Dead.

Mikey:

My muscles tightened as I nervously hid behind a dumpster. I saw him coming, I felt him near. I had to get out-fuck, I feel so bad leaving Frank by himself. I hope he’s okay. I panted slightly, before peering over the dumpster, to the streets of the small town. My body relaxed when I noticed Frank, walking with his head down, and his shoulders slouched. I moved away from the dumpster, took a quick look at my surroundings, and rushed across the street to him.

Frank didn’t flinch when I suddenly jumped next to him, “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?” I asked aggressively.

Frank’s eyes slowly looked at the ground as he walked, “No...not yet, anyway.”

Guilt filled my body, “I’m sorry I left you-it was a cowardly move.”

Frank’s words were slow, “It’s okay. You had to do it.”

I looked at him, “You okay?”

Frank paused, “Things didn’t have to be this way.”

All I could mutter was, “I’m sorry.”

Frank ignored my words, continuing walking up ahead. I felt like a shadow of his, following his trail and not speaking a word. I stopped when he stopped, I walked when he walked. I was his shadow for the moment, and nothing else.

We did several things that day. We went to the comic book store, bookstore, we went out to eat, and rested at the park. Frank was quiet, but I can tell he was on high alert. He would always check around him every once in a while, and feeling left out, I did the same.

That night, around 08 p.m, we decided to check into a motel. Frank said he didn’t want to sleep anywhere where Gerard could easily find us. Frank was smart, it was one of the qualities I liked about him.

We checked into the cheapest motel, room 33E. I've never been over here. Maybe because I have a decent house that doesn't smell like gas or look like a dump. When we walked into the room, the outside gave a different image to the inside. The room was actually quite nice. The lights were bright, the curtain covering the window was clean, and oh shit, the bathroom was actually spotless!

Frank dropped his backpack onto the ground, “I picked up some snacks, they're in this bag if you want some.”

I shrugged, “I’m not hungry right now, but thanks. If anything, I’m really shaken-I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep.”

Frank almost grinned, “Well, that shouldn't be a problem.” He glanced over to the bed, “There’s only one bed.”

My face blushed, “Er-o-kay.”

“You alright?” Frank asked as he pulled back the sheets.

“Yeah-it’s just-” My face burned hot, “We'll be sharing a bed together.”

Frank laughed as he yanked off his shirt, making me clench onto the side of my jeans. He said, “This is the Mikey I've been wanting to see again. The one who has a crush on me, not the one who is scared of me.”

I bit the inside of my cheek before making my way to the other side of the bed. I climbed in, smelling cheap fragrance coming from the bedsheets. Then, as Frank came closer, I smelt him. He didn't smell better than the sheets, he smelt worse. But I liked it. He didn't have major B.O, but his scent was brisk but really sweet. A weird mixture.

Frank leaned over me to turn off the lamp, letting me get a 05 second look at his chest, before lying back down again.

We were in darkness, and it scared me. There were so many scenarios going through my head. What if Gerard finds out where we're at? What if he crashes through the window and stabs me in my sleep? What if-

“You’re shaking. It’s going to be a long night for you if you don’t get your mind in a peaceful mind set.” Frank said in the darkness.

I blinked a few times, “Is that how you sleep?”

“It’s how everyone sleeps.”

I paused, “Oh...right.” I flipped my body to the left, getting into a fetal position. I muttered, hoping Frank heard me, “Why me? Why do I have to get dragged into this?”

My body recoiled when arms wrapped around me, taking me in close. I could tell Frank was exhausted, and lonely since he and Gerard were in a battle. He needed comfort, and I wasn't complaining. Frank’s whisper brushed against my neck, “Everyone gets dragged into something at one point. I was dragged into love and killing.”

“Yeah,” I whispered back, “But you're not being hunted.”

“But I am.”

I instantly thought of Detective Toro.

“Just be glad,” Frank’s lips touched my neck, “You’re not in my position.”

Notes