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BEFORE YOU GET YO PANTIES IN A TWIST AND TELL ME I STOLE THE IDEA FROM THE BOOK: THE SELECTION, I HAVE READ THEM ALL, I LOVE THEM ALL TO DEATH AND THIS IS JUST INSPIRED BY IT ALRIGHT SO DONT KILL ME.

All Michael could do was walk around the streets, as he waited for his dad to cool off a bit. He silently lifted his head up, looking at people chatting on the street, smile's on their faces. One women has long blond hair, a white dress hugging her small body as she chats with another women. This women has short brown hair, black pants and a white blouse adorning her body.

The blonde women was obviously a Three, with her expensive looking sunglasses and her rings. The brown haired women is a Five, though. The Three's were most known for the fact that they were teachers or writers, while people who had the title Five were musicians or painters. Michael bowed his head as he walked past them, both of them had a higher rank than him, Michael himself being a Seven.

As he walks by though, he accidentally picks something up from the conversation the two women were having. ''According to Celesta, the Royal Family is starting the selection in a few weeks.. The news will tell the people more tonight..''

All Michael can think about that Celesta is most likely a Two. People with the rank Two sometimes have connections inside the Palace, or are somewhat acquaintances with King David or Queen Joy, or the prince, Calum. He frowns at her words though, not really knowing what to do with himself as he carries on walking, this time towards his house, because, Michael has a twin sister, Mikayla, and she might join the Selection.

Well, she probably won't want to, but his dad will force her into doing it, and if he wouldn't force her, their mom will probably do so. Michael wouldn't even dare to force her, seeing as the girl has gotten quite strong since she grew up.

As Michael sped along the side walk, people stared at him weirdly. It was obvious that the boy was a Seven, his thin legs carrying him across the road as his old and ragged pair of old jeans his father used to wear hugged them. His lose black t-shirt was way too big on him, also coming from his dad's closet.

People could always tell which rank you had, sometimes even by the way you walked, talked or even the colour of your eyes. Michael had green, though, which wasn't seen by many people under the rank Seven.

As Michael sped home, he realized his dad was going to be so proud of him. Since Michael had told his dad about being gay, and the grumpy man had to actually go to the town hall with his son to register his sexuality, his dad had hated Michael.

You were supposed to register your sexuality before you turned sixteen, which was two years ago for Michael. His dad had hated him for over two years.

As Michael pushed open their front door, more like a piece of wood, he heard his dad laugh, his mom's voice soon following after, which meant the man had cooled down from smacking Michael across the face.

''Dad, Mom, Mikayla! I have news!'' He yells as he enters the living room. His parents look at him with wide eyes, his sister storming into the room seconds after Michael had yelled his name.

''Did you take the job at Mr.Renoldsen's house?'' His dad asked the younger boy, him not wanting to take the job being the reason Michael was hit in the first place.

''No dad, but I will tell him I will do it tonight. But I have bigger news! I heard from a women, who's a Three, who was talking to a Five, that a friend of hers, a Two, that the Selection is going to start in a few weeks, which means Mikayla will get her letter.'' He made huge and wide hand motions with his hands while talking, to add more effect to his words.

''You were eavesdropping Michael?'' His mom asked her son as she stood up and frowned. ''I swear I wasn't, I was just walking by! But do you know what this means! Mikayla can join and marry the Prince!'' Michael, again, makes huge hand motions, his left hand almost smacking Mikayla across the face.

''That's amazing news Michael!'' His dad's loud and low voice echo's trough the small living rooms, bouncing off the walls and into Michael's body, making him shiver. ''Go tell Mr.Renoldsen you will clean his house every week, and we'll see if the rumours of the Selection starting soon are true.'' Michael dismisses himself with a nod, turning around and walking outside his small house, turning the street so he sees the old man his villa.

As Michael sits down on the ground in front of their small television, the emblem of Illea appears on the screen. His sister is seated next to her brother, nervously fiddling with her fingers as her blue eyes look at the screen. Of course she's nervous, what if The Selection starts in a few weeks?

''Its starting!'' Michael's mom was bouncing on the couch, awaiting the moment they would announce the Selection officially. Every single citizen knew that when the Prince turned eighteen, it would just be a matter of time before the forms the girls would have to fill in, would arrive.

''Good Evening Illea citizens! I am Gerard Flickerson and tonight is a special night, my friends. Today, the King and Queen are officially announcing the Selection! But first, let's talk about some news a lot of citizens in the Southern States have heard.. The tax is getting lowered from now on, just like in the Middle and Northern States.

Now on to the Royal Family, good evening, Prince Calum, are you nervous?'

Michael's mom sighs as the energized man that has presented the news every single week since Michael could see, walks over to the Royal Family. The microphone gets pushed into a tall, light tinted, black haired boy and he nods.

''I guess so? I mean, I may have a Fiancé in a few weeks.'' He answers Gerard's question like a pro. The Prince is calmness himself as he stands on stage next to his also very calm mother and father.

''About that, what is the specialty around it all? Would you please tell us, King David, or Queen Joy?'' Gerard's green eyes are focused on every single Royal family member, but mostly on Calum as he awaits an answer. He's just as curious as every single citizen with a television.

''I will do it.'' Queen Joy grabs the microphone from her son, and takes a few steps forward to be able to stand on the middle of the stage, and sighs.

Michael could hear his sister holding her breath, his dad grabbing the couch just a little harder and his mom let out a worried squeak as all of their eyes were fixated on the screen, awaiting the words that would come out of the Queen her mouth.

''As many of you know,'' She started formally, her hands shaking just a tad bit, ''The Selection is something that gives citizens the chance to have contact with us, the Royal family, I myself have had the experience of living in the castle as a Four, before marrying the man of my dreams. But, this generation is going to be different. Our son, Illea's son, is gay,''

It falls completely silent in the entire country, it feels like. Michael slowly turns his head to look at his father, whom was already staring at his son.

''This means that there won't be a Selection for girls, but all boys from the age of eighteen may apply to the competition.. Also, this time it won't be thirty-five boys, it will be just twenty.''

