Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The life Jeremy led wasn’t a very interesting one. He had grown up in New Jersey, his best friends being Christine Canigula and Rich Goranski. Christine had dreams of being on a stage, or perhaps even in movies, just a new thing that was currently produced. Though, her favorite thing was acting live. Jeremy had wanted to be a journalist more than anything, and Rich? Well, he was the pusher of the group. He didn’t care what he did with his life unless it was with Christine and Jeremy, and apparently Rich’s friend Jake. He was quick to move all four of them to New York. None of them had protested, they all decided doing an out on a limb sort of thing would definitely change their lives for the better. Packing everything up was a different story.

“Chrissy, did you see what box of all my pictures?” Jeremy asked. He turned back to look at Christine. Christine and Jeremy had been best friends ever since she had moved into his street. Not a lot of people wanted to even look at her when they were children, and Jeremy didn’t understand why. When he was a kid, he didn’t understand why his mother tried to drag him away from her every time he had tried to talk to her. Eventually, he was able to after carefully sneaking away from his mother to talk to her. He learned her name, her age, and what school she went too. Unsurprisingly, they went to different school. After that, Jeremy introduced her to Rich. The three had been a trio since. It wasn’t easy to get his parents to let the two even be friends, it took even longer to let them go to each other’s houses. Jeremy thought it was awful of his family to do so, looking back on all of it.

“Yeah!” Christine smiled, looking back at her best friend before turning and picking out one of the many boxes on his shelf. “Jeremiah, your box of most treasured pictures.” Christine giggled, faking a british accent as she spoke. She held the box out carefully, although nearly dropping it for a reason Jeremy was not sure of.

Being handed the box gave him gave him an odd sense of deja vu. The box was incredibly old. In fact, he found it in the attic of his house many years ago, completely empty. He wondered if anything ever held them. When Jeremy asked his father about it, he explained the box was from a royal ancestor, and it had been passed down in their family for generations. Jeremy was allowed the wooden box, and he put his most cherished items, from pictures of Rich and Christine to just notes the three of them passed in class. “Thank you.” Jeremy nodded, shaking off the memory and odd feeling. The box was engraved with some kind of symbol, he wondered what it meant. It looked handcrafted as well, being lined with golds and silvers, all that Jeremy adored and had polished himself. It felt right to take care of the box holding his most precious memories. It was probably the original intent. He wondered why no one in his family had ever used the box, it was crafted so beautifully, despite looking hundreds of years old. Jeremy brushed his hand against the engravement on top, getting flashes of a castle, a smiling man, and the night sky. He nearly dropped the box. It had never happened before.

“So? New York! I can’t believe we let Rich drag us into this.” Christine laughed as she taped another box of Jeremy’s things closed.

Jeremy looked up, tuning back into the conversation. Jeremy frowned a bit, putting the box away in another box. “Really? I always figured that we would live together. I didn’t anticipate having Jake there with us, but he’s a pretty hip to the jab kind of guy.” Jeremy said sarcastically.

“You just don’t want him to take your spot as Rich’s best friend.” Christine rolled her eyes, turning to him and crossing her arms.

“Maybe. Does that make me a bad person?” Jeremy asked, looking back at her.

Before she could answer, the door burst open, Rich standing in front of Jake. “The truck is here and everything's Jake!” Rich grinned.

“Will you ever stop using that slag? Just say everything’s okay.” Jake smiled playfully.

“I said, everything’s Jake!” Rich said, now wildly gesturing to Jake himself. Christine giggled at this, Jeremy cracking a smile as well. Jeremy forgot about the box that held pictures and notes. He taped off his last box, and with the help of his friends put it in with the rest of his friend’s things. Jeremy had a feeling everything would change after leaving New Jersey. Jeremy didn’t think he would mind all that much.

---

The next thing the four new adults knew, they were all in New York. Rent was cheap, they were able to all live together. Jeremy for one was happy to be away from his family, he loved his mother, but she could be a bit much for him to handle at times. There were of course only three rooms in the apartment, and Rich suggested he and Jake become roommates. Jake was the first of them to get a job as a teacher, everyday when he would come home would either be complaining about how exhausted he was too Rich or was spent gushing about how adorable his students are. Christine got work for a new play a month into being in New York, unsurprisingly. Christine was the most talented person Jeremy knew, after all. She deserved the job. Rich begun working at a bar, and that just left Jeremy to be unemployed.

It wasn’t like he had no intentions of not working. He wanted that journalist job. He wanted to write articles on the front page, he wanted to get people their news as soon as possible. He wanted to write more than anything, but he didn’t have any passion in writing fictional works. He was known as a “fact strict man”, according to Rich.

“I have no idea what I’m gonna do.” Jeremy complained, huffing a bit. “We’ve been in New York for what? Four months? I’m the only one without a job!” He exclaimed to Rich.

Rich smirked a bit, nodding. “You know, there is an opening at the bar I’m working. As an opening act.” Rich brought up.

“Opening act? Like- like performing?” Jeremy asked, raising an eyebrow. Jeremy had done his fair share of community theatre with Christine, but he’s never performed alone, and has never planned on it. “Oh Rich, I dunno-”

“C’mon Jerry! At least check the place out. Enough giggle water to get four crowds of people drunk, good pay, boss doesn’t care about schedules. You’ll love it.” Rich assured him.

Jeremy sighed a bit, nodding. “Fine. I’ll at least check it out.” he agreed. Jeremy was met with a slap on the back and a hearty laugh.

---

Why Jeremy had agreed to this he had no idea. Why he even bothered with agreeing with Rich he had no idea. After meeting Rich in first grade, he had always knew there was something strange about his shorter friend. Rich was loud, very loud. He was very proud of himself, even if others never approved. Getting into arguments with Rich was proved early on, a bad idea. Their worst argument had once lasted months. It took Christine that amount of time to get her best friends on good terms again. Jeremy had arrived at the bar with Rich, though a weird part of the bar was that it was unnamed. Jeremy asked the owner, Jenna, what she named her bar but he was met with a weird look and a confused glance sent to Rich.

