#michael au

[chxrryfloatyt]

Sleepy morning pt.1

Finally getting to my SunMoon and Michael comic idea I thought of ages ago and bringing it to reality *hopefully* <3 Starting with Moon coming back from a long night of security checks

[sinning5sos]

angst | Michael

Requested: Yes but A LONG TIME AGO. this was sitting in my drafts WHOOPS

“Can you do an angsty piece where y/n & Michael are best friends but he’s dating someone he doesn’t love?”

Word Count: ~2.5k

Smut: no :/ just angst

“I just, I don’t know what to do with him.” You vented to your friend, and she nodded her head as she spun her coffee around in her fingers, “There’s so many different signs, like his parents keep saying that I am so good for him and that they want us together, his siblings love me and they want us together, but he’s still dating her.”

“Yeah, but she’s no good for him. Hell, his family doesn’t even like her. They absolutely adore you because you continuously push him to be better, and he does the same for you. You guys are so good for each other, you guys are best friends, you two are so cute together and honestly it’s like you’re dating already.” She said, and you sighed as you shook your head.

“It’s not fair to her or him. They’re not good for each other, but every time I try to talk about it - he just gets like...defensive? I don’t know how to phrase it. He’s never upset with me, more that he’s upset with himself.” You said, and a frown etched onto your face.

“Yeah, because he knows he shouldn’t be with her. Plus he never sees her,”

“That’s not either of their faults.” You interrupted and she shot you a pointed glance,

“Oh it kind of is. They broke up already, there was a reason for that - do you remember? He broke up with her. And look, the only reason that he even got back together with her was out of pity. He doesn’t love her, and they’re better off as friends. He loves you, he just doesn’t want to address it because of the fact that he’s still with her.” She snapped back and you rolled your eyes.

“I don’t know,” You muttered, and she chuckled. She raised the coffee up to her lips and sipped at it, and set it back down dramatically.

“No, you do know. You know that you guys would be so good for each other and that you two belong together. You know that you have feelings for him, you just don’t know how to go about them. So stop saying you don’t know,” She said, a small smile on her face as you stuck your tongue out at her.

“No words? It’s because I’m right.” She said, and you dryly laughed as you slumped in the chair.

“Help,” You whined, and she smiled as she reached across the table and squeezed your hand.

“What’s her address?” She said seriously, and then started laughing as you swatted her hand away, “No but really. You just have to wait it out. If he was in love with her and she was good for him, it’d be different. But you guys belong together, and eventually he’ll realize it. Just be there for him now, be his friend and then it will work out.”

“Things always have a way of working out for you in some bizarre yet fantastic way. I guarantee that something is going to happen, he’s going to have a moment of realization that he should be with you, and you will end up together.” She said, and you nodded as you looked down at the cup in your hand.

“I hope you’re right, I don’t think I can take much more of this.”

* * *

“Mikey, are you here?” You called out as you walked into his apartment, and set your keys down on the end table. His shoes were at the door, his keys up on the rack as well and you frowned as you looked around downstairs but still hadn’t found him. You heard something shatter upstairs, and immediately went up to find the source of the sound, “Michael?” 

“Bedroom,” His voice came from behind his bedroom door, and you walked down the hall and knocked on it gently as you opened it.

“Hey bub,” You said, and you saw the shattered picture frame near the wall first, and then you saw him. He was sitting at the edge of his bed, his shoulders slumped forward as he looked down at the ground. His leg was bouncing quickly, his hands clasped together, “What’s going on?”

“She fucking cheated on me, she slept with someone at school.” He muttered, his head staying down and you gasped quietly as you brought your hands up to your face. You could hear the brokenness in his voice, the complete and utter betrayal evident. You walked over to him and sat beside him on the bed and wrapped your arms around him.

“I’m sorry Mikey,” You whispered, and he leaned into your touch. His shoulders lifted as he took a deep breath, before he pulled away and sat up straight again. You wiped at the tears in his eyes as he looked at you, before he was looking down again.

“I should have fucking known,” He snapped, and you shook your head as you brought your hand up to the side of his head and ran your fingers through his hair, it always seemed to help calm him down, “God everyone’s going to fucking say I told you so,”

“Nobody is going to say that bub,” You whispered, and he scoffed as he pushed off from the bed and began to pace. You folded your hands in your lap as you watched him. You knew that he had to work off the anger, to just rant and vent and then he’d be a little bit better.

“Everybody is going to fucking say that. My dad especially, we just got into an argument last week about how she’s not good for me. I’m so fucking stupid,” He snapped and you frowned but continued watching him.

“Jesus Christ, how could I have been so stupid? ‘No Michael, he’s just a friend. You’re being paranoid.’ ‘No Michael, you’re overreacting.’ ‘Michael, I’m with you - not him’. God, I honestly can’t believe that I fucking listened to her. And after everything that I’ve done for her? Fucking bullshit.” He snapped, and groaned as he stopped and looked at you.

You gave him a soft smile and shrugged your shoulders.

“What’s going through your mind right now?” He muttered, and you shook your head. He began pacing once again, and you pursed your lips as you really were trying to figure out what was going through your mind at this point.

On one hand, you were furious. So furious that she could hurt someone like Michael, that she could even think of cheating on him when he thought the absolute world of her. You couldn’t believe that she could have done this to him, but you let your anger fade away as you realized you needed to be strong for him.

On the other hand, this may be a blessing in disguise. Not for the fact that you wanted to be with him, but for the fact that he was finally rid of her. He could now grow and flourish once more, instead of being held back by her.

“Please, I need to hear someone else’s voice right now. And you always know what’s best for me, so tell me what you’re thinking.” He murmured, and you sighed as you nodded.

“I’m so sorry that it had to go down like this Mikey, but in the long run...I think that this is good for you. Granted right now, it’s shit. But Mikey, you broke up with her the first time around for a reason. Why did you get back together with her?”

“Because her grandpa had just died and she needed someone,”

“So you got back together with her out of pity, right? Not because you still loved her. You guys were great friends, but terrible for dating.” You interrupted and he rolled his eyes but nodded, “I think that you can take this as an opportunity now to move on, to let that part of your life go.”

“Okay,” He mumbled, and you stood and went over to him. You cupped his face in the palm of your hands and looked up at him.

“I’m sorry Mikey, I am. You deserve so much better and she’s a goddamn idiot for this. But this will be okay, I promise.” You said, and he gave you a soft smile. 

“You’ve always been so good to me, I freakin love you.” He murmured, and you smiled back up at him as you dropped your hands and wrapped your arms around him. He followed your actions and hugged you back, and kissed your cheek as you hummed gently.

“I love you too. You’re my best friend. I’m always going to be good for you, and I’m always going to be there for you - no matter what.” You said, and pulled away. The smile from his face faded as he got lost in his thoughts, before he was leaning forward to press his lips against yours.

You held your hand up and shook your head, and his mouth fell open in shock as he pulled away, “Michael, no. Not right now. I don’t want to just do this because of what just happened. Take some time, figure some things out and then we can talk.” You whispered, and his face fell as he backed away.

“God, that was a mistake. I’m so sorry, I just..it felt right.” He muttered, and he slumped back down onto the bed and you smiled as you walked forward and he wrapped his arms around your waist and held you tightly.