Gerard claps his hands as he gets the microphone back from the Queen. The camera follows her back to her place, where she grabs her son's hand and entwines their fingers.

''Exciting news, your Highness.'' And then the formal talk starts. When the forms will arrive, which dates they have to be hand in at the local town hall, when the winners are announced and some news about a few models and singers.

''Well, I guess having a queer in the family isn't that bad.'' Michael frowns as he hears those words coming out of his dad's mouth. ''Daryl! You can't ju-''

Michael's fist is colliding with his dad's cheek before the younger boy knows it, and he runs out of the house without a word.

The next few weeks are going at the speed of light, it seems. Michael apologizes to his dad the moment he comes home, two days later. He fills in the form, hoping to make the man happy for at least trying, because Michael knew that he wasn't born to rule a country. He went to the town hall with his mom a few days later to hand in the form, and they took a picture, which isn't that bad, but Michael had a huge black eye that day. And now, two weeks after that, his whole family is surrounding the television in their tiny living room, awaiting the announcement.

''Let's announce the winners!'' Gerard's energized, as always as he grabs the paper with the names of the boy's who won.

''A picture will appear on the screen with every boy I name, the first time that our Prince will see them.'' The tension in the small living room was through the roof at this point, all four of the Clifford's excited, but scared.

''Jonathan Cristen, rank: Three.'' A boy with red hair appears on the screen, his almost white eyes piercing trough Michael's soul. You could see Calum's reaction in the left corner of the screen, and he was smiling.

One down, nineteen more to go, Michael thinks as he watches the Prince every move. His brown eyes are fixated on a small tablet in his hands as he gets to see his maybe future husband through a picture.

After about fifteen names, Michael can feel that his family lost hope. Not that Michael hoped in the first place, but still in his gut he can feel an empty feeling as he hears the next four names.

''Yeah, Michael this is-''

''Michael Clifford, rank: Seven.'' His sister's sentence got interrupted by Gerard's voice. Michael's eyes widen as he sees his picture, with the black eye, appear on the screen and he hears his dad groan.

The only thing Michael can focus on, though, is Calum's reaction.

The Prince is frowning.

--

Michael sighed as he dropped his tired body on his mattress on the ground, hoping that he didn't wake his sister as he turned around to face the wall. The week full of formal talk, information, pictures, more information and trips to the town hall went by like a train. Michael's body is exhausted from working, listening and practising.

But, tomorrow was the day he would leave. He will be picked up in a car, a vehicle he has never set foot in, and driven to town hall so people could say goodbye to him before he left. Not that Michael cared, he only hoped to see his dad smile for once. He turned around again, trying to see his sister in the darkness as he smiled at her sleeping figure.

No matter where he'd go, he will always think about her.

As Michael sat down in a comfy chair on the airport, guards around him, he let out a long hold sigh. ''Hey!'' He turns his head to look at the door. A tall blonde boy smiles at Michael as he shows his Illea Identity card. The guard nods at him, and the blonde makes his way towards the chair next to Michael.

''I'm Luke, Luke Hemmings!'' Michael nods at the boy as he looks at the clothing the blonde is wearing. (every boy who won had to wear the same today. Black skinny jeans and a white button up) But somehow, Luke made it look good.

''I'm M-'' Michael didn't even get to finish his sentence before Luke spoke again, ''I know! You are the Seven! Everyone in Burdar talks about you! You are the one with the lowest Rank! It's an honour to meet you!'' Luke's voice was full of honesty and excitement. Michael smiles at the energized boy as he opens his mouth once again,

''Really? I didn't know I was that special, I'm just doing this to make my dad happy to be honest.'' Michael made a promise with himself right there and then, he wouldn't lie trough this whole competition, he hoped to make a friend.

''Well, that's interesting. I don't have any real feeling for the Prince yet, but hey, that may come, right?'' Michael just nodded. ''I am a Two by the way.'' Michael looks at Luke, his mouth agape.

''A-a T-Two?'' Luke nods, and Michael bows stands up before bowing down, hands on his knees. ''I am so sorry.'' He apologizes, hoping the friendly boy would forgive him.

''Don't be silly! I'm not a Royalty! I'm not as mean as most Two's, I like hanging out with lower Ranks for some reason, they are way more interesting that the Two's I'm forced to talk to.'' Luke rants as he mentions for Michael to sit down. Even though the blue eyed boy kind of said he wasn't mean, he immediately sat down, listening to Luke's order. Luke didn't seem to worry about it, though.

''What is there so interesting about people who work their asses of just because they are a lower Rank?'' Another boy enters the room. His words make Luke frown. ''I'm Xavier, but you can call me Xav.'' The black haired boy sits down next to Luke, nodding at the two boys already seated.

''I'm Luke Hemmings. And to answer your question: These people actually go through stuff. The people I have to talk to always complain about their maid not working hard enough, stuff like that. It's not interesting!'' Luke says, his hands following his words as he talks.

Michael listens to the boy, and nods in agreement. ''I'm Michael Clif-'' And again, he gets interrupted.

''I know you! Everyone talks about you in Empera! You are the Seven! And you had a blue eye on your picture.. Where did that come from?'' Luke's eyes widen, ''I totally forgot to ask that!''

Two pairs of eyes stare at Michael with pure concern and he smiles. ''It was my dad.. He was in a bad mood the day before the picture was taken, but don't worry, he does it often.'' Michael's words didn't seem to assure the two boy's in front of him.

''He does it more often! What the he-'' Before Xavier could possibly explode further, a guard walked into the room. ''Your plane has arrived, you will leave to the palace in three minutes.''

All of the boys grab their stuff like a pair of dogs before walking out of the room. They all followed the guard until they were outside. Michael gasps as he sees the plane. ''I'm guessing you haven't used a plane before?'' Michael shakes his head as an answer to Luke's question.

''Me neither, so we're fine.'' Xavier buts into the conversation as if the boys have known each other for years, and they all laugh.