“Honey, do you know where you are?” Jenna asked gently. The bar seemed to be normal at first glance. It was pretty elegant, red velvet seating, dimmed lighting and clean paint the color of black. There was a stage, made of light wood and red curtains. Jeremy studied the scenery around him, It seemed the more he looked around, the more things he noticed were just off . There were men sitting at the bar, but some men had their hands on the thighs of other men. There were women, but the women seemed to be flirting with each other. This made Jeremy flush red as he looked back to Jenna.

“What is this place?” he asked, startled.

“You didn’t even mention it? Did you even hint this was a space for other homosexuals?” Jenna hissed at Rich, giving a glare.

Rich held his hand up. “Frankly I thought he figured it out with me and Jake.” he shrugged.

“Wait- you mean- you can do that? But I- I’ve seen you with women!” Jeremy said, utterly shocked.

“You can love both genders equally.” Rich shrugged.

Jeremy was about to ask another question, when there was a tapping on the microphone. All eyes turned to the stage. A girl with pale skin, brown hair and green eyes, along with a deep purple shirt and- she was wearing trousers , begun to speak. “In just a moment you will be hearing personally my favorite musician and a good friend of mine sing. You all know him as Michael Mell, King of New York Jazz. Give it up for the man himself.” she said. She sounded the standard amount of enthusiastic, and walked off the stage, next to a blonde woman who she threw an arm around, holding her close.

A man in a dark red suit walked onto stage. At first it was all Jeremy could see. Though as he stepped into the light, Jeremy thought he looked amazing. His black hair was styled to look messy, yet at the same time neat. His cheaters were rounded and complimented his facial features well. Seeing his completion, Jeremy wondered if he was from the Philippines or Mexico, but Jeremy brushed it away, simply not caring. The thing that stood out to Jeremy the most was that it was the man from his weird encounter with the box. The smiling man, who wasn’t smiling. He seemed so sad as he looked towards the bar of people. He looked so lost. The man, Michael, didn’t speak. As he sung, his voice was perfect. His voice complimented the jazz accompaniment wonderfully, and in the moment, Jeremy could barely breathe in air. All he wanted to breathe was the sound of Michael’s voice. A voice like that should have been heard by the world, not just some underground bar for homosexuals.

“I think you and I have something in common about men and women.” Rich smirked. Jeremy barely heard him however, deciding on downing his drink, desperately clinging onto Michael’s voice instead, as Michael sung a song of loss, sadness, and hopelessness. He decided he wanted the job.

Jeremy had probably had three drinks. That was it, really. Three drinks wasn’t bad for an average man to consume. For Jeremy however, in short it meant he was zozzled. Though to put it other words, he was absolutely shitfaced. Rich had invited Michael over, since after drink one, Jeremy accepted the job from Jenna. Rich was taking care of the bar, and poured Michael his drink as he walked over. “Mike!” Rich cheered, sliding the tall glass over to him. “Amazing set tonight. Absolutely astonishing.” Rich commented with a smile.

“It was nothing.” Michael waved, taking a sip from the glass. Jeremy looked at Michael, and up close he was definitely the guy from his weird flashback while holding the box. Just now he had shorter hair and no smile.

“You!” Jeremy exclaimed loudly, causing half the bar, Rich and Michael included, to stare at him. Rich looked amused at his drunken friend, knowing he was going to make a fool of himself as he usually did while drunk. Michael looked concerned and confused mixed together as Jeremy pointed at Michael. “You are my dream man .” Jeremy whispered

Michael’s look of concern grew. He only nodded and gave an awkward smile, leaning over to Rich. “Who’s this egg?” he asked quietly.

“This is Jeremy Heere, your very intoxicated opening act.” Rich smirked. “Jeremy, buddy, if you can understand me in your drunken state, your dream man is named Michael Mell.” Rich said slowly.

“Shut up, Dick .” Jeremy said, slurring his s in shut up. Jeremy usually called Rich by ‘Dick’ instead of Rich when extremely drunk. Rich quirked an eyebrow, but backed off. “You have a voice of an angel .” Jeremy said, poking Michael’s chest and leaning forward, almost falling on Michael. Jeremy was lucky enough to have caught himself. “And I know you. You’re the smile man from the box!”

Michael’s look of concern morphed into confusion. “Pardon?” He asked.

“You’re so beautiful in person.” Jeremy mumbled. “And you sing sad songs. Sing happy Mikey.” Jeremy smiled, shutting his eyes, falling on Michael.

“Rich, your drunk friend fell on me.” Michael called, poking Jeremy’s shoulder, his hand being lazily swatted away. There was a small mumble Michael couldn’t make out, but he didn’t poke him again.

“Take him to your place or something, it’s closer than mine.” Rich called back. Michael grunted a bit as he lifted Jeremy up, pulling him out of the bar and into the night.

---

Jeremy awoke with no memory, a killer headache, and felt as if he was going to be sick. This was why he never drank, he remembered. Jeremy groaned a bit, opening his eyes and seeing the fresh daylight. He was on a couch that didn’t belong to him, a pale green blanket wrapped around him with care. He blinked a bit and checked his surroundings, finding nothing familiar. The nausea in his stomach grew, but he hoped he wouldn’t throw up. It would be awful for the carpet. However upon further inspection, he found a bucket next to him. Jeremy promptly vomited into it as soon as it was in his hands, and soon enough the sickness dissipated, leaving him with a dry mouth and a killer headache. Jeremy heard footsteps, and a woman with long dark hair and brown eyes walked into the room, taking the bucket away from him. She was beautiful, she looked so caring. Her dress was casual, it was pink and a floral dress as well. He became flustered, realizing he didn't know this stranger, despite her feeling so familiar

“Ah good, you’re awake. Michael was worried. Are you a friend of his?” the woman asked. Jeremy’s first assumption was that this was Michael’s wife. An odd feeling of what seemed to be unexplainable jealousy filled him.

“Uh- N-no, I uh- I-I think I met him last night. Are you uh- are you his- his wife? ” Jeremy stuttered out.

The woman gave him a look before she burst into laughter. She laughed for about thirty seconds before sighing to herself. “Oh honey, no no! I’m his little sister. Daniella Mell. You are?” She asked expectantly.

