As The Memories Fade // c.h.

“Do you have anything without holes in it? For Christ’s sake, Calum.” I grunted, going through his open suitcase. I heard the boys giggling behind me, but chose to ignore them for the time being. Finally, after what seemed like forever, I found a shirt that was suitable. I held up the sleeveless plaid button-up for a second inspection before nodding to myself. “This will work.” I said, standing up. “Now, Ashton. Where—are you recording me?” I crossed my arms when I saw how Calum had his phone out, camera facing me. He flipped it to face him briefly, pulling a face, before lowering the phone.

“Keeking, actually.” He grinned. Michael and Luke burst into laughter, but I didn’t see what was so funny.

“Keek? What is a Keek?” I asked, stepping over a pile of clothes towards Calum. He took the shirt from my outstretched hand as Michael began explaining.

“It’s like Vine, just the videos are longer.” He said. I furrowed my brows even further at that. Vine? Keek? Michael must have seen that I was still confused, so he motioned me over to him. I crossed the few feet of space between us and looked at the phone he was holding out. A short clip played, then repeated. “This is a vine. Some are really funny. Here’s the Keek we just made.”

I watched as a slightly grainy version of myself ruffled through the suitcase, complaining (very loudly) the entire time about Calum’s lack of ‘decent, presentable clothing’. My eyes widened when video me turned around.

“God, does my hair really look like that right now?” I asked in a horrified tone, my hands immediately going up to inspect. When the video ended, I saw the caption Calum had posted with the Keek.

’She’s on one of her rampages again haha’

“I take it this is something we go through quite often?” I deadpanned, crossing my arms to look at him. He merely grinned.

“Yup. Last time it was because Luke ate the last of your birthday sweets. You raged around the house, looking for him for like thirty minutes.” Ashton piped up. When I turned to look at Luke, he lifted his hands in surrender.

“Don’t be mad! I didn’t know you wanted them still.” He defended, looking somewhat scared for his life. I figured I had probably already gotten him back for the offence, so I just shrugged.

“You probably got what you deserved already anyways.” I dismissed. Ashton let out a giggle, but before he could say anything, a man with a clipboard and headset appeared in the doorway.

“The opening bands are almost done. You guys need to get ready.” He ordered.

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“Stop messing with it!” I hissed, whacking Calum as he picked at his hair yet again. He huffed loudly, gaining giggles from the other three lads who were standing merely feet away. I’d missed my opportunity to stand out in the crowd, so Calum had me follow the band backstage with him. The surly stage manager told me that as long as I stayed out of the way of the crew, I’d be allowed back here. I wasn’t sure if I liked the paunchy, balding man, but Luke assured me that we wouldn’t ever have to deal with him again on the tour, as stage managers worked for the arenas in which the band were performing. Since Phoenix only had one tour date, that meant one performance. The stage manager came over to us and told the boys it was time to go out on stage.

“Good luck, guys.” I said as Ashton began leading them onto the stage. Calum took a step away from me, but I held him back, grabbing his wrist. Like I had done when he carried me to the car from the interview in Los Angeles, I leaned up and pecked him on the cheek. “Thought you might want some extra good luck, what with the pressure of performing for your girlfriend and all.” I quipped, smirking at him. He scoffed.

“Excuse me, but I’ll have you know that you have never once complained about my performances on stage.” He said, mocking offense. I giggled, reaching up to pat him on the cheek.

“We’ll see if that holds once tonight is over, alright?” I retorted. He let the bass hang from its strap so he could put his hands on his hips.

“You’re just full of sass tonight, aren’t you?” He asked. I simply shrugged, giving him the most innocent face I could muster.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I replied.

“Calum Hood! Stop flirting and get out here!” Ashton’s voice echoed through the sound system, followed by a rise in the screaming of fans in the audience. With one last glance at me, Calum followed his band mate’s orders and walked out onto the stage.

“Hello Phoenix!” He called out as soon as he reached the microphone. “You ready to rock?” Moments after he spoke, Ashton started up a drum beat, and the song began. The fans knew which song it was, because they immediately started freaking out.

“I wish that I was 18…” Luke began singing.

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“Hello everybody! We’re 5 Seconds of Summer!” Ashton said as soon as the first song was over. “I’m Ashton.”

“I’m Michael!”

“I’m Calum.”

“And I’m Luke!” After each introduction, the volume of the crowd went up a little.

“Are you ready for the next song?” Ashton asked. The crowd roared in response.

“Hold on—I just want to apologize real quick for being late on stage. My girlfriend over there was giving me some major sass.” Calum interrupted, pointing to me. Even though I couldn’t be seen by anyone other than the four boys on stage and a handful of stage crew members, I felt myself blushing profusely. “And since I was interrupted before I could give it back, Miss Rose Cleary, this one is for you!” He gave me a cheeky wink before reaching up and running his hands through his hair. On their way back down, he also unbuttoned a few buttons on his shirt. The audience’s screams went up in volume again.

I, on the other hand, was speechless. He had definitely won the sass-off. I crossed my arms and sent a fake glare his way. Michael laughed.

“Don’t think you’re getting any tonight, mate.” He quipped. Calum imitated my pout, though his was filled with a lot more smugness than mine.

“Aw, don’t give me that look, babe.” He cooed mockingly before winking yet again and turning back to the audience. “Now, who’s ready for another song?”

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We've almost made it to 10 chapters, my lovelies! And we are over 20 comments! That has made my day. =))

I really hope you liked this chapter! It was meant as a sort of break from all the heavy, dense things happening. Wasn't it nice to see the two of them act almost couple-y? Aww.

Like this story? Then you should tell everyone you know! Read it to your grandma at the next family gathering! Print it out and tape it to your enemies' lockers at school! Or maybe don't do either of those and just talk about it on tumblr or to friends who also like 5SOS. Whichever floats your boat!

Until next time! <3