''What kind of job do you do, Luke?'' Xavier asks as they walk up the small stairs to enter the plane. ''I'm a model. I let people take pictures of me and get money for it. I've also done a few commercials for cars, but they only show these to Three's and Two's.'' Luke says. Michael stares at Luke in surprise. Luke notices as the door to the plane opens automatically, and they walk in.

''Is it that easy for you to make money?'' Xavier asks the question as if he knew Michael wanted to do it too, but couldn't. ''Yeah, I guess.. What do you guys do?'' He asks as they sit down. Luke sits down next to Michael once again as Xavier takes his place across from Michael, a small table separating them.

''I clean houses and cook for people.'' Michael says as he fastens his seat belt. ''I paint and sing at people's parties.'' Xavier is a Five. Michael could've guessed it by the way Xavier's fingers were so long, and his voice was so delicate.

''That seems like fun.'' Luke comments as he puts both of his elbows down on the table, his head placed on his hands. ''Yeah, it's fun, but not enough to make money for a family of seven.'' Xavier whispers.

''Me and my sister are forced to take every single job we can, because our dad wants to climb higher in the Ranking system.. My mom cleans our house and tends other people's gardens. We barely eat, and I have to wear my dad's clothes all the time.'' Michael tries to make Xavier better about his life situation, but it only earns him a concerned Luke.

''What?! O my god! How can you guys live?!'' Luke's face shows pure concern as he makes eye contact with both of the boys, making them chuckle. ''It's okay, we're used to it. My mom used to be an Eight, before they abolished that rank. Now she's a Five because she married my dad..'' Xavier shrugs his shoulders, as if it was nothing.

''My mom was a Three.. She married my dad out of pure love, and became a Seven.. She used to be a teacher, she taught me and my sister how to speak, write, read and all that stuff.'' Michael shivers as he thinks about the man his dad had become, if his mom made the right choice or not.

After a few hours of flying, a loud and low voice came through the speakers, ''We will land in just five minutes. Make yourself ready and grab your bags. You will meet the rest of the gentleman in the castle.'' The three boys grab their stuff like three robots, and wait for the landing.

''Welcome to the palace!'' As the small group of gentleman, existing only out of Luke, Xavier and Michael, walk into the huge doors of the castle, a very cheery woman greets them. The woman is tiny, not taller than five foot and five inches. Her long brown hair falls to her hips as she motions for the three boys to give their bags to the guards surrounding them.

''Your bags will be brought to your rooms. Your rooms are costumed to your life style. I am Stella and I will be your teacher and mentor here.'' She makes a reverence, and turns around. Michael looks at Xavier and sees a smile peck of joy in his eyes. ''Do you think they would put a piano in my room, Mike?'' Xavier's eyes were full of hope, and Michael couldn't help but smile.

''I hope so.. I wonder what they did to my room, I don't have a lot of hobbies or anything like that.'' He says as they're still following Stella to god knows where.

The castle is huge. Long halls with walls full of paintings, white carpet everywhere as they proceed to their destination. ''Maybe they put a treadmill in yours, you like running right?'' Luke says, making Michael smile.

''Yeah I do, and the outside. What did they do to yours, you think?'' He asks as he slows down his step to walk next to Luke. ''I hope they put a camera in there, or maybe some books. I like reading.''

The three young gentleman keep following Stella until she stops right in front of two huge white doors. She turns her head and gives them a smile. ''You arrived as the last three, so here you go, meet the others!'' She says, before she opens both doors.

A room full of people is behind those doors. People running around, helping boys in suits and button up t-shirts. ''Oh sorry, I forgot about this. You guys have an interview in a few hours. Michael, proceed to chair six.-'' She continued with Luke and Xavier, but Michael couldn't hear it anymore as he took in his surroundings.

There were girls in maid dresses running around to serve the gentlemen in the chairs, rushing around. The gentlemen are surrounded by men and women, putting slight make-up on them.

''Chair six, Michael.'' He hears Luke say as Luke stands next to him, giving him an assuring pat on the back. ''Oh, yeah.''

And so, a long three hours of people introducing themselves to the tired boy, people gushing over his vibrant green eyes, over his dirty blonde hair and how beautiful it would be with a little dye in it. That's how Michael ended up with vibrant red hair after the three hours.

Now, Michael was standing in between Xavier and Luke, in a long line existing out of all the candidates, staring at Stella. ''This is your first interview on television,'' She pauses a minute, looking a brown haired boy with a cocky smile straight in the eye. Michael didn't like him already. ''For the most of you, anyway. No need to worry too much alright? You guys will be totally fine.'' She says, a reassuring nod soon following after her words.

''Relax a little, get to know each other. I'll come and get you guys in thirty minutes.'' She smiles, before turning around and walking out of the now almost empty room.

Michael shoots Luke and Xavier a look, nodding towards the big blue couch. The two other boys nod, before following the red haired lad and sitting down.

Luke didn't have much of a change, his eyelashes were just a tad bit curlier than they were before, and his nails were cut just short enough. Xavier was a whole different story, though. His nails were to short, so he got new fake nails, his hair was now adorning a blond streak in his black bangs, and his arms adorned three bracelets.

''I love yo-'' Xavier frowned at something behind Michael's back, making the curious boy turn around. He immediately widened his eyes when he was met with a pair of dark blue eyes.

''Michael Clifford. A Seven, disgusting.'' The brown haired boy with the cocky smile says, spatting out Michael's rank as it was a disease. ''Hey now, don't be mean Alexander.'' Luke says, waving his hand to dismiss the very arrogant boy.

''Oh look who's here.. Lukey Hemmings.. Pathetic really.. the moment I saw you on the screen I knew you were going to pull yourself out, guess I was wrong.. How's your mom doing?'' Michael turns around at Alexander's words, looking at Luke with a look full of worry.

''You filthy litt-''

''Stop Luke!'' Xavier could easily stop Luke from smacking Alexander to a new century by pulling his arm. ''can't even think.. I really do pity you, Lukey.. should I pack your bags for you?''

Michael scowled at the almost demonic boy as he turns around and walks off, hands in his pockets.