“It wasn’t a mistake. That’s why I want you to wait. I want you to figure yourself out first, I want you to take time for yourself. To really think this through, okay? I’ll still always be here for you, no matter what you decide.” You said, and kissed the top of his head as you backed away slightly and crouched in front of him.

“I really guess I should have listened to my mom, huh?” He said, and attempted to joke but you shook your head.

“She always does know what’s best for you. But we can talk about that later. Right now, let’s go play some of those dumb video games and I’ll order us some take-out, okay?” You said, and he nodded as you stood. You offered your hands out and helped him stand, and he took a deep breath as he looked at the shattered frame on the floor.

“I’ll fix it. Go downstairs,”

“Can you clear out some of the pictures or just things of hers? Don’t throw them away, just...hide them. Please,” He murmured, and you nodded as he squeezed your hand gently in thanks and you nodded as he walked out of the bedroom. You sighed as you looked around at the room as you attempted to distinguish things of hers and pull them out, to try and remove some of the traces of her she left behind.

* * *

It had been a few weeks since Michael had found out that his ex had cheated on him, and you had been giving him some space to figure out what he wanted. It had been weird, the two of you talked every single day and saw each other at least five out of the seven days in a week - but you decided that space was best.

You missed him, that was obvious. Your nerves had been going crazy the more that the two of you didn’t speak. You were wondering what was going through his mind, what he was thinking about and what he was ultimately going to decide.

You had talked it over with your other friends, weighing the options and you were still unsure of what to do. You wanted to be with Michael, you loved him more than anything but you needed to put him first instead of your own feelings.

You sprawled out on the couch as you continued talking on the phone with your friend over what to do, and listened to what she thought of the matter.

“Well, it’s like what I was telling you about… what was that nearly six months ago? You had to wait it out, and you have. You stuck by his side, you were there for him when things didn’t work out between them and you’re still there for him now.”

“Yeah I get that, but I still don’t want to just be a rebound for him. I want him to figure things out for himself instead of just going straight for me, you know?”

“Yeah yeah, but you guys are still going to end up together.

“Don’t jinx it,” You muttered and you heard her scoff on the line.

“Yeah, I doubt I could jinx it. How did his parents react?” 

“Well, I talked with his mom last week and they were pissed that she cheated on him, but they were also happy that the relationship was over. She even made a little comment that hopefully now he’ll realize what he’s had in front of him this entire time,” You said, a small smile on your face as your friend shrieked slightly over the phone.

“I told you. Every single person that’s involved with the two of you, wants the two of you together.” She said, but your phone vibrated and you pulled it away to see who else was calling you.

“Hey, it’s him. I’ll call you back later tonight,” You said, and she mumbled out a quick goodbye as you ended the call and switched over to answer him, “Hey bub,”

“Hey, can I come over?” 

“Yeah, obviously. How far away are you?” You asked, and he chuckled slightly as you heard a horn honk outside of your house.

“I’m in your driveway already,”

“Then get in here you goof,” You said, smiling as you hung up the phone and got up to go over to the door. You opened the door and watched him walk up to your place, obviously holding something behind his back and you leaned against the doorframe as he stood in front of you.

“Hi bub,” You greeted him, and he smiled down at you as he rolled forward on the balls of his feet before he took a deep breath.

“Wow, I’m nervous about this. Can I take you out on a date?” He asked, and your smile grew wider as he pulled out flowers from behind his back. Tulips, your favorite.

“Mikey, we’ve gone out on countless fake dates.” You said, and he nodded as you took the flowers from him.

“Yeah, but I don’t want this to be a fake date. I want this to be real, I want us to be real. I’ve really thought about this the past few weeks, and I realized that I want it to always be us. I want to take you out on a real date because it’s what you deserve. So, will you go out on a date with me?” He asked, and you smiled.

“Michael Clifford, I would love to go out on a date with you.”

[tomietom473]

Michael au x Michael

[daniellesimagines]

Accidentally (Michael Clifford)

word count: 1847 requested by: none pronouns: she/her warnings: injured elbow (idk what else to call it; it’s not bad tho i promise), mentions of past injuries fandom: 5 seconds of summer au type: try guys, brother’s best friend summary: your brother and his friends are joining the practice for your roller derby team. what could possibly go wrong? (aka a try guys au where michael is zach, luke is keith, calum is eugene, and ashton is n*d ((minus the cheating with his employee part)) inspired by: “The Try Guys Try Roller Derby” (x) authors notes: this didn’t really end up being as good as i was hoping, but i’m sure someone will still enjoy it so i decided to post it anyway!!! other parts: none

❀・・・❀・・・❀・・・❀・・・❀・・・❀・・・❀

“Roller derby!” Ashton cheered, getting the video started.

“It’s a sport of ladies beating up other ladies!” Calum chirped.

“Everything about this screams ‘Don’t do it, Michael!’,” Michael shook his head.

“We’re gonna fall, we’re gonna get pushed, we’re gonna probably break something,” Luke said, “And we’re gonna do it with the LA Derby Dolls!”

“I’m actually extra excited we’re doing this with the Derby Dolls because Ashton’s younger sister is the one that’s gonna teach us all about the sport, and I’m really hoping she yells at him a lot,” Michael snickered.

“Oh, you know I’m going to,” you snickered from off-camera, already sitting in the chair for your interview.

“This is not why we came here today, Y/N,” your brother reminded you as he and the boys found their own seats across from you.

“That’s why I came here,” Calum shrugged.

“Alright, guys,” Rachel chuckled from behind the camera, “We’re ready when you are.”

“Awesome!” Luke grinned, “Y/N, why don’t you introduce yourself to get us started?”

“Hi!” you giggled, “My name is Y/N Irwin and I am one of the Lead Jammers for the LA Derby Dolls!”

“Irwin?” Michael wiggled his eyebrows obnoxiously, succeeding in making you laugh.

“Yes! I am Ash’s baby sister who acts much older than him,” you smiled brightly, earning nods of agreement from everyone including your brother.

“What will we be doing today?” Luke asked.

“I’ll be teaching you the basics of the sport – how to maneuver the course, how to stop, how to fall safely, how to score,” you informed them, “Then we’ll get the rest of the girls and have you play!”

“So we’re just jumping right in then,” Michael looked overwhelmed already.

“I’m just excited to hit some people,” Ashton grinned.

“We don’t hit people for the sake of hitting them, Ash, and you have no right to pretend you don’t know that,” you reminded him. He simply grumbled as the rest of the boys chuckled.

“How well do you think we’re going to do?” Luke asked you. You let out a deep breath.

“Do I have to answer honestly?” you wondered. They rolled their eyes, nodding their heads. “I think... I think you’re gonna go out there... You’re gonna...do some stuff... You’re gonna learn a lot...” you trailed off.

“How hurt are we gonna get?” Calum chimed in. You gave them a nervous smile.

“Yes,” you nodded. Luke and Calum looked confused while Michael and Ashton just groaned loudly. “Alright, let’s get out there!” you chirped, hopping up from your chair.

~

The next couple of hours were just spent teaching the boys how to play and giving them a few practice runs with the team once they got the hang of everything. Once they did all of that, it was time to put them in an actual game. They were doing well for the most part – obviously messing up a few times, but no one expected their very first time to be perfect – but nothing really exciting happened until the very end.