“I uh- J-Jeremy. Heere. Jeremy Heere.” Jeremy smiled awkwardly, waving. Jeremy looked back to the bucket of vomit in her hands and begun to wonder if she was going to take it out.

She followed his eyes, remembering what she was holding. “Oh! Please give me one moment. Can I get you anything while I’m up? My sister Madeline is making breakfast with our other sister Silena.” Daniella offered.

Usually, Jeremy would refuse a stranger for anything but she seemed so kind and trustworthy. He couldn’t help but ask, as if they’ve known each other for years. “Water’s fine.” Jeremy nodded. She nodded back, disappearing into another room down the hall. Their living room was quite small. It was painted a pale yellow, the carpet floor being a burnt red. The paint was chipped, and there was a lot more natural light. Looking out the window into the summer morning, Jeremy saw a few fluffy white clouds in the bright blue sky, it hurt to look at. There were several chairs and a bookshelf in the corner of the room, however most of their books seemed to be for children. The books were all torn up or obviously used, there was not one book in the room that looked brand new. There were also dolls and a cardboard box acting as a dollhouse, some stuffed animals tossed around the floor as well.

After a few minutes, the man from the stage, Michael, had come into the room holding a glass of water. He offered it to Jeremy, and he took it, giving a quick ‘thank you’ before going to chug the water.

“Small sips.” Michael advised, which Jeremy followed. Michael looked so familiar as well, and he couldn’t help but feel like he should know him. He should know them all, he should but he didn’t. The feeling ate at Jeremy as he awkwardly drank his water. “You were pretty far gone last night. You rambled all about how I’m some guy from a box.” Michael chuckled. Of course it was short lived as Jeremy almost spat out his water.

He forced himself to swallow. “Oh my gosh I cannot believe I said that.” Jeremy mumbled, facepalming. “I have no idea what that means.” Jeremy lied, sighing a bit.

“You also called me your dream man.” Michael smiled slightly.

“You sing a lot of sad songs.” Jeremy changed the subject. “Have you- have you always sung sad songs?” he asked. Michael’s expression changed to one of sadness. It looked longing. His deep brown eyes moved from Jeremy’s face to the ground. The look he had was one that he recognized from the night before, lost.

“No I- they weren’t always sad songs.” Michael frowned. Jeremy was about to say that he didn’t need to say more, but Michael continued. “I used to have my mom and dad. They moved here from the Philippines, learned English, and taught us both languages. They worked every day to support us and I would only see them on Sundays. Every Sunday, the six of us would go up to a lake I can barely remember the name of and have a picnic. It was all so perfect.” Michael said, looking off and smiling slightly. “Then they- they uh- they never came home one night. I suspect it’s because of my career and my whole identity. They encouraged me to follow my passions and to be myself. In my line of work and considering where my job is, not a lot people take kindly to that. The police say they were both shot. We didn’t have enough money for a funeral, so they were just buried in the grave they had reserved for themselves a few months earlier.” Michael finished. “Ironic that they planned their death a few months before they died.” he chuckled lifelessly, a few tears brimming his eyes.

Jeremy couldn’t relate to most of Michael’s story. His father had passed when Jeremy was eight years old, sure, but neither of them would love who he was. Aside from that, his father died of cancer. He wasn’t murdered. His mother barely supported him on being a journalist, if she ever knew about his performing career, he would be dead. His mother hated when he brought Christine and would refuse to feed him dinner for a week until he was ten years old. He couldn’t relate to having two amazing parents being taken away from him. “I lost my dad when I was eight and it’s felt like I’ve lost a mother since then. I know how hard it is for all that to happen to someone, and it doesn’t help when people offer condolences.” Jeremy spoke softly, his voice barely being above a whisper.

Michael turned back to Jeremy, wiping his eyes. “I don’t even- I don’t know why I told you all that. Barely anyone knows about it. I just- I wanted to tell someone who I thought would listen.” Michael clarified. “I’m really sorry about talking about it and wasting your time.” he apologized.

“No! Don’t- don’t apologize. I uh- my mom and I have an awful relationship. She hates me, I’m pretty sure she has since I met one of my best friends, Christine and was so stubborn, continuously bringing her over until she would get over it. It got to the point where I begun living with Christine. Rich did too, but then we moved here. A- A week ago in fact. I’ll even tell you more about my life. Rich was always super popular and I was always picked on by his friends. I would go home with bruises and cuts and my mom would tell me it was my fault for letting them pick on me. It’s always been that way. She hates my want to be a journalist, and if she knew that I was working as an opening act in any place, much less that bar she would- I don’t even know. My guess is kill me.” Jeremy rambled.

“Why are you telling me all this?” Michael asked after it had seemed the rambling had ceased. Jeremy laughed nervously, taking another sip of his water.

“You just opened up to me about a tragic part in your life. I figured uh- I figured I should tell you about some parts of my own life. As a fair trade thing?” Jeremy raised his eyebrows. He knew Michael, or, at least he felt like he did. Felt like he should. Jeremy wanted to tell him anything and everything he wanted to know.

Michael smiled a bit, and was about to say something before there was a knock on the wall. There stood a tall black haired woman with full, red lips and a scowl on her face. Her dress was emerald green and it was plain, she seemed so angry. As if Jeremy had done something awful to her, despite he knowing he had never met this girl in his life. She gave Jeremy a feeling of unsafety, like she was going to kill him in his sleep if he wasn’t careful. She gave his a sense of familiarity as well, but in the worst possible way. In a way that Jeremy wished he couldn’t feel. “Breakfast time boys.” She spoke, giving a false smile to her brother and a glare to Jeremy before swiftly exiting the room.

Jeremy looked back at Michael with a confused look, but he knew deep down he probably looked scared as well. She had been a big contrast to his other sister Daniella. “That’s Madeline. She’s very rude to our guests.” Michael clarified, saying the last part loud enough for her to hear. Michael turned back to Jeremy. “Come on, the wonders of Wonder Bread and pancakes await us.”