'' Are you okay?'' Michael asks as he stops staring at Alexander, and turns to his new friend, who's shaking out of anger. ''Yeah.. I'm fine..''

''How does he even know you?'' Xavier asks as he stops staring at Alexander's back as well, turning his head to look at the blonde next to him on the couch.

''He used to go to my private school when I was younger before he moved to Calirona.'' Luke whispers as he closes his eyes. Michael noticed the small tears as he scooted closer to his friend, wrapping an arm around him.

''May I ask what happened to your mother?'' Luke's eyes shoot open at that question. The blue eyes that were so happy and energized a few minutes ago, were now a dull blue, resembling sadness.

''She died when I was seven. She was sick, so sick that she couldn't be rescued.. Her last wish was to die at home, but Alexander's dad, who was her doctor, didn't let her, he let her die in the cold hospital. Alexander thinks this is funny, I guess.''

''That's just cruel, if I could I would've beaten him up.'' Xavier comments as he starts to pet Luke's back once again, a silence falling between the three boys as they waited for the interviews to start so that they could look at their rooms after that.

But, the calming silence between the boys was broken when a quirky boy sat down next to Michael, looking at him with a big smile. Michael turns his head ninety degrees to look at the boy, and his jaw almost drops.

The boy has a beautiful tanish skin, hazel eyes and hair that seems as it's naturally curled. He looks at Michael again, before turning his head to look at Luke and Xavier. While he does that, the red head takes more in of the boy his beauty. He has muscles, Michael's mind states as he sees his blouse is tight on him with his arms. Hazel eyes is wearing a jean jacket, with black pants and brown boots.

''Like what you see?'' Michael is startled by the voice that belongs to the gorgeous boy. It's deep, raspy and very hot, Michael states once again.

''Y-yes.. o I'm so sorry I shouldn't be staring please forgive me.'' It was in Michael's nature to beg for forgiveness, as a Seven it's always a huge privilege when you get forgiven. The boy giggles, and Michael blushes as he repeats the sound in his head. Its angel like.

''Hey hey don't worry, you're Michael The Seven, right?'' All Michael can do is nod. He hears snickering in the background and he mentally makes a note to hit his two friends.

''Eh yeah, I'm Michael Clifford, Hi. May I ask your name?'' The red head was all formal like, hoping it didn't embarrass the beautiful human being to talk to him. Not every single higher rank was as friendly as Luke and Xavier.

''Of course you can! I want to make friends here as well! My name is Ashton Irwin, but you can call me Ash, I'm a Three.'' Out of nature, Michael bows his head down a little bit by hearing Ashton's rank, making the other three boys giggle.

''Who are you guys then?'' Ashton asks as he turns to the other two guys, seated on the couch in front of him.

''I'm Luke Hemmings, a Two.''

''The name is Xavier Longely, but Xav is okay, I'm a Five.''

-

After the long interviews have finished, all of the twenty boys are standing in, what's apparently called 'The Guy Room', once again. It's all cleaned up now, no chairs with numbers on them, no mirrors and no more people rushing, it's calm in the entire castle, it feels like.

Stella is pacing in front of the boys, talking into a walkie-talkie and eyeing some of the boys before sighing and nodding.

''It was planned that you gentleman would meet our Highnesses tonight during dinner,'' She starts, and you can hear disappointed sighs coming from a few guys standing in line.

Michael doesn't sigh though, nor do Xavier, Ashton and Luke whom are standing right next to the red haired boy.

''You will meet the prince tomorrow after breakfast, one by one. You will have a short chat with him, depends on how long he wants you to stay. I'll tell you more about it tomorrow. Now, a guard will bring you to your room. All of your stuff is there, and don't worry, two maids have been arranged to every single one of you, and they will help you when they can. Off to bed, gentleman. Have a good rest.''

Exactly twenty guards enter the room, one by one, and take one of the boys with them. When it's Michael's turn, he turns around and waves at his friends before he's ushered out of the room, into the huge and high hallway.

While walking, Michael turned his head multiple times to look at the beauty that the castle has in her, annoying his guard.

''You are the seven, right?'' He grunts as they turn a corner. Michael nods, ''Yes I am sir.'' He says, bowing his head a little. A guard is always a Three, so he bows his head down just a little.

''Don't bow your head, kid. You're way more important than I am. I'm Roosevelt.'' Michael nods at the guard, Roosevelt as they start to walk up a couple of stairs.

''Your rooms are all in the same hall, the guest hall. You gentleman are not allowed to come on the North section of the Third floor, that's where the royal family sleeps. So yeah, is there any more information.. I don't think so! You're good to go, Mister Michael.''

They stop in front of a white door with a black door knob. ''This is your room, the door on your right is from Mister Alexander, and the door to your left is from Mister Irwin. Have a good rest.'' Michael nods and mumbles a you too, before putting his hand on the door knob and pushing it down.

''O my flipping flies! It's him!'' Is the first thing he hears as he enters the room, closing the door behind him.

His mouth drops. The room is beautiful. Large windows on the back wall, a huge door in between them, making Michael squeak, because he has a freaking balcony. The walls are painted a dark blue, the same colour his duvet has, which is draped over the huge bed (well compared to Michael's old one). He sees another door, which probably leads to a bathroom.

And indeed, in the right corner, next to a dark blue, very fluffy looking chair, is a treadmill. Michael would scream and jump around if he didn't remember there were other people in the room.

''Hi, sorry about that.'' He says, and he makes a short reverence before walking across the dark wooden floor, towards the windows. ''It's okay, Mister! We are here to serve you and it's completely normal that you react that way! I am Luca and this is Jamie and we are your maids.'' Michael turns his head as he studies the petite girls once more.

''You really don't have to call me Mister.. Michael is just fine. Can I go on the balcony?'' He asks, making the small girls gasp. ''Alright Miste- oops Michael. You can go on the balcony until ten at night, which it has already passed, sir. We will help you get ready for bed.'' Jamie says as she walks to a closet Michael didn't see before, and opens one of the doors.