Michael had been having trouble with his role as Jammer, unable to score even a single point in any round. You could tell he was frustrated with himself, but encouraging him seemed to help, so that was what you did. He responded well when you would yell out to the boys, so as he took the star cap from you and put it on his helmet, you just reminded him of everything he needed to do and to do it fast.

Once the round started, Michael was having a bit of trouble getting to the front. You could see on his face that he was already becoming discouraged, but his eyes widened once he found an opening and took it.

“Go, Michael!” you shouted over the sound of the skates, watching him break out of the pack. He skated as fast as he possibly could, coming back up behind you before you knew it. “Come on, Michael!” you encouraged as he flew through the group again, “You got this!” He went around the track again, but the moment the referee blew the whistle as he was coming up behind you, he must have panicked.

You felt Michael's hands on your sides as he tried not to run into you, but it immediately sent you both to the ground. You fell on the spot while he slid a couple of feet farther away, but you weren’t even paying attention to the pain you felt shooting through your elbow when your pad made contact with the concrete.

“That’s what I’m talking about, Mikey!” you smiled widely. He quickly perched himself up on his hands, looking at you.

“Did I do it?!” he asked.

“Yes!” you told him, making him and the other boys cheer. Michael quickly crawled back to you, throwing his arms around you and pulling you on top of him as he flopped onto his back. “I knew you could do it, Mikey!” you beamed, hugging him back just as tightly.

Once you released each other so the boys could celebrate, you heard Rachel call them over for final thoughts and, not long after, the end of the shoot. You all cheered, happy your brother and his friends finally got to try something you enjoyed, and that they did so well.

As the boys made their way to talk to your coach, you and a few teammates slipped into the locker room to dry off and get changed. And it was then that you couldn’t ignore your elbow anymore.

Michael’s POV

"Thank you for letting us film with you guys today," Ashton said as they walked up to your coach.

"Oh, it's no problem!" Cassie smiled, "Anything for our favorite member's brother."

"Don't say that; it'll go to his head!" Calum insisted, laughing when it made Ashton shove him.

They made mindless chatter for a few more minutes before being interrupted.

"Coach!" one of your teammates jogged over from the locker room door, "I think you should come to the locker room."

"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice now laced with concern.

"It's Y/N."

And the boys felt their hearts drop.

~

Your POV; Two hours later

After your coach gave you the go-ahead to leave, you and your brother made your way back to your shared apartment. Ashton had always been an attentive older brother, especially after you became closer as adults, and today was no exception. He ordered you to sit on the couch, making you roll your eyes – you were still his little sister, after all – but did as you were told anyway, too tired from the day’s events to argue.

Ashton came back into the room a few minutes later with two drinks and a pack of frozen vegetables. You instantly took the bag and placed it under your elbow, sighing at the relief it provided, while your brother simply cocked an eyebrow.

"Why didn't you say anything when it happened?" Ashton asked. You looked at him for a moment before sighing again.

"'Cause I... Mikey was so happy he scored... I didn't wanna ruin that..." you murmured, looking down at your lap, "And we were almost done filming anyway... I didn't wanna have to stop and make everyone worried about me..."

"You're an idiot," he exhaled sharply.

You barely chuckled, "I know."

“Mike’s been worried about you since Mariah came to get your coach, y’know,” your brother informed you, “Cal and Luke have had to force him not to come over to give you time to relax.”

“I can still relax while he’s here,” you frowned.

“We’ll see how you feel about that in an hour,” Ashton snorted, pulling out his phone to text the group that they could come by now. And he wasn’t going to pretend he didn’t notice you smiling to yourself at the idea of Michael finally being able to visit.

~

20 minutes later

“We come bearing ice cream!” Michael announced as Ashton moved out of the way to let him, Luke, and Calum come into the apartment. You looked over from where you were sitting on the couch, smiling at them as they walked into the room.

“Someone say ‘ice cream’?” you asked as your face lit up.

“Yes, I did,” he grinned back at you, showing you the cardboard holder with four cups from Dairy Queen in it as well as another cup in his other hand.

“How are you feeling?” Calum asked. He, Luke, and Ashton went to sit on one couch after getting their cups while Michael chose to plop down – carefully – beside you, all of them looking at the bag of frozen peas underneath your elbow.

“A little bruised, but I’m fine,” you assured them, quietly thanking Michael when he handed you your treat, “Not the worst injury I’ve ever had and definitely won’t be the last.”

“You’re still stupid for not saying anything,” Calum insisted, much like your brother had. You simply smiled, moving your gaze back to the television as everyone settled in for the movie.

~

Three hours later

You were now halfway through the second movie, struggling to keep your eyes open. Your Dairy Queen cups had long since been discarded, and you could just barely hear the dialogue over someone’s snores. You didn’t know which boy it was, but you knew it wasn’t the one beside you when he spoke for the first time in three hours.

“M’sorry ‘bout your elbow,” Michael mumbled randomly, careful not to wake up the three boys sprawled out throughout the living room as they slept.

“Wasn’t your fault, Mikey,” you shook your head.

“Yeah, it was,” he sighed, “I hit you; I knocked you down...”

“But it was an accident,” you reminded him, “And accidents happen.”

"Don't want my accidents to hurt you..."

"I swear I'm fine, Mikey," you assured him, "You remember that race where Chelsea's skate hit my ankle and I was practically useless for two months? That was a million times more painful than this."

"Didn't like when you got hurt then either," he mumbled.

You looked at him for a moment – your mind drifting off to Ashton’s words earlier – before smiling to yourself. He was clearly trying not to meet your gaze, pretending he didn't even notice it as his eyes were back on the TV.

You kissed his fabric-covered shoulder before laying your head on it, making him finally look down at you again. He smiled slightly himself, pressing a soft kiss to the top of your head and laying his cheek there.

His hand accidentally brushed yours as he went to rest it somewhere else, but was surprised when he felt your own reach for it and bring it back. His heart skipped a beat when you pulled it onto your lap, tangling your fingers with his and squeezing lightly. He felt you smile to yourself again, prompting him to relax his body.

But neither of you noticed the "sleeping" boys sneaking peeks at you, trying to hide their own grins.

❀・・・❀・・・❀・・・❀・・・❀・・・❀・・・❀

the transitions on this one are all over the place im sorry

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[trekkiehood]

You know maybe I should just post what I've already written of this fic and if a true story shores up cook and if not it's an epic one-shot with no beginning.

[dreamboypeach]

A chef / kitchen aesthetics with Mikey 👩🏻‍🍳 for @trash-michael 🤍

Requests are open

[irwintry]

Only Angel, Only Human

Warnings: swearing, fluff, and a lot of angst

Summary: Michael is Y/N’s guardian angel

Word Count: 4.3k

Michael had seen you die right before his eyes.

He had seen the physical life fade as the soul descended. The soul he had witnessed enter and exit from day one to the last breaths. He had seen the final tears, the ones he had longed to always dry, but he couldn’t. To you, he wasn’t real. He didn’t exist. And in those few minutes, neither did you.

Michael believed he had failed. He had failed his duties, and he had failed you.

He wanted to chase down your soul and beg you to return, but he didn’t have to. The silent room was filled with the slow beeping of the heart monitor, and Michael fell to his knees. He desired to touch you, to hold your hand and promise you he’d never let it happen again. But even he knew it didn’t work like that. All he could do was sit back and pretend he had never gotten attached to you in the first place.