“Wonders of Wonder Bread?” Jeremy rose an eyebrow. Michael laughed a bit, sitting up from the couch. He took Jeremy’s hand, helping him up. Another flash of memories came through. Memories of reading letters by a candle light, the paper being parchment and being treated with care. Memories of a ball, regal suits adorning Jeremy, the suit being different hues of blue and different designs, at the ball speaking to Michael and Daniella, both siblings having an identical smirk on their faces. Memories him and Michael in a green forest, standing in the middle of a few trees, the sunlight filtering through to show small shadows of leaves dancing on the forest floor, Michael holding Jeremy as Jeremy hugged him and cried. Jeremy didn’t realize it, but he pulled back harshly, and as soon as he did, the trance ended just as quickly as it came. Jeremy couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t move for a moment, before he forced himself to shake his head. “Did you see that?” Jeremy asked, looking back up at Michael.

“See what?” Michael asked, a confused look on his face. Jeremy was about to explain when a little girl of seven came into views.

“Mikey, Maddie said that she and Ella are gonna start breakfast without you if you don’t get into the dining room.” the little girl spoke softly.

“Actually, I uh- I think I’ll just go home.” Jeremy said nervously. Setting his water down on a nearby table. He looked around the room, anywhere but Michael. If he looked at Michael, Jeremy assumed there would be another flash. Another bit of memories that Jeremy shouldn’t even be viewing. Memories that shouldn’t exist.

“Your home is across town, isn’t it? Stay for breakfast, I’ll at least take you to the train station.” Michael offered.

“No! I mean- No thank you. Staying the night has been enough and I-I don’t want to overstay my visit.” Jeremy reasoned, laughing a bit out of nervousness.

“You laugh weird.” The little girl observed.

“Silena!” Michael scolded. “She’s in a phase. Says anything and everything.” Michael explained. “Really, you should stay Jeremy.” Michael said, his eyes softening a bit. Michael put a hand on his shoulder, and Jeremy braced himself for another flood of memories. They never came. Jeremy sighed in relief a bit, but nodded.

“Yeah, I guess I don’t have another place to be.” Jeremy shrugged, earning a smile from Michael. It was a small smile, but Jeremy knew deep down it was real. He could tell  it was, for some unexplainable reason he knew it was a true and genuine smile. He knew it was a smile that said everything was okay. He didn’t know how or why, but he did.

“Great!” Michael said, taking his hand off his shoulder.

---

The next thing he knew, he was in their dining room. The air smelled of pancakes, the light seemed to stream into the room through three windows. The table was an average size, able to sit at least six, maybe eight if a few extra chairs were pulled up. The wood on the table was dark, though most of it was covered by a light green table cloth. Over the table hung a light, but Jeremy wasn’t sure if it was ever used or not. The walls matched the living room, being painted the pale yellow and the floorboards being a light brown color. Jeremy was sat across from Silena, who seemed to be eying the pancakes with a hunger only fit for a child her age. Next to her was Madeline, who occasionally gave him dirty looks, as if just his presence offended her. At the head of the table, right next to Jeremy, was Michael. On his other side sat Daniella, who was currently piling on three pancakes, something Jeremy copied, hopefully not taking too many. Jeremy also took a slice of toast, eating it plain, the only way he liked toast. He also used some syrup for his golden brown pancakes, although Jeremy was picky about how much he put onto the hotcakes.

“So, you’re going to be working with Michael? That’s very exciting.” Daniella smiled. Jeremy turned to her, flushing out of embarrassment. Before he could reply, he was cut off.

“Well considering the job has brought such bad luck on our family, it’s only fitting you arrive.” Madeline smiled sickly, taking a bite from her toast.

“Madeline, be kind to our guest.” Michael said, he seemed bored, as if thus were a regular occurrence.

“Yeah Maddie! You’ll never get married with a big mouth like that!” Silena said, much more passionate about her words, sticking her tongue out at her older sister.

Jeremy looked back to Michael, who was stifling a laugh. Daniella took charge. “Silena! Where did you hear that language? Was it Ms. Winters? I told you not to spend so much time over there.” she scolded.

“I’m sorry Ella.” Silena apologized, “But Maddie is bein’ real rude to our guest, even if he did throw up.” she said, turning to Jeremy. She gave a smile without her two front teeth. “You’re a cute guest, you can stay forever!” the little girl grinned.

“Oh- I uh- that’s really sweet but I don’t know about forever.” Jeremy shook his head, a smile still on his lips. He felt awful telling Silena he couldn’t stay, he wanted to stay forever but he couldn’t figure out why.

“So, are you passionate about performing?” Daniella asked, changing the subject, seeming to know that he was uncomfortable.

“Well um- no? I’m really more of a writer, but I know a few songs and I-I’ve been in front of an audience and wh-while jobs aren’t opening up every second, my friend Rich got me the job.” Jeremy explained.

“Ah, not even passionate about the arts. So if you got death threats and your parents had to pay the price I’m guessing you wouldn’t be okay with that, golden boy?” Madeline asked, glaring at Jeremy.

“ Madeline. ” Michael warned sternly.

“Oh no, it’s alright.” Jeremy waved off, a flash of anger and resentment filling him as he looked at Madeline. “To answer your question, my dad has already passed and my mother is in New Jersey, and would disown me if she knew about the singing career. I would be the one paying any price.” Jeremy crossed his arms.

The rest of the breakfast was spent in silence, Daniella collecting their dishes once finished, Michael leading Jeremy outside. “I’m sorry about my sister. We all handle grief differently.” Michael apologized.

Jeremy shrugged. “It’s okay. I kind of understand.” he shrugged. Jeremy looked up at the sky, shoving his hands into his coat pockets. The sky was dotted with large gray clouds of fluff, the sun peaking through the clouds momentarily. For a second everything was quiet in the city, something that Jeremy missed from his small town in New Jersey.

“You were really freaking out before breakfast.” Michael nodded, “Do you want to talk about it?” Michael asked. For some unknown reason, Jeremy blushed a bit, stopping in his tracks. Jeremy stopped him as well, holding onto Michael’s arm. As expected, images flashed. This time it seemed like a different period in time, not really a royalty setting. All Jeremy could hear was the sounds of gunshots. He saw Michael, smiling weakly, blood on his his hand, the blood pooling from Michael’s abdomen. He seemed to be looking up at Jeremy with a look of peace. A look of contentment. He reached a bloodied hand to Jeremy’s face and Jeremy let go of Michael.