''This is your sleep attire, sir.'' The red head turned around fully now to look at his bed wear. It was a simple black pair of jogging pants and a white t-shirt, and he smiled. ''Alright, I can put it on myself though.''

Michael was scared that they would see his bruises and tell the Prince, or Stella. That would be the ending of this all for Michael, and he didn't want to leave just yet. If he could stay for a week, his dad wouldn't beat him up when he came back.

''No sir we are ordered to help you, please let us.'' Michael didn't know why, but he saw small tears appear in Jamie's eyes as she literally begged him to let her help him, so he shrugged.

''Alright, but you guys need to promise me something.. Don't tell anyone what you're about to see, alright?'' The two petite girls nod at Michael, and Michael smiles.

He slowly starts pulling off his t-shirt, which it surprises him that he can do that on his own without being begged to help him, grasping the end and pulling it up.

He hears tiny gasp as his stomach gets revealed, and after that his ribs and then the shirt is off. The small girls look at Michael with pure concern as they walk towards him, touching his ribs.

''You're so thin! Where did all the bruises come from?'' Luca whispers as she pokes one of the bruises, the blue purple ish spot on Michael's stomach clearly unfamiliar to her.

''I get beat up a lot, let's just say that, okay? And as a Seven, we don't have much to eat.. Before the dinner we ate, which was delicious by the way, compliments to the chef from me, I hadn't eaten in three days.''

His maids gasp as they rush to grab Michael's sleeping shirt, and pull it over his head without hurting him. ''I thought you didn't want to be out in the open any longer.'' Jamie whispers as she grabs Michael's sleeping pants as well, handing them to him.

Michael shyly slides down his jeans, stepping out of them and quickly putting on his pyjama pants.

''Brush your teeth, and you're ready for bed, Michael.'' Luca says as they push him towards the bathroom.

According to Michael's clock it's one AM at night. His breathing is rapid as he rushes out of bed, running towards the balcony doors, pulling at the door knobs, but they don't budge. 'Sh.it!'' He whisper yells, pulling at his hair as he rushes to his bedroom door across the room opening it and running into the hallway.

He runs down the stairs he and Roosevelt were climbing up yesterday, as he ran and ran. Michael remembered a door which was guarded by a pair of other guards as they walked by the day before, so Michael turned that corner, towards the door which lead to the gardens.

He ran until he stood in front of the two guards, who were standing still and not planning to help Michael with his breathing what so ever.

''P-ple-ease.. i-I c-c-cant breath...'' He begs as he looks at the guards, his chest hurting from the lack of oxygen he was receiving because of his rapid breathing and how hard he ran. ''I'm sorry Mister, but we have to ask you to go back to bed.'' One of the guards speaks up, making a shiver run down his sweaty back as he shakes his head like crazy.

His legs are trembling as the guard walks towards him. ''P-pl-please si-sir i-I ne-need fr-fresh air..'' He pulls at his hair as he hears footsteps behind him.

The guard's eyes widen and he makes a reverence. Michael is too busy to control his breathing and he drops his hands as he drops to his knees on the floor.

''A-air..''

''Open the door!'' A loud voice is heard, the sound of it low. Michael can't see who it is as he's holding his knees, trying to get his breathing right.

The door opens, and Michael looks up. ''Go.'' He hears someone say and before Michael knows it, he's running outside.

The cold air hits Michael's pale face, his arms and at last he feels his feet getting cold as he runs to the middle of the field. He falls down onto his knees as he inhales the fresh air, and looks up to a beautiful tree with pink flowers in front of him, a small wooden bench placed under it.

Slowly but surely, Michael's breath gets into the right pace again as he looks at the stars above him. He lays down, his head on the soft green grass as he plucks it with his hands.

''Are you feeling better?'' Michael's head shoots up as he hears a voice right next to him. On pair of feet are standing right next to his head, looking down on him.

It's when Michael's eyes get used to the darkness that he sees it.

It's the prince.

It's Prince Calum.

Michael yelps out of shock, quickly standing up. While he does that, though, he forgets that Calum is bowed over him, so they bump their heads together.

''Ahh!'' Calum hisses as he stumbles backwards from the force. ''Oh my.. I'm so sorry! Please don't send me home! I am so sorry I should've watched out and not go outside why am I even here at the moment I'm sorry for hitting your head and i-''

''Shh Mister Michael, it's okay. It's funny meeting someone like this. Why did you want to go outside so bad?'' Calum asks as he sits down on the wooden bench, petting the spot next to him. Michael bows his head as he sits down next to the Prince, a fair few inches away from the prince, just in case.

''I'm u-used to-to the out-outside I guess? I couldn't d-d-deal with not b-being outside for so long, I'm sorry your Highness.'' Michael tries to explain himself as he rubs his hands together, a habit he had started over the years when he got nervous.

''That could be changed. I'll tell all the guards to let you outside at all times, Michael.'' Michael turned his head to look at the Prince, and almost awed.

The Prince looked very hot, and very mesmerizing in this light. His jawline was set very tight as he looked out into the garden, his brown skin barely visible in the dark. His black hair was barely see-able, but Michael noticed that it was tossed all over the place.

''T-Thank you, your Highness. '' Michael tried to do a reverence while sitting on the bench, but failed miserably, making Calum giggle. Michael smiled to himself as he heard the magical sound coming from the prince, a weird warm filling the pit of his stomach.

''Can I ask you why you were out this late, your Highness?'' Michael is surprised he didn't even stutter or anything like that while he asked that. ''Yeah, I couldn't sleep. My room is so lonely sometimes, so I thought why not take a walk in the corridors of the castle, and then I found you on the ground.''

Michael blushes as he hides his face in his hands for a minute. ''You can get lost in these halls, your Highness. It's quite funny.'' Michael whispers, hoping Calum had heard him.

''Yeah I know, when I was a young boy my father and I used to play hide and seek a lot. When it was my turn I'd always find my dad in the kitchen or in the dinning room.'' Calum sighs as he finishes his sentence, making Michael frown. Was the prince sad?

For some reason Michael felt special for knowing such a tiny bit of the prince his life that the others didn't know. It made him feel all warm inside.

