this is the next day btw

-

Calum loved today. Truth be told, he loved every second that he was with Ashton, but today was simply amazing. When they woke up, they didn't leave the bed for a while (it was an unspoken decision on both of their parts).

Calum's lips were pressed delicately against Ashton's collarbone and his hands were wrapped around the older lads waist. Ashton's smile had long ago been buried in the boys hair as his hands drew mindless patterns on his angel's back.

Ashton couldn't remember a time when he had been this happy. Calum felt the same way.

When they eventually left the bed, Ashton cooked breakfast for them, and Calum made sure to take many pictures (because how many people could really say that this man had been shirtless in their kitchen cooking for them?).

After they ate, they got dressed. Separately, because Ashton didn't want to overstep or make the boy feel like he was there just to be used.

Calum would've loved it if Ashton just did exactly what he wanted, because Calum probably wanted it more. But he also knew that it was good to wait. He didn't want Ashton to think that he only wanted sex.

And when they finally made it out of the house, it was nearly noon. They met Michael at a nearby coffee shop. Ashton had no problem with Michael tagging along, as long as he didn't get in the way of all the cheesy couple-y things that Ashton wanted to experience with Calum.

Now, they were walking along the streets of LA, Ashton and Calum holding hands; Michael recording most of their movements as he chanted, "Otp, otp."

When they walked by a certain building that Michael deemed necessary, he yelled for them to stop walking, then snapped a photo of them (Calum's tongue out in a totally "punk" way, as per Michael's request).

Once the photo had been taken, Ashton leaned over the rest of the way, turned his head and joined their lips quickly. Calum smiled into the kiss and placed his hand on Ashton's jaw.

Michael took a photo of that too. It was secretly his favourite one.

When Calum pulled away, he ran his knuckles along Ashton's jawline, through the little bit of stubble that had begun to grow. "I really like this."

"Yeah?" Ashton quietly taunted, rubbing his nose against Calum's.

"Yeah." Calum bit his lip. "It makes you look...I don't know, more mature."

"Well thank you, baby." Ashton kissed him gently once again. "I'm glad you like it."

Ashton grabbed a handful of Calum's bum and squeezed gently, pressing his lips to the man's earlobe and whispering, "your ass looks great in those jeans, angel," before he intertwined their fingers and continued to talk.

Yes, Calum was a blushing mess, and yes, Ashton was aware, but teasing Calum was his favourite thing, and Calum loved being teased. His face still a rosy pink, Calum tangled his fingers in the hair at the nape of Ashton's neck, pulled softly and whispered in his ear, "Thank you, daddy."

Ashton smirked, Calum smiled innocently and brought Ashton's knuckles to his lips, and so began a day of merciless teasing.

-

It was an hour later when they stopped for lunch. Michael was the one to suggest it; Calum and Ashton were still too caught up teasing each other with random touches that sent fireworks through their bodies and words that should not have been said in public.

Once the three had settled in a booth for their meal (Michael on one side, Calum and Ashton on the other), the blonde lad began chattering about random things and scanning through the menu while the other two simply could not stop staring at each other.

The eye contact made Calum's heart pound and the little smiles made his stomach flip, but when Ashton's hand found his thigh, he swore he was going to pass out. Calum quickly placed his hand over Ashton's and locked their fingers together. But Ashton wasn't done. His hand inched up slowly, almost painfully slowly, causing Calum to squeak.

"Ashton." The tanned lad whispered shakily, hoping that Michael wouldn't notice. "What're you doing?"

"Nothing, baby." Ashton smiled sweetly. "Why don't you look at the menu?"

Calum, with his free hand, picked up the menu and began to scan over it. When Ashton lifted their joined hands and kissed across Calum's knuckles, the maori lad thought he was done with the teasing.
But that was part of Ashton's plan. Once Calum was not expecting anything else, Ashton's hand returned to Calum's thigh, tracing patterns and random words.

"Ashy." He hummed, resting his chin on Ashton's shoulder.

"Yes love?"

"Be careful."

The honey-haired lad kissed his forehead softly. "I'm being careful."

"Okay..."

Calum bit his lip and took a deep breath. He was too awkward to voice his opinion aloud, but he kept inhaling deeply; hoping that Ashton would understand what he was trying to say (and all he was trying to say was that Ashton smelled amazing, because he really didn't have a problem with him touching him).