“Did you see that?” Jeremy asked. Michael gave him a look asking if he was insane. “You saw none of that?” he repeated.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Michael furrowed his eyebrows. Michael looked attractive confused, Jeremy mentally noted. His eyebrows creased together, his lips pouted slightly, his deep brown eyes were softened. It was like staring at a painting. Jeremy pushed the odd thoughts away.

“I- I can only try to show you. Don’t think about it and grab my arm.” Jeremy nodded. Michael’s look of confusion deepened, though he followed the order.

“Is there something supposed to be happening here?” Michael asked. Jeremy groaned, not getting anything either. Jeremy shook his hand away and walked forward without Michael. “Hey, you don’t know where you’re going!” Michael called out.

“I don’t mind where I go at this point. I’ll see you tonight!” he called back.

---

Jeremy ended up finding a train station and riding a block from his shared apartment. He walked in after walking and standing all day, all he wanted was to sleep. Upon entering, he saw Rich reading the News. “Rich, can you wake me up an hour before we leave?” Jeremy asked.

“Sure thing, Bluenose.” Rich nodded. Jeremy rolled his eyes at the nickname. He was too tired to give a clever comeback, and decided to let him get away with it this one time. He entered his plain room, the white walls uneasing him, Jeremy had grown quite attached to the yellow, peeling paint in Michael’s house. Jeremy’s bed was a plain blue, but was still warm enough to sleep in. Or at he at least figured it was. Jeremy crawled under the blue layer of blankets and fell asleep.

The dream was peculiar, to say the least. He was in a mansion, almost nothing was familiar. He was kissing someone. He was grasping on the person as if they were his life support. The lips were the only familiar thing that Jeremy could grasp onto. He was smiling, being pressed against a warm couch, he was trying to pull him closer. He was longing for him to be near him, despite being as close as possible. Eventually, Jeremy needed to breathe. He tapped the back of the person’s face, causing him to open his eyes, a smile still present to his face. Jeremy instantly knew who the person was, it was Michael. Michael cupped Jeremy’s cheek and the two gasped for air.

“Do you ever wonder what it would be like if we did not need to hide in this way?” Jeremy asked, seemingly against his own will. Michael shrugged at this, leaning down to kiss him. Jeremy pulled away quickly. “Would you still love me if this wasn’t all a secret?”

“Jeremiah, only a fool would not love you.” Michael stated. “Meeting you was the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

Jeremy threaded his fingers through Michael’s hair. Jeremy pulled Michael down slightly so his lips would be near his ear. “You are a lovesick fool.” he whispered. Michael smirked at this, kissing Jeremy’s neck, earning a squeal from Jeremy. He giggled after the squeal was let out. Michael pulled back. “You know I laugh when you kiss me there!” Jeremy pouted.

“And it is the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. More beautiful than the finest orchestra.” Michael countered. Jeremy wanted to stay in the moment for as long as possible, it was everything he could have possibly wanted. The moment seemed so perfect, just Jeremy and Michael against it all.

“I love you with the entirety of myself.” Jeremy mumbled, looking up into Michael’s eyes. Jeremy ran his thumb across the smooth surface of Michael’s face. He wanted to never forget him, he wanted to get lost in the man before him.

“And I love you with all of my heart and soul, and nothing will ever change that.” Michael smiled, leaning down for another kiss.

“Come on Jer, we leave in an hour.” Rich shook him awake. Jeremy finally woke up, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. “Finally. You have to rehearse tonight.” Rich told him. Jeremy looked out the window, seeing the gray sky has become darker. He nodded, sitting up as Rich left. Jeremy looked to the table beside his bed, the box that had induced visions in the first place. He wondered if he and Michael were soulmates, with the dream of another time and the memories. He knew of what the rumors were of past lives with soulmates, once you met them, all you could see were visions of them until you and your soulmate were finally together. The trouble was, only one person had knowledge of the other being a soulmate. Jeremy grabbed the box, and as if his muscle memory had taken over completely, he opened it and proceeded to take out every picture, putting them on the small table. He proceeded to lift the bottom, revealing a secret compartment with a few letters. He reached out to read the first one.

My dearest Jeremiah,

This letter may never reach you. If you do read this, you may be asking why, and that is because you sleep by my side. Yes, you have fallen asleep against the hard book we were reading so late in the night. Your snores, while obnoxious and loud, possibly waking the entirety of the castle, are still somehow endearing and wonderful. How is it that you are able to be so wonderful? How is it that you can be so effortlessly kind and beautiful? You will one day make an excellent king, and probable father. I only hope I can live up to your standard of parenting with a child, perhaps our child. I really do adore you, Jeremy. I cannot begin to process the love I have for you, the love you have given to me. If all will go planned, I will spend the rest of my life as yours, and you will spend the rest of your life as mine, as if we are not already at the phase. You are my moon, my beautiful moon that I will shine with light for all eternity. I hope one day we may finally live out our lives together freely. Moon, you are everything.

Forever the sun,

1. Mell

Jeremy’s breath hitched. Now he was sure that the two were soulmates.

---

Jeremy arrived at the bar with a few minutes to spare, Jenna pointing him to a back room. He entered, finding the woman who introduced Michael the night before. She was dressed now in a purple and dark blue dress, wearing a black hat and matching purple gloves. Her brown hair was pinned up, her arms were crossed with an annoyed expression on her face. She seemed to burn this fire Jeremy didn’t want to step too close to.

A blonde woman, however, seemed to not shy away from the fire. She in fact seemed to welcome it. The blonde woman was dressed in a yellow dress with a light blue cap to match. Her lipstick was red, compared to the other woman’s who’s was bright pink. She gave Jeremy a smile. “Hello! You must be Jeremy Heere. My name is Brooke Lohst, pleasure to meet you!” she said, turning to the brunette woman. Brooke smiled nervously, nudging the other woman. “Chloe, say hello to our new act.” Brooke smiled gently.