''A-are you o-okay?'' Michael whispers as he scoots a little closer to the prince, hoping to have a little contact with him, even if it's just eye contact. Michael loves the prince his eyes, that's for sure. They remind him of the woods back at home, the dark brown symbolising the tree he and his sister had claimed when they were five years old.

''Yeah I'm fine, Michael. You should go back to bed, though.'' Calum whispers back, turning his head and smiling at the boy in front of him.

Calum thought that Michael was absolutely breath taking in this lightning. The only light that shone down on them is from the moon, but Michael makes it work perfectly. His pale skin is clearly visible in the darkness, his green eyes shining so bright that Calum can't help but blink, savouring the moment.

''Maybe I should indeed, I'm sorry for keeping you outside in the cold, your Highness.'' Michael bows his head as he slowly stands, his bare feet hitting the cold and damp grass, making him shiver.

He hears Calum stand up as well as he starts walking, more like shuffling, towards the door once again. ''Michael,'' He hears next to him all of the sudden as they are nearing the white, with glass, doors once more. The red haired boy whips his head around to look at the prince before he speaks his words.

''You can't tell anyone about this, alright? It's not like I didn't enjoy this quiet moment with you, I loved it, but the others can't know that I met you earlier than them, okay?'' Michael quickly nods, willing to do anything as long as Calum doesn't stop talking, but sadly, the beautiful boy does stop talking and Michael pouts mentally.

''Alright, have a good rest Michael.'' Michael nods, ''You too, your Highness.'' And then Michael turns around before Calum can say anything more, and makes his way towards the stairs, walking up them.

As he stands on top of the stairs, he turns around to see Calum looking at him, hands in his pockets. Calum awkwardly gets his hand out of his pocket, and waves at Michael. The green eyed boy smiles, before waving back and turning back around, padding down the hall.

It's pure chaos, getting ready in the morning with three girls roaming around Michael, getting him ready for breakfast, and the moment he'll meet the royal family, for the 'first' time. He grins to himself as he remembers their encounter from tonight, while Luca quickly slips a button up onto his torso, quickly hiding the bruises that still adorn Michael's fragile body.

''Time for breakfast, Michael.'' He smiles at Jamie's words as he nods, before thanking them and waving, walking out of the room and closing the door.

''Good morning Michael!'' Michael smiles as he turns towards his friend's voice, a big mop of curls coming his way. ''Good morning Ash, how'd you sleep?'' Ashton grinned at him before starting to walk next to Michael, down the hall.

''I slept fine, those beds are heavenly, o my lord. How did you sleep, Mikey?'' The red head had promised to not tell anyone about the encounter Calum and he shared, so he just shrugged. ''I slept just fine as well, actually. And indeed, those beds are so good. I only had a mattress back home, so this is a huge improvement.''

Ashton giggles as they turn the corner. Soon, two other boys start to walk behind them. ''Good morning, sunshines!'' Michael giggles as he turns his head a little to see Luke and Xavier walking behind them.

''Good morning early bird! Saw you standing on your balcony at seven in the morning.'' Ashton comments as he points fake accusingly at his friend. ''You must've been awake then, too Ash.'' Michael whistles at hearing Xavier's reply, making Luke giggle.

''Aren't you guys excited to see the prince?!'' A small boy, about 5 foot and 4 inches, with almost white hair, is looking up at the four boys who stop walking, so the small boy can catch up.

''Hell yeah we are! What's your name?'' Ashton asks, his voice chirpy as always as the small boy his mouth drops. ''M-My na-name is Jason, hi!'' He waves excitedly, making Xaver coo down at him.

''Hi! I'm Luke, this red haired boy is Michael, this is Xavier and there we have Ashton.'' Introduces Luke, making Jason's eyes sparkle. ''Nice to meet you guys! Can I walk with you? Otherwise Alexander and his group will come and freaking say things I can't handle.'' Jason looks up at the boys, almost red eyes full of hope as he stares at them.

''Of course you can, Alexander needs to piss off.'' Michael comments as they start walking again, Jason happily bouncing and hopping to stay in the same pace as the much taller boys, but still great full.

''What do you guys think the Royal Family will be like?'' Xavier asks as they turn a corner, the stairs where Michael ran off a few eyes prior right in front of them, the white glass door just down the stairs and down the hall. Michael smiles at the memory of talking to the prince, learning just a little speck of the boy his past.

''I think they'll be very gentle, to be honest. I think that King David will be very protective over his son though, I mean, it's the only kid they've got.'' Ashton comments as they walk down the stairs, walking by the door that leads to the garden. All Michael can do is smile and cherish the memory, because he beliefs that he will be sent home after today immediately.

''Of course he will! That's what dad's do, don't they? I mean, mine reacted all over protective, and the one I'm fighting for here is the Prince!'' Jason says, his hands making wide gestures with his words as he talked.

''I mean, mine reacted just the same, what about you guys?'' Xavier asks, looking at Luke, Ashton and Michael with questionable eyes. ''Mine were pretty chill, I guess. My dad was overly happy about it.'' Says Luke, now looking at Ashton and Michael, awaiting their answer.

''Mine were happy, but sad because the palace is so far away from home. Still, they wanted me to do it.'' Says Ashton. After the curly haired lad his words, all eyes or on Michael and he shivers, just thinking about how it went at home with him, comparing it to the other their stories, and sighing.

''Same.'' Is all he says before turning around and starting to walk in a bit of a faster pace, towards the breakfast room. It wasn't that he didn't want to continue walking with his friends, but he just didn't want to answer their questions anymore.

As the green eyed boy entered the breakfast room, he notices that he's the first and sighs. ''I don't even know how long I'll survive here..''

A few weeks in, and Michael is as close to Calum as everyone in the palace is. There are still eight boy's left, counting him, Xavier, Ashton and Luke along. He was surprised that he was still here, as he sits down in the Gentlemen room. Stella named it that because after all, they are all gentlemen now.

''Your family will arrive in just sixty minutes, Gentlemen.'' A guard says who just entered the room. All of the guys nod, awaiting their family's arrival.

