on the flip | c.h.

One // 5 Seconds of Scoping

Damian hands me the tray of drinks.

"Stop lying, Caroline." She says and walks away.

I pick up the tray and head back.

"Like I was saying before Ashton rudely interrupted me: she's gorgeous, Cal." I hear Michael say.

I stop and wait outside.

"I know, but I only met her today. It would be weird to ask her out." Calum says.

"Plus, he only knows her first name." Ashton adds.

I nod.

They stay quiet.

"Hey, Caroline." I hear Michael say.

Shit.

I walk in with a small smile on my face.

"You're a bad eavesdropper." He says as I set the drinks down.

"No, you were just using the force." I put my hand on my hip.

They all laugh.

I look out of the corner of my eye and see Calum staring at me.

"You're all obviously hungry. What'll it be?" I ask.

Michael wants lasagna.

And spaghetti.

But then lasagna.

And Ashton wants fettuccine.

And Luke wants spaghetti.

And Calum wants spaghetti too.

And Michael is ready for a refill.

This should be an interesting night.

-

Long story short, Calum didn't ask me out.

However, Ashton did.

And I think that set Calum off.

So, I'm getting ready for a date.

"White blouse. Navy cardigan. Acid wash joggers. White wedges." Peggy lays out my clothes.

"I would be naked without you." I tell her.

She laughs and sits down while I change.

"So, why can't you tell me who this mystery guy is?" She asks me.

I sigh.

"Because he's famous. I told you."

"I don't believe you." She rolls her eyes.

"Be here tonight. I'll get him to stop by."

The doorbell rings.

I look over my outfit.

"Can't I meet him now?" She asks.

I run to the door and open it.

Ashton is wearing a long sleeve light blue shirt and dark jeans, with converse, of course.

"You look great." He smiles.

I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Thanks. You too. Would you mind coming inside? I have to finish getting ready."

"No problem." He says.

I close the door behind him.

"Uh, there's beer in the fridge and water. Peggy can show you around." I say as I walk into my room.

Peggy jumps up and stares at me.

"Go!" I whisper.

She runs out of the room and whimpers.

"Hi!" I hear Ashton's cheery voice.

I laugh and walk into the bathroom.

I pop in my silver earrings and dig around for my purse.

I trip over some clothes and fall backward, but a pair of big hands grab my waist.

I turn around and smile at Ashton.

"Thanks." I breathe.

He laughs.

"Ready?"

I grab my purse and clutch the inside of his arm.

We get into a black Mercedes and pull off.

"So, where are we going?" I ask him.

"You'll see." He says without looking at me.

"Ashton, tell me."

He places his hand on my knee.

It's feels nice, comforting.

"Tell me about you, Caroline." He says.

I sigh.

"I was born in Zimbabwe-"

"Wait, like, Africa?" He looks at me.

I giggle and nod.

"Yeah. I moved here with my parents when I was 12. I've lived in L.A. ever since. I'm a photographer and a painter, but for now I just work at Westgate."

"How long have you known Peggy?" He asks.

"Since I moved here. She's been my best friend since 7th grade. I don't know what I'd do without her." I admit.

He smiles.

"That's nice." He rubs my knee.

"You're like my brother." I blurt.

"What?"

I laugh a little.

"My brother. He used to do that all the time." I tell him.

"Well, I'm glad I can make you feel comfortable- or uncomfortable, rather?"

I laugh.

"No, it's nice."

The car comes to a stop.

Ashton runs around to my side to help me out.

The driver and a man who was sitting in the front seat escort us inside.

This is new.

We take our seats at a table in the back.

"Why'd you ask me out if you don't like me?" I ask him.

"You must be the queen of starting awkward conversations." He folds his napkin and shakes his head.

I laugh a little.

"Sorry, just wondering."

"How do you know I don't?"

"Girls can tell. Answer my question!"

"I'm scoping you out for Cal."

I laugh loudly.

"I need to be scoped out?"

"Can't have my best friend dating a hooker."

I laugh again.

"C'mon, I'm not that funny." He rolls his eyes.

"Yes, you are. So, how am I doing so far?"

"You're not his type. At all."

My heart hurts.

"But that's good. Because we're all tired of his type."

"Which is..." I prod.

"Totally opposite of you."

I think about.

"Yikes."

He laughs this time.

"Yeah. He's gonna like you."

AYEEEE. new fanfic. Super excited for this and I hope y'all are too. Enjoyyyyyy(:

(Anybody wanna make a Caroline/Calum ship name?)