Protection Program //malum//

Chapter 1

I'm not sure how to add photos. So once I figure it out or if someone can help me, I'll post Calum's outfits

Calum left school, skipping down to the sidewalk with Ashton. 

"So, have you spoken to Josh recently?" Ashton starts.

Josh was the most popular boy in school. He is on the football team so everyone at school knows him.

"No, why?" Calum tilts his head to the side.

"He's always staring at you ad talking about you. I think he likes you."

Calum sighs, "Josh is cute and sweet but he's a bit too cocky just because he made varsity."

They arrive at Calum's apartment. Calum throws his bag down by the door. They walk into the living room.

"Holy shit! Why are you in my house?!" Calum panicks. There is a man in his house. His hair is dyed red and he has tattoos on his arms and a piercing on his brow. He grabs his phone quickly typing in three numbers. Before he can hit call his phone is grabbed out of his hand.

"I'm not a criminal, princess." The red haired boy smirks. "I was hired by your dad."

"Liar! Ash, help me!" Calum cries.

"Stop yelling." Michael groans. He steps closer to Calum.

"Get away!" Calum makes a dash for the door, Ashton right behind him.

Michael grabs his wrist and tugs him back.

"Stop being so loud, the neighbors will be worried."

"Let me go, creep!"

"Let me talk first." Michael says.

"If I let you talk, Ashton has to stay and you need to give me my phone back." Calum tries to remain calm.

Michael nods. He guides the boy to the table and pulls out a chair for them then sits across. He hands Calum his phone.

"Okay, are you gonna stop screaming?"

Calum nods his head.

"Good. I'm Michael Clifford. Your dad hired me to look after you as you are getting older. I'm not here to kidnap you or steal your shit."

"I don't believe you." Calum huffs. He clicks on his dad's contact name. After a few rings, he picks up.

"Calum?"

"Hi dad, I know you're probably busy-"

"Never. Not when it comes to you."

Calum smiles, "Uhm, there's a man in my home dad."

"Since you sound calm i assume it's Michael?"

"Yeah."

"Great! Are you getting along well?"

"Of course dad but why is he here?"

"To watch after you, pumpkin."

Calum frowns, "But why?"

"You're maturing so quickly, I just need you to stay safe. He'll be living with you for a while."

"But-"

"No buts, Calum. Please just do this one thing?" His dad sighs, "I can't watch you like when you were younger."

He sounds so concerned. "Of course dad. I'll visit soon."

"I'll be waiting."

They exchange goodbyes. Calum hangs up and sighs. He stands, looking at Michael. He actually looked at him without panicking and noticed the boy was extremely attractive.

"Well, lets go shopping Ash." Calum says. He stands up with Ashton.

Ashton looks up from his phone, "Sorry Cal, my mom is heading out. I need to go watch the kids before they reck the place."

"Ash, we always go shopping on wednesdays." Calum frowns. This was their weekly thing together. They would go together and help each other. Calum would buy Ashton new outfits he thought were nice on him and Ashton would tell Calum what he looks good in.

Ashton quickly wraps Calum in his arms, "I'm really sorry babe. You know I love spending time with you and I wouldn't miss a wednesday. Don't pout." He kisses the shorter boy's forehead, "I'll go with you tomorrow."

Calum hugs him back, "I'm sorry for whining. I get it. I'll see you at school?"

"Yeah. I'll text you. Sorry again."

He's out the door before Calum can reply. 

"I'll be in my room. I'm sure you've seen the guest room." He shouts as he goes into his neat room. He smiles slightly at the pleasant scent in his bedroom. His walls are white and his bed sheets a nicen baby pink. He has wire strung along his walls with dozens of polaroid pictures clipped to them. They have him in them with Ashton and Luke. 

Calum sighs before dropping onto his bed he slips his Mary Janes off and crawls ontop of the comforter. His soft bed comforts him immediately. Suddenly there is a knock at his door.

"Come in." He raises his voice.

Michael opens the door, "If you want to go shopping I'll take you."

"But Ash always tells me what looks good and what doesn't."

Michael smiles, "I'm capable of doing that too."

"Even makeup?"

"Even makeup."

Calum huffs. He sits up and slides his shoes back on. He puts his shoulder clutch on and walks to Michael. "Show me your car."

Michael smirks and tugs Calum outside and around the building. 

"Tada!"

It's a slightly beaten up truck. Calum thinks it's cute though.

"Alright. Take me to the mall, Michael."