows. He just knows that’s how love is supposed to be.
And, he knows he’s never felt that before. Not in the receiving or giving end of the bargain.
He has had partners before. Someone to take the loneliness away from his hands and put them to good use. A distraction, maybe, from feeling so empty. But those relationships never lasted more than a season. His lips never uttered the word “love” to someone before.
Maybe he’s not supposed to.
“Ayooooo!” Ashton shouted as he came barging into their hotel suite, letting the door hit the wall and making Michael drop the bowl of Cheetos on the floor “Who’s ready to party!”
Immediately, Luke got up from the bed with erratic eyes.
“Where the fuck have you been?!”
“Whatever do you mean?” Ashton faked innocence. Calum rolled his eyes
“Give it up, Ash,” He said, getting up from the bed as well “It’s getting late and Luke hasn’t killed anyone, yet. And I have no problem letting him start with you”
“You,” Ashton pointed at him “Are no fun. I just went to grab my tux! I left it at home so that I couldn’t damage it as other people did”
Michael raised his hands “In my defense, no one should’ve brought orange soda into the tux fitting!”
Luke ran a hand through his face. Calum thought it was fortunate that he didn’t do his makeup yet.
“Just tell me you got them”
“Got what?”
“The wha- THE RINGS?!”
“What rings?”
“Okay,” Calum said, putting himself between a very confused Ashton and a bull-raging-looking Luke “This ain’t funny anymore, Ash”
“I’m not trying to be funny, 'cause you know I’ll be hilarious. But I seriously have no idea what you two are on about”
At that moment, Calum could see everything in slow motion.
He noticed the way Luke’s neck vein nearly exploded. He heard the slow whistle from Michael as he got out of the way completely. And he watched Ashton’s eyes go from joyful to meet the angel of death in Luke’s stare as he started to run across the room while the soon-to-be groom chased him.
“Hey, hey, HEY!” Calum yelled just in time for Ashton to trip on Michael’s shoes, taking Luke by surprise and making him stop on his steps “Let’s take a damn moment and figure this out, okay?! Ashton, you don’t have the wedding rings?”
“No.” He said from the floor “Why on Earth would I have them?! You’re the best man!”
“Because I gave them to you, you ass!” Luke shouted, nearly on the brink of tears.
“No you fucking didn’t, mate!” Ashton groaned as he sat down “Believe me, I would’ve known!”
“Yes, I did! At the rehearsal dinner two nights ago, I told you to guard them with your life!”
“No, Luke-” Ashton frowned and got up and went to pick something from his bag “You gave me these. Which at the time I thought it was weird, but no questioning the groom I guess”
What he showed the rest of them was a little black velvet box that contained… nothing. It was completely empty.
Luke’s demeanor completely changed from angry to defeated. Calum swore he could see the five stages of grief run through his friend’s eyes as he sat back down on the bed.
“That’s not- those aren’t-” He stammered “That’s the engagement ring box. I- I don’t know-”
In an instant, his baby blue eyes filled with tears that could not stop running down his face. A chain of curse words mixed with painful whimpers and sobs ran through him and echoed into the empty room. The remaining three friends just looked at each other in shock, not knowing how to approach or how to comprehend anything that was happening.
“Oh my god!” Luke cried “She’s going to leave me! She’ll know I lost the rings and she’ll walk out in an instant. I fucked up! Oh for god’s sake, I ruined everything!”
“Luke-”
“What am I going to even say to her?! Oh god, she’s probably thinking of ways to escape this!”
“Luke!”
“I’m going to end up alone and- and - and- and my mark will disappear! I- I don’t wanna be markless again?!”
“For fuck’s- LUKE!” Calum shouted, grabbing the sobbing groom by the shoulders and shaking him out of his state “Calm the fuck down! We’re going to figure this out and you’re getting married today!”
“But how?!”
“Just-” And then Calum realized he had no idea how to actually fix this, but he had to come up with a plan. Fast “You gave Ash the wrong box, we know that and it was an accident. But, is there any way the box with the rings just got mixed up? Maybe the rings are in the other box and-”
“And they’re exactly where you left them,” Michael chimed in. Nodding at Calum and Ash “We can go find them”
“But I don’t know where they are! They could be anywhere!” Luke whined, “Our house, with the bridal party, at the office…”
“Why would they be in the office?”
“I don’t know! I took them everywhere just to make sure I didn’t lose them”
Calum sighed and stood back. It’s game time.
“Okay, here’s what we’re going to do,” He said, seriously “Luke, you stay here. Try to compose yourself, I’ll call Jack to help you get ready and to help you look through your luggage. Ash, you’re going to their house. Look into every drawer that you can find, even the bathroom and kitchen. Michael, obviously you’re going to the office.”
“Duh”
“And I’ll go to where the bridal party is, if it’s not there I’ll go with Ash”
“Wait,” Luke said, drying his tears “I don’t want her to know that I lost them. If you go there and tell her-”
Calum just put up his hand and smirked “You’re talking to an expert here, mate. She won’t even know I’m there” He then nodded and put his hand on Luke’s shoulder “Let’s get you to that altar”
*
The bridal party was getting ready at the penthouse on the top floor of the hotel, which later would become the marital suite for both Luke and his new bride. Calum went up to the door, ready to knock. But then he would chicken out and do a few laps along the corridor to gain some sort of courage.
“It’s okay,” He told himself “You’re gonna do great, not embarrass Luke and save his wedding. Yeah. You’re a good friend, Calum. Good friend. Great friend, even. Maybe I should ask for a complimentary gift from their honeymoon-”
“Are you seriously giving yourself a pep talk out loud?”
Calum shrieked and jumped at the sound of the stranger’s voice. Turning around to see a lady smiling at him with her eyebrow raised. She was wearing one of the hotel’s complimentary robes with sandals and had her hair and makeup done, as well as a bucket of ice in her hands.
“I- I-” Calum cleared his throat as he composed himself “I’m just… trying to-”
He blinked a couple of times, wondering the reason as to why he seemed out of words when he looked at her waiting for an answer. With that smile and those beautiful eyes looking straight at him… She was pretty. Gorgeous even.
Calum had seen his fair share of pretty people around and about, but this stranger was just as if she were casting a spell on him the moment he set eyes on her. Like Medusa freezing him over with her beautiful stare.
Soon, he returned to his senses enough to extend a hand to her.
“Sorry,” He smiled “I’m Calum, Luke’s best man”
The girl smiled, shaking his hand “Oh, I thought I recognized you from somewhere! I’m Luke’s cousin, Y/N”
Alarm bells started shouting the words “OFF LIMITS” inside Calum’s head the moment she uttered those words.
“Cousin?”
“Yeah,” She smiled, and oh, how Calum wished she didn’t.
“But- but I haven’t seen you? I mean, at the rehearsal dinner and stuff”
Y/N sighed “Yeah, working out of state can be a pain in the ass sometimes. My flight got delayed a good 24 hours. I arrived last night and I’m already spent” She laughed “Anyway, I’m sure you have something important to do, otherwise you wouldn’t be here. Being the best man and all”
Then Calum remembered his task.
“Oh shit! Right. Uhm… I’m gonna need your help” He stepped closer to her and whispered “You see, I’m on a mission”
“Like a secret mission?” She whispered back.
“Exactly. Here’s the deal…”
After he explained the situation and pretended not to notice the way in which Y/N’s eyes set on him with such brightness in them or the way her perfume seemed to hold his thoughts captive at her proximity. They both came up with a plan.
“And the bride cannot know, right?”
“For the sake of Luke’s nerves… yeah, better not”
Y/N giggled, making Calum take a moment just to wish it could happen again. And another to wonder why that was.
“Okay, follow me”
Calum walked behind her, careful not to get into her space as she used her key to open up the door. Luckily, the rest of the party was getting ready at the other side of the room, just as she told him they were. So all Calum had to do was sneak up the other side into the room and rummage through Luke’s bags. Easy enough.
But when have things ever been easy for any of them?
“Hey, Y/N!” A voice ran through the room, making them both panic as Y/N pushed Calum outside of the room again, holding the door with one hand behind her “There you are!”
Calum, still in shock from the abrupt shove, couldn’t hear most of the conversation the girl was having with another bridesmaid. He just noticed her hand out to hold the door so that he wouldn’t be shut out. And then, he noticed her mark.
It was as if a bucket filled with cold water had been dumped on him when he looked at the little dove tattooed on her skin. His face morphed into the disappointment his heart was bleeding out. Feeling the way his lungs stopped breathing as a warm, dreaded sensation ran through his body.
He didn’t know, nor could he comprehend that sudden sadness that took over him just by looking at her mark. Why did it matter so much to him? He literally just met her out in the hall. He should’ve known or even expected her to have someone already, how could she not? In the brief minutes that he’d known her, he already knew she was special. Just… just not special for him.
“Calum!” He heard her hiss through the door.
“I’m here!” He whispered back, trying to tint his voice with something other than disappointment.
Y/N then grabbed his hand blindly and pulled him into the room, making them crash their bodies as she closed the door behind him. Her strength was a bit misplaced as she ended up backtracking into the wall and taking Calum with her, pushing them together against the wall.
She looked back at him, and Calum could barely breathe. His eyes went straight to her lips, parting and waiting for words to come out. So close to him that her eyelashes could blow winds into the brown forest of his eyes. Just one more, little push and he could have his lips drinking from the secret poison of her mouth.
But he couldn’t. Not when she already belonged to someone else.
So he stood back, giving her a little nod as he made his way toward the room. Y/N followed him, making sure to stand guard at the door in case any other person wanted to come in.
“His bags are on the right side,” She whispered through the other side of the door.
“Great, it shouldn’t take me lo-oh. Oh shit”
“What?!”
“Luke’s got like six bags here!” Calum whispered-shouted, already wanting to cry “How on Earth could a person own so many clothes?!”
Y/N stifled a laugh “That sure sounds like my cousin. But don’t worry, his bride got like eight. No wonder they’re amazing together”
“Yeah,” Calum agreed as he started to go through the first bag “Can you believe that he’s scared shitless she’s going to run off?”
“What?! She’s totally head over heels for him. I’ve known them my whole life, there aren’t more deserving people of that kind of love. They truly are made for each other, real soulmates”
Calum gave her a small smile even though she couldn’t see it.
“You know?” She said, with a sigh “I have to admit that I never truly believed that could be possible.”
“What?”
“Loving someone like that”
Calum stopped for a moment looking through bag number three, that same tug on his heart appearing that he chose to ignore. Y/N continued.
“I knew soulmates were real. But I always got that feeling that it couldn’t just be that perfect, you know?”
“Yeah, I get it” He answered, opening bag number four.
“The thought of loving someone like that for the rest of your life, it’s scary. So I understand why Luke might feel like that. Like it’s just such a perfect dream you might wake up from one day. But seeing him with his girl, and seeing the rest of my friends live their lives with their happy endings. They are all living in symphonies and I’m just here trying to figure out the tempo” She laughed
Calum looked back at the door, smiling sadly at her words that mirrored his thoughts so perfectly. His hand went through the fifth bag blindly, finally touching a velvety surface. His eyes widened.
“I know one day I’ll-”
“Holy shit I’ve-”
“Find it”
“Found it!”
Both of them kept quiet for a few seconds after that.
“Wait- you found them?”
“What?” Calum turned, taking the small box from the bag and walking up to the door “But- you have a mark”
“I don’t-”
Silence again. Time stopped. The beats of Calum’s heart could echo in those moments. He knows what he saw. He knows the dove is right there.
Then, the door opens. Y/N stood there with teary eyes. Her hand was delicately touching the mark she now noticed. But she wasn’t looking at it, no. Instead, her attention was solely on Calum, who was standing right in front of her, confused.
She took his hand, he offered no fight. She opened the button of his shirt and lowered the sleeve. Finally, the two of them could breathe.
“Cal…” She said, lips forming a smile.
“Oh my god,”
There it was, drawn on his delicate skin: A dove.
“Hey, has anyone seen Y/N?” A voice could be heard saying from the other side of the suite.
Calum looked up, and in a second he had her by the waist as he hurried them over to the closet and closed the door. He put a hand over her mouth and waited as footsteps came closer.
“I don’t think she’s here,” One of the bridesmaids said as they entered the room “Maybe she went to get some more ice”
They heard the person walk back out and exhale the breath they were holding. Calum looked back at Y/N, and she was already looking at him. He took his hand from her mouth but neither of them could form a sentence.
“Hi,” He said, breathing out a laugh. She smiled.
“Hi,” Her hand found his “This is-”
“Weird?”
“I was going to say “right” This feels right” She giggled “But yeah, it’s kinda weird. We have a lot to talk about”
“I know, I-”
“But not right now” Y/N put her other hand on his chest, feeling the way his heart nearly drummed its way out of his chest “It’s Luke’s wedding, there’s a lot of things to do, and I don’t want to take the moment from them”
Calum sighed “You’re right. But when?”
“I’ll find you,” She said, placing a kiss on his cheek “Now, you have to go, best man. Or the groom might collapse”
And so Calum walked back to Luke’s room, smiling ear to ear as he still felt her lips on his cheek. A smile that did not fade until he entered the suite and found Luke in his underwear with an ice pack on top of his groin; Michael with the zipper of his pants broken; and, Ash with dog paws imprinted onto his shirt.
“What the hell happened?”
Ashton sighed “Dude, you don’t want to know”
*
The ceremony went without a hitch. Luke and his new bride could not take their eyes off each other since she walked into the room, the smile on both of their faces was enough to convince even the proudest non-believer that love truly exists. Their vows made everyone in the room cry or close to, at least. But as they spoke, Calum could only think of one thing: Y/N.
When he saw her walk down the aisle, holding onto one of Luke’s other cousins, he could not help but imagine that one day he would see her walk in white to him waiting at the altar. The looks that they exchanged were a secret to everyone but them. He looked for her throughout the ceremony, almost missing his cue to give the newlyweds their rings - that Luke nearly kissed him in thanks for finding them - And he knew. He just knew that the part of him that he didn’t even think was missing was finally whole.
“... And, I have to admit, soulmates and stuff? I didn’t get them. Not until I met these two. When Luke first told us about the way his bride smiled and how she always got the coffee to taste just right in the mornings, even when their coffee machine broke down, I knew what true love was supposed to look like. Most people search for a love like that, some stop believing halfway through their happy endings. I always thought that love was just something that happened. Now I’m certain that love is something you live through. Something so inexplicably beautiful that’s hard to describe. It doesn’t happen instantly, but it builds and builds until you’ve created a home out of it. I know I cannot wait to start building mine” He said, looking straight at Y/N who sat there smiling widely with teary eyes “Today, the new Mr. and Mrs. Hemmings have invited us to their home, to their love story. And I’m just so thankful to be here sharing this love with them. To the bride and groom!”
The whole venue followed with applause and a few whistles from Ashton after the speech. Luke got up to hug him tightly and thank him for everything he’s done. His wife also got up and kissed him on the cheek, hitting his arm lightly and scolding him mockingly for making her cry again.
Calum just laughed and wished them the best once again. And, when he looked back, he noticed that his soulmate was no longer in her seat. He looked for her through the crown and found her at the door, nudging her head for him to follow.
Yet, when he got there, she was nowhere to be found. That was until he felt a pull on his sleeve and suddenly he was inside a closet once again.
“You really have a lot of upper strength” He laughed, putting an arm around her waist and bringing her closer to him “Hi,”
“Hi,” She said, closing her eyes and leaning forward until their foreheads touched “That was a great speech”
“Thank you, I’ve been practicing”
She hummed as she felt a small kiss on the top of her head, putting her arms around his neck “I already want to hear it again”
Calum held her close, hiding his face inside her neck as he softly placed kisses along it. Feeling like a swarm of butterflies just took flight inside his stomach.
“We have time. I could recite it to you each night”
“We’ve barely just met and you’re already thinking about tonight?” She teased.
“I’m thinking of getting to know you every night and day for as long as you let me,” He confessed, pulling back slightly to look at her “Would you let me?”
Y/N smiled and nodded. Calum took it upon himself to close the distance between them and finally let their lips touch. Kissing her like she wanted from the first time he saw her. Hungry. Passionately. Lovingly. Hopeful for the future they could now share.
But too busy to even hear the door of the closet opening.
“Hey, Cal! Are you there? Where ha- OH MY GOD! WITH MY COUSIN, CAL?!”
*
*
tags: @iknowyouthinkimbulletproof @mystic-232 @talksoprettyjjx @theshyspy @hemmohoran @flaneurcth @hoodharlow @littledrummeraussie @bubblegum18 @irwin-fletcher-ash @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @1980holland @wiiildflowerrr @hoplessromantic727 @in-a-world-of-fandoms @another-lonely-heart @aabc5sauce @dudethisiswhyyoudonthavefriends @fakebetch9694 @5sos-imagine @SunflowerAngel2123 @perfectnouis @in-superbloom @lukeisstillapenguin @sadcupofcoffee
@superstarmarvel @personalmuyverypersonal @cnco.angels @vtte @himbohood @sofiaaraee @irwindoll @lolzkye @fairytrice @colourfulcal @nibin0912 @hfkait @savagejane1 @youneedtocalumdown @pvnkcloud @in-a-world-of-fandoms @The-Ghost-of-Cal @youneedtocalumdown @dasguccier @awritingtree @heyitskelseaj @dawwnya @calumance @writersdare @indianamgc11 @marshallowy
@ashtonsunflower @calumspupils @secretsicanthideanymore @alltimesos @wontlastimokwiththat @whywontyoulovemecami @perriexed @abiancajg @rewmuslupin @icelily13 @gracieboogirl @fastandtheformula1 @remusismyhousewife @emilyclairesimpson @romanjbittenbinder @bookthingz @voilavouz @gracieboogirl @valentinehrts
@fckingpernico @multistann @a-darneddarling @plaidshirtyears @ihavenoideawhattodowithyou @bittersweetb4by @aria-grace-scott @bvbygxrl @luisa180206 @flyingburrito123 @drugerlime
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calumsrockstar · 5 months
Text
Chemistry - Calum Hood
Calum was always a straight A student, but when he failed a test, you came to his rescue
Word count: 1.4k
Contents: protected p in v, oral (f and m recieving) virginity, minimal cursing, overall just cute vanilla sex, calum is a sub if you squint hard enough.
nerd!calum x reader (fem)
this is set in high school (both characters are 18)
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Calum had never gotten less than an A on his tests, since he was a child, he prided himself in always being the best, spending his weekends studying and reading, knowing that would guide him to excellence.
But now, his last year in high school, things had changed. The subjects were getting harder and harder, and he was struggling to keep up, especially in chemistry class.
He´s always loved chemistry, but now, it felt like a drag.
He studied like a madman for his recent chemistry test, but when he recieved it, it was like his mind went blank, he couldn´t answer any of the questions, even the easiest ones.
A week later, he got the test back. The result was an F. He had never felt more defeated in his life. He looked up at you, showing your test to your friend. You had gotten an A! You were squealing with happiness.
You were another student in his advanced placement class, you were the only one who could compare to him. You were popular, and everybody liked you, you seemed to have a perfect life, unlike Calum, who spent his weekends at home.
He was a very handsome guy, he was tall, had beautiful brown eyes and amazing hair. The only problem is that he was insecure, feeling like nobody liked him.
He had always had a crush on you, since he could remember. Your y/h/c hair flowed in the wind, you always looked effortlessly beautiful even with no makeup on, and you wouldn´t hurt a fly. He always caught himself staring at you in class, or in the hallways, his heart skipping a beat when you smiled at him.
He heard that you were offering tutoring as a part time job. This was his chance, he thought. It was innocent, just asking for a tutor. No harm in that, right?
The next day, he finally worked up the courage, walking up to you. "Hey y/n, um, I was wondering if you could tutor me? I did really badly on his chemistry class." He spoke softly.
You looked at him. You had never heard him speak, so you were suprised by his accent. "Yeah, of course, is today after class okay with you, Calum?"
He was shocked you remembered his name. "Um, yeah, yeah! Totally cool..." He rubbed his hand on his forehead. "I´ll give you my number for us to get in contact." You told him.
The school day went slowly, he was checking his watch every 10 minutes, waiting for the bell to ring.
He finally got a message from you.
y/n: Hey, do u wanna come to my house or I go to urs?
Calum: We can go to mine, i can take us.
y/n: cool 😎 see u in a bit, outside gate
Calum had the biggest grin on his face, he could not believe the cutest girl in his class was going to his house.
Calum waited outside the school, checking his watch. You finally appeared, with your backpack, holding some books. "Let´s go?" You asked, smiling at him. "Come on, let´s go." He laughed awkwardly.
You both got into his car, it was run down, but cozy. "Sorry, this car is a little old." He rubbed the back of his head with his hand. You smiled. "I think it´s vintage."
You got to the front door. "My parents are in the living room, I think we better go to my room." Calum said. "Yeah, it´s no problem."
You answered. You took his hand. "Take me?" You smiled. Calum winced at the touch, not because he didn´t like it, but because he liked it too much.
He took you upstairs to his room. It had dim lights, the wallpaper was dark blue, he had vynils hanging from his walls, and a guitar propped up on the wall. "This is a cool ass room Cal!" You said. He blushed at the nickname. "Thanks." He said in a soft voice.
You pointed to the bed. "Can I sit down?" You asked. "Yeah! Sure!" He coughed and asked himself if he sounded stupid.
You sat down and patted the bed next to you, signaling him to sit. He did so, but a little far away from you.
You laughed. "I don´t bite, come closer. How am I gonna help you if you´re all the way over there?" Calum smiled and scooted closer to you. The mere touch of your legs together was making him hard.
He looked into your eyes. You´ve never really realized how beautiful he was. His glasses framed his face perfectly, and his fluffy black hair sat just in the right way.
You both looked away quickly.
You coughed. "So, what can I help you with, Calum Hood?" You asked him. "Um, I was just having some trouble understanding this topic." He pointed to a word on the textbook.
As you started to explain it to him, your words started becoming muffled, he could not pay attention. The way your lips moved were making him go crazy, and that low cut top you were wearing just made it worse.
"So, you understand?" You said this, breaking Calum out of his trance. "Um, yeah, totally." He said, still looking a little dazed. You laughed, and teased him. "Oh yeah, so repeat what I said!" You said, touching his shoulder.
He grabbed your face with his two hands and gave you a kiss. You opened your eyes. "Fuck y/n. i´m so sorry, um, I shouldn´t have..." You smiled. "That was embarassing, i´m sorry." He continued.
You said nothing, but started straddling while he was sitting down, taking off his glasses you said "You´re cute, you know that?" His jaw dropped, and he started blushing, looking at you with those adorable brown eyes.
You grabbed his face with your hand and your tongues started intertwining. You laid him down on the bed, putting your book on the floor, going on top of him.
His heart was racing. "y/n, i´ve never done this before..." he cooed on your neck. "It´s okay Cal, let me make you feel good."
You took off your shirt and your bra. His jaw dropped, this was better than anything he could ever imagine. "You´re so beautiful..." He said.
You started to unzip his jeans, and pull them off, and traced your hands through his boxers, feeling his cock twitch in your hands. He adjusted his hips, whining.
He was already sweating. You took off his boxers and put your mouth on his tip. He tried to push himself into your mouth. "Easy there, we still have time." You told him. You started licking, and bobbing your head up and down.
He put his fingers through your hair, squirming, and throwing his head back. "Fuck, y/n." He breathed. You stopped, "Does that feel good Cal?" You continued. "So fucking good..." He said, while breathing hard.
You licked all the way up his torso. "Do you wanna fuck me Cal?" You asked. "Wanna eat you out first..." He said, breathing heavily. You smiled "Wow, didn´t expect that."
It was your turn to lay down. "You wanna make me feel good?" You asked and he nodded.
He unzipped your pants and quickly took off your underwear. His lips made contact with your wet cunt, he started licking and kissing, like he was starved. "Fuck..." You said while his toungue rubbed circles on your clit.
"I´m about to cum..." You said. He said nothing, but just kept on going. You finally released yourself on his toungue, your pussy throbbing.
He resurfaced and kissed you with your own fluids.
"You got a condom?" You asked. He said yes, and went to his nightstand and ripped one open. You smiled at him. "Well, it was bound to happen." He laughed.
You helped him put on the condom. He was still rock hard. He slid inside you, you both gasping at the sensation. He pumped in and out, and you were relaxing into his rythym.
You felt that familiar feeling inside you, and so did Calum. "y/n, I´m close.." He said, in deep breaths. "Cum for me Cal." You said, he finally realeased inside of you, and you cumming all over his dick.
Calum rested his head on your neck, you both panting. He kissed your forehead, looked at you and smiled.
He rolled over, took off the condom and discarded it in a little trashcan he kept next to his bed, he laid next to you.
"Damn, Cal, never knew you had it in you." You giggled.
"Yeah, to be honest, me neither!" He laughed, pulling you in for a kiss.
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Note
Calum flying you out to one of the Europe shows bc he knew you always wanted to visit that country
Hi Blanca! Thanks for the request. We're going with Spain because I'm a nerd and they have the longest break after that show with the 5 seconds of Summer show.
Gender Neutral Reader Insert. Fluff--so much of it.
____________
Requests are now closed. Finishing up the last one from yesterday
Feel free to look through my masterlist for more.
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Calum knows it’s ridiculous, but he does it because you like it this way--a hard copy backup of the flight information in addition to the app on your phone. He could call it overkill, but he’s not going to do that. Because it makes traveling easier for you. So he digs out the stapler from your desk and staples the pages together. 
Calum listens, catching the crackle of your phone from the kitchen. It cuts over the hum of the stove vent. “No, my toes are not food,” you laugh. No doubt it’s Duke at your feet as you cook. You’ve insisted on this break during the tour to spoil Calum. He’s just glad that his outfits are by no means tight fitting so he can enjoy every single thing with which you spoil him. 
Calum shuffles up from the offices to the kitchen. He keeps the itinerary at his side. He knows you may be a little annoyed at first. But he had the number to your boss’s line for a reason. And though this might not be for the reasons that he had it--mostly in case you got sick or godforbid injured--Calum’s sure that once you find out the location of the destination any annoyance you have will disappear.
“Smells good up here,” Calum comments, peering into the kitchen. 
You smile up at him. “It’s your favorite. And I could be a smidge quicker but Duke’s annoyed he’s not being fed right now.”
Calum laughs, knowing the old man is pretty fond of his schedule. Calum’s arrival was a small interruption and Duke will not let himself be ignored. “I’ll get it for him. But in the meantime, you should probably get packing.” Calum’s careful to put the flight itinerary on the fridge out of the way of the hot stove or the mess on the counter that he’s sure is tomato juice from your previous chopping.