The brunette, Chloe, studied Jeremy. She nodded a bit. “Evening.” she said carefully. Chloe turned back to the desk, sitting down.

“Chloe is a woman of few words. We’ll be writing your songs, helping you rehearse, that sort of thing.” Brooke smiled brightly. In a way, she was a light. She reminded Jeremy of the some kind of light, not the sun, but bright. Maybe some other star. “So, what would you like to sing about?”

Jeremy thought about the question for a moment. “I want to sing about my soulmate.” he nodded. Chloe turned to him, a slight smirk, possibly a smile on her face.

“Ah, so you’re the one who remembers. That explains it.” Chloe smirked. Jeremy’s eyes darted to the floor. How could she possibly have known any of that? He wondered what she meant by her saying that explains it , when he didn’t know himself.

Brooke gave a confused look but shook her head. “Let’s begin working.” she smiled at Jeremy, a hint of nervousness still on her face.

---

After a few hours of songwriting and rehearsing, Jeremy was absolutely exhausted the only brightly colored room in the building had never seemed so dimmed. The once lively green colors of the wall and the cream couches seemed to lose all color. Who knew singing and writing songs was such a tiring process? Aside from that, they barely had half of a song. He laid on the couch, being on break, finally, eating candy Rich had given him upon going to the bar, stating that he was no longer allowed to drink. Jeremy studied each painting on each wall, seeing nothing new to catch his eyes. Then there was the door opening and closing. Jeremy lifted his head, spotting Michael. It was as if the gray clouds parted to let Michael Mell shine through. If Jeremy was the moon, then please Lord let Michael be the sun. Michael smiled at the three of them. “Chloe, Jeremy, and Brookie!” Michael greeted them with a wave. “I’m going on in twenty, so I gotta warm up. In case you want to watch the show.” Michael winked.

Chloe and Brooke both laughed. “Mike, we always stay for warm ups.” Brooke smiled.

“But not tonight. I promised Jenna we would survey the guests.” Chloe said. “But Jeremy can stay all he’d like.” she shrugged, linking her arm with Brooke’s. She gave Jeremy a look of knowing. “We’ll watch your set, Mikey.” Chloe promised, before saying goodbye and leaving with Brooke.

Suddenly, Jeremy was alone, with Michael, something he had never expected to happen here. What did Chloe even know that Jeremy didn’t? Or maybe he did know, and he just couldn’t catch on. Jeremy sat up, still eating a few Mike and Ike's. He chucked at the name of the candy. “I wonder, did you happen to make this candy with some guy named Ike?” Jeremy teased, popping a few of the candies into his mouth. Michael rolled his eyes, smiling. Jeremy put a few in the palm of Michael’s hand.

“Yes, Ike was a lover of mine, and we decided to show our love through amazing candy that I could never dream of.” Michael joked. Jeremy grinned at the joke, watching Michael eat the candy. He looked so handsome, he was so elegant. The clothes he wore were probably expensive, the tuxedo he was wearing seemed so formal. Jeremy didn’t own anything close to it. Aside from that, his cheaters framed his face perfectly, and when Michael turned his head, he was revealed to have the jawline of a God.

These were probably the most homosexual thoughts Jeremy has ever had. He couldn’t help it when his cheeks began to burn up. Michael seemed to notice, but brushed it away for the time being, doing a few vocal warm ups. Jeremy loved his voice. It was golden. It was beautiful, smooth, he was born to fit the part of a singer. He should be playing different clubs every night rather than the one they were at now. Jeremy’s voice seemed so awful in comparison. Well, it was more just awful anyways in his own opinion.

Jeremy stared at Michael, and he didn’t notice. He well, he maybe didn’t care. Jeremy hoped that was the case. He wanted to stare at Michael for the rest of his life, he would if he could. Michael stopped singing apparently finishing all his warm ups.

“You’re so good.” Jeremy sighed, rubbing a hand down his face. Jeremy looked back at Michael. Michael’s cheeks were tinted a shade of red but Jeremy knew it was probably his mind tricking him.

“I was barely warming up.” he smiled, darting his eyes away.

“No, your voice should be heard by everyone everywhere. Not just to a few people lucky enough to listen.” Jeremy replied. He stood up, still a few in inches shorter than Michael. He gently directed Michael to look at him. “I mean it. If you dream of making music, you should do it. You’re simply amazing.” Jeremy smiled

Michael looked away from him, though quickly looked back. “Not everyone needs to see me. I’m perfectly content with my little world here.” he smiled, stepping back a bit. Jeremy smiled shyly, realizing he probably made Michael uncomfortable, it all just seemed natural. He wasn’t trying to hold him so close, it was as if his muscle memory had some kind of new mind of it’s own. He wanted nothing more than to hold Michael as close as possible. Jeremy rubbed his eyes.

“Right, it’s your choice. I just think you’re spectacular.” he said. Suddenly, the door opened. Jazz could be heard from outside the door, flowing into the room.

“Five minutes Mikey!” Brooke beamed. “Jeremy, I saved you a spot.” she said, directing her attention to him. She gave a final nod before closing the door.

“Okay, well I should go see about that seat, but uh- don’t underestimate what you can do.” Jeremy advised, slipping outside of the door before he could say or do anything stupid.

---

The next couple of week, Jeremy worked on a set, a few songs he became happy with. He rehearsed them every morning before the bar officially opened, and wrote songs every night. He often watched Michael, and at times, he would help with his songs when Chloe and Brooke had their days off.

“So all your songs are about loving someone you barely know.” Michael brought up one night.

Jeremy flushed instantly. “All your songs are about sorrow and loss.” he countered, turning his face to be anywhere but looking at Michael.

He couldn’t see, but Michael rolled his eyes. “And I have told you why that is.” he pointed out. “You have yet to tell me any of the inspiration behind your songs, why they’re all about a certain someone.” Michael rose an eyebrow. Jeremy wanted to desperately tell him. He wanted to tell him who he was singing about, he wanted to tell him about his dreams that he constantly had, the letters he would read every night before he fell asleep, asking Brooke and Chloe to be off on the same days so he could have moments like these all alone, but Jeremy was terrified.