-

Michael didn’t see you again until after you recovered. He kept his distance as long as you kept safe, and he had promised himself to never behave the way he had in the past. His world revolved around you, but in yours, he was a myth. A fictious, albeit sometimes religious, myth. His job had never been to fall for the way your face scrunched when you laughed or the way you got excited over the little things.

So, he promised to never appear unless you needed him. And knowing you, it would happen more often than desired.

You hummed as you cooked, mind elsewhere while the stove sizzled from hot oils spilling onto the cooktop. A familiar playlist played on your phone; it was filled with older music you had learned from your mother–– the kind of stuff she grew up with, the kind of stuff you forced yourself to know in honor of her. The hot oil popped on the stove, but you carried on dancing as you made yourself a drink.

And then you placed the rice into the pan and turned up the heat, and Michael couldn’t stop himself from sighing out a quiet, “no, don’t fucking do that.”

You jumped, a small shriek leaving your lips as your spatula clattered to the tile floor. When you turned, your eyes and mouth fell wide.

Michael stood from the dining chair on instinct, rushing to turn off the stove while you remained frozen in place. To him, your heartbeat echoed around the room, but he didn’t mind the sound. He swore he never would–– not after fearing that he would never hear it again.

Suddenly, you reached behind your body, tugging a knife out from one of the drawers and holding it up to threaten him. It was a small steak knife, but Michael knew that––if he had been human––it would do significant damage to one.

He laughed, and you shoved the knife his way. “Hey, hey, hey,” he said, holding up his hands in surrender. That was what the perpetrators did in the movies you watched. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

You stayed silent, fear clearly evident in your expression. He had seen it countless times over, and he never imagined he would see it because of his presence alone. Michael blinked, and his mouth went dry. You saw him.

“Holy shit,” he mumbled. “Can you actually hear me right now?”

You raised a brow, but you nodded slowly, nevertheless. “Wh-what are you–– why are you in my apartment?” you asked, raising the knife toward his chin. It seemed like a threatening gesture, but Michael was unfazed. The only thing about you that scared him was the look on your face every time you cried. (He tried not to think about the time you had died and came back to life.) “Who are you?”

“Uh, hi.” He glanced down at the sharp object. “Technically––“ he said, moving the knife away from his face, but you only pushed it back under his chin again. “––I’m not supposed to be physically here. I’m Michael. I’m your guardian angel, and you were about to burn your face off.”

“Yeah, okay,” you chuckled. “Hi, Michael, I’m gonna stab you now.”

“You actually can’t do that,” he said, rolling back and forth on the balls of his feet. His arms ached from being raised for so long. “I’m not alive. But you can try if ya want. I don’t have any blood but like, go right ahead.”

The terror had yet to leave your face, and Michael didn’t like that. He didn’t like a single thing about the interaction, and it terrified him to know that something had gone wrong. Something about your death had left him on the physical plane. Or, perhaps, you could see into his alternate dimension. Michael didn’t know a thing about science, but he knew that humans and souls could interact on a specific level depending on the transmitted energy. But you were not supposed to interact with Michael no matter what.

The knife nestled beneath his chin proved that something had seriously gone wrong.

You slowly lowered the weapon, and your heart-rate slowed, too. “D-do you want cash? Money? I don’t have a lot.”

Michael sighed and stuffed his hands into his pockets. “There’s gotta be a way I can prove it to you,” he muttered under his breath.

“I have an unopened back of gum,” you said. “That’s–– sorry, that’s not appealing. I, uh––“

“Y/N, I don’t want anything from you,” said Michael as he leaned against your magnet-cover refrigerator. “I’m just as scared as you are, it’s cool.”

“No, no,” you muttered firmly. You raised the knife once more. “It’s not cool. You–– you broke into my home. You–– are you stalking me? What do you want?”

Michael frowned. “I’m so sorry,” he spoke. “I didn’t know this would happen. I didn’t wanna scare you. I wasn’t exactly told how to deal with the clientele after they died and were miraculously resurrected.”

Your hand fell to your side, eyes widening once more while you stared up at him. He had never felt your gaze before–– it haunted him in a way he couldn’t explain. He never knew eye contact in any shape or form, and now he felt like he needed it.

“Yeah, uh, I’m just gonna leave for a bit,” he continued, “t’let you digest whatever happened. Please, make a salad or something. And don’t choke because then I’ll have to come right back, and you probably don’t wanna see me ever again, so––“

“Michael.”

“Yeah?”

You stared up at him, bottom lip bitten in while you crossed your arms over your chest. “Are you a ghost, or something? How did you know I died?”

“I guess, technically, you didn’t die ‘cos your heart just stopped beatin’, but––“

“But how did you know?”

Michael sighed. “I’m your guardian angel, pet. Supposed t’keep you alive. You weren’t meant to die yet.”

Your scowl transformed into a deep frown, and sadness replaced the fear in your eyes. He could sense the shift in demeanor–– it left you vulnerable, and the reminder of your accident only stirred up forgotten emotions. If Michael knew anyone better than he knew himself, it was you. Because he had known you for your entire life, and you were never supposed to know him.

“Uh, yeah, so–– I’ll catch ya later,” said Michael. “Maybe in like a month or two when you accidentally set fire to the kitchen again.”

He waited for you to say something. He waited for you to stop him again, and it was the little sliver of hope that forced an unbearable silence. The issue was that Michael knew you like the back of his hand, but all you saw was an intruder. A pale man who fed you excuses.

So, when you glanced down at the knife in your hand, Michael took that as an opportunity to vanish. But the feeling of your eyes burning into his skull never left. As it turned out, two minutes of contact with you made him feel more human than he ever had before.

-

Michael hadn’t expected to see you again so soon. He hadn’t expected to appear on a sidewalk of an empty street in the dead of night. He heard your breaths, he heard your heartbeat, but he also heard much more than that. He heard the panic that shook through your bones, all because a car had clipped the curb, and you weren’t ready to face that sort of trauma again.

He didn’t know how to approach you. Now, after the fear you had felt when seeing him for the first time, he wasn’t sure how to react. For the first time in his years of guardianship, he had been late to the scene. He didn’t know how to approach you.

“Aren’t you supposed to help me?” you asked, eyes casting down to your bruised knees. There hadn’t been an impact, that Michael knew–– you had a natural clumsiness that he both admired and despised. It made his job a lot harder than it needed to be.

Michael had been standing down the block, silent as he could possibly be, yet his presence was overwhelming. He didn’t have wings or a shiny golden halo, but an aura surrounded him. He was light and airy, and he was meant to hold warmth. He was meant for comfort. It didn’t shock him that you spotted him easily in the pitch-black night.

“You’re supposed to be my guardian angel, yeah?” You glanced over at him from your spot on the ground. “You’re supposed to help me. Then–– then why didn’t you keep that fucking car from almost hitting me?” Your breaths were heavy as you swallowed back tears, but the panic had returned. “Why didn’t you keep that other car from c-crashing into mine? Why didn’t you keep me from fucking dying?”

Michael wished he could disappear. He had never been faced with his own problems–– he only witnessed you deal with yours. And now, he had to answer for his actions, and he had to be brave about it. But seeing you so broken, so traumatized because of an event he could have prevented made him sick to his stomach.