“Packing? Why would I be packing?” you ask, giving the pot a good stir. A few more bubbles are popping up and you know soon you’ll need to turn the heat down. 
You spin to catch the paper Calum’s tacked up. The cabinets with Duke’s food squeak open. You’ve put all that you can think of on the hinges and nothing gets rid of the noise entirely. You read over the details--noticing you’re flying on what will be the date of the Lisbon show but going into Madrid instead--directly. 
“Cal, what the absolute hell is this? What am I reading?” you ask, a little concerned that you hadn’t seen this coming. Though, maybe you should’ve. Your boss normally had a standing 1:1 with you on Tuesdays but the one for next week had seemingly disappeared. Your plan was to ask about that on Monday, but this seemed to be the reason why the date was no longer showing up on your calendar.  
Calum presses a kiss on your cheek, arms winding around your waist. “A trip to Spain. Because you said you’ve always wanted to go.”
“Looks like a trip to Milan too? Just flouncing me around everywhere?” You laugh, turning back to look at him as best as you can. You can’t get more than a glimpse but Calum’s laughter is soft over your cheek. 
“I like to spoil you too. Besides, you haven’t taken a vacation outside the one we took what? Two years ago. I know you don’t like to take time off unless necessary, but I think you’d benefit from just a few days ago, baby. You know what they say about all work and no play.”
You snort, tapping at Calum’s stomach with your elbow. He releases you and you spin towards the stove to turn the burner down. “I’m just so used to sort of holding things down while you’re gone, you know? You’re gone for big chunks when you do leave that I just don’t think about myself? Not in a bad way. I don’t blame you. I just do what’s gotta be done.”
“I understand that. Just want you to have some time to enjoy yourself. Get out there, explore the world with me because I know you want to do that too.”
You do want that too. You want to not feel chained to your work and responsibilities, but letting go is hard sometimes. Maybe a surprise trip wouldn’t be all that bad. “Have you planned who’s taking Duke?”
Calum nods. “Yes, they’re free and able to watch him. Plants will be watered too. Got someone who will check the house too.” This is how your brain works. You need a plan, clear and concise of what’s happening. Calum can give you that, so he takes your hips in his hands to get your attention back to him. When you look up at him, he kisses your forehead before continuing, “Car’s will get you from here and one will pick you up at the airport. You’ll be getting to the hotel before us as we’ll be getting in late that night and you’re landing about late afternoon, but the hotel knows we’re in the same room. Duke’s getting picked up the day before. I’ve already emailed over the instructions though it’s not really necessary. Spare key’s already in the box and they have the code should they need to get inside for anything.”
A plan. A good one. You nod. “And what am I supposed to do for the few hours that you’re off in another country playing a show? Hmm? Mister-I’ve-Got-All-This-Planned.”
Calum laughs. “Plan what we’ll do with my days off. Explore. Send me pictures of all the shops you’re doing to drag me.”
Your gaze narrows, a playful smirk lifting your lips. “Goddamn you know me so well.” Stretching upwards, you capture his lips in a kiss. His cheeks squish a little in your grasps. “Thank you for planning this, baby. I appreciate it.”
“With honor,” Calum mumbles. “Your boss was very shocked to get a message from me though and I had to swear like fifteen times you weren’t sick or dead.”
You laugh. “Sounds like Tom. I think he gets freaked out even more so when I take time because it’s usually always super serious. Like the time we had to spend the night in the hospital thanks to my food allergies.”
“Yeah, no, we’re never eating at the restaurant again and I need you to not bring up the night I’ve ever seen you in such rough shape. You looked like a balloon. I was so scared.”
It was not a glorious night. You’d noticed an itchy throat after you ate dinner, but hadn’t thought anything of it as the spring blossoms had also been giving you issues lately. But when you woke up, hot and itchy, you felt something was wrong. You couldn’t halfway swallow and the bathroom lights revealed the hives across your chest and arms. You knew immediately that it was an allergic reaction and woke Calum. His panic was immediate but he calmed down enough to administer your epipen considering you hadn’t been able to do it yourself. 
The drive to the hospital was tense as Calum sped through a couple red lights. But you spent only a few minutes before you got checked in. An hour and a half of steroids and antihistamines rectified the situation but Calum was putting in the submission for the day off and emailing your boss on your behalf the second you got back to the house.
You pat Calum’s chest, before turning back to the dinner you’re preparing. “I know, baby. You didn’t like it and neither did I. I’m a-okay now though.”
“I got your epipen refilled too by the way. Please bring the new one for me?”
“Scouts honor,” you return. “Wouldn’t dream of leaving that thing behind.”
 “Good, good. But this weekend, you’re packing. Because you’re going on a trip. No ifs, no ands, no buts.”
“I’ll pack, no ifs, no ands, no buts,” you laugh, pulling the garlic knots from the oven. They’re a perfect shade of brown and you know they’re done. Calum brings the mats closer so you can set the hot tray down. 
“Oh, these look fucking amazing,” Calum gravels at the sight. “I’m so goddamn lucky to be loved by you.”
“Damn straight you are,” you laugh. 
*********
Your suitcase rolls next to you, catching just a little at the bumpy texture of the sidewalk. The black truck is paused right outside the house and the driver jogs to catch up to you. You only have a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. Though you don’t travel often, you’ve helped Calum pack more than enough times to know the best ways to get tuck, roll, stuff and flatten all your needs into the smallest bag possible. It’s annoying to wait for checked baggage at times and for the few days you’ll be gone, you don’t feel the need to carry too much. 
“I can take that for you,” the driver greets, reaching out for the handle of the carry on. 
“Oh, uh, sure,” you laugh. It’s not heavy at all, but you don’t want to interrupt the kindness. With your case loaded in, you slip into the backseat and the drive passes in light conversation. The sun’s just barely peeking out from the horizon and you’re grateful that it seems to be an easy trip into the airport. 
At your gate, with your shoes still untied, you snap a picture to send to Calum. You anticipate that it’ll go unanswered for a while. But to your surprise, a couple minutes later after you tie up your laces, your phone shakes. Please don’t…trip ;D. See you soon! You hate that you snicker so much at the text. Another text comes in a minute later, Love you too, baby. Can’t wait to explore with you.
Your reply is swift, Love you too. Already plotting something! 
I expect nothing less. 
The flight is uneventful, but a little long. You’re glad for boring though, allowing you to grab a few extra hours of sleep that had been interrupted by the early morning flight. Spotting the car for you is easy--there’s a sign and flowers. Only Calum would ever do such a thing. But you sheepishly close the gap and introduce yourself as the person on the sign. 
The driver smiles, an accent painting their words, but they seem cheerful. “Welcome to Spain! I’ve heard it’s your first time.”
You nod. “If you have any suggestions on things to do, please do tell.”
“Oh, you’re very much in luck; born and raised here.” The drive to the hotel is filled with suggestions and places to check out. They’re suggesting both tourists' needs and spots that only locals are familiar with. Your notes app is littered with names, some misspelled, but you’re beyond grateful to have their perspectives. 
At the front of the hotel, you thank the driver yet again, profusely for the list. “Oh, you’re beyond welcome. Enjoy your trip!”
With your backpack, luggage and the flowers, you juggle your way into the lobby. At the front desk, you’re greeted with a bright smile and you manage to get your keys with ease. The room is cool as you’re already anticipating. The day of travel is catching up and you’re getting hungry. You look to see what’s close around you and decide to set out on foot. It’ll be a nice way to waste a little bit of time. Maybe you can scope out what’s close by to do as well. 
You find a little cafe close by--one actually being one that’s on your list from your driver. It looks cute and quaint with a patio for you to eat on. As you settle down, you snap a picture of your items. Safe and eating some food. Thanks for the flowers <3. 
Throughout the day, as you stumble across various shops and things, you snap a picture and send it to Calum. Your list of things to do with Calum narrows down a little as you realize some things are just for you really. You’ll share what you can with Calum, but you know that he’s going to want to take a much chill approach to the day than you. You’ll do a bit more with the time you do have so that way the time you have with Calum can be about enjoying each other’s company. 
As you wander, a park opens up in front of you. You’re thankful as you settle in a little deeper that you have a strong sense of direction. Perhaps, you’ll just take a minute to sit here, watch some people. It happens to be a beautiful day and you’re grateful for the good weather as you settle down near a fountain to take in the sight unfolding around you.  Most people are just passing through it seems. But you spot some sitting, chatting animatedly. 
God, I’m so jealous. Can we visit again together? Looks beautiful, Calum responds to one of the pictures from the park. 
You’d expect him to be performing at the very least by now, but you’re not entirely sure of the time difference. You’ve snuggle into the sheets, with the TV on in front of you. Definitely we can, you reply. 
As the night continues on, you can hear the streets coming alive. You’re not shocked as you’ve heard the night life goes long and hard in Spain. You’d want to join, but you have the second key to the room and you need to be here when Calum arrives. Also, the long flight today has gotten to you so you’re not sure if you’d have the energy to continue on anyway. But the TV and the laughter below start to blur together as your eyes drop and drop. 
A knock rings out through the room and you snap awake. It takes a moment to unravel yourself from the sheets, but once you do, you scurry over to the door. Through the little peephole you catch Calum’s buzzed head and swing the door open.  “Hi baby,” he smiles.
“Cal, hi,” you return, throwing yourself up into his arms. The hug is warm and tight--a feeling that follows you as you fall asleep that night wrapped in Calum’s embrace. 
The morning is a little slow--a lot of gentle kisses and soft tufts of laughter, but you finally unravel yourselves from the bed to do some light exploring before the car collects the entire group to head to the venue. In the excursions, you try to point out where you went yesterday and where you want to go tomorrow after the show. Calum’s input is relatively minimal and though you make sure he��s not being left out, he just shrugs, “Whatever you want babe.”
“You say that now, but just you wait,” you laugh after a sip of your coffee. “I don’t want a peep come tomorrow then,” you laugh. 
“Scouts honor,” Calum returns. “But, there’s something happening in the evening that the guys want to do.”
“What time?”
“Around 7 or so, I think. Think we’ll make it?”
You nod. “Absolutely, we can.”
Calum grins around his bite of fruit. “Sweet.”
The show goes off without a hitch--the whole day between soundcheck and getting ready for the show also passed with ease too. You’re excited that a few older songs make their way into the setlist, but don’t really take much of your sight off Calum. He bounces around the stage, a smile that hardly leaves his face. The sight makes your chest warm--knowing that he’s enjoying himself. It’s a feeling that you find yourself in often--a sense of calm knowing Calum’s happy with his life, knowing that you’re happy with it too. But you don’t take these moments of clarity for granted, when you get to see just how blessed your life is, you like to do your best to hold them to your chest, pressed into your ribs. 
“I like seeing you happy,” you whisper to Calum that night, straddled over his waist. Your fingers trace the ink decorating his chest. 
“I like seeing you happy too,” he whispers in return. His hands squeeze just a little at your thighs, as if to reassure you of the sentiment. 
That’s all the moment needs, content now to just trace shapes onto his body. Calum seems content too, eyes slotting close at your touch. You imagine all the adrenaline is leaving now. The effort of the shows catching back up with him. Before you can even think about it, the words are falling over your lips in a prayer, “i carry your heart with me(i carry it in/ my heart) i’m never without it(anywhere/ i go you go, my dear).”
In your mind’s eyes, you can see Calum’s handwriting in the margins of the page, an arrow detailed to the lines that are bracketed, us--you’ve seen the world even if you didn’t know it. i’ve never left home, even if i don’t know it. 
You can feel the gaze behind you, as you peer up at the sculpture in front of you. You know it’s Calum behind the cap. The glasses he’s dawned make his face look softer but somehow the lenses seem to magnify his eyes. You can see the blinks, watch his eyes widen when you catch him staring. 
“You’re supposed to be paying attention to the art,” you whisper. 
“I am,” he shrugs. “It’s an added benefit that I can touch the art I’m looking at.” Calum wiggles his eyebrows at you. 
“It’s still going to cost you and I’m not cheap,” you retort. 
“I think I’ll be able to afford the cost.”
“Just don’t misbehave in the cathedral. I do not need the saints to come alive and smite you.”
Calum laughs, taking your hand. “What a way to go am I right?”
“No, sir, you’re very much wrong,” you huff, following him into the next room. Your lunch is spent settled into a park--not the one you showed to Calum in the pictures, but thankfully there’s another good one close to where you two are. 
Under the clear skies, you and Calum work over your servings of patatas bravas. Though it did take a little translation via your phones to make sure none of the items were one you were allergic too. Your pen’s in Calum’s coat pocket, but it’s not a risk the two of you want to take. As you chase some of the sauce so it doesn’t land on your pants, you are tentative in trying to decide if you like it or not. Though with a couple more bites, you decide that it’s a dish you very much enjoy. Though with the basics, you think it would be hard to not love fried potatoes. 
Just as the sky gets a little more pinkish in hue, you and Calum find yourselves in a ride. You rest your head on Calum’s shoulder. “The guys are meeting us there right?” you ask knowing that Calum’s the one coordinating with them. 
“Yep, I think they might be there already. They were just a little closer than us.”
Your hum’s the last sound of the room before you pass thanks to the driver. As you step out you notice something floating up into the sky--yellow and red. “Is-is that a hot air balloon?” you question. 
“M-maybe,” Calum returns. “I was really hoping you wouldn’t notice that.”
“Are you taking me in a fucking hot air balloon?” you gape. It’s not fear though your heart rate does spike at the thought of being so high up in just a basket. 
“Maybe,” Calum answers again. “It’s a yes if you’re not mad.”
You laugh, taking Calum’s hand. “No, not mad. A little nervous, but do you know how cool I’ll be when I go back to work and say I’ve been in a fucking hot air balloon?”
“So cool,” Calum laughs. 
It’s scary at first, as the guide walks through the safety procedures. It’s the entire band plus you in one basket, but you’re all spread out so the weight is a bit more even. Michael let’s out a little shriek it lifts off the ground. “Holy shit,” he laughs. 
Ashton pats his back, but it’s much easier to not look directly down. If you keep your gaze and eyeline straight ahead it’s a little less scary. You don’t feel like you might plummet. Your hand is tight around Calum’s but he doesn’t complain once about the grip. His thumb soothes over the skin on the back of your hand. “Just breathe for me, baby,” he encourages. 
“If our tour manager finds out about this,” Luke laughs from the otherside of the balloon. You know there’s concerns about their safety at the forefront and also worry about the tour. But you can’t help but laugh that Luke’s first concern is about getting caught. 
“Don’t spill the beans then,” you return. 
“Touché,” Luke laughs. 
When your nerves settle, thanks to the steady climb with no issues, you can actually pick out parts of the landscape--the mountains, the city below you. It’s a gorgeous sight and your own awe bubbles up your chest in a round of laughter. “This is so insane,” you whisper to Calum. 
The corner of his eyes crinkle with his smile. “Yeah, it is, isn’t it?”
“Thanks for bringing me along.” 
“Wouldn’t want to share this with anyone else,” Calum returns, pressing a kiss to your cheek. 
As you watch the expanse beneath you, the horizon that is endless, the trees that look like you could pluck them if you reached out, you’re amazed at how big the world is and how small you are in it. Yet, you don’t feel meaningless in all of the vastness. You’re still a piece of the puzzle--small, but not insignificant. You’ve got a place even if it’s just being a good human in all the madness of the world.  Even if it’s just to love and have been loved in the grand scheme of everything. 
“Look,” Calum offers softly, noticing what appears to be deer clustered together. It’s a little hard to tell from the height, but Calum would hazard that to be the animal. 
You laugh when you spot the cluster. “They look so tiny.”
“Yeah, a little bit they do.” Calum watches your pre-occupation, gaze floating around at the earth beneath you. With the tiny distraction, he reaches into his pocket and digs out the little box. His hands tremble just a little. But when you bring hand to your lips, he knows it’s you attempting to bring comfort. 
“Can-can you hold this for me?” Calum ask, holding out the box. 
“Yeah,” you start to answer without really thinking. But when you feel the shape and the soft texture, you look down at what it’s in your hands. This is not what you think it is. It’s not. It can’t be. 
“Holy fuck,” you hear from your side and look to spot Michael with his eyes wide. 
Calum clears his throat. “I know there’s probably a much smoother way to go about it. But I wanted to say that the time I’ve spent with you has been the most amazing. I could never conjure up someone better to spend the rest of my life with.”
Your can’t quite make Calum out with the blur of your tears until you blink and they clear. “Fuck,” you sigh out. 
Calum laughs. “Will you do the honor of letting me carry your heart with mine for the rest of our lives?” 
Time freezes, Calum swears. He waits, and waits, and the seconds feel like hours. He doesn’t think you’re going to say no. You’ve talked about getting married, knowing it’s a thing you both want. You’d even told Calum you wanted something small and intimate, but know that if Calum’s asking it would be okay to find a way to have the guys there as moral support. The conversations about marriage weren’t immediate, but they weren’t about a far off future. It was a tangible goal--though the two of you had mentioned that waiting for a quiet moment with the band would probably be for the best. So, no, Calum’s not scared you’re going to say no. He never anticipated that he’d ever shock you. 
“Scouts’ honor you’re not bullshitting me?” you ask, a small lump raising in your throat. 
“Scouts’ honor I’m not bullshitting you.”
“I’m nonrefundable,” you laugh and capture his lips in a kiss. Calum laughs into the kiss, but knows it’s a yes. When you break away, Calum slips the ring--a gold band with what looks like a rope pattern etched into the metal--onto your ring finger. 
You watch the sun catch the jewelry too--a glint passing over your eye and feel a squeeze in your chest, pressing at your ribs. You reach up and kiss Calum again as the guys erupt into cheers. Even the person conducting the hot air balloon cheers as well. 
When the balloon touches down again, the guys rush you and Calum in a group hug, laughing. “I swear he wasn’t going to do it. I thought he was going to wait for dinner later,” Ashton giggles. “Swear I was going to have to kick him in the ass to do it.”
You laugh, but when you look over to Calum you can see the sort of toll that asking too. You wind your arm around his waist. “Worried?”
“I was so scared I’d drop the ring from the balloon,” Calum admits with a laugh. 
“Oh, that would’ve been awful, but I would’ve still said yes.”
“Oh, you didn’t even say yes,” Calum howls. “You said, ‘I’m nonrefundable.’”
“Basically the same thing,” you laugh. “I mean at least from me, it is. But you didn’t drop the ring. It’s a win-win.”
“Imagine when you go back to work and you tell them about the hot air balloon and a proposal. You’ll be the coolest one in the office for at least three months.”
“Six months,” Michael tosses in.
You nod at the correction. “That part. Thank you, Calum. Couldn’t have asked for a better trip to Spain with my now future husband.”
Calum giggles. “Husband has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”
“Oh, absolutely it does.”
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peleksstuff · 3 months
Text
love me now l calum hood x photographer!reader
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*gifs not mine*
summary:In a dimly lit backstage room at a 5 Seconds of Summer concert, Y/N, the band's photographer, confronts Calum Hood, the bassist, about his teasing and flirting.
---
The dimly lit room was filled with the rhythmic hum of conversation, laughter, and the occasional clink of glasses. It was backstage at one of 5 Seconds of Summer's concerts, and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. In the midst of the chaos, Y/N, the band's photographer, was frantically adjusting camera settings and preparing for the upcoming photo session.
Calum Hood, the band's bassist, strolled into the room with a carefree swagger. He flashed a charming smile at Y/N, making her heart flutter involuntarily. For weeks, Calum had been subtly dropping hints and flirting during their interactions. Y/N couldn't help but believe there was something more behind those playful glances and teasing banter.
Y/N tried to keep her composure as Calum approached, but the lingering doubt and curiosity nagged at her. She decided to confront him, to clear the air once and for all. Taking a deep breath, she locked eyes with Calum.
"Hey," she began, trying to sound casual. "Can we talk for a moment?"
"Sure thing, love. What's on your mind?" Calum replied, his eyes sparkling mischievously.
Y/N met his gaze, her expression searching for answers. "It's about how you've been acting, teasing, and flirting. It's been confusing, and I can't help but wonder if something more is happening here."
Calum chuckled, not realizing the gravity of Y/N's words. "Come on, Y/N, you're reading too much into it. It's just a bit of fun banter. You know how I am."
The knot in Y/N's stomach tightened. She swallowed the lump in her throat, battling the emotions that threatened to spill over. "Calum, this isn't just banter for me," she confessed, slightly trembling.
Calum, still wearing a nonchalant expression, raised an eyebrow. "Come on, Y/N, it's all in good fun. No need to take it so seriously."
Y/N clenched her fists, a mixture of frustration and anger welling up inside her. "That's easy for you to say, Calum. You don't understand what it's like to be on the receiving end, to question your feelings because of mixed signals."
Calum's casual demeanor wavered as he sensed the intensity of Y/N's frustration. He looked at her, a puzzled expression on his face. "Y/N, did you really fall for all this?"
Y/N's eyes narrowed, a mix of hurt and anger reflected in her gaze. "Fall for what, Calum? Your mixed signals, the teasing, or the uncertainty you've thrown my way?"
Calum sighed, realizing the gravity of the situation. "I didn't expect you to take it this seriously. I thought we were having some fun, you know?"
Y/N shook her head, her frustration evident. "Fun for you, maybe. But for me, it's been a rollercoaster of confusion and doubt. I can't keep pretending like it doesn't matter."
Calum's brow furrowed. "Look, Y/N, I didn't mean to lead you on. Let's not make this a big deal."
But the frustration inside Y/N boiled over. "Not a big deal? Calum, this is a big deal for me. I can't keep pretending like it doesn't matter."
Calum sighed exasperated, "Come on, Y/N, don't make this harder than it needs to be."
Calum's audacious comment hung in the air, echoing his words provoking disbelief and anger in Y/N. Unable to contain the surge of emotions, she couldn't fathom how she had fallen for someone who dismissed her feelings so casually. Y/N's hand connected with Calum's cheek in frustration as she delivered a stinging slap. The room fell into a shocked silence, bystanders watching with wide eyes as the unexpected scene unfolded.
Calum, rubbing his cheek in disbelief, looked at Y/N with shock and irritation. "What the hell, Y/N?"
"You knew what you were doing, Calum. Leading me on, making me believe there was something more. I won't be played like that," Y/N declared, her voice trembling with anger and hurt.
Calum's tone held a hint of indifference as he retorted, "What, you got mad because I don't feel the same?"
Y/N's eyes narrowed, frustration and hurt bubbling within her. "I'm mad because you're such an asshole," she replied sharply.
He looked at her for a moment, and then, with a half-hearted smile, he said, "Whatever you say, Y/N. At the end of the day, you fell for this asshole."
Y/N took a deep breath, her eyes meeting Calum's with determination.
"Don't get too comfortable, Calum. This isn't the end. I may have fallen for your act, but I won't let it define me. I'm gonna make you fall for me and regret you ever met me."
Calum raised an eyebrow, his earlier confidence faltering as he sensed the sincerity in Y/N's words. "You're pretty confident, aren't you?"
Y/N gave him a defiant smile. "Call it what you want. But mark my words, Calum Hood, this isn't over."
With that, she turned on her heel and left Calum to contemplate the unexpected turn of events. The room buzzed with activity again, but Y/N's declaration lingered in the air, setting the stage for a new chapter in their complicated story.
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nicksbestie · 8 months
Note
I had a brilliant idea for cal the other day but I wasn't sure if I wanted to ask but since you said you needed more cal reqs I got you !!
cal writes a song he's super excited about but nervous to share w the guys so he shares it with you and you encourage him to bring it to the guys bc obviously it's amazing
Moodswings
word count : 1102
warnings : mentions of anxiety
enjoy!
<3
Songwriting is hard.
Writing the song itself is already a challenge, and it only gets harder when you have to gain the approval of other people before you can release it, and then you have the stress and pressure of wondering if other people will like it enough to listen to it, and promote it. It’s a long process that’s incredibly difficult on your mind, especially if you’re writing something vulnerable. And when you’re working with a band and other producers, that’s at least three approving opinions you have to gain. So, it’s pretty nerve wracking to present an idea. 
These were the thoughts going through Calum’s mind as he stared down at the paper he’d been scribbling on for the past few hours, trying to put something together that he would like. All of the other guys had already worked on something amazing, Luke had written one of their singles, “Take My Hand”, Michael had come up with a gut wrenchingly sad but beautiful melody for “Emotions”, and Ashton was in the process of working on “Tears!”. Calum felt like he had to come up with something to match their level of intelligence, and for the first time in a while, he was doubting his lyrical ability. 
Of course, nobody else in the room doubted him. They all knew that Calum had a wonderful mind, and whatever he wanted to produce, it would be great. But they also knew that he got into his own head, way too much sometimes, and it caused a lot of that creative process to grind its gears and get stuck for a while until it came back. And that could last hours, days, weeks, or months for him. They weren’t on a time crunch with this album, but they could tell that Calum felt pressured to push something out at the same speed that they were, and neither of them wanted that to happen. If he pushed himself to get something out quickly, the quality of it wouldn’t be where he wanted it to be, and he wouldn’t be happy with it overall. 
The studio session felt successful for everyone, except Cal. He felt that everyone else had been productive, but he hadn’t. He had helped write on some of the other songs, but nothing really big on his own, and that felt like a major setback for him. Everyone walked out of the studio feeling great except for him, but he attempted to not let it show. However, when he got home to you, he dropped the facade and just wallowed in his feelings for a bit. You weren’t an idiot, walking over to sit next to him on the couch, gently hugging him but not pushing him to talk. 
“If you want to talk about it, I’m here. If not, I’m still here. I love you, and whatever it is, will be okay.”
He softly smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. You could tell it was forced, and softly frowned until he relaxed the mask. He sighed, seeing that you didn’t believe him. Of course, he didn’t expect you to, knowing that you knew him too well, but he gave it a feeble shot anyways. 
“I just feel disappointed in myself.” 
You had a gentle look of sympathy on your face, understanding the feeling all too well.
“Why’s that?” 
He lifted and dropped his shoulders, another sigh escaping his lips as he leaned more into your touch. 
“Everyone else got so much done today, amazing lyrics, really. And I couldn’t get anything good down except a few stanzas. Nothing good enough to present to the rest of them. Nowhere close.”
You hummed, having been with Calum long enough to know the double meaning behind his words. 