“They are about uh- my friend! My friend Christine.” Jeremy lied, nodding and blushing profusely. Jeremy noticed a look of disappointment spread across Michael's face, but it didn’t go away. Jeremy knew his mind wasn’t playing tricks on him anymore. Jeremy sighed a bit, “That was a lie.” he admitted quickly and quietly.

“What? Then why do you-” Michael began to ask, being cut off by Jeremy’s lips clashing with his own. Jeremy felt butterflies and a sense of familiarity as they kissed. Neither pulled away, in fact, Jeremy decided to tangle his fingers into Michael’s hair. Jeremy moved closer, Michael dragging him onto his lap. Jeremy felt the feeling of Michael’s warm tongue swiping on his bottom lip. Jeremy let out a quiet moan, his mouth opening on it’s own accord. Eventually, Michael pulled away. Their faces flushed and both boys breathless, Michael let out a quiet “oh”. Jeremy’s eyes widened, before he scrambled off of Michael

“Gee would ya look at the time? I should be going it’s my time to go see you later bye!” Jeremy rambled, over the course of the sentence inching towards the door and running out of it completely after saying ‘bye’.

“Jeremy! Buddy, why in such a hurry?” Jeremy heard, turning to the bar. Rich was behind the bar while Jake sat on a stool near it.

“See you guys at home!” he said instead, seeing Michael come out of the room he was just in. Jeremy quickly walked out of the door, breaking into a sprint once he had reached the night outside. He ran to a street corner, his lungs burning due to never exercising in the slightest.

---

As soon as Jeremy got home, he was slightly calmer. His face was still red and he ran all the way upstairs, but overall he was calmer. He sighed a bit, slumping against the door. He hung his head down, gasping for breath. “You’re home early.” a voice rang through the apartment. Jeremy’s head shot up, seeing it was only Christine. He sighed in relief.

“Oh thank god it’s only you.” Jeremy grinned. He then remembered what he had done before at the bar, quickly shuffling to lock their door.

“Jeremy, why are you locking our door?” Christine frowned, walking towards him. The shorter girl crossed her arms, waiting for his explanation.

“I kissed my soulmate and he’s going to-” Jeremy was cut off.

“He? Oh thank god you’ve figured it out.” Christine sighed.

“Not important!” Jeremy hissed, “He could be arriving to talk to me about what happened! Rich could have given him our address!”

“Would it be so bad?” Christine asked, tilting her head. “To talk to him? I know how much you dislike confrontation, but it could work out.” Christine shrugged. “Wait, he kissed you back, right?” she asked.

“We almost did more than kiss.” Jeremy mumbled. “What if he remembers? You know what they say, once the one who remembers kisses the one who forgot all will be resolved? What if he knows?”

“Then that would be good!” Christine nodded. “Jere, you’re being a bit irrational here. You can and should be happy, maybe this is the beginning to all of that.” she pointed out. Just then, there was a knock behind Jeremy. In that moment, Jeremy learned how strong and fast his best friend really was. Christine was able to push Jeremy out of her way as soon as the knock sounded, and was able to open the door with ease. “Hello!” she greeted cheerfully, as if she did not just send Jeremy flying to the floor.

“Is Jeremy here?” a voice asked, one Jeremy instantly recognized as Michael’s one giveaway being that Michael chuckled a bit to himself upon saying it. “I uh- I really need to talk to him.”

Jeremy began to crawl away. “Of course! He’s right on the floor! Come in!” she said, stepping back to reveal Jeremy low on the ground, pausing mid escape. “I have errands to run. Good day!” she smiled, winking at Jeremy before leaving.

“Why are you on the floor?” Michael asked after a few seconds.

“Why aren’t you?” Jeremy retaliated. “Look about the incident, I’m really-”

“I liked it.” Michael interrupted. “And I’m interested in you. You’re like this part of my life, a part that Iife I feel like I should keep.” he continued. “When you kissed me it was like everything locked into place. As if it was something saying that this was it, that this was supposed to be my future. I want you to be with me.” Michael finished.

Jeremy scrambled up from the ground, his face completely red. “Look, I have the memories.” he blurted out. “Bits and pieces. Dreams, sometimes when I touch you I get flashes. I’ve found letters from them. But each life, Michael? Each one ends terribly because of who we are and because of our love. I want to be with you, but I can’t let you die.”

Michael paused for a moment, as if mulling it over. Finally, he nodded. “I want to experience this with you. I don’t care what kind of fate we suffer. Loving you will be worth all my time.” Michael finalized. Jeremy smiled at this, he always said something like that each and every time. And each and every time, Jeremy couldn’t say no. Instead of saying something, he hugged Michael tightly, holding onto him as if he was the last meaningful thing in Jeremy’s life. In a way, he was.

---

No one ever amounted to Michael, Jeremy decided. He had a few girlfriends in high school, but they all seemed like they could never live up to Michael. Even his ex girlfriend Sylvia Jaes, who was a beautiful girl who cares for Jeremy more than anything while the two were dating. Jeremy loved how familiar and kind Michael was. The two constantly spent time together, something that Jeremy never grew tired of. Often, they were alone during the day in Michael's house, until it became three o’clock and Michael had to pick up Silena from school.

“So what did you learn in school?” Michael asked, both him and Jeremy swinging her by the arms as she giggled. “Did you play games? You didn’t backtalk your teachers?” he continued.

“And you made things right? You know I love your paintings.” Jeremy nodded at Silena.

“Well,” she dragged out the ‘l’, “I did happen to maybe make a drawing of my family.” Silena confessed. She looked up to Jeremy with a big smile. “I’ll show you when we go home.” she added.

The rest of the walk was short, and when the three got home, Silena instantly made both Jeremy and Michael leave her in the living room alone. “I have to do some important things!” Silena had told them, sticking her tongue out at Michael who had asked in the first place. “You’ll love it! Now leave!” she ordered. The two ultimately listening and going into Michael’s room. Michael sat on his bed, the black blanket contrasted the white walls. The walls were plain, aside from a few paintings.

“Do you paint too?” Jeremy asked after studying a few of them. Michael had gone red, looked away and nodding.

