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"Are you sure you're fine with us drinking? I can just order something without alcohol if you would prefer that." Awsten smiled at Michael, he really was one of the sweetest guys he's ever met. Only last week they had played Michael's shows at Fonda and Luke had suggested they all go out for dinner - Waterparks and 5 Seconds Of Summer. And now that they were all sitting together in the VIP area of some Irish Pub, Awsten could not be any happier. He didn't really care if the others wanted to drink.
"It's okay, don't worry. Order whatever you want," Awsten replied, holding eye contact with Michael for a little longer than necessary. When he realized, he looked back at the menu, hoping that nobody would see him blush.
Soon later, they had all ordered their drinks and food and Awsten decided to just lean back and listen for a moment. Usually, he was yapping nonstop, but right now it felt right to listen. He loved the dynamic the boys of 5SOS had with each other - he recognized it from Otto, Geoff and himself. It was so effortlessly easy.
"So, Michael, tell me," Awsten looked at Otto when he started a conversation with Michael. He had a feeling that Otto would come up with some weird topic to talk about. "How was it to kiss Awsten?" Luke almost choked on his Tequila Sunrise at the question and honestly, Awsten could absolutely relate to that reaction.
"Uh- what?" Michael blushed and laughed. It was that high, nervous laugh Awsten had gotten used to over the last few months. Michael slowly grabbed his beer and took a sip but it was obvious he wouldn't escape the question that easily. "It was... good? I don't know, what do you want me to say?"
Awsten watched as Michael started to fidget with his rings and decided to jump into the conversation. He knew it was kind of evil but he loved messing with Michael. "Well, apparently my breath smells like pickles, so I guess it was absolutely horrible for him. I mean Michael said it himself, unfortunately we had to do multiple takes. And ugh, did you see that kiss on stage at Fonda? Horrible. Poor soul." Awsten grinned at Michael, watching him blush more with every passing second.
"I think I have never seen Michael that red before," Ashton giggled and took a sip of his drink.
"I hate you all," Michael mumbled and busied himself with drinking more of his beer. Awsten watched him for a moment. He looked absolutely flustered and incredibly pretty. For a second he got flashbacks to the second night at Fonda - he had felt so proud when Michael had began to stutter because of him. He felt the same pride right now and he feared he would get addicted to that feeling.
Soon later they all had their food and the conversation had moved on but all Awsten could really focus on was Michaels presence next to him. Michaels leg was bouncing as he ate so Awsten changed his position so his leg would rest against Michaels. In response, the bouncing died down and Michael leaned back for a moment, looking at his food. Awsten felt that something was off, so he grabbed his phone and opened his notes.
He typed 'Are you okay?' and nudged Michaels arm with his phone to get his attention. When the taller man read the question, he just smiled and nodded in response. So Awsten let the topic go and focused back on his food and the conversations at the table.
About 2 hours and 4 drinks later they were all pretty tipsy - except for Awsten. He was still sipping a non-alcoholic cocktail that tasted like strawberries. And that was fine for him. He enjoyed the vibe and the fact everybody respected his decision on not drinking. Especially Michael was still very sweet with it. Every time he wanted to order something new to drink he made sure it was still okay for Awsten that he was the only sober one.
"I will go to the toilet guys, be right back," Michael stated and got up. Immediately, Awsten shivered. His right side suddenly felt pretty cold. It was then that Awsten realized how close together they had sat for the past hours.
"Are you freezing without cuddling with Mikey?" Calum joked as he watched Awsten cuddle into his sweater, but the blush on Awstens face made everyone realize that Calum was more than right. The boys giggled but didn't pick on Awsten any further, which kind of surprised the singer, but he was actually really glad they didn't.
Some moments later Michael came back and sat back next to Awsten, although with more distance than before. Awsten wanted to whine and cuddle into Michaels side, but he held back. But when after some minutes Michael still didn't really relax, Awsten grew kind of worried. He figured that the others were focused on their conversation, so he slightly turned towards the taller man. "Mikey, are you sure you're okay?"
Awsten could see how Michael thought for a second and he knew for a fact that something was bothering him. Then, he sighed and turned more towards Awsten.
"It's just... God this is so stupid, please don't laugh at me. I- Well, I kind of feel bad for saying bad things about kissing you... I don't want you to think that I actually meant that... Like, with your breath smelling like pickles and stuff. It's, uhm, I wanted to apologize for that." He was rambling and his eyes were big. Michael looked like a kicked puppy and it made Awsten realize how much Michael must have been overthinking everything they've said.
"Hey, calm down. I didn't take any of that serious, okay? I know you didn't mean it and you certainly don't have to apologize for that, yeah?" Without realizing, Awsten had taken Michaels hand under the table.
"By the way, your breath smells like strawberry...," Michael admitted quietly, a blush spreading over his cheeks. He might just be the cutest drunk Awsten has ever seen. Awsten couldn't help himself as his eyes flickered down to Michaels lips for a second. Ever since the Give Me A Break music video he had stared at them more than he would like to admit.
"Fuck, I really wanna kiss you again" Awsten didn't even realize that he had voiced his thoughts until Michael shyly leaned forward and kissed him. It was soft, it was sweet and it was making him dizzy.
And while his friends were drunk, he was drunk on something that might be love.