“You couldn't get anything done that you liked? Or anything done that you thought everyone else would like? There’s a difference, love.” 
He glared at you, but there was no heat behind it. He knew you’d see straight through his words, understanding and reading between the lines. He knew he’d been caught, but he still acted like he had to think about it before replying. 
“Nothing that I thought everyone else would like. I liked it, though.” 
You smiled, a soft laugh, no cruelty in it, echoing through the room. 
“That’s what I thought, babe. You do this a lot, you psych yourself out, and your lyrical ability is amazing. You believe so lowly in yourself, and I can’t believe it sometimes, because you are so talented. Would you like to show me what you have written?” 
He had a gentle look on his face, not a smile, but not a grimace. He knew it was entirely his choice to show you, you’d never pressure him, and he did want to share it, he was just nervous. So, he pushed those feelings down, and pulled up a photograph of the paper he’d written. You zoomed in, reading the first paragraph words written in Cal’s handwriting. 
I can tell by the look in your eyes
That you don't wanna fight on a Friday night
Livin' my life, lookin' from the outside
I hope you don't mind that I ruined our time
I can tell by the look in your eyes
That you just wanna get on a one-way flight
'Cause you don't ever trust this mind of mine
You're watchin' me lie when I say that I'm fine
Without you
I don't even know myself (Know myself)
Through bloodshot eyes, the sky is fallin'
And I just wanna fuckin' push you away, away (Push you away)
Without you
You looked up at Calum, stopping after the second paragraph, the chorus. He was watching you with nervous eyes. 
“Babe, this is amazing. I see no reason that anyone would ever say this isn’t good. You should absolutely show this to the guys if you love it, okay? I fully believe they’ll love it too.” 
His eyes were showing hope, but his face looked like he didn’t want to believe you. 
“Are you sure?” 
“Yes.” 
You were sure, and Calum trusted you with his whole heart. The next studio day, he took your advice, having added another verse, and let the rest of the band see what he’d come up with. And just like you’d said, they loved it. Luke helped him write the bridge, and Ashton tweaked a few things, but Calum got the majority of the writing credits, and it was automatically decided to be on the album bonus tracks, track number fifteen. Everyone was so proud of his writing, and he, finally, believed it as well.
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alisonsfics · 8 months
Text
roommate’s best friend part two
pairing: calum hood x ashton’sroommate!reader
summary: after your make out session with calum was interrupted by ashton, you were both very excited to spend more time together at a 5sos gig. (part one)
word count: 2.7k
warnings: unprotected sex, public-ish sex (it’s backstage), tiny praise kink, minors DNI
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You were planning to see Calum tonight for the first time after your little make out that was interrupted by Ashton.
You both had planned to have a little date night at Calum’s apartment, where you couldn’t be interrupted by Ashton. Before you could leave, you and Ashton had a plumbing emergency that kept you both at your apartment.
When you called to tell Calum that you couldn’t make it, he practically begged you to let him sneak over just to be with you for a little bit. You knew it would just end with Ashton accidentally seeing something he shouldn’t, and you couldn’t handle that embarrassment again.
Calum and Ashton had both invited you to a gig that the band was having tonight, so you would finally get to see Calum.
You were in the middle of picking out your outfit, obviously wanting to look nice to impress Calum.
“Oh, is somebody getting ready to see her boyfriend tonight?” Ashton teased you from your open doorway. You turned to face him and saw the smirk on his face. “C’mon, Ash, we can’t just be adults?” You pleaded. He chuckled and shook his head. “I caught you hooking up with my best friend. It’s a perfect opportunity for teasing, I can’t waste it.” He told you.
Ashton stepped towards you and held out a lanyard. “Wear this and security will let you in tonight. I’m about to head out, I’ll see you later.” He told you. You took the lanyard from him and said goodbye to him.
A few hours later, you were on your way to the concert, and you had butterflies in your stomach as you thought about seeing Calum.
You had picked out some leather pants and a red lace top that you were hoping Calum would like.
You got to the venue and security let you in quickly after seeing your badge. A security guard led you back to where the guys were hanging out. “They were in the lounge last time I checked, but if they’re not there, I’ll bring you to their dressing rooms.” The security guard told you.
You approached the room and saw a few couches sprawled around the room and a minibar against the wall.
You saw someone sitting on the couch on their phone. You recognized him as Luke from Ashton’s Instagram posts. “Here you go,” the security guard said, gesturing towards the room and then leaving.
“Hi, I’m Luke,” he said, jumping up to greet you. You quickly shook his hand and introduced yourself to him.
“Ashton just ran to the bathroom, he’ll be back soon.” Luke informed you. You nodded your head. “I’m really excited to see the show tonight. I got to go to one of your shows before, and I had a great time.” You told him.
“Oh thank you, yeah tonight should be good.” He agreed. You both heard footsteps and turned to see Calum walk into the room.
His eyes scanned over your outfit slowly, taking it all in. “Hi, there,” he said, softly. You gave him a smile as he walked over to you. “C’mon, Cal, give her a hug.” Luke said, teasing Calum for how stunned and speechless he was.
You giggled at Calum’s flustered expression. “Wait, but how do you—” Calum started to ask Luke.
“You really think Ashton was able to keep you guys and your thing a secret?” Luke said, chuckling.
Luke made sure not to stare so he wouldn’t make you both uncomfortable. “Hi,” you said, softly. He stepped closer to you and wrapped his arms around your waist. “You look beautiful.” He whispered as he pressed a kiss to your temple.
You wrapped your arms around his neck, holding onto him tightly. The scent of his cologne filled your lungs. You both pulled away, not knowing what to say to each other with Luke in the room.
“So, you two met already?” Calum asked, gesturing towards you and Luke. You both nodded. Then, Ashton and Michael walked in the room.
“Hey,” Ashton said, smiling once he saw you. He walked over and gave you a hug. He turned around to gesture towards Michael and introduced the two of you.
You noticed Ashton walking over to Calum, probably to tease him in some way, so you started talking to Luke and Michael. You were telling them about the first show of theirs you had gone to.
You were trying your best to make a good first impression, considering you’d probably be spending a lot more time with them.
You felt Calum’s hand slip around your waist, and he brought his lips to your ear. “Can I get you a drink?” He whispered in your ear, keeping his tight grip on your hip. You nodded your head, “yes please,” you said.
He walked away to get you a drink. Ashton joined your group and was smirking at you. “Don’t you even,” you said, stopping him before he could make a comment.
“I wasn’t going to say anything,” Ashton lied through his teeth. Luke and Michael chuckled at his horrible poker face. “I’m trying to make a nice first impression with your friends, and you just can’t stop yourself.” You said.
“You made a pretty good first impression with Calum,” Michael muttered under his breath, trying not to laugh. You were too stunned to speak. You sat there with your mouth open as the three of them started cracking up. “All three of you now?” You asked.
Calum appeared at your side with two drinks, handing one to you. “Yeah, she did make a pretty good impression, y’know until Ashton ruined it.” Calum said, winking at you.
You slipped your arm around Calum’s back and leaned into him. “You both are pretty cute together actually” Ashton said, making your cheeks heat up.
“Hey guys, you got like five minutes til you need to be on stage.” Someone said, as they walked in the room. You looked over your shoulder and saw someone who looked like their manager.
“C’mon,” Calum said, interlacing your fingers and pulling you behind him. You followed him to the side of the stage. You both set down your drinks and one of the crew members handed Calum his bass.
You gave Calum a kiss on the cheek. “Have a good show,” you told him. He thanked you and gave your hand a quick squeeze. The other three guys started to walk on stage, but Calum stopped.
He held up two fingers and beckoned you closer to him. He quickly cupped your face and kissed you. You were surprised by the kiss, but kissed him back.
“Gotta get my good luck kiss,” he said, before running out on stage.
You got to watch the whole show from the side of stage and had the best time. Calum even looked over at you a few times and winked at you once.
As the show ended, you cheered for the guys, and they took their bow. The guys filed off the stage past you, giving you high-fives as they went by.
Calum came off the stage last with a giant smile on his face. He handed off his bass and then grabbed your hand. He started pulling you down the hallway.
“Calum, where are we going?” You asked him. He didn’t answer your question, but continued pulling you behind him. You both got to his dressing room door and he pushed the door open.
Before you knew it, he had pulled you both inside and closed the door. He pinned you to the back of the door. “You remember when we talked about you fucking that bassist in his dressing room?” He asked you, his mouth almost pressed up to your ear.
You nodded your head. “Yeah, I remember,” you said, breathlessly. Calum’s entire chest was pressed up against you, and you were finding it hard to focus.
“Well that bassist really likes your outfit and got really turned on seeing you on the side of the stage, so if you were still okay with that plan,” he said, practically growling.
“Yes, yes, just touch me, Cal,” you begged him. As soon as the words left your mouth, Calum’s lips were on yours. His lips moved quickly against yours.
He grabbed at the back of your thighs and picked you up against the door. “No one to interrupt us this time,” he said, smirking against your lips.
You raked your fingers through his hair, causing him to groan. He planted his lips on the side of your neck and started slowly sucking on your skin.
You tried to silence the moan that fell from your lips. “Don’t hold back, let me hear you.” He coached you.
He pulled you away from the door and laid you down on the couch. “You look so gorgeous,” he said, in awe as he looked at you.
You pulled him towards you and tugged at the bottom of his shirt. He quickly pulled it over his head and threw it to the side. “C’mere, rockstar, can’t wait,” you said, pulling Calum on top of you. Hearing you call him “rockstar” turned Calum on more than he would ever admit.
His hands slipped under your shirt and traced your sides, caressing your skin. “Help me take it off,” you said, putting your hands up and allowing Calum to pull your shirt up over your head.
“So gorgeous,” he mumbled as he quickly got rid of both of your pants. He grabbed your legs and wrapped them around his waist. You cupped his face and kissed him hard.
Having Calum’s hands on you made you feel like your skin was on fire in the best way. A moan slipped out of you as Calum rocked his hips against yours. “Please, Cal,” you begged.
“Please what, sweetheart?” He asked, placing kisses along your jaw. You groaned, twisting his hair around your fingers.
“Please, fuck me,” you told him.
He pulled down your panties and carelessly threw them to the side. “You know that when Ashton showed us a picture of his roommate, I think I fell in love with you right then, most gorgeous girl I’ve ever seen.” He told you, placing a kiss to your forehead.
“You look so hot on top of me, like this.” You said, as he slipped out of his boxers.
He grabbed your hips with his large hands to steady himself. “You ready?” He asked, meeting your gaze. You nodded your head quickly.
He slowly pushed his length into you. You clawed at his back as you adjusted to his size. He stayed still, buried inside you, for a while. He peppered soft kisses on your shoulder as he waited for you.
“Keep going, I’m okay,” you assured him. With one final kiss on your lips, he pulled himself out and started thrusting into you.
Calum’s eyebrows were furrowed in concentration as his hips hit against yours. You let your eyes roll back as you grabbed at the couch, desperate to find something to hold on to.
“Here,” Calum said, grabbing both your hands and pinning them above your head. You let out a whimper as you felt the strong grip of his hand on your wrists.
“Let me do all the work, just focus on feeling good,” he instructed you. He placed sloppy, wet kisses down your chest, using his free hand to caress your breast.
“So good, Cal. Just like I imagined,” you mumbled, your eyes still shut. You noticed a break in Calum’s rhythm. You opened your eyes and noticed he was just looking at you as he continued to push his hips into yours.
“You were imagining this, baby?” He asked you, curiously. You felt your cheeks heat up in embarrassment, both from the pet name he’d just used and what you had just admitted.
“Don’t be embarrassed, what were you thinking about?” He asked, turned on by the possibility of your fantasies. You hid your face in the crook of his neck. He peppered kisses all around your face, hoping to get you to open up.
It was ironic. His cock was deep inside you, but you could barely bring yourself to meet his gaze.
“I saw pictures you posted from tour, and I thought about what it’d be like to go on tour with you. We’d travel around together, and I’d know all the fans you met were imagining you the way that only I would get to see you. And I thought about what it’d be like to ride you.” You confessed.
A groan fell from Calum’s lips after hearing the words leave your mouth. “That’s really hot, gorgeous.” He told you, moving his grip to your hips.
He reached deeper inside of you and hit your g-spot. “Oh, fuck, Calum,” you moaned.
“Y’know, we could make those fantasies happen if you want. We could at least do that last one tonight.” He told you, making your cheeks heat up even more.
“C’mere, honey,” he said, holding onto you and sitting up so you were straddling him.
He kissed you to make you more comfortable. “I’ll help you,” he mumbled against your lips. He grabbed your hips and lifted you up. You started rolling your hips against his.
“Oh, fuck, baby. You look so good on top of me.” He moaned, throwing his head back. He pushed his hips forward, meeting yours halfway.
Your thrusts started to become more rushed as you got closer to your high. “I’m almost there, Cal,” you mumbled, grabbing his shoulders to steady yourself.
“Me too, baby,” he told you. You both quickened your pace. You arched your back as you started to feel it approaching. You both were breathing heavily.
You were mesmerized watching how quickly Calum’s chest was rising and falling.
“Oh, fuck, Calum,” you called out, as your orgasm hit you. He wasn’t far behind you. “Oh, shit,” he mumbled, his thrusts beginning to falter.
He slowed down his pace, slowly thrusting up into you to help you both come down from your highs.
You collapsed against his chest, resting your head on his shoulder. “That was amazing,” you mumbled against his skin. He chuckled at your exhaustion. “You did amazing, baby,” he said, kissing the side of your neck.
He ran his fingers up and down your back as you caught your breath.
Once you finally got up, you both got dressed again and headed to Ashton’s dressing room, where Calum was told the guys were hanging out.
“Look who finally decided to join us,” Michael said, smirking at Calum as you both entered the room. All three guys were in the room, along with their significant others. Luke handed both you and Calum a drink.
“You both finally sort out that sexual tension?” Ashton asked, causing you to choke on your drink. Your eyes darted to Calum for help.
He leaned in to whisper in your ear, “I may have left you a little present on accident,” referencing the hickey on your neck.
“Calum,” you whined, dragging out his name and trying to cover your neck with your hand. This earned a chuckle from the group.
“C’mere,” he said, pulling you into his chest and wrapping his arms around your shoulders.
“I’m going to have so much fun teasing the two of you,” Ashton said, chuckling to himself.
“Don’t worry, we won’t all be teasing you. Not yet, at least” Luke promised you both. You let out a small giggle. “That felt a lot less comforting than I think it was intended to be.” You replied, earning a laugh from Calum.
He slipped his hand in the back pocket of your pants, keeping you next to him.
“So, Ashton mentioned that you guys were planning to set us up anyway. How was that going to go down?” You asked, curiously.
“Well the girls had to talk down Ashton because he was ready to steal Calum’s phone and send you some raunchy messages, and Calum would have killed him. Michael and I suggested a blind date, but Ashton wasn’t going to settle for that. He suggested that we lock you both in a room together and just wait it out.” Luke explained to you.
“Your great matchmaking plan was to hold us hostage?” Calum asked Ashton, exasperated.
“Oh, come on. Don’t tell me it wouldn’t work, neither of you can keep your hands off each other.” Ashton argued.
“That’s true.” Calum said, smiling down at you.
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cal-puddies · 2 years
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Think of You Later in my Empty Room// Calum Hood
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Hello friends! It's been an absolute dream getting to co-write with Crystal again - it's been far too long! There's not much to intro here - as we mentioned, this series originated with us daydreaming about lighting up and getting down with our guys and for Cal, a lazy day at home seemed so natural, and its me so we made it a lil emo for ya.
I hope you checked out @kindahoping4forever's blog for Hit of Dopamine, Higher Than I've Ever Been, which is the Ash installment, and you'll want to go back and check out the verifiably unhinged Luke part tomorrow.
Warnings: Boyfriend!Cal, angsty!girlfriend worried about missing him when he leaves again. significant use of weed, high sex, oral sex, anal play, cum play, dirty talk containing strong language
Word Count: 6260
I Hope You Think Of Me High Series Masterlist
Crystal Masterlist // Cass Masterlist // Ko-Fis linked in our bios
Reblogs and feedback are greatly appreciated!
It’s a lazy afternoon in bed, in the middle of a lazy day in the midst of a lazy week. Calum’s fingers tangle in your hair as you lay in his lap and you giggle softly as you look up at him, eyes warning him to be careful but also asking him not to stop touching you.
You hum contentedly to the softly playing playlist in the background, feeling your boyfriend’s eyes fixate on you as you stretch out in one of his favorite t-shirts. Your gaze happens upon his packed luggage by the door, a silent reminder of the topic you’ve both been trying to ignore, and you try not to let your face fall but judging by the sigh he lets out, he definitely noticed.
“We can talk about it if you want,” he offers.
“I don’t want,” you say stubbornly. “Anything outside of this room, outside of this bed doesn’t exist to me right now.”
He chuckles, smoothing his hand over the top of your head. “Baby… it’s only gonna be a couple of weeks. And then you’ll be on the road with me.” 
You pout, “You just got home.” 
“I know, love. And we’ve had a great week together, haven’t we?” You stay quiet, not ready to concede your point, so he continues. “We both knew the schedule when the tour got planned, a week to recharge between legs… knew it wasn’t gonna be easy.”
You sigh, “Cal, I can understand it and accept it and still be sad about it. I’ve just now gotten used to you being here again… I like having you here to talk to, to share things with… just to get a hug when I need one…” 
“I miss those things when I’m away, too,” he reminds you, pulling your hands to his lips so he can kiss your wrists. He grins brightly, trying to cheer you up. “But it’s only a couple weeks until you get that time off and you can join me… I’m very glad your passport finally came.” 
You can’t help but reach up to caress his raised cheeks. “Yeah… I’m looking forward to it. Really,” you admit, smiling back at him. “So much to do before then, though. Gotta get all my stuff together, all the stuff you’re definitely gonna forget to pack and want me to bring out with me.” You giggle at your own joke and giggle even louder at his pouty reaction to it.
“I know you’re teasing me but we should actually start seeing what all you wanna bring so we know whether or not we need to buy you a bigger suitcase,” he points out.
“So the rest of the week is gonna be busy is what you’re saying.”
“Yes, which is why we’re doing this today,” he says matter of factly, grabbing the bong off the bedside table, gesturing for you to pass him the lighter you’ve been fidgeting with. You toss it to him and sit up against the headboard next to him, watching lovingly as he repacks the bowl from your morning smoke session. 
Ever the gentleman, Calum offers it to you first, paying close attention as you position yourself over the mouthpiece, waiting for your cue to light the bowl. You end up taking a pretty good hit and he grins at you as he clears the chamber for himself. You watch his nimble fingers wrap around the bong, gracefully lighting up and tucking the lighter into his palm as he removes the slide, inhaling a large hit and dramatically throwing his head back to blow it out.
You bite your lip, watching him reset for a second hit; his eyes are on you, watching you watch him, noticing your eye line is mostly on his fingers. He inhales and then pulls you in, first to shotgun the hit to you and then to slot your lips together for a kiss after you blow out the smoke. He offers you the bong and when you decline, he uses it once more himself before setting it back on the nightstand.
“C’mere,” he murmurs, patting his thigh. You climb up to straddle him, wrapping your arms around him, nuzzling your face into his neck. You let out a soft sigh as his hands rub up and down your bare thighs, eventually nudging your shirt up over your hips so he can give your ass a tight squeeze. He raises his eyebrows, surprised. “Forgot you’re not wearing panties,” he chuckles. 
You smirk and kiss his neck. “What’s the point? You’re just gonna take ‘em off me anyway.” 
“I like you naked… I like being naked with you too, is that so wrong?” 
“Nah… you know I like our naked bods pressed together too.” 
He shrugs. “They don’t even need to be pressed together… I just prefer ya naked.” He tugs the back of your shirt and you lean back, lifting your arms up so he can pull it off. His fingers trail over your skin as he removes your top and you shiver. “Love the way your body responds to my touch… spent weeks getting off to the thought of touching you again.” He drags his fingers across the tops of your breasts, along your collarbone, down your side and across your tummy as he whispers. Your body lets him know how much you love it by raising goosebumps over your skin and your nipples hardening. 
You thread your fingers into Cal’s hair as he leans in to kiss on your neck, his stubble prickling your skin. He leans you back to allow himself more access to your body and he immediately takes advantage by wrapping his lips around one of your nipples. He rolls the other between his fingers and palms your breast, and switches, lavishing his tongue over the other side. 
You gently scratch at his scalp and he looks up at you, sleepy, red eyes telling you how high he is. He grins before putting his attention back on your tits, sucking marks onto them before pressing a gentle kiss to each one and then kissing back up your neck. He engages you in a slow, sensual make out. His hands feel like they’re everywhere at once, all over your body while yours travel into his boxer to squeeze his ass. He eagerly shimmies them off, sitting up on his knees to toss them aside. “You’re so gorgeous, baby, never get tired of looking at you,” he coos, intertwining your fingers. 
“Me? Look at you, bubba,” you sigh, looking him up and down, realizing how hard he is. 
He takes your hand in his and moves them both toward his body, cupping his cock with his and your hand. “This is all you baby, you do this. Every damn time,” he explains. You bite your lip, keeping eye contact with him as he moves your hands, swiping his fingertips through your folds. “And I love that I do this to you,” he murmurs, holding up his wet fingers. He sticks them in his mouth and your chilled out brain is still processing that image when he starts moving much quicker than he has all day. 
He grabs the super soft blanket from the foot of the bed and quickly shakes it out as he lays next to you again. You both watch, stoned minds fascinated, as the material balloons and flutters back down to cover your bodies, “Your favorite,” he mumbles sweetly, kissing your forehead before turning onto his side so he can drape his arm across your stomach and pull you in close against his chest. 
The two of you snuggle together, alternating between whispering sweet nothings to each other and dozing off. Naturally, things eventually evolve into another sweet make out session and you can’t get enough of the slow, unrushed indulgence.
Cal enjoys touching you as much as you enjoy him touching you, which makes everything so much better. He softly moans, appreciating your body’s reactions to him, just like he mentioned. You lean in as he presses gentle kisses to your neck and sigh his name. 
“Need you, sweet girl,” he rasps in your ear. 
You rub your fingertips against his stubble and nod. “Yeah… need you too, handsome.” 
He smooths his hand down your side, pushing his thigh between yours, moving his hand from your hip to your pussy to help him guide his cock in. Your breath hitches in your throat and your jaw falls slack. On a good day, he’s a tight fit, but when you’re high, you feel it extra. “Fuck,” you whimper as he sinks all the way in.
Concern colors his voice as he groans, “You alright, darlin’?” You nod, squeezing your eyes shut, breathing through the stretch. You turn your head towards him, looking for a kiss and his tongue is quickly in your mouth, trying to soothe you. He’s ready to reach for lube when you finally relax into him. “That’s good, baby,” he praises you. 
Calum stays unmoving, buried in you, giving you more time to adjust and himself more time to strategize. If he thrusts into you, he knows it’ll feel too good and he’ll have trouble keeping things at a slow pace, which is not only the vibe of the day but something you clearly need. But if you move against him, he knows he’ll cum almost instantly and neither of you will get to enjoy the experience. You’ve been high with him enough times to recognize his dilemma and you offer a simple solution. “Just lay here with me, bubba,” you suggest. You add with a dreamy sigh, “Feel so good inside me.” Your eyelids are heavy as you turn to look at him, nipping at his nose before parting your lips for a kiss. He happily obliges and the two of you are soon caught up in an endless loop of soft open mouth kisses with curious tongues, while your fingers dance across each other’s skin, your bodies still intimately connected. 
Your boyfriend is fully entranced with you and he wants more. One hand caresses your thigh while the other gently cups your tits, softly teasing your nipples. He groans softly into your mouth when his fingertips move over to your clit, gently at first. He feels how turned on you are and decides to add a little more pressure,and you moan quietly. 
“You’re so wet, little darlin’.”
“How am I not supposed to be?” 
He grins as you arch your back into him. “You know I love you this way… open, wet… love you high because everything feels so good to you and with you.” 
“Caaaaal… oh… like that… please?” 
“F’course darlin’.” He keeps sliding his fingers up and down your clit, varying it with circles every so often. You gasp at the sensations he’s given and your breath shift makes your pussy throb around him. “Ohhh…” Cal moans with you. “Mmm… baby, I think this is working for both of us.” 
“It’s definitely working for me,” you pant, moving against him. 
“You really like when I do this,” he mutters, sliding his fingers across your clit. “Your cunt squeezes so good…” 
You moan at the action and his words, clawing at his arm with one hand, your other covering his at your tits. He lets you intertwine your fingers there and he holds you while he nibbles your neck and sucks your earlobe, all his cock still fills you, his hand working between your legs. He could not be more all over you than he is right now and you’re feeling completely overwhelmed by his attention. 
His name spills from your lips over and over, he is the only thing you really know or care to know in this moment. You start pulling at his arm, trying to get him to stop rubbing your clit, even though you can’t put the words together. You turn your head toward him, softly whining, “Please, Cal… feels so good… don’t wanna cum yet.” 
He slows his fingers down, speaking softly to you. “Ok, sweet girl, I can be patient if you can.” He holds his wet fingers to your mouth and you clean them, licking and sucking at them. “Sweet, sweet girl,” he murmurs, smiling at you. He wraps his arms around you possessively and the two of you lay cuddled. 
You take a deep breath, closing your eyes to immerse yourself in all of your senses. Unsurprisingly, they’re being dominated by the love and comfort you find in Cal. You take in his scent, which is always calming to you. His even breathing in your ear, his little loving whispers, his soft lips against your neck. You run your fingertips over his arms, softly humming in response to his presence. Everything seems to be moving slowly in your hazy, lovestruck mind so you’re not sure how long the two of you have been laying here but you wish it could go on forever. 
 “Calum… bubba,” you sigh quietly. “I love you… I love you and I love being full of you…”
He gently thrusts his hips in response, whispering in your ear, “And I love filling you, darlin’… And I love you. My best girl.” 
You reach one hand back and thread your fingers in his hair. “Think I’m ready to cum for you, handsome.” 
Calum uses one hand to pull you into a kiss, the other finding its way back to your clit. You immediately arch against him and he takes the opportunity to cover your face, neck and shoulder with wet kisses, groaning into your skin as he goes. Overwhelming you again. 
The orgasm shouldn’t be a surprise but it feels like it comes on suddenly and it’s incredibly intense. You whimper and whine as you tighten around him and he’s sensitive enough from the weed that it makes him cum too. “Oh my god, Cal,” you breathe as you feel his cum spilling into you. Your nails dig in anywhere you can reach and you bite his arm where it holds you across your shoulders. 