He made his way down the sidewalk, and though he ached to carry on, he stopped once his feet reached you. He didn’t say a word as he sat down beside you and stared straight ahead. For all he knew, words would only be used against him.

Your breaths evened out after a few quiet moments, but the tears continued to fall. It was all his fault.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, clasping his hands together to keep them from twitching. “I wish–– I wish it worked that way.”

“Then––“ You inhaled shakily. “––h-how does it work?”

“I can’t protect you from every harmful thing life throws your way,” said Michael as he stole a glance at you. You had been looking at him. He was sure you saw him a lot differently now. Like a ghost, almost. “I’m like a conscience. I guide you a bit, help with decisions and stuff. I make you feel comfortable.”

“I don’t feel very comfortable right now,” you mumbled, eyes glassy from old tears.

He nodded. It stung, but he understood. “You’re not meant to see me,” he said. “You never were.”

“Does ev’rybody have a thing like you?” The way you spoke chiseled specks out of his chest–– you sounded damaged and defeated, and he wanted to be better. “A guardian or whatever?”

“Angel,” he chuckled. “Yeah. Everyone’s got one. But you’re the lucky bunch who gets to see my stupid face.”

And, as if it were some miracle, you let out a laugh, too. “’s not stupid,” you mumbled. “I just–– God.” You groaned, stuffing your face into your hands. “I feel weird for wanting to believe, you know? But you literally disappeared. Like, in the middle of my frickin’ kitchen.”

“Yeah, it’s kinda fun,” said Michael, smiling. “Jus’ popping in and out of existence. It’s a little disorienting coming in though. Kinda like coming back from the dead. I don’t exist otherwise.”

“What?” You hadn’t gazed elsewhere since Michael sat beside you, and your stare only intensified with each passing moment. “You don’t exist?”

Michael hummed. “Y’know how there are dimensions?”

You nodded.

“I’m beyond the third,” he said and set his hand flat against his knee to demonstrate. “My hand is the first and my other is the second. See it’s above it. The third is above that–– that’s where you are. The fourth dimension is gray area. You can interact with it but only when the planes intersect. Higher dimensions can always interact with those lower no matter what.”

“I’m lost.”

“It’s okay.” Michael chuckled. “If you fall on the third dimension, and I’m not on the fourth, then I’m some crazy number after that. So, I have always been able to see you, but you cannot see me. Or, like, you weren’t able to see me.”

You blinked a few times, and he could hear the cogs turning in your head. “Science is fucking nuts,” you breathed out, and he laughed. “How does that explain why you don’t exist?”

Michael shrugged. “I’m not alive. I only exist when you need me to.”

“You exist because of me?” you asked, your voice so soft it sent a shiver up his spine.

He nodded.

“Are you–– am I able to–– to touch you?”

“Touch?” asked Michael. “Darling, you nearly cut me with your knife.”

“Oh.”

He let out another laugh. The dynamic had changed in a positive way, and he swore to himself that he would never fuck it up again. “Give it a try,” he said, holding out his hand.

You looked up at him and back down at his hand, and you soon raised yours just above his. He could sense your reluctance, and he hoped you couldn’t sense his. Once your fingers brushed his knuckles, it hardly mattered. It was a sensation Michael had never felt before. A sensation that made him feel a little more human.

-

“What’s the danger tonight?”

Michael hadn’t seen you before your words hit him. He had appeared in the candy aisle of a convenient store, one hand gripping hard against the plastic shelving to keep himself steady. And, for the first time, he suspected nothing. For the first time, he didn’t feel your presence or understand why he stood where he stood.

“I, um––“ Michael turned around, and his stomach lurched at the sight of you. You were there in a simple pair of mesh shorts and your mother’s college sweatshirt. You were there, Red Bull in hands and eyes red and watery, and he immediately knew it was from tears. “I dunno,” he said with a shrug.

You let out a laugh. A dry laugh that took all of your energy to conjure up. “Okay,” you replied and stepped toward him.

“Did ya miss me?” he asked–– an honest attempt at trying to lighten the mood.

The close proximity made it easier to see the exhaustion in your features. You weren’t close to dying or in imminent, heart-wrenching danger. You just needed a friend.

You shrugged, eyes flickering down to glance at your shoes. “Don’t know you,” you mumbled.

Michael nodded. You were right. You had no reason to miss him–– you had no reason to want to. All he was to you was a product of imagination. You saw him as a figment, something that came from a tragic memory, and you had no reason to believe in his existence.

“Do you only have those clothes?” you asked and motioned to the faded plaid shirt he wore.

“I’m supposed t’blend in,” he said.

You chuckled, and he noticed that it had been more genuine than the last. “So, you don’t like, sweat or anything?”

“Sweat?”

“Yeah, sweat,” you said, yet he stared at you in confusion. “If you get too hot?”

“Oh.” Michael nodded at you and smiled. “Yeah, I can’t feel temperature. Well, I mean I couldn’t before. I dunno if that’s changed now that I’m kinda a physical being.” It was still weird to him. He had been a personified “being” from the start, but never existed on the physical plane you were on. And now that he did, he didn’t know what sort of laws he fit into.

He felt a little more human and a little less angel.

You looked behind you, eyes locking on the drink coolers until you turned back to face him. “Well, Michael, it doesn’t hurt to find out,” you said.

A pang of anxiety rushed through him; it wasn’t a new feeling, but he had only experienced it in relation to your actions. He never experienced nerves pertaining to his own self, and he wasn’t sure why he was nervous in the first place. “Yeah, guess you’re right.”

You opened the cooler door for him without warning, and Michael was suddenly hit with a new feeling that he couldn’t describe. A sensation that he swore he only imagined.

“Do you feel it?” you asked.

He swallowed. “Uh, I think.”

You reached your arm out and pushed him forward gently, and this time, the cold slithered up his arms and under his clothes. And he hated it. He hated every goddamn thing about it.

You shut the door.

Michael stayed silent for a moment or two, and then he looked at you. “I’m not–– uh, I’m not supposed to––“

You smiled warmly. It was the kind of smile that reassured him he was okay.

Because truth be told, Michael wasn’t sure he was okay. He had worried about you for your entire life, and now all he could think about was your gentle touch and the way you said his name. He could only think about the cold air on his skin and your warm gaze. It was more than he had ever known, for all he had known was you.

“I’m just gonna pay for this––” you said, holding up the small can of Red Bull.

Michael forced a laugh. He could remember the countless commercials he saw for the brand, and he could remember your offbeat commentary while you waited for reruns of your favorite show.

“––and then we can head out, if you want,” you continued. “Get you a new shirt or something.” You smiled at him again before making your way over to the cashier, and Michael had to restrain himself from disappearing right then. He didn’t even know if he had the capability to do that anymore. He didn’t even know what he was.

And then you were walking over again, eyes bright and smile so warm, it could melt him if you tried. Michael decided that, for the time being, he had no reason to worry. Not when he was with you.

-

You had fallen asleep on his shoulder.

On the walk back to your place, you talked about the accident. You talked about the cost, the recovery, the flashbacks, and more. You talked about the anxiety that crawled up your chest when you crossed the street, and you mentioned the ache that persisted where your ribs had once cracked. Your voice wavered as you spoke, and all Michael could do was listen. He knew it all––every single bit, but he still listened.