Michael was beyond excited to see his mom and his sister, missing them both to death. His dad, not so much. He got letters from his mom a couple of times, Mikayla just twice and his dad just didn't talk to him, not even through a letter, let alone the phone. They had the opportunity to call their family once, Michael talked for over an hour with his mom and sister but his dad didn't want to come on the phone.

''I'm excited to see my family again, gosh I missed my sisters.'' Xavier says as he sits down next to Michael, a notebook in one hand and a pencil bag in the other.

'Yeah same, can't wait to see my dad again.'' Luke says as he sits down on the couch as well, book in hand. ''My little brother would want to explore the whole castle with me so I don't think you won't see me the two days they are here.'' The group of friends laughed at that, nodding their heads.

''What's there to laugh about?'' Michael groaned at the sound of Alexander's voice. ''Can you piss off?'' Asks Michael, turning his head to look at the boy standing behind him. ''I could do that, but like, you guys seem to have fun so I think I'll stay here.'' Alexander grins as he sits down next to Luke.

The blonde his muscles tension as he feels the other boy his touch. ''Let him go, fu.cktard. Leave us alone and go to your friends.'' Xavier says, pushing Alexander's arm away from Luke's broad shoulders. ''Alright, you guys are no fun, Jason was way more fun.'' Michael's fists clenched at that.

Two weeks ago, Jason had punched Alexander in the face because of something the boy said about the tiny boy his family. Let's just say Jason didn't take it well and exploded before the other boys could stop them.

He got send home.

''Don't, Michael.'' Ashton shushes the red head with placing a hand over Michael's clenched fists. ''He can't just say that.'' He spats at Ashton, making the curly haired lad frown. ''I know, but if you punch him you'll be send home.''

''And we can't have that because Calum seems to have a crush on you! How many times has he asked you to come to the garden now?'' Xavier teases as he sticks out his tongue. ''Very funny, doofus. And almost every day, really. We just talk a little, but mostly walk in silence.''

''See that's what I mean! We are all here to just make the Selection last a bit longer. You're the public their favourites and Calum likes you, who are we to break that up?'' Luke says as he smiles. Michael follows the blonde his smile, and sees the blue eyed boy is smiling, and Ashton chuckles.

''I'm just here to eat about now, really.'' Xavier comments as he shrugs his shoulders. ''So you guys just don't care anymore?'' Asks Michael as he eyes his friends, making them chuckle.

''Of course we do! It's just that we have given up. Calum seems genuinely interested in you. Of course I am a little sad that I'm not the person that he likes, but more beautiful guys will come along.'' Says Ashton, smiling widely as he grabbed Michael's hand.

''He's all yours mate.'' He whispers. Michael thinks he would've cried if a guard didn't enter the room, waving them over.

All of the boys rushed towards the guard, awaiting the news. ''Your families have arrived, please proceed to the main hall.'' Before the guard can say anything else, all of the boys are rushing out of the room, proceeding to the main hall.

''Mom!'' Michael yelled as he saw her black hair laying on her back. She seemed to be amazed at the beauty of the castle, so deep in thought. The red head completely understands it, she's a Seven after all.

''Mikey!'' He hears someone else yell, and before he has even rushed down the stairs to hug his mom, Mikayla is on him. ''I've missed you so much!'' All Michael could possibly do was nod, because his sister had a huge black right eye.

''What happened to you?'' He whispers as he hugs her tight. ''Dad's an asshole. He's here though, thought I'd give you a heads up.'' She whispers back, and Michael hisses as she touches an old bruise that still hasn't faded.

''Michael!'' Michael quickly lets go of his sister, to catch his mom. ''I've missed you so much Mikey! The house was so silent without you bickering over everything!'' His mom whispers as she holds her son as tight as her fragile and weak arms can do. ''I've missed you too, Mom. How's everything at home?'' The boy his green eyes look into his mom's eyes, and Michael swears he can see sadness coating her beautiful eyes once again.

'I-it's alright Michael.. With all the money were getting from you, it's just..'' Karen couldn't finish her sentence before a loud cough was heard.

''Michael Gordon Clifford.'' Shivers, shivers ran everywhere when Michael heard his dad's voice bounce through the whole hall. ''I've missed you, son.'' His dad says, before hugging Michael.

Michael gasps as he feels something very sharp and cold in his dad's hands, that's not supposed to be there, at all. All he can think about is the damage his dad has done to his mom and sister while he was gone. But, if he shouted that his dad had a knife, in the bloody castle, he would get prisoned for life.

Michael slightly turns his head to look at his mom and sister, but they are staring at something else. Michael can slightly follow their stares as he turns his head, now looking at the stairs. The Royal Family stands there, their son in the front.

Calum scans the family members before he looks Michael straight in the eye. His brown eyes travel down before they widen. He has seen the knife.

Michael tries to shake his head, to beg Calum with his eyes to say nothing and just let it slide until the strong man has let go of Michael, but Calum is stubborn, and the red head knows that.

''The man holding Mister Michael has a knife!'' Before Michael can even pull himself away from his dad, he feels a cold stabbing feeling in his lower stomach, and he falls to the ground.

}{

''Michael! Mikey! Please wake up!'' Slowly but surely, the green eyed boy shows them, his eyelids just moving barely up. But, he can make out the silhouette that's sitting on, probably, the hospital bed.

''O my lord you are awake!'' He can feel Calum hugging him, as tight as the tan boy can without hurting the red head. ''I am.'' Michael's voice is scratchy and soft, making his throat hurt a little as he says it.

''I'm so glad you are.'' Calum whispers, his voice suddenly very close to Michael's ear. ''I'm sorry Calum, he shouldn't have come..'' Michael whispers as he can feel tears starting to brim in the corner of his eyes. Michael will be send home, he brought the Royal Family in danger, he crossed one of the rules.

''It's not your fault, Mikey. He was the one to bring a knife in here, I'm surprised how he got it in here though, our security is the best you can get.'' Calum frowns as he sees Michael's face move into a look of pure pain as he moves a little.