"You're so cute, baby." Ashton cooed, his lips brushing against Calum's forehead with each word.

Calum blushed, buried his face in Ashton's neck and let out a soft mewl. "Th-thank you."

"Do you guys know what you want to eat?" Michael asked loudly. It was part of his personality, he didn't choose to be that annoying. He was just Michael, and Michael was loud.

Ashton pecked the top of his angel's head. "Callie, do you know what you're having?"

Calum shrugged, kissed Ashton's shoulder once and whispered, "I'll have whatever you're havin', Ashy. Doesn't matter."

"Okay, angel." Ashton simply murmured, too happy to even think of anything else to say.

The younger of the two blushed and hid his face in Ashton's neck once again. He was giggling like crazy, and probably seemed that way, but Ashton thought it was absolutely adorable.

"Ash, I have to go to the bathroom..." Calum whispered shakily, still hiding his face in the older man's shoulder. That felt awfully awkward for him to admit, as if Ashton wasn't also a person who used the bathroom.

"Of course, love." Ashton kissed his temple soothingly before allowing him to slip out of the booth. Calum sent him a shy smile before walking away.

"You really like him, don't you?" Michael asked as soon as Calum was out of earshot.

Ashton's head fell into his hands. "So fucking much, Mike. He's already my goddamn world and I've only known him a day...I-I'm so fucking scared-"

"Don't be scared. He cares about you just as much, clearly."

"You think so?"

Michael took a sip of his iced tea, "Positive."

"But what if he doesn't?" Ashton was starting to panic. Around Calum, he could keep his cool, but being alone with his thoughts (and Michael), he began to freak out.

"He adores you, Ashton." The blonde man promised. "Can't you see the way he looks at you?"

Ashton bit his lip and tugged at his hair. "I-I don't know..."

"Don't be fucking stupid." Michael muttered harshly. "You've got him wrapped around your finger."

Ashton knew that Michael was right, but he probably would never admit it out loud.

"So about the chicken nugg-"

"He's just so beautiful and so smart and he makes me so happy!" Ashton squeaked into his hands. "He's so sweet and his smile could light up the whole world and his lips are so soft...I don't fucking deserve him at all-"

"Have you two...y'know..." Michael waved his hand suggestively and wiggled his eyebrows.

"No, we thought it would be better to wait for the right moment." Ashton replied coolly, fiddling with his fingers.

"Can't believe I'm agreeing with you, but that's actually smart."

Ashton nodded his head in agreement. "Yeah, b-but holy shit, Mike, he's so fucking perfect! He's so cute and funny and he actually thinks that the things I talk about are interesting...His kisses are my favourite way to wake up and I love taking care of him so much-"

Michael nodded, but he was starting to get jealous. He wanted someone like that; he wanted to be talked about the same as how Ashton talked about Calum. He drifted off into his own mind as Ashton continued to rant about the many, many things he adored about Calum. He heard the occasional word; smile, eyes, hair, but he could hardly make himself pay attention.

"He's one of the best things that's ever happened to me." Ashton whispered breathlessly, pulling at his hair once more.

And that sentence snapped Michael back to reality. "Just please don't get hurt again, alright?"

"I'll try, Mikey." Ashton promised. "But I don't think he could hurt me."

"You never know." Michael shrugged and took another sip of his iced tea. "Just be careful, man."

Ashton nodded. About ten seconds later, Calum returned, a soft smile dimpling his face. Ashton scooted aside to allow him back in the booth, and as soon as the boy was comfortable, Ashton wrapped his arm around him once again and placed a trail of kisses from his lips to just below his ear. The action made Calum giggle. When Ashton was done, he pulled away and buried his face in Calum's soft hair.

When the waitress came back around, they ordered their meals, and in short time, the food had arrived. Soon after they ate, the trio left the small restaurant and continued on with their day.

-

Now, it was late evening, and Calum and Ashton had just returned from what was an amazing dinner, holding hands and giggling at everything the other did. It wasn't that anything was funny, and they weren't intoxicated at all. They simply enjoyed each others company, and it made them giddy.

It wasn't long after their lunch that Michael left, claiming to have somewhere to be. After Michael had gone, Calum and Ashton decided that it would be best for them to stop teasing each other, lest Ashton would have to shove Calum against a wall and show him exactly what all that teasing did to him. And Calum desperately wanted that. But he knew that Ashton wanted him to feel cared for, and he didn't want to wreck Calum...the very first time.