And then you were asking him if he had ever tried Thai food before, and Michael’s mind went elsewhere. He thought about the feeling of his shoes beneath the soles of his feet, and he thought about the weight of your gaze every time you talked to him. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. So, no, he had never had Thai food before. He had never needed food before.

“Well, then,” you had said, pulling out your phone while you opened the door to your apartment, “tonight it’s on me.”

You had ordered him fried rice, and you talked about your favorite restaurants in your hometown until the food arrived. Michael remembered the places you talked about as if he had been there yesterday. But he hardly thought more about your past when he was here living in your present. You placed the food directly in front of him and waited.

“Go on then,” you urged. “Baby’s first bite.”

Baby. Michael smiled and grabbed the fork. “Is that supposed to be an endearing term?” he asked you, and meanwhile, you sat on the couch beside him. Your knee brushed his.

“In the technical sense,” you began, “no. But it can be.”

He gave you a nod and took a big bite, allowing the flavors to settle on his tongue before chewing and swallowing. And Michael, well, he felt like crying. It was new, and it was too much. But he didn’t say a word about it. Instead, he gave you a smile and a thumbs up and carried on with his meal. He tried not to think about his life shifting before his eyes. If he even considered himself to have a life to begin with.

The night continued with mixed drinks and conversations about music and movies you thought he would like–– despite the fact that he knew he did like said music and movies. You sat close to him and chatted for hours, never mind the fact that you had purchased the Red Bull so you could work on a thesis for school. Michael didn’t want to stop you.

You handed him your phone at some point during the night, fingers grazing over his and sending sparks down into his skin. The feeling alone had made his heart stutter, and then Michael had to calm his breathing. He wasn’t alive. He wasn’t supposed to have a heartbeat.

You showed him videos and stupid pictures from your past meanwhile. You loomed over, shoulder against his while you pointed out your haircut from the year 2012. Michael was all too aware of you. He was all too aware of the tension in his shoulders and the stiffness in his posture. Because now, he could smell, and something about your perfume was absolutely intoxicating.

And then, you fell asleep on his shoulder in the middle of your favorite show, and he could no longer breathe.

The next time Michael felt fully conscious, he took in his surroundings. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed since he last saw you, but then he felt the weight on his shoulder. He felt an arm draped across his lap, and he heard your soft breaths in the room of white noise. Michael’s mouth went dry, and his eyes welled with tears. The clock on your phone read 3:23 in the morning. He hadn’t disappeared. He had fallen asleep.

You stirred beside him, eyes fluttering open while they adjusted to the soft light of a nearby lamp. Your eyes glistened, and your smile was tired––it filled his chest with an unfamiliar sensation.

But instead of moving away, you nestled closer, arm tightening across his torso while you settled your head against his chest. He knew you could hear his newfound heartbeat. He knew you could feel his warmth; he could feel it, too. His palms were moist with the sweat you had mentioned only hours prior.

“Mike,” you whispered against him.

He smiled and hummed. “’s that a nickname?”

“Yeah,” you said, “unless you prefer baby.”

That feeling returned in his chest, but he didn’t speak. You slowly looked up, eyes squinty and smile still stretched on your lips. And Michael didn’t know what he was feeling, but he knew it was a good feeling. He knew he wanted to move the stray hair that had fallen over your cheek, so he brushed it back behind your ear. He just hadn’t known how soft your cheek would be. He hadn’t known how much he’d find himself staring at your lips, desiring to know how they felt against his.

But he took the chance.

Your nose nudged his, and you smiled into the kiss. It was warm, delicate, and everything the movies had made it out to be like. It was everything he needed it to be.

-

Michael found himself in the hallway of your apartment building, arms reaching for the walls to keep himself composed. He wanted to cry. He wanted to scream–– he wanted it to stop. For once, Michael wanted nothing but to live. He didn’t know how much time had passed since he last saw you, or you last saw him. All he knew were his knuckles knocking on your door. All he knew was the look on your face when you opened to see it was him.

And then you said his name, breathy and sad like you hadn’t said it in ages. And then your arms wrapped around his shoulders in a tight embrace like you hadn’t held him in years.

“I thought it was over,” he whispered, clutching your sweater between his trembling fingers. “I thought I was here for good.”

“Michael,” you said again, pulling back. You cupped his cheeks and pressed a kiss to his lips, and he was suddenly aware of the tears slipping from his eyes. “It’s okay.”

He sniffed. “How long was I gone?”

You just shook your head and grazed your thumbs beneath his eyes. “Just a month,” you replied with a smile. “That’s all. I missed you.”

A sigh of relief escaped his lips. “Just a month?”

You nodded. You rested your arms against his shoulders, fingers slipping into his hair while you stared up at him. “Don’t leave anymore,” you said. “I know you can’t–– you can’t control it, but––“

“I promise,” he told you, and then he smiled, too. “I promise, baby. I’m not leaving you ever again.”

[simpracha]

Fanboy (MGC x Gamer) Pt. 1

Summary: Michael has been in love with Pixel Plays for as long as he can tell. When he finally gets to meet his celebrity crush, he’s taken away with her best friend.

A/N: this was a request but the request matched something I wrote like in 2015 so here it is but better lmao.

WC: 3.5k

Warnings: cursing. Luke dressed as He-Man. Michael in a wig. Calum being Cal. Ashton being a flirty shit.

---

“Michael, you look like you’re going to shit yourself,” Ashton told him. Michael was absolutely scared and it was written all over his face. His green eyes were a mix of pure fright and excitement, and had to be one of the best feelings.  He wanted to shake at the thought of what was about to happen. Ever since he woke up this morning, even after a night of barely any sleep, he wanted to jump straight out of his skin. He was both scared and could not wait a second longer.

Today was the day. Today he met his celebrity crush. It’s only been a decade of consuming everything this person did. It wasn’t a big deal at all.

“Shut up!” Michael spoke gruffly before moving to adjust his hair, slightly ruining the style of the wig he wore. Even now as a global rockstar, he found himself starstruck as he looked up at the building.

AGCICUN Con was in fool swing. Michael watched as people walked into the building, various costumes of the year's best characters. Some dressed as anime characters, some were of video games. He himself was dressed as King Grayskull. He kind of felt stupid with the large fur draping his shoulders but he had to admit he looked badass. It was at least fun to wear the emblem and the wig in the same style. And he felt free, like his balls could breathe, in the loincloth/skirt thingy he wore.

Ashton patted his shoulder, trying to comfort him. Out of all of them, Ashton opted not to dress up. Like usual, the eldest was ruining the fun. Luke spoke up before Ashton could, his He-Man costume showing off any abs he managed to get after his full breakfast, “Relax, mate. You’re only meeting the gamer you’ve been crushing on since 2010. No big deal.”

“Really, Luke?” Ashton shook his head at the blonde as they all walked in.

Calum laughed at them as they walked. He was dressed in a Bow costume from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. Apparently, he didn’t get their message to only do the original version of the show.

They were all practically naked from their costumes and judging by the way the fans reacted to their pictures this morning of themselves in Con costumes, they were more than happy with that as well.

Game soundtrack music played through the speakers, providing a nice ambience for them all. Michael could tell that right now it was the soundtrack from Journey playing. People filled around everywhere, chatter being heard all around the convention. It was nice to go to a place and go unnoticed for once in a while. Here, they were just weebs like the rest of the people who came. Michael felt some stress roll off of him the second they stepped foot inside.

