[pretend Michael's hair is red in that picture.]

You could say Michael was living the dream, but if he was being honest with you he would tell you he was living the life no one wanted.

But desperate times called for desperate measures. His life wasn't always like this, growing up he lived in a small home just outside of Sydney, Australia with his parents. As he got older he started to notice things, one of those things being his parents were barely getting by. Every week, paycheck to paycheck it was barely enough. Being 14 and completely helpless at the time, he tried not to worry about his parents.

When Michael was 16 he tried not to care when all his friends got cars from their parents. He knew he'd never get that, if he wanted it he would have to work hard for it.

One day all of that changed. Michael stumbled upon an advertisement hanging in the local Starbucks that he worked full time at. It was for a chance to have yourself a reality TV show.

Michael never thought much about being apart of reality TV, but the moment he had seen the amount he and his family would get paid, he called the number on the back as quickly as he could.

Now the Clifford family lived a semi normal life in Los Angeles, California with the exception they had to be filmed a few days a week. Consisting of causing drama or Michael basically acting like he's a kid again and throwing a temper tantrum about not getting a new car. When he already has three, at least that's what they want the media to think.

"Michael honey, are you listening to me?" Snapping him out of his daze, "Sorry mum. What were you saying?"

Michael and his parents were fairly close, so when they have to yell at one another over childish things, they laugh about it by the end of the day and move on.

"I was saying, I need you to run to the store and get some more milk. We're about out."

"Sure, of course. D'you need anything else while I'm there?"

"No, no. I just need the milk, but go ahead and get yourself some snacks while you're there."

Michael smiled sweetly towards his mother, getting up and kissing her cheek goodbye. Grabbing his car keys, he made his way out.

////

Michael tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, music blaring through the speakers. He was content, today was one of the days they didn't film him, he savors every moment of them.

The drive to the store was longer than usual, having been stuck in L.A. traffic was a pain but he'd rather do it himself than have to pay for someone to drive him everywhere. He enjoyed the freedom of getting into his car and driving to any destination of his liking.

Pulling into the Whole Foods, Michael looked around making sure he wasn't followed by any paparazzi, luckily he wasn't. He doesn't mind taking a picture with someone who watches and supports his families show, but the paparazzi pisses him off.

Michael grabbed a basket, and went to find the milk his mother requested. After finding it, he looked around trying to find some snacks he could enjoy.

After fifteen minutes of searching, with much difficulty in the healthy store he managed to find some candy bars... Well, granola bars, but they had chocolate in them. He looked around a bit more, finding a few other things he figured they needed at home, but really Michael was just enjoying the free day to himself.

Michael made his way to a check-out-lane with guy who looked around his age, he was tall, a mop of curls on his head, his arms scattered with a few tattoos. Michael couldn't help but check him out as he walked up, finding the boy adorable.

The curly haired boy hadn't looked up yet as he spoke, but when he did Michael could help but smirk, "Hello, did you find everyth--shit! Oh my god, pretend I didn't swear. I'm trying to keep my job." the curly haired boy laughed nervously.

"It's cool man." Michael smiled.

"Anyway, I know who you are." Michael internally groaned, the one guy he found attractive just so happened to know who he was. "Well not as much as my best friend. He's obsessed with your show, mainly because he finds you hot." the curly haired boy giggled, but finished ringing up Michaels items.

"That'll be $25.86." Michaels handed him the cash. "I'm Ashton by the way."

"I'm Michael, but you sound like you already know that."

Ashton nodded, but smiled genuinely towards Michael. "Do you think I could take a picture with you real quick?"

"Yeah, of course."

Ashton scrambled to get his phone out, taking a quick selfie with Michael. And Michael nearly melted when he saw the boy had dimples. It was too much to handle.

"My best friend is going to hate me, but to see his face when I tell him I met you will be priceless. Thank you so much, I hope you have a great day!"

Michael smiled, he loved meeting nice people.

"You too."

\\\\\

an: if there's any mistakes ignore them, because I read over this quite a few times to fix things.

Also the beginning feels like it's everywhere, but it was necessary to understand Michael's background for the whole story.

but I got a great response on the first chapter so I decided to go ahead and update. :)