Ashton escorted Calum through his front door, still holding the boys hand. "Angel, can I take your coat?"

Calum blushed at the nickname and meakly nodded. Ashton gently helped the boy out of his jacket, each touch like fire. He hung it up, then discarded of his own.

Ashton then collapsed onto the sofa, pulling Calum down on top of him. The younger of the two buried his face in Ashton's neck and hummed contently, now straddling the elders waist. Ashton kept his hands on Calum's hips.

"Ashton, you're pretty." Calum murmured into his neck, placing his hands on the older lads jaw.

"You're pretty too, darling." Ashton kissed the boys temple. "Much, much prettier, in fact."

"I-I'm not." Calum felt his face flush pink, and he bit his lip, still elated that he was really here with Ashton.

"You are." Ashton replied. "I'm so glad I met you."

"Me too." Calum giggled quietly, still in complete contentment. "I really like you."

"I really like you too, baby." Ashton whispered into Calum's hair.

"And I like being here with you." Calum murmured against Ashton's skin. "I'm so happy."

"Yeah?" Ashton quietly muttered, rubbing gentle patterns with his hands on Calum's hips.

"Yeah." Calum hummed. "And I kinda wanna be yours for a really long time."

"You're mine?" Ashton quietly asked, letting Calum lift his head to lock their eyes together.

"I mean-" Calum swallowed thickly; he hadn't exactly meant to say that. "I-if you want m-me to b-be."

Ashton smiled brightly and pressed a soft kiss to Calum's plump lips. "Of course I want you to be mine."

Calum smiled, too. Every time that Ashton smiled, he had to smile as well because the older lads smile was just so contagious. They drifted into a comfortable silence, and neither could think of a reason to break it. They were both so happy here together that they didn't think speaking or moving was really necessary. They did still communicate, however, only in the way that every few seconds Calum would leave a delicate kiss on Ashton's neck or jaw, reminding the older lad that it wasn't a dream.

"Ashy?" Calum suddenly whispered, becoming shy.

"Yes baby?" Ashton quietly replied. He was still smiling because Calum had said that he was his.

"I-I want y-you."

"You already have me, darlin'." Ashton cooed. "I'm right here."

"No, I m-mean-" Calum took a shaky breath. "You said I-I'm yours, I want y-you to show me that's it's true. That I belong t-to you."

Ashton hummed. "Baby, you'll never belong to me. You're always gonna be your own person, and I do not control or own you."

"B-but I'm yours." Calum murmured against Ashton's neck. "Please s-show me."

"How do I do that, love?" Ashton quietly asked, locking their eyes together again. "What do you want me to do?"

"I want y-you to fuck me, please." Calum whined. Ashton let out a soft growl. He decided in that moment that Calum had been born to beg like this.

"Baby, are you sure?" Ashton wanted this too, but he wanted more than anything for Calum to be comfortable with it. "I don't want to force you to do anything."

"I'm sure." Calum whispered, his eyes pleading. "I want this, and I-I want you. I..I need you, Ashton."

"What if you regret it?" Ashton softly asked. His mind was suddenly overthinking every little thing that happened.

"Ashy, I swear I won't regret it." Calum gave the older lad a gentle peck on his lips. "Please don't think too much about it."

Ashton let out a little groan.

"Please just fuck me."

Ashton's breath hitched when Calum whispered that. He briefly closed his eyes, and Calum boldly pressed their lips together in that moment. When Ashton tightened the grip he had on Calum's hips, Calum knew that this was what Ashton wanted too.

They admired one another a lot, and although there was great excitement and happiness behind their actions, there was lust as well. Calum ran his tongue along Ashton's lower lip, and the older lad had the same idea, which caused their tongues to brush together and Calum to squeak quietly into the kiss.

Calum's hands tangled themselves into the older lads curls, which made Ashton hum in contentment. Ashton boldly decided to tease Calum's lips open with his own, and the younger of the two felt his heart rate increase as Ashton's tongue slowly found its way to meet his.

They fought together tenderly for a while, but Ashton was in charge, and Calum knew that, so he simply let Ashton take over. He preferred to be dominated, any way.

When they finally broke away from one another, panting and with flushed faces, Ashton rested their foreheads together and tried to catch his breath. "Baby, I'll ask one last time, you're sure this is what you want?"