“That’s my sweet girl,” he huffs. “Always so good to me, shoulda known you’d make me cum like that.” He gently nibbles along your jaw. 
“So good, love,” you murmur, turning into him for a kiss. 
You lay wrapped up in each other for a while but you both get a little restless as the high starts to wear off. “Should get you cleaned up darlin,” he remarks. You clench around him as he pulls out and you close your eyes, giggling at the loud groan he lets out at how good it feels. You expect to feel the bed shift from him getting up to head to the bathroom but it never does and you turn over to see what he’s up to.
You find him digging through the bedside table, finally pulling out a baggie of pre-rolled joints. He lights one and takes one, two puffs before passing it to you. He watches you finish a hit before he’s pushing your thighs apart and settling between them. He leans back up for a quick kiss and to grab the joint from you, taking another hit before placing it back between your lips.
“I love seeing you like this… open… messy, my cum dripping out of you,” he groans. His fingertips slide through your folds and he licks the mess of his release off of them. You moan and put one arm behind you to prop you up so you can enjoy the show. You love when he gets like this. His tongue slicks through your folds, immediately teasing your entrance. “I never get tired of the way we taste together.”
You use one hand to lift the joint to and from your lips, the other stays threaded into Cal’s hair as you watch him noisily eat his cum out of you. After a certain point it’s obvious he’s moved beyond the task of cleaning you and he’s now just enjoying your body. He moans into you, nips at your thighs, holding them tight to leave marks, sucking hickeys as he goes. He sucks a particularly large one onto your hip while his thumb rubs your clit and you hear the pop when he pulls off. You blow out a smoke ring as you feel the stirrings of another potential orgasm and you wonder what you ever did to get this lucky.
Calum uses his head to gesture toward you as one hand is occupied kneading your ass, and the other is still playing with your clit. “Can I get that last hit, baby?” You take the cigarette from your own lips and stick it between his. Looking down at Cal, plump lips glistening, red and swollen from eating you out, killing a joint while still between your legs - you’re confident it’s the most erotic thing you’ve ever seen. You offer him the ashtray from the bedside table and he coolly tosses the finished joint in it before blowing his smoke at your pussy. “You ready to cum for me again?” 
“Jesus, Cal… make me cum for you.” 
His lips quickly wrap back around your clit and your fingers make a mess of his hair as he holds onto you tightly. His tongue makes quick, precise work of your clit and your reinvigorated high has you feeling overwhelmed once again. All of your senses are screaming Cal and only Cal. 
He pulls your thighs over his shoulders, intertwining your fingers as he decides to start working his tongue inside you, instead of just playing with your clit. 
“Holy fuck… Cal… please please please.” You whimper, panting out his name over and over.
“That’s my girl,” he hums, grinning against you. He works his tongue back in, as deep as he can and you buck your hips against his face. He teases, “Needy, darlin’?” 
You chant his name, hips meeting every flick of his tongue. He’s both amused and turned on based on the giggles and groans he’s filling you with. He starts humming and ultimately that’s what sets you off. You swear you’ve never moaned louder in your life as you crash over the edge, hips grinding wildly against his face. Cal withdraws his tongue but slowly licks over your clit, bringing you down in a slow way. He lets go of your hands and grabs your hip, rubbing his thumb there reassuringly. You reach out, searching for his other hand, but it quickly registers that he’s using it to slowly stroke his cock. 
He notices you’ve gone uncharacteristically silent as he quickly licks and cleans your second orgasm and when he pulls back to look up at you, he finds you with your face buried in your hands.
“What’s goin’ on, sweet girl?” He asks softly, gently pulling your wrists so you’ll uncover your face. 
You stare at him, pink chubby cheeks all pink and sweaty, plump lips all red and swollen, a sweet look of concern coloring his expression. “Just… overwhelmed, I think,” you admit.
He settles in next to you, leaning down to peck your lips. “Wanna talk about it?” 
You tuck a hand in his curls, smiling at him wistfully. “I’m not sure there’s much to talk about, Cal… I just feel so much for you… all this love and the emotion…” You trail off, trying to gather your thoughts, figure out how to articulate the lump in your throat. “Having all of your attention these past couple days… it’s just been so wonderful. You’re so wonderful. Make me feel so safe and loved. Known. And I think… I need to try and figure out how to comprehend… like… that’s all going away in a couple of days. I don’t know if you know, Cal… but I had a really tough time these past couple months without you. And now we’re going right back into that. You weren’t home long enough.” 
Calum takes a long, deep breath, holding your gaze. You can tell he feels bad that you’re hurting and that it makes him feel even worse that he’s the cause and there’s nothing he can do about it. Fighting the frown that threatens to cloud his features, he gives you a soft smile and starts pressing kisses to your face. “I agree with you, love… I wish I was able to be here longer too. Feel like we were just getting back in the swing of things and now I have to go away again,” he shrugs. He squeezes your hand reassuringly. “But I promise you, ‘all of this’ isn’t going away baby. We’re gonna be back together again before you know it. And you know I’m always just a phone call or a FaceTime away. Even when we’re apart, I’m always there for you and you’re always there for me. That part doesn’t change.” 
You nod, chewing your lip. You almost feel embarrassed at your outburst. It’s not like you didn’t know things would be like this when you started dating him. “I know, bubba… I didn’t mean to make it seem like you’re abandoning me or anything. I know you’d do anything for me, no matter where you are. I’m sorry.”
He does a double take, looking at you incredulously. “Sorry? Sorry for what?”
“I don’t want to make you feel bad about leaving. I want you to go on tour, I want you and the band to be successful enough so that you have to leave like this. You’re just doing what you love and I want that for you.”
He sighs, lifting your hand to his lips. “Baby, I also love you. And you’re just feeling your feelings. And all the feelings you just shared with me are completely valid. This is a lot to process. It’s a hard transition from being together all the time to not getting to see each other, especially since this is new for us.” 
You give him a sad smile. “Are you about to tell me it gets easier?”
Calum rubs over your arm, grinning. “Oh, definitely not, darlin’, this part’s always gonna be torture,” he chuckles. “We’ll get better about dealing with it, though, I think. ‘Specially if we keep talking about it like this.”
You squeeze his hand on your arm. “Yeah, that’s true.”
“Thank you for being honest. Know it’s hard with me sometimes. But I’m glad you told me how you felt.” 
You run your hand through his curls and lean in, needing to feel his lips on yours. He pulls you closer and you feel his still semi hard cock brush your stomach. You stay engaged in the kiss but let your hand wander down his body, wrapping around his length. He hums in response to your touch but after a few strokes, he reaches down to stop you. 
“I’m OK, sweet girl. Let’s get up and get some food, maybe some sunshine,” he insists, moving your hand away from his body and interlacing your fingers. Your face must display your confusion because he chuckles as he kisses your knuckles before pushing up off the bed and crossing the room to the dresser. He smiles warmly as he tosses you a clean t-shirt and pulls out a pair of shorts for himself. “You’ve given me so much this week, darlin’, think it’s OK if we say you owe me one.”
You follow Cal into the kitchen where he sets to work making a couple sandwiches and cutting up some fruit; you make yourself useful by pouring two tall glasses of ice water and grabbing the lighter, pipe and weed jar off the kitchen counter to take outside. The two of you set everything up on the table in the shade and just as you’re about to take your seat, you feel his hands around your waist, pulling you into his lap. You relax against him while the two of you eat and you can tell he’s doing his best to comfort you in light of the conversation you just had. His arm rests across your lap, he presses soft kisses to your jaw and cheek, his hands shower you in affection, never leaving your skin. 
“Sweet girl?” He murmurs into your ear after the meal is over. You cock your head to indicate you’re paying attention and he brings the jar of weed around to your line of vision, shaking it. “You wanna smoke this with me? Should be a little bit more of a mellow vibe than what we had earlier.”
Mellow definitely sounds good to you right now, so you nod and turn to so you can watch his hands work, carefully packing the bowl. You bite your lip and squeeze your thighs together, enjoying the show. You still feel a bit overwhelmed from earlier but after witnessing how thoughtful and attentive he was in navigating your emotions, how willing he was to talk things out with you, you’ve felt the sadness dissipating and instead be replaced by a need to be close to him, to show him your appreciation.
Calum must be feeling similarly because midway through his task, he turns and quickly draws you into a hungry kiss before nuzzling his nose to yours. “What a perfect way to close out such a lovely day with my girl,” he murmurs, running his hand up your thigh. 
You brush his hair back, letting your hand fall to his neck and then chest. You play innocent, though you know exactly what rubbing your thumb over his nipple will do. You watch as his eyes close and his lips part, letting out a soft moan. “You’re so good to me, Cal,” you coo, leaning in to kiss his neck, sucking a mark onto his collarbone. He would typically stop you but it feels too good and he loves you too much right now for him to care.
The pipe lays forgotten on the table as your kisses trail lower, allowing your tongue to poke out and tease his other nipple. His hand comes down to hold the back of your neck as you tease him and you groan against his skin when you feel his cock twitch in his shorts. His fingertips run up your thighs, bunching your t-shirt at your hips as his touch continues the journey up your stomach and ribs, then gently over your breasts and nipples and back again. 
After a few more minutes of this, he gently nibbles your earlobe and tugs at the hem of your shirt. “Can I take this off?” 
You lean into his ear to whisper, “Can I ask for something in return?”
“Anything.” He says earnestly, tongue sliding over your lips before kissing them.
You look into his eyes. “Fill me?” You ask, reaching down to squeeze the tent forming in his shorts. 
He lifts his hips with you still on him, kicking his shorts off and giving himself a few pumps to get fully hard. His fingers run up your thighs, ready to pull off your underwear but he laughs heartily when he realizes there’s nothing there.
“Still no panties?”
“Still no point,” you smirk, turning back around in his lap and lowering yourself down on his cock.
Cal hastily discards your shirt, burying his face in your bare shoulders as you continue to sink down on him. You let out a breathy sigh, wiggling your hips to get him bottomed out and your efforts are met with a low growl from him. 
You gently turn his head toward you, giving him a heated kiss, finishing off by sucking his bottom lip. As you turn and press your back into his chest, his hands come around to cup your tits and he plays with your nipples, “I love the way you feel in me,” you sigh.
“I love the way you feel around me, baby. Tight, warm, wet… absolute perfect fit.”
You use his thighs for leverage as you push yourself up until just his tip is at your entrance and then you sink down as slow as you can possibly manage, intending to feel every vein and ridge of his cock. He pulls you back into a sloppy kiss and he’s practically shaking from the sensations you’re giving him. 
“You OK, handsome?” You ask, teasing lilt in your voice. 
“Do that again.”
You repeat your actions and he chokes on his moan. He settles his hands on your hips and though you expect him to try to get you to move faster, his grip just squeezes your skin as he sits back and lets you control the pace, groaning as he watches you take him over and over again.
“That’s it, baby… just like that,” he praises, head lulling back, closing his eyes to appreciate your slow work.
Your brow furrows in concentration as you move over him, thighs burning from going so slow but it feels so fucking good and he sounds so fucking good, you know the memory will be worth the pain later. You feel him lean in to cup your tits, giving them a nice squeeze before he turns your face towards his again, slotting your lips together. 
His hand starts to drift between your legs but you bat it away, groaning, “Cal… let me do this, baby, let me make us feel good.”
He curses under his breath but obliges, leaning back to let you move freely. He goes quiet and you smirk to yourself, knowing he’s probably become hypnotized watching your ass jiggle and bounce as you ride him. You speed up just a little, trying to give him a bit more of a show, and sure enough you hear his breathing get heavier and feel a hand stroke down your skin, making a home for itself on the small of your back, wanting to touch you but also not wanting to obscure his view.
“Goddamn, darlin’...” He breathes, voice raspy and ragged. “Look so fuckin’ good riding me… don’t know why we don’t do it like this more often.”
You toss him a teasing look over your shoulder. “Because you’re a sweet boy who loves to kiss and look into your lover’s eyes… also the combo of staring at my ass and watching your cock disappear usually makes you cum pretty quick.”
Cal laughs loudly, “If you were seeing what I’m seeing, you’d be a lot closer to losing control too, baby.”
He groans loudly as you slow down again, rolling your hips extra slow so he can get a good look at your body engulfing him. “Well, next time we’ll have to make arrangements for that,” you tease, biting your lip as the possibilities run through your mind.
“Lotta things we’ll have to get to next time,” he teases back, letting his hand slide from your back to between your cheeks, fingers grazing your rim. He chuckles darkly at the way your body instinctively responds, how you fall forward, your back arching, your ass making itself more accessible to him. He loves that your body is asking him to continue but he wants to hear you say it so he plays dumb and asks, “Oh?”
“Yeah… please” is all you can manage but it’s all the prompting he needs. He sucks his thumb into his mouth and the wet noises of him coating it in spit, the loud pop when he releases it causing you to shiver in anticipation. You raise your hips, stilling your movements, holding your breath as you feel his hands on your backside again. He squeezes and massages your cheeks before spreading them and pressing his thumb against your hole. “Yesssss… Caaaal,” you sigh, overcome by the contrast of the dull pressure of his finger pushing inside you while his other four offer feather light reassurance just above the intrusion.
He groans as he prods further, getting lost in your breathy reactions and the bliss of watching your body accept even more of him. “Come on, little darlin’,” he rasps, squeezing your hip with his free hand. “Gonna keep movin’ for me?"
You whimper as you resume riding him, doing your best to set a new and effective pace even though you’re feeling completely overwhelmed by the knowledge Calum is filling both of your holes. His noises blend with yours, the two of you moaning together, you reacting to the deliciously full feeling he’s giving you, Cal doing his best to keep in control despite the fact that your ass looks unreal taking everything he’s giving you, that he’s feeling friction from his thumb on his cock and it’s bringing him closer to the edge than he’s ready for.
“Fuck, darlin’... can’t tell you how this looks… feels… gonna be thinkin’ about this every fuckin’ night when I’m gone,” he pants, a sense of relief washing over him when he hears the tone of your whines and recognizes that you’re about to finish as well. “So good… so fucking good, baby.” 
You speed up, grabbing your tits, grinding down, chasing your orgasm, undecided whether focusing on the stimulation in your ass or your pussy is going to get you there fastest. Your body makes that call for you, deciding that Cal’s soft groans of encouragement are more than enough reason for you to cum. Your legs shake and you cry his name as your walls pulse around him, your third orgasm of the afternoon hitting you harder than you expected. 
Calum thrusts gently up into you, happy to give you recovery time if you need it but also more than ready to follow you over the edge. You feel his hips start to stutter and you know you only have a limited amount of time to direct him. You quickly jut your backside out as much as you can and look behind you to tell him, “Cum on my ass, Cal… give us both something to think about while you’re gone.”
Another strained “Fuck” and a groan of your name are all he has time to respond with because your request has him immediately pulling out and pressing his cock to your cheeks without a second to spare. He struggles to keep his eyes open to take in the sight of his cum spilling onto your ass but as you moan at the feeling of his warmth coating your skin, he has to screw his eyes shut and vocalize with you. He gives himself a squeeze, milking out the last few drops before letting out an exhausted sigh and falling back against the chair.
He reaches over to the table, blindly searching for the napkins from lunch, finally finding them and quickly cleaning your messy skin. He squeezes your ass, massaging it more as he leans forward and presses kisses along your spine before wrapping his arms around your ribs so he can pull you back against him. He presses his face against your neck, still trying to catch his breath. 
“You OK, bubba?” You chuckle, squeezing your arms on his. 
“You’re too good to me,” he murmurs against your neck, inhaling deeply and pressing a few soft kisses to the back of your neck and shoulders.
“I just give what I get, love.” 
The two of you sit quietly, naked and relaxing against each other, basking in the sun and the bond you’re feeling. You can tell your boyfriend is starting to doze off and you know if he goes, you’ll end up nodding off as well. “Let’s go back to bed, bubba,” you suggest. “That soft blanket and mellow weed are calling our names.”
You whine as you stand and stretch, hurting in all the best ways. Calum watches your every move and if you couldn’t feel his eyes on you, when you turn to look at him, the loved up grin on his face gives him away. You grab the pipe while he swipes up the discarded clothes and you wrap your arms around his middle as you walk back inside. 
Back in the bedroom, you settle in against the headboard once more. You lean your head on Cal’s shoulder as he lights the pipe, smoke billowing around you. His suitcase is still by the door, staring you down, but it doesn’t seem quite as confrontational as it did a few hours ago. 
"I'm gonna miss you," you say plainly. You peck his shoulder as you take the pipe from him. "I think I can be OK with that, though."
"Oh yeah?" He squeezes your thigh, lighting the bowl for you. He jokes, "What changed your mind, all the sex or all the drugs?"
You giggle, elbowing him as you blow your smoke out. "I just think days like today will make all the ones we have to spend apart a little bit easier… gives us something to remember, something to look forward to."
"That's true, that's a good point," Calum agrees, setting the pipe on the table and pulling you into an embrace. "Wouldn't be special if these days happened all the time."
"Yeah…" You agree wistfully. "Still gonna have one of these days when I come visit you though, right?"
Cal nods emphatically. "Baby, you're flying in on a day off and I'll tell you something right now, very first thing, the panties are coming off and not going back on for at least that entire day," he declares with a naughty grin.
You relax against him, missing him already but taking comfort in making plans and sharing jokes. "See, bubba, you're learning," you tease. "What would be the point?"
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prettytoxicrevolver · 11 months
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5 Seconds of Summer
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How to Navigate:
❤ Heart = Fluff  ★ Star = Taylor Swift Song Fic  ⬥ Diamond = My Favorite
Luke Hemmings 
Better Man ❤ ⬥
Ashton Irwin 
Hate 
Shop 
Why Won’t You Love Me ⬥
I Love You 
Nails ❤
Insecure 
Moving Along 
Calum Hood 
Dad ❤
Shut Up 
Heather 
Michael Clifford 
Hair Dye ❤
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itisannak · 2 years
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Wicked Game (Mafia Boss!Calum x Florist!Y/N Smut/Angst)
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Summary: Florist (Y/N) has no business with a man like Calum. (Smut / Unprotected Sex / Penetrative Sex / Spanking / Use of Sex Toys / Dom-Sub Dynamic / Semi-Public Sex / Mention of Threesome / Oral; Male Receiving) (T.W: Violence / Mention of Drugs / Injuries / Kidnapping / Cheating / Hospital Stay / Guns / Mention of Surgery) This is an NSFW fic. If you feel uncomfortable reading content like this one, please, scroll through the chapters to find something else you might like. I have been writing this one since September. Please, show it some love. (Words: 26k) (Request)
My Masterlist / My Ko-Fi
I never planned for my life to take this turn. All of the people who have ever met me would tell you I am nothing but a goody-two-shoes, the girl next door. And within a night, I found myself dating the King of California. Well, not exactly the literal King of California. Maybe the King of Underworld California. It doesn't really make a difference what metaphor I use to describe him. The essence is Calum is dangerous, and I have no business being with him.
But there I am, picked up from my job at the flower shop by 3 of Calum's men, in the back of a car that reminds me of the ones we see in movies driving a fictional US President. If I thought the car is extremely secure, the house is an absolute fort, guarded on every angle by both tech and manpower. The bodyguard guides me to where Calum is sitting, drinking a small americano, as he does every evening. I leave the bouquet of tulips before him I bought for today, getting his attention off his journal.
"There she is. A bit late today, weren't you?" He asks, shutting his journal and placing it on the end table. "We were ambushed on the way home." I shrug, watching him as he snaps up from his armchair. "By who? Travis!" He shouts the guard in, gritting his teeth. I laugh at his response, making him narrow his eyes at me. "Why must you be such a brat?" He asks me, turning to look at me with a stern look. "Because it's fun. If you could see you now, you would understand." I reply, taking a seat on his armchair. I drape my legs over the armrest, as Travis enters the room. "Boss, is everything OK?" He asks; Calum has everyone standing on one foot, ready to kill or die for him. "You can go, Travis..." Calum says in all seriousness, eyes still fixed on me. "You sure, boss?" Travis asks. I stare back at Calum, still keeping my cocky smirk. "Leave." He grunts, walking up to me. He stands just before me, looking down on me with his jaw locked tightly. "You shouldn't be that abrupt with your people." I tease him, earning a huff. "You are the one to talk about shoulds and shouldn'ts." "What is that supposed to mean?" "It means that you keep on defying me. You keep on toying with me, teasing me. You keep on messing with me. And you should not be talking about what I should be doing and whatnot." He grips my chin, making me look at him. "Oh, I am not supposed to defy you? Oh no, I must have thought the opposite." I tease. Calum just groans at me, leaning down to pick me up over his shoulder.
"Cal, no..." I whimper, but his hand lands on my ass. "No what?" He asks me, carrying me out of the room, not caring that his people are watching us. "Leave me on my feet. I can walk." I protest but his hand meets my ass again. "There you go again. Trying to boss me around. You are putting yourself in a very tough spot." He warns me. "Maybe I want to be in a tough spot." I sass and he chuckles, but a dark, twisted chuckle, one that promises me along, eventful night. "Oh, princess... You don't want that." He fakes a coo, heading straight to our bedroom.
I am thrown onto the bed, my body bouncing on the mattress before I lay flat on my back. "Don't make a single move." Calum orders, holding a finger up warningly. "What happens if I do?" I ask, almost purring. "You don't want to find out. You don't want me taking all my anger out on you..." He warns, heading towards the dresser. He fumbles with the drawers a bit, picking a few things up before he moves to our bed. He throws the stuff beside me, kneeling on the mattress and hovering over me. "I need you out of that outfit." He stares, moving his fingers to undo my jeans, rolling them down my legs. He takes a moment to inspect my underwear, humming pleased at my choice for the day. "Not bad. Does your boss know that underneath your casual little outfit, you wear lingerie that's worth a month's paycheck?" He asks me, running his fingers under the elastic of my panties. "Only you know that information." I reply and he chuckles. He grips my chin, bringing my face closer to his. "It better stay that way." He says, pulling me in for a kiss. My breath is caught in the back of my throat as his tongue pries my lips apart, his hand pinning my wrist above my head. "Not fair." I protest breathlessly once he parts from my lips, reaching for something besides us. "And I am just getting started..." He smirks, holding the pair of leather bounds up in the air, showing me what awaits me in a few seconds. "We need to get that polo shirt off... I don't think I hate any other cloth on you as much as I hate this." He groans, picking the hem of my blouse. "You know, I could shred it to pieces..." He groans, throwing it aside. Calum is not so fond of me working, especially in a flower shop and this is not the first time he has voiced it. "I have another one. And my boss will just give me another and keep money from my paycheck." I reply and he hums. "I think I should have a word with your boss." "No intervening, remember?" I remind him, looking at him in seriousness. "Oh, kitten... You are so cute trying to be all serious... Lovely..." He coos at me, reaching behind my back to unhook my bra. Without a single warning, he flips me onto my belly, grabbing my wrist and fixing them against my lower back.
"There ... So pretty." He secures the leather bounds around my wrists, prohibiting me from being able to touch him. "And now, let's see what else I brought for you..." He says in a sadistic tone, cupping the left side of my face in his hand. He holds up a pair of nipple clamps, jiggling them effusively before me. "I think you know where those go, don't you, angel?" He asks me, his tone patronizing. "I do." I reply, knowing that the question - though rhetorical-, needs an answer. "Good girl..." He flips me again on my back, cupping my breast before his fingers pinch my nipple to roughen it. "And here go the goosebumps..." He comments, pleased by how my skin is covered with them. "Wait till you see what's next... It's my favorite thing to put in you... Well, second favorite to my cock..." He states, holding a princess butt plug before me. "Of course, I wouldn't put that on your pretty little butt all by itself..." He nods towards the bottle of lube resting on the mattress. "I...I haven't prepped for anal..." I gulp thickly. "Oh, I know, sweetheart...I am not going to fuck your ass... Not today. I just like the way the gem sparkles every time I spank your ass." "I am going to get spanked? But why?" I ask, almost whining. "You are asking? Really?" He asks me, cocking an eyebrow. "You are a pain in my ass, little brat...I might as well be a pain in yours..." He squirts a generous amount of lube onto the buttplug. "Now, flat over my knee..." He pats his lap, inviting me to drape myself over it. I crawl closer to him, laying across his thighs and waiting for my punishment. "It's not fair." I grumble and he chuckles. "It's not fair when you talk back to me. Or when you scare me. Or when you don't listen to me." He counters, gripping onto my ass, before he squeezes on it roughly, spreading my ass cheeks to squirt more lube. "Like a good girl, you are going to take it, aren't you?" He asks, toying the toy around my entrance. I nod my head and squeeze my eyes shut as he pushes the plug in. I whimper as I stretch around the toy, despite the lube making it relatively easy to slide in.
"Sweetheart, I hate to see you like that..." Of course, he is mocking me as he presses on the toy to ensure it is well-fitted. "And now the fun can begin." He hums, stroking his hand softly down my ass, raising goosebumps on my skin. Of course, it is fun for him, but if I am honest, I really like it when he is spanking me. There is something liberating in him treating me like that, something I cannot explain. The first strike never hurts, he knows that, so he is teasing me to pry the element of surprise with that first hit. He smoothly fondles my ass, in an almost sweet way that makes me lower my defenses. And then his hand meets my bum, producing a loud slapping sound. My first instinct is to gasp, but I manage to swallow it, not giving him what he wants. And that seems to make him more desperate to get a reaction, bolder and more eager to pry what he craves from me. "You are trying to prove you are a big, brave girl?" He asks me, landing his hand repeatedly on the same spot. "Well, it's not going to be too good for your ass... It's best if you surrender, princess..." He warns me, squeezing my ass after slapping it.
Despite it, I remain with my lips pressed together, enjoying his desperation. "Shit, princess... Don't make me bring a paddle over here..." I know this is his last resort, but my ass is already sore and I do not want to add further strain to it. With the next slap, I let go of holding back and release a whimper, squirming in position over his lap. "There we go... It's not that hard to break you after all..." He cocks, landing his hand again on the same spot, which is now pulsing and becoming hotter.