“So where will the Pixel Plays meet and greet be?” Michael heard Ashton ask one of the guides. She quickly gave them directions and they were off.

Michael’s hands were shaking the closer he came.

Ever since 2010, when Pixie Nelson posted her first video, Michael had completely fallen for her. The first video was just her playing Resident Evil. She was beautiful, she was funny, and she was laughing. Michael thinks that’s what got him. Her laugh was beautiful, full of light melody. She had to be the cutest thing he’d ever seen. Her smile was dazzling white against her deep skin, reminding him of starry, twilight nights. Her eyes were a rich, deep brown. Her hair was in coily, dark ringlets around her face throughout the video. He still remembers the fact that she wore a pink beanie and an all pink outfit, calling herself a Pixie girl in the intro then laughing at herself since it was her name. She was adorable, awkward, and sassy. It’s been way too long of a crush on her. 

As he grew, he watched her videos and she grew along with him. When he was starting his first tour, she was reaching 100,000 subscribers and crying on video for them to see. Michael felt incredibly close to this girl he never met. Now, he has put four albums into a discography and travelled the world more than most people have left their home country. Pixie Nelson went from gameplays to voicing game characters in many games and writing animation scripts for a Netflix show. Now she wasn’t the same girl who wore a pink beanie and easily jump-scared. 

He easily felt as if he knew more about her than he did his own self. He knew she was born and raised in Atlanta. That she loved Kesha a little too much. That Pixie’s favorite color was pink and her favorite flowers were Odessa Calla Lilies because they looked like her skin. He knew her favorite game series she ever did was Sims 4 and Undertale. He knew the first show she ever appeared on was voicing a character on Gravity Falls. 

Michael didn’t fully understand the fact that all he knew about Pixel Plays were things you could read on her Wikipedia article. But that didn’t stop him from thinking about it.

“Aight, then, get in there, yeah?” Calum said, turning to him. Just a couple feet more and he’d be in her direct vicinity. Calum smiled at his friend and Michael just shook his head. He wanted to turn around and go home and act like he wasn’t so nervous.

He could perform on stage in front of thousands of people but he couldn’t even go up to the girl he’s been watching since he was 15.

“Hey, are you guys next?” a person said beside them and Michael turned quickly to the voice.

In front of him was a tall woman, at least 5’9”, with bright brown eyes, the same shade as amber when you look at it near a light. Her hair was dyed the same color teal as the outfit she wore. Michael figured it was probably a matching costume to Pixie, this girl dressed as Frosta from She-Ra. Pixie did tweet out that day that anyone on her team is dressed like She-Ra characters. She smiled at him, her flushed cheeks only more noticeable against her warm brown skin. So much for being a Frost Queen, huh?

Michael recognized her as Nitrix. One of Pixel’s best friends in the gaming community. She wasn’t as popular as Pixel, since she hasn’t played as long, but Michael enjoyed her videos just as much. She was funny in the dark kind of way that Michael liked. He adored her humor really. Nitrix, well Azalea Edwards, didn’t play full time like Pixie did. She was a writer, writing behind the scenes for shows and games, even soundtracks. Michael had to admit he did love any soundtrack she did.

“Whoa,” Azalea breathed out before any of them could say anything. She didn’t have to introduce herself though for Michael to know who she was, “You’re 5 Seconds of Summer.”

Luke laughed, pushing a blonde curl behind his ear. Michael rolled his eyes at the flirty nature of it, “Yeah, you know. We had to come support.”

“Uh huh,” Azalea turned back and looked at Michael with a smile. He noticed the smile she gave him was a lot different from the one she was giving the others, “You’re the gamer here. I’m assuming this is more of a you thing.”

“You know I game?”

“Pix and I are big fans. Loved the new album, by the way,” Azalea smiled again. Michael noticed that when she smiled, her tongue peaked through the space. She quickly turned away before he got the chance to admire her for a bit longer.

Fuck, why were all the gamer girls so pretty?

“Follow me to meet her,” Azalea spoke up and they quickly followed her.

“Dude, is that Pixie?” Ashton whispered to Michael once they were in front of her booth, waiting for the current guest to be done.

“Yeah.”

“Man, why didn’t you say she was fucking hot?”

Michael’s head snapped up and glanced through the screen that allowed people privacy during meet and greets. Now she was right in front of him, signing autographs, dressed up like Glimmer from the old version of the She-Ra shows. 

Michael felt his heart drop into his stomach. There she was, right there in front of him. He stopped walking and for a second, a quick second, he felt stupid. He felt as if this woman in front of him was going to take one look at him and not give a damn at meeting him. As if she would simply take a picture with him and move on. Michael didn’t want that. Not for a second. He wanted her to take one look at him, know who he was, and, fuck, he didn’t know. Fall in love with him?

“Alright, I’ll let her know her next guests are ready,” Azalea said with a smile, “Nice meeting you all.”

It was silent for a second before a low whistle came from Luke, “I don’t know, Mike. That girl seemed pretty darn cute.”

“You’re dating Sierra, bruh,” I looked at him and Luke quickly shook his head, his blonde hair falling into his face.

“No, no, no, I meant for you,” Luke reiterated his point, “Is she another gamer?”

“Yeah. Her tag is Nitrix but it’s Azalea Edwards.”

“You two would be cute together,” Luke said and Michael just shook his head. If he was to be coming out of this convention with anyone’s phone number he wanted it to be Pixie “Pixel Plays” Edwards. That and he didn’t know if he could imagine dating after the mess that was him dating Crystal in the end.

In the end, they drifted apart. She had her business to run as it took off. He was busy with the band, they never had time together. He loved her but it wasn’t the same as how it used to be. He couldn’t even tell the fans the truth of their relationship, that now they were just friends. It hurt way too much.

“Next!”

Suddenly, they were pushed forward. Or maybe that’s what it felt like for Michael. His feet moved with his own accord as his body felt like it was going completely numb. He blinked and he moved from shaking his head, looking at his best friends, to looking into the most beautiful pair of eyes he’d ever seen. The computer screens did not do justice at all to how her brown eyes twinkled.

“Hi, I’m Pixel Plays but call me Pixie!” she smiled at them, her smile never wavered. 

“Hi, we’re Ashton, Michael, Luke, and Calum,” Ashton spoke up first and Michael felt a pang of jealousy as she shook his hand but quickly shook it off.

“Oh, I know. You all are 5SOS,” Pixie spoke, the fakeness he was accustomed to when it came to interviews flying away, “Nice to know I have some fans in the music biz.”

“Yeah, no problem. We love your work,” Ashton’s voice grabbed at a flirtatious edge and Michael wanted to groan aloud. Maybe he should have called dibs. Then he shook his head.

You can’t claim people. Especially when they’re practically a goddess walking this Earth.

“Would you boys like a picture?”

“Yes, of course.”

They huddled around the camera, Michael ended up on Pixie’s right side. She slung an arm over his shoulders and smiled. The wind practically knocked out of the boy and he felt as if he was in the midst of puberty all over again.

Before he knew it, it was over. He didn’t even get to talk to her. Though he truly didn’t know what he would have said. Soon Azalea was in front of them again, looking pretty as ever, her makeup looking just a bit bluer oddly.