''I'm so sorry for calling him out.. but if I didn't, you could've been murdered.. I had to do something.'' Calum whispers as he bows down his head in shame. His beautiful thick black hair falling in front of his face as he closes his eyes.

''Thank you for saving me, Calum.'' Michael whispers. He slowly raises his hands to cup Calum's face in them, pulling it up so he can look Calum in the eyes. The tan boy frowns as he looks at the state Michael is in, and he sighs.

''Don't frown, you look way more beautiful with a smile on your face.'' The red head didn't even know he was allowed to say that, at all. He just did it because who cared, he was going to get send home anyways.

It's not like it didn't break his heart to leave Calum, he was beyond sad about that and couldn't handle thinking about seeing Calum marry someone else on the television, but he was going to. Because Calum was and always will be Michael's first love.

''What are you thinking about?'' Calum whispers. He moves himself a little so he lays beside Michael, his head on the big pillow Michael's is laying on. ''That I still have to pack my stuff..'' Michael whispers as he looks at Calum with a sad look on his face.

Calum shoots up, making Michael groan in pain from the sudden movement. But, the tan boy is so panicked that he can't even think straight, let alone think about Michael's pain. ''Are you leaving?! You can't just leave me like that Michael! Please don't leave me!'' The brown haired boy his body starts to shake as he looks out of the window.

Michael is shocked. The red head bents his arm just a bit to be able to cover Calum's trembling hand with his.

''I thought I would be forced to leave. If you don't want me to leave, I won't.'' He whispers as Calum whips around his head to look at Michael with wide eyes.

''Thank you.'' He says, before dipping his head down and placing his lips on Michael's.

}{

It was all a huge blur for Michael as he stood there in his white, ''It's vanilla!'', suit and his red hair nice in a quiff. Luke stood next to him as he fiddled with his hands a little, making Luke groan.

''Stop that!'' Luke snaps jokingly as he grabbed Michael's hands. ''Are you nervous?'' The red head turns around to see Xavier standing next to Ashton, just retying their ties and pulling their suits straight.

''Stop that Ashy! I did your tie great!'' Luke groans as he steps towards his boyfriend, kissing him on the cheek and fixing his tie once more. Xavier groans as he sees all the love beaming of the boys.

''Where is my Jason when I need him?!'' He yells. The small tiny boy his squeal is heard from the other side of the hall, before he comes rushing over to his much taller boyfriend.

''I'm sorry Xav, I was just making finishing touches to Michael's mom her dress.'' The white haired boy giggles as Xavier bents down to kiss him on the lips. ''You are an angel.'' Michael comments, turning around as he hears Stella's heels clack on the tiled floor. He can just hear Xavier grumble a small 'mine' before he smiles at Stella.

''In positions everyone! We are about to start. Now, Michael. This is your day, and your day only. Enjoy it and have fun. Don't be too nervous for the vows, Calum has made himself a long one.'' She smiles as Michael makes a sigh of relief. He isn't good at speaking in public, something he probably should learn because he's going to be a King to someday.

''Are you ready, Majesty?'' He can hear Xavier and Ashton giggle as the red head groans. ''You guys don't have to call me Majesty, I'm going to have to get used to that word don't i?'' Jason nods as he smiles, before grabbing Xavier's hand and standing on their positions, right in front of Michael.

In front of Jason and Xavier, you have Luke and Ashton holding hands. The plan is that Ashton and Luke both give the aisles they pass a white rose, which stands for a thank you for coming to the wedding. All Michael's idea.

The green eyed boy smiles as his mom walks up to him, standing next to her son, and hooking their arms together.

''Ready?'' She asks her son.

''More than I could ever be.'' He answers his mom, kissing her cheek. The music starts, the doors open wide and Michael is greeted by a huge ball room full of important people and friends and family. His sight is focused on Luke and Ashton as they slowly walk down the aisle, handing out the flowers like they are supposed to do.

When they are halfway, Xavier and Jason start to walk. They wave and smile, handing every single aisle they pass a red rose, a symbol for the love Michael and Calum share.

''Let's go.'' He whispers to no one but himself as he and his mom start to walk as well. The moment Michael steps into the ball room, his eyes are focused on Calum and Calum only.

As soon as Calum makes eye contact with his green eyes, it's just them. The camera's aren't there, the people, the media, his dad isn't in prison, it's just him and Calum.

}{

''You may now say your vows, Majesty.'' The vicar looks at Calum, nodding his head and handing the microphone over to Calum.

''Well well Michael, where should I start? Let's start from the beginning, alright? The first second I saw you appear on my tablet, I thought you were special. Not because of your black eye, no. Because of your bright and beautiful green eyes. And I was right. The first night in the castle, you wanted to go outside so bad I had to convince a guard to let you, because otherwise you would've died from a panic attack. So I followed you outside while you ran, falling down on your knees in the grass, right in front of my favourite bench, as if you knew somehow, and you just inhaled the beauty of the darkness and the night. First time you saw me, that night, you head butted me. From that moment, all I could think about was you. After the lessons you had about the history of our country, or about etiquette, you would tell me, although you knew I already knew these things, because I grew up with it. You didn't seem to care, though. You talked and you talked, you smiled while talking and that was all I could think about after our walks in the garden, or our secret picnic on the roof of the castle. You managed to always creep in my mind, no matter what I was doing. You seemed to cheer me up when I had to work hard, when I was sad. You completely trust me with your life, not thinking about your leg right now, don't you dare start laughing Michael! And I love you, that's all.''

Michael's cheeks were stained with tears as he nodded. ''All I can say is that I love you too, a lot Calum, so much.'' Michael's voice cracked a few times, his shoulders shaking just a little from the crying.

''You may now kiss your groom.''

And Michael didn't want anything else when Calum's lips touched his.

Calum is his future.

exact word count: 10126. this is the one i was talking about. im sorry for the wait. ill try and write part two of the soulmate one this weekend so i can upload it on sunday, im not sure though. 

i hope you enjoyed

please vote and comment i worked hard on this one.

thank you for sticking around.

much love. 

x D.

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