The last spank finds me in tears, sniffling as he rubs his hand over my red cheeks. "Look at what you've done to my hand..." He growls, showing me his red palm. "I am sorry..." I sniffle, biting my pouty bottom lip. "You should be... If you weren't so insubordinate, I wouldn't have to spank you..." He sounds so twisted, only a narcissist would accept an apology for a sore palm after spanking someone raw. "Disgusting." He rubs my sex, gathering my wetness with his fingers. "Only the most desperate whore would get so wet from being spanked... Disgusting." He traces a lone finger around my clit. I am not sure if not replying will work in my favor, but I am willing to find out since I am so shaken that I can't look for a response. Not that I am trying too hard. "I am tired. Time for you to put in some effort." He says coldly, moving me aside as if I am made of silicon flesh and I am nothing to him. He lays on his back, only undoing his pants and lowering his briefs, freeing his cock before bringing his hands behind his head and averting his gaze from me. With cheeks still stained from my tears, and my hands now sore by the bounds around my wrists, I can only crawl on my knees to get to him. Almost falling to the front, I straddle my leg over his waist. "No. Turn around. I don't want to see your face while you take my cock." He barks the command. My heart aches by the comment; it is honestly worse than any other punishment this far. He always says he loves nothing more than to watch my face as I cum around him. And now he is so upset that he doesn't even want to see my face. My bottom lip quivers as he still doesn't bring his eyes to my figure. "Calum, please." I sniffle, but I only receive dismissal from my lover. "Daddy, please. I don't like this anymore." He perks up a little, just enough to let me know I can stop it with a word. "Enough. No. Untie me." I say, my cheeks fired up. Calum sits up and rushingly comes to aid me out of my bondage, quickly undoing the buckles of my bounds. "Shit, are you ok?" He asks me, shifting back to the worried look he had a little while ago in the lounging room. "Yep." I smirk, before laying on my back and pulling him by the neck on top of me. The smirk does not fade even when Calum gasps and looks at me sternly. "You little minx..." He groans as I wrap my fingers around his cock and stroke him. He does not say much else, not until he is inside me with a strong buck of his hips on mine.
"How much longer do you think you will be taking advantage of the sweetspot I have for you?" He asks me, slowly thrusting his full length inside me. "For as long as I can, daddy..." I say after a much-held-back moan. Calum groans again, an angry yet playful sound coming from his throat before he leans closer to me and captures my lips in a kiss. His hips move rhythmically to push his cock inside me; sex with Calum at this point means he knows my body like the back of his hand, he knows what I need without even having to hear me say it. My hand moves to his cheek, my nails gripping onto his cheek as he deepens his thrust, hitting that spot inside me that I like so much when it is given attention. There is a bitter yet sweet taste in his kiss, a mixture of tobacco and strong coffee that is otherwise cloying and repulsive, but on Calum's kiss is homely and aphrodisiac. He is the opposite of what is usually my type, when I met him I was sure I would not fall for him. But fate laughed at my face and in seconds, I was swept off my feet. "You are even tighter with that plug inside you." Calum only parts from my lips to comment. I can feel my sex pulse around him as he fucks me, his cock and the toy making me feel full to the brim. It is not the first time, and certainly won't be the last. It is exciting to not know what he is going to add next time to our sex life, it keeps me on my toes. "You still smell like flowers." He moves from my lips, lowering his nose to the curve my neck meeting my shoulder makes. "Might be because I work at a flower shop." I tease him, bending my leg to wrap around his waist. "Don't fucking remind me." He scoffs, grazing his teeth over the tender flesh of my neck. "You fuck me harder when I do." I say cockily. "Careful what you wish for..." He warns me. I arch my back and move my head to free more space for him, allow him to explore my neck, again, anew.
But Calum seems fixated on something else, something I do not realize until I feel him pull on the chain that connects the two nipple clamps. Up to this point, it was a numb feeling, something lost in the background, not hurting, but present enough to exist as a secondary feeling. And now it stings; my nipples are pulled and the sweet ache spreads from them throughout my body, the course of the electricity that roots from it raising goosebumps on its passage. And then his hips slam on mine and glue there, solidifying with my body for a second to oblige me to feel his full glory. I grunt, then sigh, my eyes rolling back as a response to all the stimuli. "I told you to be careful what you wish for." He lets go of the chain, snaking an arm down my body and prying my thighs open to the max. "Cal... Cal..." I whimper, feeling the bed rattle underneath us. "You can't keep your mouth shut, can you sweetheart?" He asks me, his grip on my hips tightening. It hurts where he touches me for a moment, his thumb surely making a bruise on my skin. And the pain subsides and just adds fuel to overstimulation. I can't put my finger exactly where it feels best, I can't decide which of the things he does to my body makes me feel the most divine. "Calum, please. I need to cum." My body craves to ease an itch deep inside me, it craves to gain the release it deserves. It's too soon, I know it is too soon and that we have barely started, but the pain from spanking and the presence of the toy still inside me make me unable to avoid the impending high. "So desperate, I love it." He groans, angling up his thrusts before he pulls me in for a kiss. He is rougher than he was in the first kiss, now biting and pulling on my bottom lip as he watches how my face twists the closer I get to my orgasm. All I can do is whimper and moan, bucking my hips up as much as I can, to get more of him, to feed the last bit of my orgasm. "Fuck... Fuck. I am cumming." I cry out, my mouth falling agape and my head tilting back. My eyes shut and in my high, I can only hear how rushed and deep he is breathing. It is enough for my head to build the image of him, with his face tensed and his eyes dark with lust, sweating as he pounds inside me relentlessly. "Not inside me." I manage to murmur, causing Calum to grip my face and force me to look at him. "Don't want my seed? Don't want me to breed you, put a child in your womb?" He asks, hissing his words at me. "Not inside me." I repeat, still not having caught my breath. "Fuck it, then." He swiftly pulls out of me, nudging my hip to flip me on my chest. His hand lands on my ass once more, right on the red spot he made just before. I flinch and raise my bum in the air, turning my head to the side to look at Calum jacking off. He strokes his cock fast, groaning as his hand wraps around his throbbing member. "Shit, princess. Look what you are doing to me." He groans. His body is jolting, his chest rising and falling more and more with each stroke he gives himself. "Fuck, (Y/N), baby." He moans, shooting his cum on my ass. Breathlessly, he falls onto the bed, sprawling himself out on the mattress before inviting me to rest on his chest.
"Are you alright?" He asks me and I hum. "I am. You?" I ask back, placing my head over his heart. "I am fine. We need to get those toys off of you. And wash you up, and put some lotion on your butt. And you need to eat something." He lists and I sigh. "Can you relax for a little bit? You'll take care of me in a while." I say lazily, craving a moment of solitude with him. "Did I hurt you much?" He asks, taking my hand in his and locking our fingers together. "No, I am ok. I like it when you are a little rough on me." I reply, pressing my lips on his chest. He is not a man of many words, especially not too talkative after sex, so our conversation end here for now, and we just sink into the beautiful silence.
I take a whiff of his scent, the rich smell of smoke mixing with his cologne makes me salivate, almost tasting him on my tongue. He smells like my Calum, a side of him I am the only privileged person to enjoy. He is soft with me; I know the latest experience does not really show it off, but he is soft with me, loving. I press my ear more on his chest, listening to his heartbeat and shutting my eyes, enjoying the beautiful, calming sound.
"This might hurt you a bit..." Calum warns me. Kneeling on the mattress, I am before his gaze, with him examining me for any wounds or bruises caused by him. "Not my first time in a rodeo." I chuckle and Calum looks at me in all seriousness. "Seriously. These ones bite back." He states and I roll my eyes at him. "Seriously, we have used these before. Just pull them." I groan and Calum huffs. "One of these days you are going to regret the sass." He pulls the nipple clamp, a little too abruptly, almost as if he does it for revenge, to pay me back for my cockiness. I shudder and let out a scream, feeling the pinch move from my nipple and tear through my body. My back arches and I can feel my eyes water, "Told you you were going to regret it, princess." He says sadistically, waiting for me to calm down before he pulls off the other clamp, in just the same way as the first one. "Ssh, princess... Thought this wasn't your first rodeo." He scoffs, passing his thumb over my nipple, before leaning in to kiss it softly. "Look at it, all rough and raw..." He fake-pouts, swirling his tongue around it. "Thought we were going in for a bath." I protest and he hums. "We are... You are lucky I already had it drawn for us." He pecks on my temple, before picking me up over his shoulder. I am actually thankful this time around; I am too tired to walk, even the short distance to the master bathroom.
"I dropped a bath bomb in... A purple one." He comments, setting me inside the warm, steaming water. I take a deep breath of the vapors, instantly recognizing the dominant smell of lavender, and the faint notes of aloe filling the bathroom. Calum joins in on the other side of the extra-large bathtub, sinking up to his diaphragm in the hot water. "Might fall asleep..." I mumble, relaxing my head back. Calum hums, but it comes out as a throaty groan, which anyone who does not know him would take as angry. But Calum is on the very verge of relaxation. "You need to eat first. Then you can sleep for as long as you want." He says sternly, placing his hands on the edges of the bathtub. His fingers tap softly on the white porcelain, and I can see his chest move as he breathes calmly but deeply. "I am not really that hungry." I comment, sliding my body down the tub and submerging in the water. I come out instantly, already feeling relieved of the tension in my head and shoulders. I am growing tired by the minute and my body is becoming tenser when it should be relaxed. "I didn't ask if you are hungry. I merely announced you are eating." He comes back once my head is out of the water. "I have kinda forgotten how bossy you are." "You have forgotten? Wow, I am way more lenient than I should be with you, then." "We know that you can't be strict with me." I roll my eyes and he hums. "Hm, and you keep abusing that." He replies as I stretch my leg out towards him. "How is your ass, princess?" He asks me, grazing his fingers over my calf. "It stings. I cannot sit on it, I am hovering here..." I reply and Calum smirks. "That should teach you not to scare me again." "Did I learn all the other times?" I ask, cocking an eyebrow at him. "You know, for a cute, little flower girl, you are way too sassy." "I mean, roses have thorns, they are still cute and little." "Didn't you say you were sleepy?" He asks, cocking an eyebrow at me. "Very." I hum, resting my head on my forearms on the brim of the bathtub.
--
It has been a relatively quiet day at the flower shop, expected for the Wednesday morning. We usually don't get a lot of traffic in the mornings, nor on weekdays, so I focus on spritzing the potted plants with extra care. It is my happy place here, I know that most people don't find this job exciting or interesting, but I do. It fills me, it helps me keep my mind space.
I hear the chiming of the little bell hanging on the door, signaling me the presence of a client. I leave the spritzer by the last plant I water, wiping my hands on my apron before I head to the front.
My eyes land on the client and a smile erupts on my face, my gaze grazing my boyfriend's frame. "Good morning. How can I help you today?" I ask, biting the inside of my cheek. "Good morning. I need flowers. Lots of them." He replies, winking at me. "For a special someone, I assume." I comment and he hums. "For a special pain in my ass." He replies as we walk towards the fridge we keep the cut flowers to keep them fresh and crisp. "What flowers are we thinking of?" I ask with a cocked eyebrow. "Um, roses, maybe. All the roses you have." Calum stretches the words, making me cock my eyebrow even higher. "What color are we talking about?" "All the colors you have. All the roses you have. Your sunflowers too, she likes sunflowers." I roll my eyes at him but his smirk grows even bigger. "You must love that pain in the ass too much." "Fortunately for her, I do. I am making her a steak dinner tonight, with a very expensive, very mature red wine. And I am filling the house with flowers for her, she really likes them, so I like everything that makes her happy." "She will be home on time." "And she better wears something nice." He comments, leaning closer to me. I can't help but smile; he is too sweet for my own good. "Did I forget an anniversary again?" I ask and he shakes his head at me. "No, you didn't. Don't worry." He assures me. "Did you do something I should worry about?" I ask with my eyebrows furrowed together. "You have to stop being so vague." He pecks on my forehead and I groan. "Come on, Calum. Just tell me the reason behind all this royal treatment." "I just think it has been an awfully long time since we had a date night." He explains and I coo. "Just that?" "Mhm... Now, the flowers." He points at the glass door, taking a step away from me. "All the roses, in every color I have them, and all the sunflowers... Wonder where you'll keep it..." I mumble and he chuckles. "Do you have any orchids too?" He asks and I throw my head back in surrender. "It'll take me forever to wrap them." "Good thing then that I have nothing better to do all day but watch you." He winks at me before I open the glass door to take the vases with the flowers out.
I expected the house already filled with flowers, buds, and petals scattered all around, but the house seems tidy and clean, as it was when I left it this morning. "Mr. Hood said you should head in to get ready. Dinner will be ready in ninety minutes." Travis says, stopping me from walking further than the entrance hall. "Where is Calum?" I ask the man before me. He could be considered Calum's right hand, the head bitch of the minions Calum presides over. Travis does not reply to my inquiry, only stares at me and shows me the way to the bedroom. I sigh, knowing it is futile to insist; he won't tell me because Calum told him not to. "Fine! Fine!" I curse under my breath, holding my hands up in surrender. I make a beeline to the bedroom, and Travis follows right behind me, to ensure I won't disobey his advice. As if I would sprint around the house in search of Calum. Naive me would have done it at the start of the relationship. But now I know that if Calum doesn't want to be found, no one will ever find him.
Contrasting the state of the hallway, the room is decorated with flowers, mostly red, pink, and white roses. Petals form a little circle on top of our bed, framing a big gift box that rests in the middle of it. I sigh; spoiled once more, from head to toe. Without even having to open the box, I know it contains an outfit for the night. At this point, I know Calum has a better taste in fashion than I do. I undo the ribbon and lift the lid of the box, revealing a beautiful, emerald green, silk dress, much fitting his Slytherin aesthetic. I take the dress out of the box, laying it atop the duvet. Pursing my lips, I observe the garment, trying to come up with a complementary look for it. Off to the shower fast, then I can worry about looking good for his eyes only.
"...I don't fucking care. Are you all so incompetent that you can't even give me a night off? Are you all such pussies that you can't follow clear instructions?" "Boss..." "Don't fucking use any excuses. Since you are all idiots, I'll tell you what to do once more. Break his fucking kneecaps. Both of them. And tell him next time he fucks me over, he will sleep with the fish." "Calum..." I peek through the door. I am not sure what the issue is, and I am not sure who he is talking about, but waiting outside the door is not an option for me anymore. I've heard too much, way too much for me to still be comfortable with who I am dining with. I want him to change back to the loving, calm boyfriend he has been all day, not this ruthless, lawless man that stands amid a flower-covered room. Calum perks up. From the snarling, spine-chilling look he has been giving his minions, he changes to a softer, but still too tense expression. "Go. Don't bother me again tonight." He barks at his men, who one by one make their way outside the room. None of them looks incompetent, none of them would strike anyone as a softie, it's not the word that would come to mind upon seeing them, in fact, quite the opposite. Yet, they almost look like scolded puppies walking out of the room, passing by me.
"Let me take a look at you, baby." He sighs; he is trying his best to calm down. Sometimes it is scary how he can turn this side off so quickly. I walk into the room, standing awkwardly before his eyes, and looking at the floor in uneasiness. I notice 2 sunflower inflorescences by my foot, resting on the floor among a myriad of petals and buds. My eyes decide to focus on them, at least until I am contented enough to look my person in the eye. "You look stunning once more tonight, my love." He says sweetly, bringing his hand to touch my cheek softly. "Thank you." I say in almost a whisper, still staring at the petals of the sunflower. Calum sighs in what I recognize is regret, and my eyes flicker for a second to his face. "I am sorry they ruined the night." He tilts his head to meet my gaze. I stay silent, lacing my fingers together. "Fuck... How much of it did you hear?" He asks me, running a hand down his face. "Enough to remember who you are when you are not my sweet, caring boyfriend." I reply, finally lifting my head to look at him fully. "I am still your sweet, caring boyfriend." He takes my hands in his, bringing them to his lips. He leaves soft pecks on my knuckles, peeking at me through his lashes. "Who breaks peoples' kneecaps in his spare time." I mumble under my breath, earning a chuckle from Calum. "Did you see me do it?" He asks me and I huff, closing my eyes to bring my nerves down. "Can we not talk about this tonight?" I ask and Calum nods his head eagerly. "Gladly. Dinner is set outside. Shall we, pretty?" He asks me, holding his arm out to link mine with his. I loop my arm through his, deciding to leave the overheard conversation in this room, and step outside for a romantic star-lit dinner with the person I love.
Vases next to vases filled with flowers are on the floor of the balcony, and in the center of the roomy deck standing a carefully set table. Calum pulls the chair out for me, inviting me to take a comfortable seat. "You did all that?" I ask, despite knowing he had help, too much help. "Most of it. I bought the flowers from a very beautiful lady." He winks at me, taking his seat across from mine. "Should I be jealous?" I ask with a playful squint in my eyes. "No one compares to you, baby." He replies, reaching to raise the bell of my plate. The food is still steaming, the heat being trapped inside by the inox utensil. "This looks delicious." I take in the details of the plate. A beautifully filleted steak, medium cooked with a sprinkle of kosher salt and a side of green salad. Definitely Calum's creation, from head to toe simple and clear. "And the wine..." He stands up to pour me some of the rich red wine. I can smell the aroma even without picking up the glass. "Are you trying to court me, Mr. Hood?" I ask and he smirks at me. "Isn't that already obvious, Ms. (Y/L/N)? I added a slice of parmesan cheese on your plate, I know you like it with your leafy greens." He retreats to his seat; I have only now calmed down enough to be able to observe him tonight. He is wearing that white shirt I got him on our last anniversary, with the snake embroidery on the collar, and his usual pair of black slacks, which he probably owns a dozen pairs of. "You know, you look mighty fine tonight." I comment, picking up my glass and reaching toward him. He mimics my move and clings his glass to mine. "I had to match how gorgeous you are, didn't I?" He asks me and I roll my eyes at him playfully. "What should we toast to?" I ask him and he takes a moment to think about it. "What about how gorgeous my love looks in that dress under the starlight?" He asks me and I can feel a flush creep up my neck and onto my cheeks. "I can't say it is a bad reason to drink at." I cling my glass with his again, before pulling it back and taking a sip. I moan at the first swig, the smokiness of the aging mixing with the sweetness of the fruit-like base. My tongue tingles for more as I swallow; I am spoiled rotten in that way. Before Calum, I would be excited if my wine came in a glass bottle. Now the taste of cheap red leaves me indifferent. "Good?" He asks me and I hum. "Marvellous." I reply, cutting a piece of my steak even smaller. I take a bite and scoff, it tastes that good. "Jesus, if you continue cooking like that, I'll turn as round as a meatball." I comment and he shrugs. "I'll still think you are the hottest woman." "You are obsessed with me, admit it." I tease him and he nods. "Obsessed is an understatement." He replies, cutting into his steak.
Leaning on the rail of the balcony, I take a sip of wine as I stare at the stars. It is a clear night in Los Angeles, not really usual for the hectic city. But I fully appreciate being able to look at the stars without the pollution in the way. Calum's lips find my sweetspot behind my ear and my eyes flutter, my head finding its way onto his shoulder. "Hello there..." He murmurs. Since we left the table, not many minutes ago, we have been in silence, just stargazing. "Hi." I say with a smile. "Have I ever told you how sexy you are in this light?" He asks me, pecking my temple as his hands move down to find my hips. "You find me sexy in all lighting." I sass and he laughs softly. "Maybe you are sexy regardless of the light." "Solid theory." I turn around to face him, now his hands moving to my ass. Even the slightest touch makes me feel ready to burst. "Are the watchdogs watching us now, or did you send them to nibble a bone?" I ask him and he chuckles at me. He knows I am not so fond of having people always watching our way, hidingly present in our private moments. "I would assume you are fine with them by now." He comments, gently touching my chin. "Why do we even need them here? The house is a fort. And why do I need them following me around all day? I am just a florist. What? Do you have beef with the tulip mafia?" I ask jokingly. Calum's gaze turns a little mellow. No, no, a little somber. "You need them 'cause I am afraid." He reminds me. "Of what?" I ask him again, still frustrated over the fact I work minimum wage but walk around with bodyguards. "Of who I will have to turn to if anything happens to you." He touches his forehead to mine, his breath becoming slow. I touch his cheek, not knowing what I can say to make him feel better, to dissolve his worry. With my hand over my heart, if anything ever happens to him, I will murder the ones who hurt him with my own bare hands. I guess we are rubbing off on each other; Calum has turned softer since I met him, and I have taken a dark and twisted hint from him.
I pull him in for a kiss, my lips inviting his for a dance. We haven't kissed at all today, and I can honestly say I have missed the taste of his lips. Calum sighs in relief as he deepens the kiss, my hand now moving to the back of his head to toy with the stands of messy curls. He squeezes my ass tightly, pressing his body on mine. I feel him, all of him. His muscles, his warmth, his heart beating in his chest. I feel him. And the erection growing in his pants does not surprise me. All it takes is a moment for us to turn into fucking animals. "We should head in." He suggests, his hand grazing up my body, hovering for a second before toying with the left strap of my dress. I turn my head only for a second, to look at the railing as I leave my glass on top. It'll have to do, I can't think of where else to put it. "Are they watching us?" I ask him again. "No." He replies simply. "We can stay here then." I move his hand so it pushes down the strap of my dress, revealing my breast to him. His eyes dart there, his tongue peeking from his lips before his hand cups the breast. "I love wine-drunk you." He mumbles, leaning down to capture my nipple in his mouth. I shudder, every time his lips wrap around my sensitive bud I feel the same wave of electricity course through my body. A moan leaves my lips, catching Calum's attention. "Hey, we have just started... Keep the lewd sounds for later." He chuckles, in a fake-pity tone. "Later?" I ask, trying to figure out what the night holds for me. "Later, princess. When I fuck this tight little pussy of yours. When my cock stretches your perfect little hole... Mhm, that's when you'll have to get all those little moans out." He whispers, his face inches from mine. I stare at him with lips agape, almost melting at his gaze. "Calum..." I whimper. Calum presses his forehead against mine, his fingers pinching my nipple roughly. "You have the most perfect tits I have ever seen, babygirl... Shit, you should walk around topless all day long." He groans, pulling at the peak roughly. "Calum, please... I am so wet." I can barely bring the words out of my mouth, already under his spell. "My perfect pet... My needy, little pet." His lips slide down my neck, feeling the curve of it with his mouth. My eyes flutter and I can feel a tingling sensation spread all over my sex as his mouth meets my sweet spots. I am going to explode, and he is not even inside me yet. "Let's see how wet you are." He muses, sliding his hand down my body and under the hem of my dress. He gasps in surprise, seeing that I am bare underneath my dress. "No underwear? Naughty." He smirks at me, bringing his fingers to my sex and running them over my slit. "I figured they'd be off sooner or later. Why bother putting on any?" I ask and he shakes his head at me. "My fingers are coated with your wetness. Shit, look at this, look how easily I can slip my fingers inside you." He whispers, sliding 2 digits deep inside me. My hands fly to his face, holding it between my 2 palms as I shriek and moan, pressing my forehead against his again. "Calum, please. I am begging you." I say, dragging in a sharp breath. "What do you want, kitten? Use your words, tell me what you want." He demands. He has that voice that he uses to command his men, that make people melt to his every will. "I want your cock, I want you to fuck me. I want you to make me cum around your cock. Please, baby." My lips fall open as his fingers curl up against my spot, pressing on it until he sees my eyes darken in lust.
He doesn't comment on my pathetic cry for him, he only retrieves his hand from between my thighs and turns me around, pressing his body against my back. Calum pushes my hair to the side, freeing my neck and then hicking my dress up until my ass is bare. In the flash of a second, he is lining up to my entrance, pushing me softly until my chest is resting on the railing. I hiss as he thrusts inside me, my hand going straight to grip the cold metal. "Fuck me, princess... You are so tight around my cock." He groans, holding onto my hips harshly. I am sure my skin will be bruised when he lets go of my body, the spots where the pads of his fingers are pressing onto will be covered in blueish marks. Every time we have sex he leaves a mark on my body, sort of like a map, or a reminder of every place he has touched me. I wear them proudly, even under my clothes, their presence making me feel him on my body every moment of my day. He bucks his hips away from me, completely thrusting out of my cunt and making me whimper at the loss of contact. I did not mean to protest, nor let him know his action affected me, but the whimper fell from my lips without my absolute awareness. "Aw, kitten. So desperate for my cock?" He asks me tauntingly. I just whimper again, turning my head to look at him, finding him with a smirk on his face.
He strokes his cock along my slit, rubbing the head of it around my entrance before sliding in again, finally offering me some relief. His right hand snakes expertly down between my legs, reaching my sex and pressing his middle and ring finger on my clit. I shiver down to my core, straightening up and pressing my back against his chest. "Calum." I yelp as his fingers begin rubbing on my throbbing bundle of nerves. "You want security to hear you, baby?" He asks me, whispering it in my ear. His teeth find my earlobe, pulling on it slightly and prying a cry out of me. "I don't care." I reply, but I can feel my cheeks heat up at the thought. It wouldn't be the first time we would be heard, nor the last. "You don't care, huh? You want Travis to know how well I fuck your tight little cunt? You want him to know how much of a desperate slut my innocent flower is?" He asks me again, cockiness dripping from his voice. "I don't care. Let him know. Let everyone know. Just fuck me." I plead and he chuckles, thrusting fast inside me. His fingers work at the same tempo, rubbing my sensitive clit with vigor.
He fucks me like it is the last time he ever will, making sure I hear him grunt and curse under his breath. There is nothing I want more than kissing him right now, having his moans and grunts vibrate in my mouth. But purposely he has positioned us like that, so I can't reach his mouth. "Shit, baby. You are going to be the death of me." He growls as I back my ass on him, meeting him mid-thrust. "I need to cum. Please." I whimper in a high-pitched tone. I am pulsing around him already, my stomach aching from the tightness. "Oh yeah? So soon?" He asks me. He is so cocky about this achievement, bringing me to an edge so fast, but I know that he is on his very limit, holding back so he will feel me pulse around him before he pulls out and cums. "Please. I need to. It hurts so well." I cry out and he coos at me. "Aw, my baby. Her little cunt craves an orgasm." His breath is short and forced, I can feel him sweat as he approaches his climax. "Don't pull out tonight. I want to feel all of you, every single aspect." My words are barely coherent, but Calum makes sense of them, cursing my name at the sound of my suggestion. "You sure it's not the wine talking?" He asks me and I nod. "It's not. Cum inside me." I nearly demand, to which Calum responds with a slap on my clit. I nearly scream, my sex pulsating in surprise. "Fuck." I yelp, resting my head on his shoulder and arching my back. It is a silent orgasm, but holy fuck a powerful one. I am limp with exhaustion as I come down from my high, my eyes filled with sparkles, and tears rolling down my cheeks. "Fuck it, I can't hold on any longer." Calum glues his hips on mine, emptying his load inside me. It is an exciting feeling, something I have only felt before a handful of times.