Calum nodded quickly and felt Ashton tug at his lower lip with his teeth. It made his stomach churn. "I want this...you, all of you. Please."

Ashton made sure Calum looked directly into his eyes, and the eye contact alone was enough to make Calum whine. The noise made Ashton's insides tremble a little.

"Would you like to go to the bedroom, darling?" Ashton quietly asked, sitting up. Calum still clung tightly to his chest, but he moved his hips forward a little just to see his reaction. Ashton let out the softest moan, and Calum smiled.

"Please, Ashy."

"So polite, baby boy." Ashton whispered into Calum's neck as he picked him up. Calum threw his legs around Ashton's waist, burying his fingers in the older lads hair again and reattaching their lips.

Ashton began walking them to his bedroom, but at one point, Ashton bit down on Calum's lower lip, which caused the boy to squeak and tug on Ashton's hair. Ashton had no problem with it, he absolutely adored it, in fact, but it did cause a slight detour, as Calum was pushed against the nearest wall and kissed so slowly and so passionately that he barely knew his own name when they broke apart.

And Calum pulled away first this time, feeling his stomach churn in the most painful yet pleasurable way. "Ashton, please, bed."

"Patience, beautiful." Ashton whispered, maintaining eye contact that could've stopped Calum's heart. "We're gonna take this slow, okay?"

Calum's lips parted in a silent plea, but Ashton's tone of voice and choice of words were proving to be his greatest weakness. In that moment, he would've let Ashton do absolutely anything.

They finally arrived in the bedroom, and Ashton gently laid Calum against the bed, stepping in between his legs and still holding his hips.

His forefinger and thumb found the hem of Calum's shirt, and he looked up to smile at the boy. "I'm gonna take this off, love, is that okay?"

Calum nodded eagerly, "Please."

Ashton slowly pulled the boys shirt off, threw it randomly onto the floor, and took Calum's hips in his hands again. He spent a minute or two simply admiring the beauty beneath him, but eventually, Calum let out a whine and snapped him out of his thoughts.

Ashton swallowed thickly. "Before we continue, I want you to promise me that this is okay. That this is what you want."

"I promise, Ashy. I want this so bad."

Ashton locked their eyes together, saw the desperation in Calum's, and felt lust cloud over his own. He quickly joined their lips again, tightened his grip on Calum's hips, and felt the boy grab handfuls of his hair.

They both had wanted this for a very long time. And Ashton was going to make sure they remembered it.

-

Ashton draped one arm over Calum's waist, while the other went to comb through his hair. Calum's head rested on the older lads shoulder, his hands tracing patterns on Ashton's bare chest as he let out shaky breaths. Their long legs were intertwined beneath the thin sheet, which clung to their sweat covered bodies.

Every couple seconds, Ashton would rejoin their lips softly, which caused Calum to let out little squeals of happiness into Ashton's mouth as they came down from their highs. When Calum broke apart, he still could not believe that they had really done that.

Ashton was so gentle and sweet and Calum adored every second that they had just spent together. He promised himself that he would remember it forever.

"Ashton?"

"Yes?"

"Did we-Did we really just do that?"

Ashton bit at his lip. "Yes, fuck, yes we did. I'm so fuckin' stupid--"

"You regret it." Calum interrupted as he closed his eyes. It wasn't a question. He tried to push himself up, but it was pointless. He didn't have the strength after what they'd just done. "M' so stupid. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Ash."

Ashton immediately felt terribly sad. He gently grabbed the boy's chin, forcing his gaze upwards. "Look at me."

Calum's eyes stayed shut.

"Open your eyes and look at me, love."

Calum's eyes fluttered open. Ashton had never seen them look so sad.

"I don't regret it. I promise you." Ashton brushed a delicate hand over Calum's jaw, lips, then trailed down to his neck. "I'm sorry if it seemed that way."

"But you said-"

"I know what I said. I don't regret it, but we shouldn't have rushed into it."

"Why not?"

Ashton smiled softly. "Because now I don't ever want to let you go." He then pressed a gentle kiss to Calum's temple, making him blush.

"Oh." Was all Calum could manage. The shockingly honest words combined with Ashton's sweet gestures were almost too much for Calum. He'd never been treated with such care. "I..."

Ashton let out a long breath of contentment. "You don't need to say anything, angel. It's okay."

Calum relaxed at the nickname. "Angel." He absentmindedly repeated. "I love hearing that."

"I know."