“Hey, sorry for the rush. We just got some news, Pix has to take care off so she had to cut your meeting short. If you want, you guys can stay in our lounge area and we can redo the meet,” Azalea’s tone was apologetic and Michael nodded. This wasn’t her fault. Maybe a one on one was the chance he needed to get to know Pixel better.

“I’m sort of hungry,” Cal rubbed his stomach and Luke agreed. 

“How about we go get some food and we come back for you guys?”

“Fine with me,” Ashton answered for Michael. Of course Ashton was going to stay when all Michael wanted was time to himself. He couldn’t blame him really, at least Ashton had the balls to try and go for Pixie. Michael had none of that going for him.

Calum and Luke waved and thanked Azalea before leaving the two of them alone with the Frosta impersonator. She smiled widely at them and Michael had the thought of wanting to see her smile all the time. The way her tongue peaked out had to be one of the cutest things he had ever seen. 

Azalea smiled under his gaze, her cheeks turning that ruddy color once again, “Follow me, boys.”

_-

“Hey, Pix, breathe for me?” I managed to come back just in time to see her stop her pacing and fall into her chair, defeated. It was enough to watch my best friend run around with her head cut off. It was more to see the look on her face of pure defeat.

Shit was really hitting the fan.

I grabbed her by the shoulders and sat beside her. It was a tough situation to navigate but if anyone could do it, it was us. 

“I can’t believe this is happening to me,” Pixie sighed, holding her head in her hands. She truly didn’t deserve this.

“You know what, this is going to be okay, huh?” I said, wiping a tear I saw come through the cracks in her hands. She nodded at my words.

“Besides, I think we could get away with murder if necessary.”

“I love you, Azalea. But please. Don’t kill someone for me,” Pixie giggled.

“Oh, no,” I laughed, “It’s totally just for me. Now let’s go meet these boys that we had to cut short.”

“Business as usual?”

“Business as usual.”

“Hi, Pixie will be in here in just a second, okay?” I came into the room where I left the two boys earlier. 

Our lounge room looked alot like other rooms we were used to at conventions. Two sofas, a changing area, a mini-fridge, some food, and a private bathroom. Nothing much. No matter how much we traveled, rooms like these, stayed the same. It was kind of grounding in a way.

Two men stood before me. One with hazel eyes, jet black hair, ruddy skin and the other dressed like King Grayskull with bright green eyes, a porcelain face and a smile like no other. It’s a shame he was so obviously a Pixie fanboy or else I would die to ask him on a date.

I’ve had the hugest crush on Michael Clifford since She’s Kinda Hot came out. Looking at him, dressed dangerously in that spiked jacket, black hair, filled my need for a pop punk man like him. It never really changed but I respected his relationship to Crystal enough to know it would have never happened.

“That’s fine, yeah,” Michael said and I sat down across from them, taking the opportunity of a break to check my emails.

“So, how long have you worked for Pixie?” I heard Ashton ask the question.  I looked up and smiled. Maybe they would want to talk to me.

I clicked my phone off before answering, “Well, Pix and I have been friends since middle school. So “work” is mostly just us both doing what we love.”

“She doesn’t really work for her,” Michael spoke up, his eyes busy and fixated on twisting the bracelet on his wrist, “she does her own stuff behind the scenes.”

“Yeah, truly,” I shrugged, “If people think I work for her, it’s fine. We’re just friends who so happen to be in the same line of work.”

“Oh, my apologies,” Ashton smiled charmingly. I could see why Pix was a total Ash girl then. Those dimples were so deep I could imagine drowning in them.

“It's fine, most people assume it,” I said and gestured to the snack bar, “Are you guys hungry?”

“Have anything vegan?” Michael asked and I got up to look through. He came over.

Michael and I stood shoulder to shoulder as we looked through the various snacks we were provided. A whiff of laundry detergent came from him with the same scent of fresh mint sprigs. It was a nice, purifying smell and part of me just wanted to bury my head in his neck. I shook the thought out of my head. 

Work mode, Azzy. Damn.

I gave him a small smile as I handed him one of the few vegan snacks they gave us, “Here ya go. Hope that satiates.”

“It’s much better than that, thank you.” Michael said, taking it. He blinked a couple times, the words he said running back through his head, “What the fuck did that even mean?”

I started to giggle, my hand flying up to cover my laugh, “I don’t know, I’m just as confused as you.”

“Fuck,” Michael breathed out a laugh, moving some of his hair out of his face with a free hand. The smile on his face never faded but crooked while he talked.

“I just wanted to sound smart.”

“Yeah? How’d that go for ya?”

“Not good. I just embarrassed myself in front of a pretty girl,” Michael said the words as if they meant nothing. They carried no wait for him.

They meant all the world to me. The words ran through my head a couple times. If I could have recorded this moment, I would have. A pretty girl, huh? He could have just been saying it but to think of the fact that Michael Clifford called me pretty was enough for me. 

I just smiled shyly, hoping none of my thoughts gave way as Michael looked at me. I just stared back into his green eyes. Was this our moment? 

Michael moved closer to me, cutting the space between us. It already wasn’t much to begin with but with the movement I caught another whiff of the mint on his breath. 

“So, are you gonna say something?” Michael whispered to me and my cheeks went a bright red.

Fuck, I was staring.

“Hey, guys!” Pixie came in just then, fucking grateful for her constant perfect timing. Michael quickly moved away from me, migrating to her. I gave myself the chance to breathe while they talked.

“So, I’m glad you boys enjoyed meeting Pixie,” I came back again after a couple phone calls dealing with Pixie’s quite major panic. I was pretty good at mediating some of her problems. It was a great break from my own boring problems.

Not that my problems were boring, far from it. I just wish sometimes they were different from the same thing over and over. Something to make me differ from my schedule for once. Like a boyfriend who had green eyes and was just like the King Grayskull. I don’t know just spitballing here.

“We loved it,” Ashton spoke up first, “Michael finally got to meet his celebrity crush.”

“Oh really?” I said and Michael nodded, “Did it live up to expectations?”

Michael tilted his head to the side in thought, the movement very catlike, “I don’t know if I’m honest.”

“Is she single?” Ashton said and I shook my head, “She’s in a very complicated, long-term relationship with her job. Sorry, kid.”

“Are you?” Michael said and I almost tripped over my feet. What would he give a damn about my relationship status. I wasn’t Pixel fucking Plays.

“I am, unfortunately,” I tried to keep my voice smooth and not give away exactly how I was feeling. Ashton walked ahead of us, catching sight of the other two at a game testing area.

“Not to be weird or anything but would you like to go for coffee some time?”

I blinked. As far as I knew, the Michael Clifford standing in front of me was in a long-term relationship. He also happened to be highly committed to loving Pixie. I did see his comments on her videos. 

“Hey, Mike! Come check this out!”

Michael turned back to me quickly before reaching out, yanking my phone out of my hands. 

“Hey!”

I got the small chance to protest before he handed the phone back, moving fast. Michael smiled up at me again, his green eyes shimmering beneath the costume, “Just promise you’ll call me. I have to go!”

I watched him walk off to his friends before looking down at my phone screen. I could barely process what was going on.

MICHAEL 

-From, Az-To Michael

-Hi, it’s the pretty girl from the con, Azalea.

He typed that message. To himself.

Oh, what the fuck is going on?

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