"Fuck me, I love you so much." He whispers in my ear, meaning it to be heard only by me, and no one else, as if the world is watching us. "I love you." It falls from my lips easily, without even having to think about it twice. I love him, in spite of all logic. I love him because my heart needs no logic. "I'm cold." I mumble, eyes still shut and head still resting on his shoulder. "We should head in, then. I would hate to have you sick... You make a horrible patient." He teases me and I scoff. "Fuck off. I am wonderful at all times." I chuckle and he hums. "That you are." He kisses my temple tenderly before he pulls out of me.
--
"Wake up, princess... It's time to go to work." Calum whispers in my ear, tracing a pattern on my shoulder. I grump and turn, burying my face in his chest. "Hey, Cal... Remember all the times you offered to buy the store and be my boss's boss so I get special treatment?" I ask and he laughs. "I do." "It's time to make an offer. I'd appreciate it if the deal was done before 9." I mumble and he chuckles at me, pecking on my forehead. "You are finally ok with laundrying?" He asks me and I groan. "Way to ruin everything..." I protest and he strokes my hair slowly. "Can't we stay in bed today? Just lounge in..." I suggest and he sighs deeply. "I thought you liked the flower shop." He mumbles and I shrug. "I do. But I am so tired." "Told you you shouldn't have stayed up to binge that stupid series." "You are not the boss of me." "A minute ago you wanted me to be." "You are too smart, you know that? It's annoying." "Come on, get up. You are going to be late and the ficus is going to die of dehydration." "Eh, don't say that..." I groan before leaving a peck on his chest and getting up from the bed.
"I am going to be late home today. Don't wait up, ok?" Calum states, getting off the bed right after I do. "How late?" I ask, furrowing my eyebrows together as I slip my feet into my slipper. "I don't know. Definitely after midnight." "That late." I sigh in defeat. "I know, I know." "And I was hoping I'd see you a bit today." "Is that a complain?" He asks me playfully, walking over my side of the bed. "A tiny one. It's been a month since our last date night..." I tilt my head to the side and he hums, gripping my chin to make me look at him. "What if I promise you a getaway? A weekend retreat, just me and you." He suggests and I cock an eyebrow at him. "A retreat where?" I ask and he bites the inside of his cheek as he thinks about it. "Somewhere warm and sandy. You look so good in bikinis..." He pushes a curl of my hair behind my ear. "Malibu?" I ask excitedly and he hums. "I can make it happen. I can find a secluded place, just for me and you... A place where clothes will be optional, nearly forbidden..." He trails off, his index finger tracing down the side of my neck. "Mr. Hood... If I didn't know you better, I'd say you are trying to seduce me." I fake gasp as his gaze is fixed on my neck. "If I didn't know you better, I'd say it's working." He teases and I burst into a light laugh. "Go get ready for work. Be a good flower girl today, and I'll make sure you wake up to a great surprise tomorrow." He pecks the tip of my nose, making me giggle at the ticklish feeling.
"Do you know where Calum is?" I ask Travis who I assumed stayed back for my protection. Several of Calum's men are missing today, along with Calum of course. The house is still an impenetrable fort, naturally, with a dozen men guarding the entryways, and that's who I can see only. But Travis, my boyfriend's trusted gunman, stayed behind, to guard his most valuable possession, me. It's quite romantic to think about, actually. Travis stares at me, obviously not bending to my question. He is not going to snitch on Calum, whose mantra is 'The less (Y/N) knows, the better.' So I decide not to pressure Travis and save my energy for something better. "I'll take a shower and head to the sitting room. I'd appreciate it if I was left alone." I state, making the man nod at my demand. "What would you like for dinner?" He asks me and I grimace, shaking my head. "I am not hungry." I reply, making my way to the bedroom. "He is going to be pissed if you don't eat." Travis reminds me and I shrug. "Well, that's a problem he and I will have to face." I reply, making the man sigh in defeat.
Curling up in the armchair Calum usually sits on, I open the book I've just bought this afternoon. It's a love story, a fictional tale of romance between a commoner and a mafia boss. It's funny, sort of surreal reading the epic tale of how dark and glamorous this love is when in reality, not a single story could commemorate what an ordinary and simple love it is. Still, those stories manage to capture an aspect of it; the worry and heartache, the constant fear that his life is in danger.
I didn't realize that I have fallen asleep in Calum's armchair. I did not realize I was asleep, not until the commotion woke me up. It's not too loud, almost as if they are trying to be quiet in their rush. But when you live with Calum, you learn to pick up even the slightest noise.
I quietly follow the noise; there are no signs of struggle, and surely, if there was an intrusion, Calum's men would have rained fire upon them. I push one of the men standing in the kitchen's doorway, making my way inside the crowded room. Amidst the room lays Calum on the island, the sight alone making my heart stop. The man moans and grunts, occasionally hissing as one of the men try to fix the wound on his bicep. "What happened?" I ask, but my voice is only a whisper. "What. Happened?" I demand to learn. Now everyone's eyes are on me, including Calum's who is now cursing through gritted teeth.
I feel a pair of hands trying to wrap around my body, starting to drag me out of the room. I put my weight on my foot, stomping on the man's toes, who lets me go and winces. "Anyone who thinks it is a good idea to even touch me right now, I will cut your hands from the shoulder. Now, what happened?" I ask. It is almost an animalistic bark, a dog snarling at predators. All remain silent, looking at Calum, who is tightening his teeth and keeps his eyes shut to endure the pain. "Everyone out." I demand, lunging forward and climbing on top of the island. I take a fresh gauge and saturate it with alcohol, pushing the man's hand away. "Everyone, out." I demand again, pressing the gauze on the wound. Calum screams but soon manages to find his breath. "Are you all deaf? Did you not hear her?" He asks his men. Hesitantly, but almost in sync, the men walk out, except the man who was tending to Calum's wound until now. "Is the bullet still inside?" I ask him. I know my face is fuming red right now, and I can barely keep myself from full-on sobbing. "No, but it is a deep wound." The man replies and tries to assist me. "Then out. Leave." "But..." "I know what to do. Leave." I demand. "It's ok, Leo. You can go." Calum assures the man. He leaves the room, looking at us throughout his exit.
I grab the kit that was left aside and bring it closer to us before I take a look at the wound. It is not too deep, luckily, but seeing my love like that brings out my worst thoughts. "It's just a scratch, it just stings." Calum mumbles. "That's a lot of blood for just a scratch." I comment, sniffling to stop myself from crying. "It's superficial. It's just the alcohol that makes me wince." He assures me. I nod my head and pick out a clean dressing for the wound. "We were in one of the clubs. Things got out of hand, but I am ok." Calum explains. "Yeah..." I bite the inside of my cheek to keep myself from screaming. "(Y/N), listen to me, please." He sounds desperate, but all my focus is on fixing him. "Baby, I am here... I am ok. This is nothing..." He assures me. "Shut up. Literally, shut your mouth." I have reached my breaking point, sobbing as I clean his wound.
And Calum seems to follow my demand, staying silent as I care for his injury. After wrapping it in a mesh gauze and securing it with a bandage clip, I jump off the island and pick up the blood-covered gauze. I am tired, to the verge of exhaustion, but the thought of seeing his blood tomorrow morning when I'll be drinking my coffee is enough to give me the absolute required energy to pick everything up and clean the mess. "Head to bed, you need to rest." I command, not daring to look at him. I can't, I don't have the mental nor the emotional energy of going through my macabre thoughts again. "Aren't you coming?" He asks me, carefully getting off the marble-top counter as well. "I need to clean your blood off the marble... And I need a shower." It is as if I am looking at alien hands. The amount is not much, but I have his blood on my palms, from pressing the gauze on his wound. "I can get someone else to clean up. Come to bed with me." He invites me. I know he is trying to soothe me to the best of his abilities, but I cannot, for the life of me, go to bed right now, no matter my exhaustion. "Go to bed, Calum." I turn my back to him, bending down to reach the cleaning supplies cabinet. Silently, after a loud sigh, Calum makes his way out of the room, leaving me and the blood stains alone.
I scrubbed every inch of the island and then devoted the remaining of my energy to scrubbing away the blood off my skin. I contemplated using one of these steel sponges, the ones my mom used to use when the pots and the pans were covered in grease, but my hands were already wrinkly by the time I was done cleaning them.
I could not bring myself to sleep next to Calum, something in the idea even repulsed me. So, I checked on him, finding him snoring on his side of the bed. I fixed a pillow under his arm, bringing his limb to heart-level to avoid swelling as the all-knowing internet suggested, placed a kiss on his parted lips, and made my way to the lounge, where my book was still left, open, page-down on the leather armchair, waiting for me. I was wrong; the book did not prepare me for the heartache of my love's life being in danger, nor even for a simple injury of his.
Morning rolls and finds me still awake, despite the apparent exhaustion. I find it futile to wait for the alarm of my phone to go off, so I get up from the armchair and make my way to the master bathroom. Calum is still in our bed, asleep, and had not moved an inch since I checked on him last night. I thank whoever is up there for that; his hand stayed still and I won't have to worry about the wound rebleeding.
I stand under the scorching hot water, letting it wash away my tiredness. I have to remind myself that Calum is still alive, that he is in the room just outside the door, sleeping, breathing, still warm, with blood pumping into his veins. He is here, he is going to be here when I get back from work, no one will take him away from me. I have to remind myself of all that, or else I will fall apart. There is only one question that eats away my insides. Who hurt him?
Travis is right outside the bedroom door when I exit it. "Do you always stand here waiting?" I ask him and he gives me a small, empathetic smile. "How is he?" He asks me. He worries about his commander; after all the years of being his right hand, they have formed a bond. "He is asleep. Let him rest, and change the bandage at the noon. Call that doctor that patches you up for antibiotics. He is fine now, but we don't want the wound to get infected." I state and Travis nods his head. "I'll make sure of it. Ricky is waiting in the car for you. You should grab something to it." "You are not the boss of me, nor my babysitter. What I should or should not do, is completely up to me." "I only said it 'cause you haven't eaten since..." "Worry about the person you are supposed to worry about. Maybe we wouldn't be in this position if your focus was on him and not micromanaging me." "I wasn't in the incident." He protests. "That's exactly what I am saying." I move away from the man. He is not the person I should let it out on. He is not at fault here, and frankly, maybe he doesn't deserve to deal with my angst first thing in the morning. But I have been bottling things inside since I saw Calum in the state I did last night, and it was my time to burst.
Work was almost mechanic today, I could not focus on anything else but the minutes running towards heading back home again. It was excruciating, time has never passed so slowly.
I thought it would be a relief when I'd step into the house, but my chest feels even tighter now. In any other case, I'd say I am being too dramatic, but this just feels too real. What if next time it is more than just a scratch?
I enter the room, finding Calum sitting in bed, watching something on his laptop. "Is it 5 already?" He asks me and I squint at him, earning a laugh from my boyfriend. "I was counting the minutes for you to be here. How was your day?" He asks me, patting the spot next to him on the bed. I kick off my shoes and slip off my clothes, raxing my body before crawling to bed next to him. "How are you feeling?" I ask him, pointing at the bandaged arm. "Good. I can't move it with ease, but I am ok. Doc came this morning and checked me out. She said whoever tended to my wound did an excellent job. She gave me some antibiotics for a week. How are you, baby? It must have been difficult for you last night." He strokes my cheek with his free hand and I shrug my shoulders. "Travis told me you haven't eaten since yesterday morning... You are supposed to be eating, you know?" He comments and I roll my eyes, folding my arms before my chest. "I am also not supposed to be patching up bullet holes, but here I am..." I retort, anger apparent in my voice. "I am sorry. I haven't slept all night, and I am still in shock." I admit and Calum nods, seemingly understanding my angst. "It's ok, princess. You can let it all out on me." He soothes me, letting me lean my head on his shoulder. "I was so scared last night..." My bottom lip trembles as I let it out, the image becoming vivid in my mind again. "I can't stop thinking of what would happen if it wasn't just a scrape. I can't stop thinking of what would happen if I lost you." I wrap my arms around his torso, burying my face in his chest. "I promise you, I am not going anywhere. Nothing bad will ever happen to me. You are stuck with me for a very long time..." He jokes, pecking the top of my head. "You better be... Just a scratch and I want everyone's head on a spike." "Everyone's?" He asks me, surprised by my aggression. "I am not joking, you know. I want to find the person who shot at you and rip their heart out of their chest." I groan and Calum laughs at the comment. "You are so cute when you get all murderous." He coos at me and I throw him a deathly glare. "Calum, I am very serious." "That's what I am worried about. So, let's talk about something else, something that makes you less serious. Like the trip to Malibu." He suggests, stroking his fingers down my shoulder. "What trip to Malibu?" I scoff. "The one you and I are off to Friday evening. I will pick you up after work, you'll have your bag packed already, and we will drive down to Malibu, where we will stay all weekend long, just me and you." "What about your arm?" I ask and he hums playfully. "My arm will be fine. I'll take my antibiotics, and thankfully I have the best care in the world, who will change my bandages if needed..." He kisses the top of my head once more, holding me even tighter to his body. "Come on, I have to eat to take my antibiotic and you have to eat because I can hear your stomach complaining. And then we can take a nap, 'cause I don't know about you, but I am feeling a bit tired." He suggests and I nod my head. "Yeah, I am a little sleepy too." I admit, yawning softly.
-
"...Make sure you move the orchids away from the window before closing for the night. They will be fried in the morning sun... And tomorrow at the opening, I have left you a list of the plants that need fertilizer. Don't overdo it." I list to the girl that works part-time and is replacing me for the weekend. "OK. I got it." She assures me. "And the roses, they will be delivered tomorrow morning. Make sure you put them in the fridge, move the old ones to the front." I instruct her, and she nods. "I have done this before. I will be ok." She replies. I can see she is fed up with me, and she is looking to get rid of me. Luckily, she is saved by the entrance bell, which signals that someone is here. "I got it." I announce, turning my head to find Calum in the front of the store. "Don't you have to leave?" She asks but I brush her off.
"Hello, sir. How can I help you today?" I ask playfully and Calum throws me a side smirk, one of those he wears so well. "I need 2 dozens of sunflowers. My girlfriend likes them a lot. And I upset her this week, so I want to make up." "I am sure she is not that mad at you anymore." I reply, moving to the fridge to bring out the vase of sunflowers. "I know. I just want to spoil her, you know. I am taking her away on a little trip, I promised her it would be just the two of us." He winks at me as I begin picking out the sunflowers one by one. "Pick the prettiest ones. They won't compare to her beauty but maybe they'll come close enough." He says softly. "Calum..." I coo and he smiles at me softly. "Oh my God, how do you even know my name?" He asks me playfully. I throw my head back, looking at the ceiling as I close my eyes. "My coworker over here is going to finish your bouquet because I am actually off the clock. I gotta get ready to leave, my boyfriend is taking me on a little trip, just the two of us." I sass, gesturing for the part-time worker to come finish the flowers for me. "Is he taking you somewhere nice?" He asks me with a cocked eyebrow. "He better be." I squint my eyes at him, leaving to the back of the store where I keep my stuff.
"Thought it'd be just the two of us..." I comment as I slide into the backseat of the SUV. My flowers are already waiting for me in the middle seat and Calum looks at me with a somber expression, pointing at his wounded arm. "I can't drive that well. Travis and Lu are only driving us, they'll be elsewhere during our stay." "You won't even notice we are with you." Travis turns to look at me. "Oh, I am noticing. This is not what I was promised." I point out to the front of the car, to the two men, who I have nothing against. Nothing but the fact they keep showing up to my moments with Calum. "(Y/N), baby... You have to understand." "Yeah, I always have to understand." I brood, crossing my arms before my chest and sliding on my seat. "Start the fucking car." I groan, turning my head to look outside the window.
Still sulking in silence, the driver takes an exit to a road down by the beach. It is sunny and warm outside, and if I wasn't so angry at Calum, I would be smiling and thinking of all the fun we would have under the sun this weekend. It is such a minimal thing for me to be mad about, but I hoped it would be just me and him, for the whole weekend. No one from his life that would constantly remind me we are not safe. I was just looking for two days of it, nothing more, 2 days and then we could go back to business. But I can't even have that, apparently.
"Boss..." Travis mutters, getting Calum's attention. Calum hums, taking his eyes off the scenery outside the window. "We are being followed." Travis comments, darting his eyes to the rear-view mirror. He seems calm and collected, and so does the man on the shotgun. "Are you sure?" Calum asks. Obviously, I am the only one whose heart is about to jump out of their chest. "They have been following us since the exit." Travis replies and Calum turns to me. "Duck." He commands, trying to look at me assuringly. "Maybe it is a coincidence..." I mumble, unfastening my seatbelt. "Fire a warning." Calum instructs and the man next to Travis nods. I curl on the floor before my seat, barely a second before the man puts his arm through the window and fires a warning shot in the air. I yelp at the sound, still not used to the sound of a gun firing. Calum has slid down his seat, jaw tensing as he waits for a response or its absence. I am praying it is just a coincidence that there is a car following us since the exit. Just a coincidence and now the other driver will think we are just gun-crazed idiots and we will go on to enjoy our little beach trip.
But of course, the prayer is futile and seconds later there is a response, a shot fired, not in the air like our warning, but a shot straight into the car, piercing through the glass in the back and sticking in the front, shattering the glass into a spiderweb-like pattern. "Shit." Travis curses. He is no longer calm, his voice fluctuating. "Hand me the gun." Calum points at the glove compartment. "No, Cal." I nearly demand it, but the gun is in his hands in split seconds. "Shut up." Calum growls at me, peeking up before he shoots. I count 4 shots, and then I hear the car behind us screeching. "Petal to the metal and head to a safe." Calum commands Travis who is already speeding as it is. l can feel my whole body shaking violently, panic taking over me, and my surroundings are not so helpful to ease the feeling. There are glasses everywhere, I can see Calum is scratched up, and Travis's vision is too limited for him to be running like that. I close my eyes, shutting them tightly to focus on something else, anything else. My mind wants to go to my happy place, but at every rough turn, I seem to lose my way there.
The drive to the safe house was a nightmare for me, a never-ending type of car ride. And the house is the exact opposite of what I had pictured for the weekend. Almost buried underground, it is humid and stuffy, a claustrophobic's worst scenario. "Find out who the car belonged to... We need to know who wants to scare me and why." Calum barks the order as he grabs the first aid kit from the cardboard. "Scare? They wanted you dead." It is no time for hysteria, but here we are. "If they wanted me dead, I'd be dead." Calum looks at me as if he just now notices I am still here. "Travis, make sure she is not hurt, remove the glasses from her hair, and tell someone to pack all her things from the house." Calum requests. "Where are we going?" I ask Calum, who picks a glass out of his already hurt arm. "You are leaving. We are over." He is not looking at me, and he sounds cold and determined. "No, we are not. What are you talking about?" I ask him and he pounds his fist onto the wall. "Don't you see you can't stay with me? You are not safe. I will give you all the money you need to have a comfortable life. Just go, please." "I look pretty solid to me... I am in one piece." I retort and Calum glares at me. "You could have gotten hurt today. You have to leave me, you have to be safe." He sighs. "If you want me safe, you have to be the one to keep me. I am not leaving you, end of discussion. Now, I'll go remove the glasses from my hair. By myself." I announce looking at the three men in the room with determination.
Calum only decides to join me in the small bedroom way late at night. Still awake from the tension, I welcome him silently, lifting the corner of the blanket for him to climb under. Calum sits on the edge of the mattress, kicks off his shoes, and sighs, shoulders slouching forward. Tiredness is written all over his body, I can tell without even having to take a look at his face. He turns his head to look at me, his eyes only half-open. "Why don't you just leave?" He asks me. His under eyes are puffy and dark, he needs a lot of rest immediately. "Because you don't want me to leave. It is the shock speaking. It was the first time I was in actual, immediate danger. You got scared, and now your fear is speaking instead of you. You love me, Calum. And I love you. So as long as there is this between us, I won't leave. I told you already. If you want me safe, keep me safe." I reply, stroking my hand down his forearm. Calum sighs, giving up the argument for the night, but something in my heart tells me he is not done trying to convince me to leave him. He slides towards me, getting under the blanket with me and letting me wrap my arms around his waist and spoon him. I rest my head in between his shoulder blades, closing my eyes and letting my heart sync with his.
-
"I think I need a meal and a warm shower..." I mumble as we enter our house. We left the safe in the middle of the night and took as many diversions as possible to make sure we were not followed by anyone. And now, Sunday evening and we are both more tired than we were when we began this weekend of relaxation. Calum doesn't respond to my comment but rubs his temples with a soft sigh. "Why don't you head in for a shower, and I will get started on the food? I'll even make you some coffee." I suggest, smiling at my boyfriend who is still very much somber. "That's what we'll do... Go in for a shower." I encourage him, before heading to the kitchen to make something quick.
Deciding on a quick stir fry noodles dish, I pour water into a pot to make the noodles. Sighing a deep breath, I try to shake off the goosebumps that have risen on my skin since I stepped in here. It is not easy for me, but this is my home, and I refuse to let anyone take my comfort in this house away from me. I have to shake it off, I have to pretend I am ok. Maybe if I do, Calum will forget about this whole, ridiculous sending me away thing.
The food has been already served on the plates, and it has turned cold long ago. Yet, Calum is still not on the table with me. My stomach is rumbling, demanding food that is not crackers and canned tuna. I decide I have waited enough, and pull my plate closer, picking up my fork and digging in my portion.
--
Calum has been distant for the past 2 weeks since the car shooting incident. I can say that in the past 14 days, I have barely talked with him for more than 3 hours. I know he is still worried about my safety, and I know he is only pretending, but that doesn't mean his behavior doesn't fucking hurt me.
None of his men even talk to me, obviously to their boss's request, so I am just left alone with no one to even exchange a word. I grit my teeth and pray I last without breaking down until Calum realizes he is not winning this round.
The house seems empty, a weird, chilling aura in the space as I enter it. Travis is not in his usual spot in the hallway, which is even creepier. A spark goes off in my heart, the thought that Calum might have kicked everyone out just for us to be left alone and have one of our old-time dates. I smile to myself and rush to the kitchen, my heart beating fast in anticipation. Yes, just finally back to normal.
But the kitchen is empty and there is no sign of Calum, not anyone else. Of course, the disappointment I am experiencing right now is on me, no one else but me is to blame for my stupid expectations. I pound my fist onto the marble-top island, before letting out a scream; it's not like anyone will hear me and judge me for being on the verge of hysteria.
Crying about it won't help. And neither will drinking by myself, but I guess I am doing both. I can't fucking take it anymore, I can't fucking bear his behavior any longer, but I have to, I have to since I am hopelessly in love with him. That doesn't mean I can't think he is an asshole. I don't even know how I can shake him out of his funk anymore. All I want is for things to go back to normal. All I want is for him to show me he still loves me.
For 5 days the house was empty. No one even called to check on me. I thought I almost lost my mind when I saw Calum coming into the bedroom. I shot up from the bed, looking at him as if I saw a ghost. "Where the fuck were you?" I ask, not even trying to be subtle about this. "Are you interrogating me?" He asks me. He sounds like he has been expecting this, like he has been planning for this. "Yes, I am. I have been left alone in this house for 5 days. I had to walk a mile each morning to take a cab for work because apparently, you didn't even think of leaving two men behind for my commute. You didn't even bother to call me, check up on me. So, yeah, I am interrogating you. Where the fuck were you?" I ask, placing my hands on my waist. "It's none of your goddamn business where I was. Now shut up, I need to sleep." "Calum, stop being an asshole to me. Just tell me where you were... And tell me why you didn't even reach out to me out of decency even." I snap and Calum scoffs, standing up from the bed as well. "Because you are not the center of the universe. Deal with it. I have had enough of your crap, and your demands, and your fucking feelings. You wanted to stay, suck it up now." "Suck it up?" I ask, my voice trembling. "Deal with the fact you are not that fucking important." He spits it out, grabbing his things from the bedside table before he walks out of the room, probably off to sleep in a guest room.
No matter how hard I try to remind myself he does not mean all that, I can't stop myself from feeling devastated as the words still echo in my ears.
-
"The driver is waiting for you at the front." Travis states as I exit the bedroom. "I'll take an uber..." I mumble at him, fixing my backpack on my shoulder. Travis wraps his hand around my wrist, trying to stop me from leaving the house. "Uber is dangerous. You'll take the car." He hisses the order. I pull my wrist away from his grip, staring at him in anger. I know he is going to snitch to his boss about my temper. "Your boss didn't seem to consider the danger when he left me all alone all these days. I'll be fine, and don't ever touch me or speak to me like that again. Am I clear?" I ask the man who chuckles at me before he grabs me by my jaw and forces me to look at him. I gasp, shocked by his behavior. He usually just takes whatever I throw at him, never has he retaliated. "Listen here, you little bitch. The whole world doesn't revolve around you, and none of us are here to put up with your stupid brattiness. So get in the car, or just fucking get killed already. I couldn't care less." He lets go of my jaw, causing me to stumble a few steps back from the release. "What the fuck did you just do?" I ask, my fingers pressing on the spot he was gripping onto. "You think you are so important in here but you are just a glorified cum dumpster for Calum. We all just go along your quirks for his sake, but God, we hope he finds someone else to drain his balls soon so you can get the hell out of here." Travis replies; he looks at me as if I murdered his whole family, like I am the worst of the worst. "Yeah, I am not your biggest fan as well." I sniffle, turning away to leave before I burst into tears before him.
I just can't wait till I get back from work and tell Calum how his right hand treated me today.
In a gesture of starting anew, I bought a bouquet of tulips from the flower shop, to brighten up the home a bit. I want a fresh start with Calum, or better explained, I want to go back to how things were with Calum before the stupid ambush and the shooting. Maybe if he sees me go back to my normal behavior, he will go back to my sweet old boyfriend.
I rush inside the house, eager and excited to create some romantic atmosphere for me and Calum. I'll start with the flowers, then a nice bubble bath for both of us, then I'll set the balcony up for dinner. It will be like our special little dates, and we will laugh and kiss, and for the first time in nearly a month, we will sleep together, and I'll put my head on his chest and hear his heart beating only for me. I smile to myself at the thought, but the smile fades as Travis steps in my way. "I wouldn't go to the bedroom if I were you." He comments, tilting his head to the side. I can hear some muffled noises coming from the bedroom, which makes my eyebrows furrow together. "Good thing I don't do what you'd do, then." I move away from him, opening the door to the bedroom.