Ashton tilted his head downwards, lips brushing over the marks he'd just made on Calum's neck. The younger lad shuddered.

"I don't deserve you." Calum softly mumbled.

Ashton grabbed Calum's chin once more, locking their eyes together. He gave Calum a single gentle peck on the lips. It brought a smile to his face.

Calum giggled. "I really don't."

"Cally-" Ashton captured Calum's lips in yet another completely intoxicating kiss. "You deserve so much better."

Calum blushed and let his head fall back onto Ashton's shoulder, peppering the tan skin with light kisses.

"I don't want better. I only want you."

Ashton's hands continued tracing patterns on Calum's hips. The smooth skin beneath his hands grew goosebumps with each touch.

"Then that's what you'll have."

Calum hummed and nuzzled into Ashton's neck. After a short silence, he mumbled, "Thank you."

"Why are you thanking me, love?"

"I don't know. Because you make me feel like you care."

"I do care, Calum. So much that it scares me."

Calum smiled but stayed silent. No response he could think of would match up to that.

Ashton sighed contently. "It's not very late, do you wanna go do something?"

"Like what?"

"We could go for a walk." Ashton suggested, his fingers still tangled within Calum's raven-coloured, sweat-dampened curls.

"If I can." Calum giggled in response.

Ashton was immediately alarmed. "Did I hurt you, angel?"

"No, no. I'm okay." Calum honestly replied. "A walk sounds nice."

"The city is surprisingly beautiful at night." Ashton told him.

"How beautiful?" Calum teased. He had seen Australian city, and that no longer was pretty to him. It was an everyday sight, and he found it boring.

"Not as beautiful as you, but it's certainly something."

-

They walked, hand in hand, down a vacant street, seeing the last of the sun setting. Ashton was only able to smile at Calum's reaction to everything. Ashton didn't understand how anyone as beautiful as Calum could ever be sad. Somehow, over texts, Calum was far less emotional. But here, being truly with Ashton, made him so happy. He couldn't stop smiling, and it was unfamiliar but welcome.

"Calum?"

"Yes?"

Ashton bit his lip. "Do you regret it?"

"No." Calum immediately replied. "Not even a little."

"Really?"

"Ashton, would I really be here-" Calum raised their joined hands. "Holding your fucking hand, watching the sun set for God's sake, if I regretted it?"

"I..." Ashton lost his train of thought. "I'm sorry. I only asked because you said..."

"I said I was stupid, yes. That wasn't because I regretted it. It was because I knew that meant I was attached."

"Attached?"

Calum smiled. "Attached. Adjective, meaning full of affection or fondness. Fond of, devoted to, full of admiration for..."

"You're a dork."

Calum giggled softly and stopped walking, turning to face Ashton. "Why do you call me a dork every time I say something smart?"

"I don't know." Ashton muttered, a small smile dancing across his face. "Because it makes me feel inferior to you, and it's hurting my ego."

"My most sincere apologies go out to your ego, Ash."

"Dork." Ashton repeated.

"Your dork." Calum quietly corrected.

The honey-haired lad smiled softly, then leaned forward and rested his forehead on Calum's. Calum's hands quickly made their way up to Ashton's neck, as Ashton's found their favourite spot on Calum's hips.

"Can I kiss you?"

Calum smiled brightly. "You don't have to ask."

"Yes I do."

Calum continued to smile and gently pressed their lips together. He hummed, creating reverberations against their mouths that was a new and wonderful feeling.

The older lad pulled Calum closer, their bodies flush together. Calum didn't care that they were outside where anyone could see them. He couldn't have cared less. It was only supposed to be about how they felt. And they felt happy. Ashton truly only cared about Calum.

Calum was first to pull away. "I love how you make me feel."

"How do I make you feel?"

"Like there's a reason to stay alive."

"And what is that reason?"

Calum giggled, "You're the reason, Ash. The only reason."

(A/N: sorry y'all i had to)

"You're so cheesy." Ashton mumbled, and they began walking again, their hands once again intertwined.

"Yeah." Calum hummed, and nothing more was said.

They didn't need to say anything to express how they were feeling. They both knew that a bond had been made between them that night. It was so much more than just the physical action, it was the person they had done it with. They were so fearful for the future, and deep down they didn't know how anything would work between them. They did know one thing, however, and that was that they would never allow each other to slip away.

-

Catch me tryna be all poetic n shit

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