I don't even have to take 2 steps inside before I realize what is going on. On my bed, the bed I share with the love of my life are 2 women, both of them clad in lingerie that leaves nothing to the imagination, one by each side of my boyfriend, who is laying on his back, with his cock in the blonde's mouth, and a hand pressing down on her head to take him further. "What the...?" I manage to mumble, the bouquet slipping from my hand. I am shaking and I can tell that I am on the verge of collapsing, my breathing becoming forced, almost as if I have to remind myself to breathe. "Oh, you are back early." Calum comments casually as if I didn't just catch him cheating on me, on our bed, with not only one, but two women. The 2 women turn to look at me, the one who is sucking him off and raising her head to reveal her lipstick-smudged face. "Don't pay her no mind... Back on it..." Calum groans, pulling the blonde's head back to his cock. I want to throw up, my stomach tight in a ball as my brain processes the scene. The brunette moves close to his cock as well, pressing her lips on the shaft the other one cannot fit in her mouth.
With my face tense, and my ego not allowing me to give him the satisfaction of bursting into tears, I move to the closet, reaching for the suitcase on the top shelf of the wardrobe. "Asshole..." I let out a scream, finally succumbing to the temptation of stooping low. "You asshole... I can't believe you just did that to me, after all the things we went through. After I put up with your bullshit for so long."I scream, throwing my clothes violently into my suitcase. Most of my screaming is incoherent, but that doesn't seem to bother him. He keeps on moaning, talking dirty to the women satisfying him and giving them directions. "Fuck, baby... Just like that... You are so good with your mouth." I hear among the sounds of the woman gagging on his cock. He is not even decent enough to wait until I am out of here before he continues.
I am not sure how long it took me until I gathered all my stuff from the wardrobe, but Calum has not stopped a moment until I was done throwing things inside my bags. When I exited the bathroom after gathering my toiletries, the brunette was riding him in a reverse cowgirl position. Calum looked almost drunk in euphoria, moaning under his breath."I hope you rot in the deepest pit of hell." I sniffle, taking one last look at the man I thought loved me more than life itself. Calum doesn't respond, only moans louder and bucks his hips up, making his lover scream in pleasure. I exit the bedroom, heading straight to the small lounge of the house to pick up the books I have there. I am not coming back in here, ever again. I am not stepping a foot in here even if my life depends on it, so whatever is left behind today is dead to me.
"I told you I wouldn't go inside if I were you." Travis mumbles as I rush towards the door to finally leave this place. "I hope you are happy. Your collective wish came true, he found someone else to empty his balls on..." I say bitterly, the words feeling like spikes on my tongue.
(Calum's POV)
"Did they leave?" I ask Travis as he walks into the lounge. "Yeah. They were still baffled you kicked them out right after (Y/N) left, but I gave them something extra for the frustration." He explains and I nod my head, before folding in half, bringing it to rest between my legs. I sigh, my stomach hurting as I remember her last words. "Find out where she is spending the night. And tomorrow send two newbies in a new car to stake the florist..." I mumble, trying to focus my gaze on the marble beneath my feet. "Ok." Travis mumbles. "What?" I ask him, raising my head to look at him. "Nothing... I just don't know, man. It's not my place to speak, but I am not sure you handled that in the best way possible. I am not 100% ok with how I treated her today." He admits. I clench my jaw, closing my eyes to bring myself back to sanity. "It was the only way she would leave me." "Why did she have to leave you? She was good, she was chill about this whole shit." "If anything happened to her because of this whole shit, I'd kill myself. She is not safe with me, she could get hurt at any moment." "And she is not hurt now?" Travis asks with a cocked eyebrow. "I know she is. But eventually, she will get over it. She will meet someone new, someone who better be great to her. She'll get married, have children, and live in a beach house down in Malibu, with a backyard facing the sea and a front-yard full of flowers. She'll be ok, and safe, and loved." It hurts that I won't be the one to give her all that. It hurts that I will have to live with her absence, with the thought of her smiling that morning, sleepy smile of hers for someone else. "How are you so sure she won't snitch on us? She knows too much, she could retaliate you." "No, she couldn't. Not her, not my (Y/N). I don't want to talk about it anymore. Just let me know where she spends the night and make sure she has security." I command, getting up from the armchair.
(Y/N's POV)
I am not myself anymore, that much I can admit. The days since I left Calum have blurred together and I cannot tell them apart, even if I try my hardest. I have set myself on autopilot, avoiding having to think for even a second, since thinking leads to only one, recurring thought; he never loved me. It sneaks into my mind even when I am focused on something unrelated. I can be thinking of what I'd like to have for dinner, and then that tiny voice that whispers to me Calum never loved me finds its way into my ears. It is exhausting, and it feels neverending. I can't get it to shut up, I can't make it go away, so I have decided to numb myself and leave all obligations to become mechanical.
I have to try my very hardest to mask my pain when I am working. No one likes to buy flowers from the sobbing gal, and I can't afford to lose my job now, I have to pay my bills all by myself.
And it's not like I can talk about this to anyone. I have no friends in real life, and my parents are far ignorant about all this, only having met Calum twice in the years we've been together. And even if I had someone I could open up to, I wouldn't even be honest with them, since most of Calum's life is a hushed topic.
I feel like all joy has been sucked out of my life, out of my existence. And I can't help but wonder; will I ever stop feeling like that?
Tuesday evenings are usually slow, so for the past couple of hours, I have been keeping myself busy with plant care. I run a moist towel over the leaves of the ficus plant, before moving it away from the window and shutting the blinders so the morning sun won't fry the plant until we open in the morning. With 5 minutes until closing time, I did not expect the bell hanging from the door to chime. I sigh and rub my eyes, before moving toward the client.
"Hello, how can I help you?" I ask the man before me. He reaches inside his jacket, grabs his handgun, and shows me it. My breath hitches in the back of my throat, and I look at him with fear all over my face. "Listen, the register doesn't have a lot of money today. It's the beginning of the week and people don't buy flow..." "I am not here to rob you. And if you listen to me like the good girl you are, you won't get hurt." He stops me and I nod my head. Fuck... I can't even imagine what he is going to do to me. But if I want a chance to survive this, I have to play along with what he wants. "Is there a back door?" He asks me and I nod. "Good. You leave your things here, you don't make a scene, and we exit from the back." He instructs. My eyes flutter, my stomach tight in a knot as my panic starts taking over. Up to here, I have to admit, he has been awfully polite for someone who is threatening me with a gun. "Can I at least close the store? It will raise suspicion if I don't..." I point at the blinders and the sign at the door that says OPEN. "Don't do anything funny. I won't hesitate to use it." He reminds me of the gun he is holding as if I could ever forget. I nod my head in agreement, moving to lower the blinds and lock the door. "Give me your things..." He orders once I am done with closing the door. "You said I'll leave them behind..." I mumble and the man sighs in annoyance. "Do you really want to oppose me?" He asks me and I shake my head at him, moving behind the registry to hand him my phone, my purse, and my jacket. "Good girl, keep it like that." He praises me, in a tone that makes my gut twist.
I move ahead to exit through the back door, the man moving behind me and pressing his gun on my back. Involuntarily, I arch my back, shivers raising on my skin at the threatening sensation. "Best behavior." He reminds me as I lock the door once we are out. Despite me nodding my head in agreement, the next I know is a hit to the back of my head and everything turning black.
Goodbye world.
(3rd Person's POV)
Her head hurts and her neck feels sore. She tries to rax her body, but it seems to be held down by restraints. She opens her eyes slowly, but the darkness of the space she is in is not so different from the darkness behind her eyelids.
Fuck, she has just realized she was abducted. She was picked up from work, by a man she has never met, who told her if she complied, she wouldn't get hurt. He lied of course, why wouldn't he? She can feel a dull pain radiating from the back of her head, where her captor hit her with the back of his gun. Nothing makes sense to her. Why her? She is just a florist, nothing more. Why would anyone pick her?
Trying to make sense of this makes her head hurt even more. Connecting the dots worsens her state and only brings her closer to a panic attack, which is certainly most unwelcome at this point.
She wants to press a hand on the back of her skull to soothe the pain, but her hands are tied tightly behind her back, with no margins of motion. Everything hurts, everything. And all she feels like doing is giving up, just letting go and dying right here, right now. There is no point in living, either way, she thinks.
She has no time perception of how long it has been from the moment she opened her eyes to the moment one of her captors came into the room she was kept. It felt like hours to her, though she is aware it could have been just mere minutes. A small lamp hanging from the ceiling, at last, gives her some sight, ending the abysmal tenebrosity she has been in.
"Good morning, sunshine." The man says mockingly. He now has a better view of the woman; she is, in all honesty, just the girl next door, no one he would expect to see with someone like Calum. (Y/N) brings her gaze to see his face, but it is hidden behind a balaclava. Good sign, she thinks to herself. If their plan was to kill her, they wouldn't bother wearing a mask. "What do you want?" She asks. Her voice is groggy, and her mouth and throat had dried up from the lack of water. "Don't bother your pretty little head with that. That's something your boyfriend should worry about." The man squats down before her, pulling at the rope that keeps her bound to the chair, making sure the restraints are well tight on her body. She looks too weak and tired to fight, but he just has to make sure. "My what?" She asks, her brain still in a haze from the hit and the shock. "Come on, don't play it dumb. Your boyfriend, the king of the world, Mr. Calum Thomas Hood." The man says sarcastically, which brings laughter out of (Y/N). They think Calum and she are still together, how ironic. She coughs through her hysterics, her throat in pain now. "Why are you laughing, bitch? Am I amusing you?" He asks me and she throws her head back. Her stomach aches from laughing too hard, the air feeling heavy in her lungs. "You have the wrong fucking info. Or better, you have the most outdated information ever. We broke up, it's been 3 months. He doesn't care about me, he never did. You did all that for nothing." She coughs again, and the man chuckles at her. She makes a mental note to ask for some water, so the horrible taste is off her mouth. "We will see about that, sunshine." He stands up and walks to the door, flipping the light switch so the lamp turns off, submerging (Y/N) in the darkness once more. "He doesn't care about me." She shouts, hoping they realize it and end this misery.
Not long after, the light is turned on again. Even this weak ray of light makes her eyes burn, and it does not help with the headache that has been forming since she became conscious. She is not sure if the light or the absence thereof is worse for her state. "We need you in tip-top condition if we want your boyfriend to pay up." The voice of this man is different, deeper that the previous one's. He holds a bottle of water in his hand and a plastic package with 2 triangle sandwiches inside. "Sealed, so you don't think we are trying to poison you." He shows her the meal, before unscrewing the cap and giving her a sip of water. The sip turns to a chug, and the chug turns to swallowing half a bottle at once. Oh, divine water. How many times has she underappreciated you... "I am not hungry... I want a painkiller, my head is going to explode." She states, catching her breath from the sudden chugging. Her diaphragm is somehow sore from swallowing so much liquid at once. "You eat this first. We don't want you getting sick... It's not like we can take you to the doctor." The man laughs. "He is not going to give you anything for me. He doesn't care if I live or I die. Let me go, or just kill me already, I don't care anymore. You are wasting your time." She protests. She doesn't care about her fate anymore, she is honest about that. "We will see about that. Eat now. And be thankful that we are so patient with you." He unseals the plastic packaging and brings one triangle before her mouth. Up to a point, he is right; they have been very patient with her, and she cannot deny it.
-
A knock on the door makes Calum raise his gaze from his notebook. It is the time of the day that no one bothers him, an opportunity for him to get his business in order. Not that he does anything else throughout the day. "Come in." He knows it is Travis requesting entry, no one else could be this late at night, and no one else has the freedom to do so. "There is a problem." Travis announces, taking a seat across from the man. Worry is evident in him, Calum could tell from the moment he entered through the door. Calum's guess is somehow accurate. The only thing he is missing is the awkwardness of his associate. How could he ever tell him what is going on? "If it's not life or death, I don't care. Figure it out yourself." Calum mumbles, grabbing his glass and taking a sip from his whiskey. He doesn't want to be bothered, he hasn't been in a good mood in the past month. It was a well-known fact amongst his men that since (Y/N) left, Calum has turned into a grouch. "She hasn't made it home for 2 nights straight. She wasn't at work either this morning. And the guys staking her out did not see her coming out of the store last night." Travis states the latest info he had on Calum's ex. He doesn't know any better way to make his boss aware of his ex's disappearance. "Are you sure she did not sleep at her boyfriend's?" Calum asks him; he dreads the day Travis will tell him she found someone new. "You know she doesn't have a boyfriend. Something is fishy. She always makes it home." The first part of the response was meant to soothe Calum, yet his heart has taken a dip to his stomach. "Fuck. Fuck. Shit. She was supposed to be safe away from me." He mumbles under his breath, running a hand over his face and tangling his fingers in a few locks of hair. "Has anyone contacted us? Have you tracked down her phone?" He asks, his mind jumping to the only logical assumption. Logical -of course-, only for those living the way he does. "It was found in the alley behind the store." Travis announces, placing the cracked phone before his boss. "Send people to find any cameras in the area. And make a list of all fishy behavior. Shit. If anything happens to her, I'll burn the city to the ground." Calum's knuckles have turned white from flexing his fist unconsciously, the thought of (Y/N) in danger making him want to rip his skin off in desperation. She was supposed to be safer away from him. He hurt her in the worst way possible, he had his people treat her like shit, all for nothing. "I'll update you if I have news." Travis tries to sound optimistic, but he knows, he knows deep inside him that (Y/N) is not safe, and any news he will bring Calum will be horrible. "No, you have 2 hours to find an answer. I don't care what you have to do. In 2 hours I am personally barging into every house in LA. Find her." He groans through gritted teeth. The scariest part for him is he means it. All these months later, he still would put his life in danger to save hers. -
"Smile for the camera..." One of the abductors instructs her, holding a polaroid camera close to her face to take one more picture. "Why no one listens to me? He won't give anything in exchange for me." She is becoming increasingly annoying by the minute she is in captivity, the captor thought. One of the others has already slapped her across the face to shut her up, despite clear instructions to not touch her. But now a bruise decorates her face, making her look in an even worse state. Hopefully, this will shake Calum and make him pay even faster. "Oh, but he will after he sees those pretty pictures of you... You look like a ghost, I bet that will shake him up." The abductor admits his thought, smiling through his ski mask. "You think he cares about me? I caught him fucking two women in our bed the day I left, he kept going while I gathered my stuff. You won't get anything for me, I am worthless." (Y/N) is not even trying to get them to release her, just to end her misery. "Oh, princess... Why the pessimism? Show me the good side now." He turns her face, taking a picture of the bruise on her left cheek. Now he understands why she has been begging them to just shoot her; she is broken. Of all the horrible things he could accuse Calum, breaking women wouldn't be in his options. "Wanna blow on it?" He asks her, shaking the first polaroid in front of her face. It is a power move, ballsy and obnoxious, and (Y/N) scoffs but complies. She catches a glimpse of the way she looks in the picture. So, this is how she will look as a corpse, she thinks to herself. "How long have I been here?" She asks, feeling her limps already sore. "Why, are you tired of us already?" The man asks back. "I need to stretch. Please, untie me, let me move for a little." She begs but the man chuckles. "I think you confuse the kindness we have showed you this far with stupidity." "I can't feel my legs, please." "No wonder he cheated on you. You are always fucking complaining." The man scoffs before turning off the light and exiting the room. There is nothing more for her to do, she just throws her head back and prays all is done soon.
-
"This just came in." Travis announces, handing Calum a manilla envelope. It has no name, no address on it, it is just blank paper. He tears it up, fishing inside it for its containings. 3 plastic square pieces, 3 slick polaroids which he doesn't know if he has the guts to take a look at. Will it be a sick powerplay exhibition, with the love of his life already dead and rotting? Or a warning, with her just beaten and broken, violated by scumbags an enemy paid? He bites his tongue and tightens his jaw, bringing the photos out of the envelope as he takes short, harsh breaths. He has to know, he has to know how much wrath he will unleash on the people who are hurting his (Y/N). Although, the amount of wrath won't be so different for each case. "They fucking hit her..." He growls, his eyes going wide at the first picture. His (Y/N), the love of his life and the light of his existence, with a bruise on her left cheek, bound on a chair. She looks pale and tired and she looks like she has already given up. It is certainly not the worst he could have seen her, but it still makes him want to hang the ones that did this to her from a hook from the ceiling. "Find them." He gives Travis a picture that shows a little bit of the background. It's like looking for a needle in the haystack, but it is a clue, and Travis will do anything to figure out the clue.
Before Travis could even take the picture from Calum's hands, his phone rings. An unknown number of course, finally a move from their side for ransom. Calum motions Travis to be quiet before he answers the call. "Calie boy... Finally, we are talking." The voice on the other end says. Calum has heard this voice before, he knows the man, he is sure of it. "Who is this?" He asks, even though he knows the man won't give him a straight answer. "Oh, come on... You have already forgotten me? Tsk tsk tsk... How disappointing... And I thought I left a mark on you. Well, a scar." The man laughs and Calum scoffs in realization. The man who shot him that night, Roman... something... God, Calum never bothered with learning names. "What do you want?" He asks, trying to remain calm. He has to, for her safety. He might not remember the man's last name, but he knows he is vile, a sadist, he has the rumor of the torturer, and Calum sweats at the thought of what he will do to his (Y/N). "Didn't you get the pictures? She is a beauty isn't she?" "My ex? Well, she is alright, I guess." At the thought of this slimy bastard touching even a hair off her head, Calum wants to throw up. "Oh, no, don't say that... She is very beautiful, even now she is weary. I don't know how my guys keep their hands to themselves." Calum knows he does it to taunt him, but he can't help but hiss at the idea of them touching her. "I don't know what to tell you. She and I are over for so long... It doesn't matter to me what you do with her." He hopes Roman lets her go. He hopes he finds another way to leverage him into doing whatever he wants him to do. "Oh, well then... She has been telling us that. Maybe I should tell my guys to do her the favor and just kill her like she has been begging us to." Calum's ears begin ringing, a high-pitched noise filling the silence. "What should I do, Calum? I can't keep her here much longer. Should I let her go? Or should I put a bullet between her brows? I bet that picture will be even better than the one in your hands." He asks him as if this is some sort of video game where the dead bodies piling up in the background are not real. Sick bastard, Calum thinks to himself. "What do you want?" He asks him, his voice coming out like a growl. "Now we are talking. I heard you had some visitors from Colombia. They came in a big ship, apparently." Roman sounds too cheerful, already knowing the coke will be his. "You want the coke?" Calum asks with a chuckle. "Mmm, you are smart after all. I'll send you an address, make sure you bring it there in 48 hours. I don't think Ms. Sunshine over here is going to last longer than that. 48 hours, all of it. Don't try to screw me over, 'cause your little girlfriend won't have as much fun as we will do." "How do I know she is still alive?" Calum asks. He just wants to hear her voice, even just for a second. "Oh, now you care for her status?" "Just put her on the phone." Calum demands but Roman scoffs. "Oh. It's not up to me. I don't think she wants to talk with you after your little menage a trois. Ballsy, though, I have to admit. Fucking two women while she gathered her stuff. It's not a surprise she has already given up. Time is passing, Hood. 48 hours. Tick tock, tick tock." And the line goes dead.
"Find where he holds her." Calum turns to Travis, before kicking his armchair repeatedly, angrily, pretending in his head that he is kicking Roman to death.
-
"He is not as smart as he thinks he is." Travis announces as he shows his boss a picture of a building. "You found her?" Calum asks him hopefully. He will cover Travis in gold if he tells him he knows where (Y/N) is. "I think so. We could trace the drive through street cameras. They used a busy street to move her. Up to a point, we could see the car, then it disappeared. But we looked at the abandoned buildings within a 5-mile radius. We found them through satellite pictures. They have her here. I send a few guys to do a drive-by, see any strange motion." "If they have her there, there will be carnage. I don't care who is killed, kill them all. I just want her back home to me, Travis. If a hair off her head is hurt, I will burn it all to the ground." "If she is not there?" "We give them what they want. I don't care about anything else but her. I just need her back here. I need her here with me so I can keep her safe." He admits and Travis nods, patting his boss's back. "We'll bring her home, boss." He assures him.
-
(Y/N)'s heartbeat picked up when she saw a man walking into the room she is kept. The first man who came in without a mask since they brought her here. "Fuck..." She mumbles under her breath, but the man hears her and chuckles. "Why the curse word, Ms. sunshine? Are you so disappointed to see me?" The man asks, towering well over her. "Who are you? What do you want from me?" She asks; she is tired, and she hasn't slept at all while she has been here. She can't, she has tried to but she is too uncomfortable. The man sighs and shrugs his shoulders. "It doesn't matter who I am. Your boyfriend already agreed to my terms... The less you know, the better." "It doesn't matter. Calum only agreed to buy himself some time. He won't give you anything. He doesn't care. I have been telling your guys." "Oh, but I think he is going to pay up. We have been treating you well this far, haven't we? He would hate to see that change..." "I know you are going to kill me..." She retorts, making the man look at her with a furrow on his brow and his head tilted to the side. "What makes you think of that?" Roman asks, curious to see her reasoning. "You came in here with no mask. You wouldn't risk me giving a description to the police once I'd be freed. So, you are going to get what you want from Calum, if it ever gives it to you, and then you are going to hand over a dead body..." She describes, the glimpse of her state from the polaroid flashing in her brain. Roman chuckles, gripping her chin and looking down on the woman. He forces his thumb into her mouth, making her cough from the shock. "You won't be able to talk with your tongue cut off, will you?" He asks her, and for a moment, (Y/N) believes he means it. Roman laughs and pulls his hand away, looking at the shivering mess (Y/N) has turned into. "I am only joking of course. For now. I found you once, I can find you again if you open your stupid mouth. And then I won't be so lenient." The man sounds serious, and he looks ready for anything.
And now (Y/N) is seriously done with her life. She will never be safe again, she will never be able to live a normal life. She can run, but she cannot hide. So she has to pray for her death, with all her courage.
-
"I still think you should have stayed back home." Travis comments as they approach the building (Y/N) is held in. "We both know that wouldn't happen." Calum replies. When Travis told him yesterday where they keep (Y/N), Calum's first urge was to burst into this place and pick her up himself. Travis had to keep him to his sense and remind him that they would need to prepare well and that it would be ideal to take out Roman as well, get done with him once and for all. Calum's people had already seen him twice going to the building, once in the morning and once at night, so they gathered all men they could find and talked about their plan. The only thing Calum managed to tell his men before Travis took over was that (Y/N) had to return to him unharmed. And his men all agreed, not that they could have done else how. Calum was a feral beast backed into the corner, no one would dare go against his wishes.
So, on Roman's night visit to the abandoned building, they dressed in all black, girded on as many guns as they could, and braced themselves for the bloodbath that would ensue. The goal was crystal clear; kill all, kill Roman, and bring (Y/N) home unharmed.
(Y/N) has been trying to make herself fall asleep, despite the uncomfortable position she has been sitting in since she was brought in. She can no longer feel her legs, which is terrifying to think of, so she has decided to close her eyes and rest, so she won't have to think about what is happening to her. It is a futile effort, no one could ever sleep like that, so (Y/N) is startled by the loud noises outside the room. Loud voices, followed by gunshots, so many gunshots. (Y/N) realizes she is nearing her death, she will die on this chair, she will never feel her limbs again. She will die like this, ingloriously, because the man she loved has feuds all over. Fuck, she owes it to herself to be honest to herself one last time. The man she loves, the man who hurt her irreparably, the man who became the center of her existence. She still loves Calum, with all her heart, despite the time that has passed, despite everything he has done to her. She chuckles to herself; she is fucked up. She should hate Calum, she should curse the day she met him, but she can't help but have a shrivel of hope that the one causing this commotion is Calum, barging in here to save her.
The door opens with a loud bang, and the lightbulb over her head lights up, giving the room a ray of light. (Y/N) sees a man, one of her captors she assumes, now without his balaclava, pointing his gun at her. (Y/N)'s heart stops; the man's hand is shaking. "Time to grant you your wish, bitch." The man states, pulling the trigger. She doesn't have enough time to realize where the bullet hit her. Everything goes black for her, and she falls with her back on the floor, along with the chair she is sitting on.
Calum follows the man who seems to rush away through the chaos. Roman was arrogant enough to not bring many men, so most of them scattered for their life when they saw Calum and his men barge in.
Calum's instinct kicked in when he saw one of the men rushing downstairs. He could not tell why exactly, but the first thing that popped into his mind was that he would lead him to his (Y/N).
And now, standing in the doorway of where (Y/N) has spent the past 5 days, seeing the man who has just shot the love of his life before his eyes, the only thing he wants to do is bash that man's face in, watch his blood paint the floor. Nevertheless, he suffices to putting a bullet through his skull and rushing to (Y/N), hoping he is not too late.
-
Travis walks into the recovery room (Y/N) is post-op. Calum has not moved an inch from her bedside since she got out of surgery. "Hey. Did she wake up?" Travis asks, handing his boss a cup of coffee. Calum runs his hand down his face, shaking his head. "Not yet. The doc said she was worn out and she needs more rest to recover." He replies, running his thumb over the back of (Y/N)'s hand. Travis reaches inside his jacket, taking out some polaroids for Calum "I think she will need to see this when she wakes up." Travis taps his pointer finger on the first photo. Calum takes a look, seeing a picture of Roman, with blood spilling from his mouth and a wound on his chest. Calum swallows harshly, flexing his jaw as he lets the realization sink in. The person who hurt (Y/N) is dead gone, no longer a threat. "I don't want her to see this." Calum states, handing the photos back to his friend. "I am not exposing her to any more violence. She has had enough for a lifetime." Calum states, looking at the woman he loves laying in the hospital bed, wounded and spent, and it is all his fault. "You should get some rest. I can stay with her for a couple of hours so you can sleep, shower, and eat something. She is still going to be here when you get back." Travis suggests, but Calum doesn't even want to think about it. He wants to be the first person she sees when she opens her eyes, so he can assure her she is safe now, hug her and tell her how sorry he is, for everything. Then he will tell her he will always keep her safe and he will never again turn her away. He will tell her how much he loves her and then he will stay with her until the end of time.
Of course, Calum didn't take into consideration the possibility that (Y/N) might not want to see him ever again.
She opens her eyes 3 days after the operation. Disoriented and confused, she can hear her breathing loud in her ears. All she can see is the white ceiling which she somehow associates with the description of the torture room of a twitted opthalmologist from a German thriller she once read. She groans, her eyes fluttering open and shut as she turns her head to the side to check her surroundings. There is a figure at her bedside, someone who is still blurry but (Y/N) can already tell who is.
"Where am I?" She asks, her voice raspy and muffled by her oxygen mask. Calum raises his head from the mattress, his heart pumping faster at the sound of her voice. In any other case, he would laugh at how her voice sounds like Darth Vader's, but now he just wants to tear up from the happiness of hearing her again. "(Y/N) ... Shit, don't move, you are hooked to a lot of things..." Calum rushes to say, making sure she doesn't make any abrupt moves. "What happened?" She asks as Calum comes into her sight. "You were abducted and shot. We are in a private surgical unit, you had surgery in your abdomen to fix the bullet wound, and you have been sleeping for 3 days. The doctor said you were exhausted and you need more time to recover. Baby..." He wants to tell her he is sorry, he wants to tell her she is safe now, that he will protect her with all his power. He wants to tell her that he loves her.
But (Y/N) removes the oxygen mask so she is heard loudly and clearly. "Leave." She demands, her eyes glazed with tears. "(Y/N), baby, please..." He tries to soften her, but her teary eyes make him feel like the most awful person in the world. "Leave." Her breathing is irregular, short, and rushed and he can tell he is upsetting her, he is hurting her once more. "Ok, ok...I am leaving. I am leaving." Calum surrenders, picking up his things from the end table.
It's not the time nor the place for him to make amends. He wants her to heal, physically and mentally first, it is all that matters to him.
(Y/N's POV)
"Good afternoon, Ms. (Y/N)." The driver that used to drive me to and from work is standing at the door of my recovery room. I sigh, folding a t-shirt and throwing it into my duffel bag. "Hello there." I smile awkwardly, waiting to see what the man wants. Calum has left a myriad of men behind him, making sure I have what I need. He hasn't yet dared to show up here, which I assume is a good thing... "Whenever you are ready, we can leave. The car is already at the entrance." He says in a polite, merry way. "I have already called an Uber." I reply, picking up my phone, which Travis made sure to replace after my device was destroyed during the kidnapping. "Mr. Hood gave me clear instructions to take you home and make sure you are settled in without problems. And your doctor suggested you take it easy until you fully recover." "Tell Mr. Hood I can take care of myself. I have been doing that for a while now." I reply, zipping up my duffel and checking my phone to see how much longer I should wait for my Uber. "Ms. (Y/L/N), please... I will get in serious trouble if I don't follow this order. Please." He begs. "Not really my problem, is it?" I feel bad for saying that, it's not really my character. "Please, (Y/N). He is already furious at everyone for what happened. Please." He sounds genuinely scared which -knowing Calum,- is understandable. "Fine. I'll cancel my ride." I sigh, giving up. The man smiles and walks in to pick up my bag. A ride back home won't hurt, I guess.
"Wait, this doesn't seem like we are heading downtown." I comment and the driver sighs. "Please, do not panic. Mr. Hood has asked to see you." He replies, looking at me through the rear-view mirror. "I should have left you to face his wrath..." I mumble, sitting back on my seat with my arms crossed before my chest. "I am sorry." The driver states and all I do is shake my head. Seeing Calum one last time is not ideal, but it might be what I need to end this chapter.
It is not easy for me to be back in this house. There is a horrible taste in my mouth from the moment I entered the premises, and I can't help but dig my nails into my forearm as I walk towards the balcony. Clearly, I don't want to be here, no matter how much I have missed this place, no matter how much I have missed how things were with Calum. It is just impossible for me to forget my very last moments in this house.
Calum is sitting on the balcony, a light lunch laid before him on the table. He looks like he has been counting the seconds until I arrived, he is agitated and he has been drumming his fingers on the table, up until he realizes I am here. He almost jumps up to his feet, quickly rushing to me without a word. "Thank you for coming." He says after a moment of just scanning me from head to toe. "I didn't have much of a choice. Your driver basically kidnapped me." I reply, moving to take a seat away from his. "It was the only way to get you here, I am sorry." He states, running his hand down his face. "Did anyone even think that I might feel uncomfortable with not knowing where I am headed? Or that I might have gotten triggered by having no control over it?" I ask, fidgeting with my fitness tracker. The doctor told me that I should keep track of my heart rate since it was low post-op, so this little gadget has been strapped on my wrist for the past few days. It is pretty uncomfortable, I am still not used to it. "I can't get anything right lately, can I?" Calum sighs, bringing a plate before me. "Why am I here, Calum?" I ask. This is the first time we are in the same room, we are having a conversation since the breakup. Well, there was that time at the hospital, but I cannot say I was very aware of everything that was happening. "I am not hungry." I push the plate away. "You should be eating well if you want to heal faster." He is looking at me lucky a puppy left in the rain, which is unfair, and dirty on his side. I am the fucking victim here, he has no business trying to make me sympathize with him. "Well, it is not your concern anymore. I am capable of taking care of myself. Why am I here?" I ask, pressing my tongue against my cheek. "I wanted to see you." Calum is looking at his fingers, picking at his cuticles as he mumbles the phrase. "Unbelievable." I shake my head, getting up from my chair. "(Y/N), please, wait... Shit, just listen to me for a moment." He gets up as well, blocking me from moving further away from the table. "Listen to what? What else do you have to say?" I ask him. "The man who ordered your abduction is dead. So are the men who were keeping you. I put a bullet through the skull of the man who shot you. No one is going to hurt you again, baby. I am not letting anyone hurt you again. I promise you that, princess. I promise you you are safe. I am going to do everything that is in my power to help you feel safe again." He reaches to stroke my cheek, his touch making me jolt almost as if I am hit by electricity. I move away, barely able to hold my tears anymore. "Safe? Safe, really? You want me to believe this bullshit? Where were you while I was captured? Where were you when they were hitting me? Where were you when I couldn't feel my legs, when that creep threatened to cut off my tongue? Where were you when I was begging them to put me out of my misery? I was begging them to kill me, Calum. And you are telling me you are going to do everything in your power to help me feel safe? Fuck. You." I scream; I am done holding back, I am done being quiet about what I went through. Calum stares at me with a shock on his face, certainly not expecting me to admit to begging for my death.
"(Y/N), I am so sorry." He manages to say, touching my arm to comfort me. "Don't fucking touch me. And you know what, Calum? How am I supposed to trust you, to believe this promise you are giving me today when you have broken all your other promises to me?" I ask him. My watch begins beeping, signaling my heart rate is very high. "I don't want to be here anymore. Please, let me go." I sniffle, shaking down to my core. I want to go home and hopefully never see him again.
Calum moves aside, letting me walk back inside the house, from where I rush to the front door without paying attention to the voice of Travis who is rushing behind me.
-
Of course, I didn't expect him to give up on me easily. For the past 2 months, I have returned more jewelry, designer gifts, and meals than I can remember. Every day he sends something different, one more impressive than the other as if I was ever impressed by material things. I have managed to maintain my dignity, if we excuse the time I stomped on the bouquet he sent me, right in the middle of the florist shop I am working at. But seriously, who sends a lackey to buy flowers from the store I am working at and then sends the same lackey to deliver the same flowers, with a ridiculously cheesy card? Fuck that, of course, I snapped, anyone would have.
I don't know if it would have been better if he tried to approach me personally. I don't know if my reaction would be calmer if he came and saw me, face to face, with the guts he claims he has. I think I would at least appreciate the courage. But I haven't seen him in 2 months, and my anger has only been boiling inside me. I would be lying if I said I don't think of him, or that I don't miss him. There are nights that I can only bring myself to sleep if I picture I am sleeping in his arms. I even bought a bottle of his favorite perfume, or better said, my favorite perfume of his. He still is the love of my life, even if I am not his. Just at the thought of someone else touching me, I get hives. It is pointless, so pointless to deny that I am looking for a good reason, a good chance to run back to him, but my ego and the sense of self-preservation keep me back.
"Ms. (Y/L/N)?" A young man asks me as he walks to the cashier of the florist shop. "That's me." I reply, sighing as he shows me a tablet and touch pen for my signature. "I have this envelope for you. It requires a signature." He states with a soft smile. I sigh, throwing my head back. "Take it back to your boss and tell him I don't want anything from him." I might sound a tad bit too dismissive, but the man looks at me with a confused look. "I am sorry, miss. This was delivered to us this morning and it has no return address. Are you going to receive it?" He asks me, still holding out the tablet for me. I sigh, reaching in my purse for a couple of bucks to tip him before I sign and get handed the envelope. "Thank you, miss. Have a nice day." He smiles and walks out of the door, making the little bell that hangs above the door chime at his exit.
I pick up the manila envelope, looking at it with my lips pursed. "Everything ok?" The girl that works part-time asks me. Since the kidnap and my meltdown, my boss insisted there are always two people in the store, either her or the part-timer. "I need 5-minutes." I point at the back of the shop, and the girl nods at me. "Of course, take your time." She is too polite, way more than I would be in her case.
I rush to the back, leaning against the counter as I tear up the top of the envelope. It is just papers inside, a couple of them that will certainly take more than 5 minutes to make sense of.
I take a look at the first paper on the stack, a photo of a house, a Mediterranean-style villa with a beautiful front yard suitable for planting flowers and trees, and all the things I always wanted. It is confusing; what am I supposed to understand from that?
I leave the picture aside, revealing the second piece of paper, which is an ownership deed, with my name on it, and all my information, lacking only my signature and notarization. My hand flies to my mouth as I realize that I almost own this house, this beautiful house that I could only dream of in my most euphoric dreams. "Fuck you, Hood." I mumble through greeted teeth. This, this is going to be the thing I will struggle the most with rejecting, but I'll be damned if he thinks I will run back to him because he got me a house. I mean, who does that? What normal human being buys their ex a house as a hopeful reconciliation gift?
I gather the papers and my stuff, taking off and leaving my apron behind. "I need to go. Can you manage on your own?" I ask the girl who nods empathetically. "I will call Evelyn. Are you alright?" She asks me and I shrug. "I will be." I reply, exiting the shop.
Across the store, in the most ridiculously obvious way possible, there is a black SUV with 2 guys inside. It has been parked there every day since I started working again and at first, it made me shitless paranoid, until I recognized one of the guys from the hospital. All the while I stayed there, Calum had an army of guards outside my door, to "discreetly" guard me. Up to now, I pretended I didn't see them, paid them no mind, but today that changes. I knock on the driver's window, making the man roll it down a smidge. "Take me to your boss. " I demand and the man looks at me in totally pretend confusion. "I am sorry, I don't think I understand you." He says, looking at the other man for backup. "Oh, come on. You were in the house the day Calum was shot. And you were guarding me in the hospital. So please cut the crap and take me to wherever Calum is." I am not even trying to be polite about it, it is not on my priorities for the time being. "Get in the backseat." The driver sighs, tilting his head to invite me in. "Do you need anything? It is a long ride." The man asks me. "Just drive." I take out the documents from the envelope, dedicated to studying them before reaching the destination.
It takes a little over an hour to reach the destination, and nearly halfway through, I knew we were heading to Malibu. The car stops before a gate, one which it would be impossible for someone random to get through. It is the familiar security check to get through, the same as back in Calum's house.
The moment I get off the car, I see that the front yard is transformed from the picture that is in my envelope. It is full of freshly planted flowers, and a big, cozy hammock hangs from 2sterdy trees. "What have you done, Hood?" I mutter to myself with a heavy heart. It is all I've ever dreamed of and a bit more.
"Hello (Y/N), it's good to see you again... Calum is in the back." Travis welcomes me into the house, pointing toward a big balcony window. "Good to see me again? I thought you couldn't wait for Calum to find another glorified cum dumpster so you wouldn't have to put up with me anymore." I reply, folding my arms before my chest. Travis remains quiet for a moment, tilting his head to the side as he looks at me. "I am sorry. Truly, I am. You should go see Calum, he is on the balcony." He says after a moment. I bite the inside of my cheek, fidgeting with my fingers as I try to decide between turning around and leaving this place forever, or heading to the back to confront Calum. "Does he know I am here?" I ask but I know Travis won't kiss and tell so easily. "Go see him. Please." It is all he says. I sigh and close my eyes, bracing to see him once again.
The interior of the house is almost as beautiful as the exterior, simple and calming, with creme couches and wooden floors. It looks like something out of a Pinterest board, and the more I am in, the more at home I feel.
I exit the window and find myself on the balcony, which allows me to see the backyard and the majestic view of the Malibu beach. This is my dream house, the house that I always saw in my head when I thought of my future with Calum.
"You came." Calum's voice catches my attention, right as I began getting lost in my daydream. "Had you planned for all of these to happen? Is this some sort of a wicked game of yours, to taunt me into remembering my dreams with you?" I ask him. He is sitting casually on a little couch, a cozy little nook that will probably serve as the best place to watch the sunset. "When you love someone, you know their reactions, you know what to expect from them." He replies, leaving his little cup of coffee down. He stands up, facing me for the first time in what feels like forever. "Please... Calum, you don't love me. You've proved it when you fucked those 2 women in front of me. You didn't even stop to try and make an excuse for yourself. You didn't even stop when I was gathering my stuff to leave. This is your love, Calum? Because it sounds like a very fucked up definition of love." "I love you with all my being. I wanted you to hate me so much that you would have no choice but leave me. I thought you would be safe away from me, that you wouldn't be hurt by this life. But I was so wrong, so wrong my love." "This is empty talk, Calum. Why should I trust you? Why should I listen to anything you say?" I ask him, tears threatening to spill from my eyes as I listen to him. My heart wants to believe him, oh it wants it so badly, but my logic forbids me, it forbids me by bringing up all those violently awful memories. "You are right. You are absolutely right. This is the last I will bother you. The house is yours. I will make sure you have security here. I want you to keep it, live here, and build the life we always dreamt of building with someone who will love you. But before you throw me out, please listen to me, one last time. After that, if you want me gone, I will be gone. You won't hear from me again, not unless you want to. Just listen to me, one last time, for 5 minutes, no more than that." "Ok, 5 minutes. I can give you that much." I reply, leaving down the envelope I have been holding for the past hour.
"I lost half my life when they told me you were abducted. I wanted to burn the city to the ground, knock down every door myself until I would find you. And then I lost all hope when I saw you bleeding in that room. I wanted to put a bullet through my skull, and take myself out because a life knowing you are dead is not worth living. I was the one who carried you out of that place, you know. I took the shirt the man who shot you was wearing and I pressed it onto your wound, and I carried you out, and I promised you..." He stips to sniffle and pinch the bridge of his nose, trying to pull himself together. For some reason, for some fucked up reason, I understand him. When I saw him with a gun wound in his arm, all I wanted to do is rip the shooter's head off. It must have been even worse for him, seeing me passed out, worn out, halfway dead. "I promised you that I would fix everything if you didn't die in my arms that day. I promised you I would prove my love to you all over again if you opened those beautiful eyes of yours and looked at me again. At the hospital, I was barely functional. I think I threatened the surgeon I would cement him if he didn't fix you if he didn't bring you back to me. When he brought you out of the surgical room, and he told me you would recover just fine, I hugged him, thanked him, and swore I would cover his hands in gold. You were alive, and that's all that mattered to me. I stayed with you while you were sleeping after the surgery, I held your hand so I wouldn't lose my fucking mind. It tore me apart when you told me to leave, but the last thing I wanted to do was upset you, so I sufficed to learn about you from the intel I left there, and from your doctor, who probably took pity on me. We've worked with him in the past, he usually treats whoever is shot without calling the police, but he hates my fucking guts, so I must have looked really desperate for him to pity me. I am not even sure why I am telling you all that. I don't know what to tell you, I hoped that inspiration would strike me once I began letting it out, but you are standing here, looking at me with the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen, and I remember I was the person who made those eyes cloudy with tears, I was the person responsible for almost shutting those beautiful eyes forever. I look at you and I remember I've hurt you and it is fucking difficult for me to forgive myself, how can I ever expect that from you?" He asks me, but the question is rhetorical. Is it bad that I don't want him to stop talking? Is it bad that I want to keep listening to his voice until the end of time? Fuck, I never stood a chance, did I? "I don't know why I am telling you all this when I should be telling you I love you. I love you. Please believe me when I say I have never loved nor ever will love anyone the way and as much as I love you."
"How did you find out I was taken?" I ask, deciding it is futile to hold back my tears. "From the moment you left that night, I had people checking in you were safe, every night. Every night I was hearing if you were alright, home, safe. I dreaded the day they would tell me you were with someone new, but I had to know you were ok, even if you were away from me. All I ever wanted was for you to be safe. I told you, I ever did what I did to turn you away from your safety. The moment you left, those women were gone. At the thought of anyone else but you touching me, I get hives. I love you with all my fucking heart, (Y/N). I never stopped, even for a moment. And I don't think I'll ever do." He admits, and I can hear it in his voice that he means it. He means it, he loves me. "That's all. My 5 minutes are up." He sighs, and then deathly silence comes between us. I can hear the waves at the beach, even from that far, it is that silent. Calum walks closer to me, leaning down to peck the top of my head before moving to get through the balcony window and back into the house.
For a couple of seconds, I am all alone, and it is the worst fucking feeling in the world. I don't want anything else in the world but him. He loves me, and I love him, and I am not going to deny happiness to myself anymore.
"Cal..." I shout behind him, getting inside the house as well. He turns around to look at me immediately, and my chest becomes heavy, my breath almost not coming out. "Don't go. Don't leave me." I beg him, not thinking of anything else but falling into his arms. Calum smiles peacefully at me, staring at me for a moment before walking toward me. "I am never, ever leaving you again. I promise you that, princess." He cradles my face in his hands softly, almost as if he is trying to test whether I am real or not, whether this is a dream and I'll dissolve to nothing at his touch or I am his again, in flesh and bone.
I decide to end this torture for both of us and lean in to kiss him, standing on my tiptoes to meet his lips. His arm wraps around me almost instantly, keeping me close to his body, not breaking the kiss, not yet. I don't know how long it has been since our last kiss, since I last felt him so close to me.
"I love you." I admit, whispering it against his lips. My fingertips graze his cheek softly, feeling the warmth of his skin under my touch. "I love you. I love you..." He repeats, holding me as close to his body as he can. "I've missed you, Calum... I missed you more than I was letting myself realize." I state, feeling my heart flutter as he lifts my chin up with his fingertips. "I have missed you just as much, my love. I don't know how I lasted that long without you." He leans in for a kiss again, making my knees weak at how soft he is with me. "I want you, Calum. I am craving you." I mumble against his lips. I can feel a tightness in the pit of my stomach, a so familiar knot that I haven't felt in so long. "Now?" He asks me and I hum, nodding my head. "Now. Please." I assure him, but he is still holding back. "We don't have to do this straight away. We can wait for as long as you need." He strokes a piece of hair behind my ear, looking down at me softly. "Please. I need you. I can't wait any longer." I know it sounds rushed, I know it is practically seconds after we admitted our feelings, but if I wait any longer, I am going to explode. I need him, all of him. I need to know we are still alright, still made only for each other. And this will be the last reassurance I will need. "If you don't want me..." I stutter, realizing that I might be bringing him to a tough spot. "Princess... You have no idea how much I have been wanting to press you against a wall and make you mine again..." He whispers with a chuckle, searching for the hem of my polo shirt.
"Still hate this with my all." He mumbles, lifting the garment over my head. "Some things never change." I reply, just as Calum brings his lips to mine. Fimble fingers make their way down my waist, looking to unbutton my jeans. "Jesus... You still have the softest skin." Calum mumbles, lowering his mouth to my jaw and meeting my sweet spot. Then he moves down to my neck, passing his tongue over my collarbone before lowering himself to my breasts, grazing the sensitive skin with both his fingertips and his lips. He moves the straps of my bra from my shoulders, lowering the cups to free my breasts. "Shit..." He mouths, running his thumbs over my nipples. "Cal..." I purr, desperate and on the edge by the teasing. He reaches behind my back, unclasping my bra and letting it fall onto the floor between us. "Someone's got goosebumps..." He whispers, kneeling before me and lowering my jeans, all the way down my legs until I step out of them. "Calum..." I groan, throwing my head back as he runs his fingertip under the hem of my underwear He kisses the soft part of my inner thigh, looking up at me with a smirk before he pushes my panties aside. "What, princess? What is it?" He asks me, bringing two fingers to my entrance. "Oh, honey... You are so wet. Look at that." He rubs his fingers across my slit, making me shiver at his touch. "Do you think it is the time to tease me?" "It is always the time to tease. Especially since I've missed how your perfect lip quivers when I do." He retorts, rubbing the tip of his finger over my entrance in circles. "Cal..." I protest, already pulsing around nothing. "Oh, shit. Fuck, I need you." He groans, getting off the floor and picking me up along with him. I wrap my legs around his waist, resting my hands on each side of his neck.
"The couch is very comfortable, you are going to love it." He comments, leaving me gently on the soft cushioning and leaning down closer to me to kiss me. I reach down to find the hem of his t-shirt, pulling it off of him, only breaking our kiss to take the garment off. My hand travels down his body, reaching the waistband of his jeans. I feel the lower part of his abdomen, making him twitch at the sensation. I slip inside his jeans, my fingers wrapping around his cock. "Oh, God..." I moan, feeling how hard he is. His cock is throbbing in my hand, and my stomach tightens at the remembrance of how good he felt inside me. "I need you inside me... Now. Please, I am begging you." I cry out, looking at him with pleading eyes. He hums, pulling my panties down by the waistband. "You are still mine, aren't you? After all this time you are still mine..." He asks, freeing his cock from his jeans. I stir underneath him, unable to keep still from the excitement. He rubs the tip of his cock along my slit, focusing on my clit and watching my breath hitch as he strokes it.
"Cal..." I cry out as he slips his cock inside me. My eyes shut as he slides in, inch by inch filling me up. His free hand rests on my cheek, his thumb stroking my bottom lip. "Say you are mine. Please, tell me you are mine." His voice is raspy, so sexy that goosebumps rise on my skin. "I am yours, Calum. I am yours." I reply, cradling his face in my hand. He moves his hips against mine, driving his cock deeper inside me and taking my breath away. "You feel so good. You feel so good, my love. My love. Mine, mine, mine." He breathes out, moving against me, thrusting in me slowly but with force. It is slow and mellow, and the sweetest he has ever fucked me. I can feel myself squeeze around him, a little in shock at how good he still feels inside me. It is like we are still in sync, after all this time, we are still in perfect harmony with one another. "Cal..." I cry out softly, bucking my hips up to meet him. "I know, I know... I can feel you." He murmurs, looking at me in the eye. I can feel everything else numb out, my eyes locking on his as he thrusts inside me, making me shiver. My stomach tightens, more heat spreading all over my body the deeper he goes. "Fuck me... Fuck fuck fuck." I moan, pressing my nails in my palm. He has found the perfect spot, the one that makes my brain fuzzy, that makes me curl my toes. "You have to be quiet, baby. We don't need anyone interrupting us." He chuckles, slamming his hips on mine with force. It is like he is doing it on purpose, like he enjoys watching me in bliss. "I don't care. I don't care, just fuck me, fuck me, fuck me." I cry out, arching my back and rolling my hips against his. "I am fucking you, princess. I am fucking your perfect, little, tight pussy. Listen to that... Can you hear how wet you are?" He asks me, his breathing getting caught in the back of his throat. "Calum, please." I whimper, bringing my hand to the back of his head, pulling at his hair as he pounds me. My leg moves to his waist, hoisting on his hip from proximity, and trying to get more of him. "Please what? What does my princess need?" He asks, pressing his forehead against mine. I can feel his lips brush against mine, his breath fanning on my skin.
"I need to cum... Please, let me cum." I whimper, trying to reach his lips. He coos at me, his hand moving down my thigh to grip on it for more force. "My girl needs to cum around my cock... Mm, fuck. You need to cum around me, princess." He taunts me, slamming inside me with his all. I need to bite onto something or else I'll be heard by every single person within a mile radius. "Oh fuck, that's a pretty neck you've got there... Pity if someone marked it." He leaves a peck on my bottom lip, before heading south to find my neck, digging his teeth into my skin. "Calum!" I sing in pleasure, my hair standing straight on my skin. "Cum inside me. Cum inside me, please." I beg, coming undone around him. There is a moment of brief, pure bliss, the only thing in my mind being how good this feels, how good we are together. "Shit, princess. So close... I'm so close to filling you up." He groans, gripping down my hips to keep me from squirming. "Cal, I can't... I whimper, jolting at every thrust. It is too much, the overstimulation nearly driving me towards insanity. "Look how good you take my cock. Fuck, we'll just have to do this all day, everywhere in the house. Shit." He groans, gluing his hips on mine as he cums inside me.
I just focus on his face, flustered and tensed, just the prettiest sight I've ever seen. He doesn't move an inch from me for as long as it takes him to catch his breath. I just touch his cheek softly, running my thumb over his warm skin in short circles. "I am never going to get enough of you, am I?" He asks me, lowering his head to peck my forehead. "I hope you don't." I reply, feeling a smile spreading on my lips. "I don't want to move from here." He sighs, turning his head to kiss the palm of my hand which is still on his cheek. "You'll have to, eventually."I chuckle and he hums in disagreement. "I don't think so... The couch seems pretty comfortable." He replies, swiftly turning us so he is now on his back and I am laying on his chest. His hand traces down my ribs, softly and carefully making his way to the place I was shot, atop my abdomen. "You've healed nicely." He comments in a whisper, his fingertips tracing the fading wound. "I am trying to forget about the whole thing and having to see it in the mirror is not really helpful. So I am slathering it with healing cream all the time." I reply, leaving a peck on his chest. My eyes land on a small detail on his skin, something that looks like a new addition to his collection of tattoos. "Is this one new?" I ask, passing my thumb over the little sunflower on his left pec. "Relatively. I got it after the breakup. Since I couldn't have you in my life, I wanted a little something of you on me all the time." He replies, making me bring my gaze to meet his.
The sun is setting on us, the sunlight that washes the room from the big balcony window casting beautiful shadows on our bodies. Calum is breathing calmly, his chest moving at every breath he takes in, almost in sync with my breathing. He is still glistening with a little glaze of sweat on his skin, his body warm, pleasant against mine. I am falling for him, but who am I kidding? I never stopped falling for him, for a man I have no business falling with. He is dangerous, but also in danger, I know that firsthand at this point. But how dangerous the man holding me with so much love can be?
My Masterlist / My Ko-Fi
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