“I also draw a lot.” he shrugged.

Jeremy nodded, sitting down next to his lover. “Have you ever drawn me?” he asked.

Michael paused, “Well, not on purpose.” he answered slowly. Jeremy stared at him, silently asking what he meant by ‘not on purpose’. “Okay, before we met, I would draw a lot of people, just random faces that I would think of and you happened to be mostly what I drew.”

Jeremy processed what was said. “You mean you’ve been drawing me without even knowing me? And you’ve never brought this up?” he asked, crossing his arms.

“Hey, you’re the one who has letters in my handwriting.” Michael defended. “I burned them all anyways.” he added with a mumble.

Jeremy took Michael’s hand, he was about to say something when they both heard Silena. “You guys can look now!” she beamed from the doorway. So, the two men walked out to the living room, spotting on the table two bracelets woven messily but still with care, one being blue and the other being red. There were a few pictures on the table as well. One had “my family” in big letters at the top. Unsurprisingly, all of Silena’s siblings were listed, and what took Jeremy back was seeing that she had put him in the picture. His heart warmed, he never had a little sister, and it made him happy to see Silena thought of hin as an honorary brother. The next picture was of a heart, and the last a butterfly. “Do you guys like it? I made the bracelets for you.” Silena spoke up.

Jeremy carefully picked up the blue one, beaming. “I love it.” he told her. “And your drawings are just so beautiful.” he noted, tearing up a bit, looking back at the drawing Silena made of her family.

Michael picked up the red bracelet, putting it on and hugging the small child. “Thank you.” he said softly.

“You’re welcome Mikey!” Silena grinned, hugging him back.

---

Until Daniella and Madeline got home a couple hours later, Michael and Jeremy were drawing with Silena the entire time. Jeremy draw a heart for Silena, which earned him a gasp and a loud “you love me?” said with a large smile. Michael had drawn Jeremy and Silena, giving it to Silena. Jeremy attempted to draw Michael, but according to Silena it looked more like Michael in a disaster situation.

Once the other sisters got home, Madeline scowled as Daniella smiled. Jeremy wasn’t sure, but he thought he had heard Madeline say under her breath something awful about both of them. Jeremy went home, mostly so he could get ready for work. It wasn’t his second time performing, but it was his first time performing with Michael. The two decided to be thorough about their small show duet, Both of them would be well covered, and the idea was that no one knew it was them until they heard their voices. When Jeremy arrived home, he arrived to Jake under Rich and on their couch.

“Rich? Why are you- Okay.” Jeremy shook his head. Rich and Jake pulled apart, both of them looking unphased.

“Jere, we’ve talked about this.” Rich deadpanned.

“Yes, I was talking about why are you here? You should have been at work twenty minutes ago.” Jeremy sighed.

“Shit!” Rich exclaimed, scrambling off of Jake and leaving out the door.

“So, you really must like Michael.” Jake noted. Jeremy shrugged, sitting down next to him. “Which one of you has the memories?”

“I do.” Jeremy shrugged. “You and Rich-?”

“I have them.” Jake nodded. “It took me so long to find him last time. It’s actually a relief to have been with him sooner.”

“I really hope it doesn’t end in death again.” Jeremy admitted. “If he dies for me again I- I don’t know what I’ll do.” Jeremy teared up, looking away from Jake.

“Hey, it won’t end that way.” the other soothed.

“Every single time it does.” Jeremy shook his head. Tears fell down his face one by one as he spoke. “Just for once I would love to it be me and him, no judgement, no hatred, and no death.” he sobbed.

“No one can promise you that,” Jake began. “You need to be the one controlling your future with Michael. If people show judgement and hatred, turn them away. The only thing that should matter is what you believe. What or who you love, that’s all that should matter.” Jake noted. Jeremy thought for  moment, wiping his cheeks and nodding.

He should only care about what he believed in, what he loved. If he died in the process, he would be content dying at the side of his lover.

---

Jeremy had gotten to the bar thirty minutes early. He did nothing in particular, mainly sitting at the bar until he needed to get dressed and warm up his voice, which he promptly did. He was always so nervous before opening for Michael, he knew that Michael was just so breathtaking, he could never live up to it. Usually the bar had a happy and excited vibe to it, but darkness seemed to loom over everyone. Bad energy was almost everywhere, he wondered why everything felt so dark. Then he came to a realization.

He needed Michael immediately.

Jeremy walked into the dressing room, quickly getting into costume. He would go on with Michael first. The hat he wore hid his eyes, and under the dim lights he would look unrecognizable, just as Michael would. Michael was all he could think about. Just as the door swung open, Michael looked carefree. Even happy, a contrast to when they first met. Hopeless, lost, sad. That was three words to describe him before. Michael immediately noted something was off. Already in full costume, Michael rushed to Jeremy’s side with concern spreading across his face. “Jeremy, what’s wrong?” Michael asked.

Jeremy tried to keep his tears at bay, he didn’t even know if his prediction was right. Jeremy stared into Michael’s deep brown eyes. They once looked dull, as if all life and happiness had abandoned him. He was so different now, and Jeremy was the reason for it. He couldn’t tell him what was wrong. He had to let this happy Michael live a bit longer. Jeremy shook his head instead. “Nervous.” he answered, which was the truth. He was nervous, really nervous. There was no way in hell anyone would enjoy Jeremy singing with Michael, and he would probably mess up and fall off stage or something.

“Hey, we’ll do great.” Michael assured him.

“Michael, why do you love me?” Jeremy asked suddenly. Michael was obviously taken aback by the question, and Jeremy instantly regretted saying a single word. Jeremy was truly wondering, however. He had let both of them die over and over again. There was no way either of them would get to live out the life they spoke of every day. The life of being married and old with children. There was no way they would ever have that, and most of the time if not all of it, it was Jeremy’s fault.

“You’ve done so much for me.” Michael smiled weakly. “When we first met, I was in an awful place. I thought about joining my parents daily. I was only living because of my sisters. Silena needs me to grow up. Daniella would go crazy if she was with Madeline everyday, and Madeline gave me talks of how they all needed me. I didn’t want to live before we met. But I’m glad I lived past that. Because if I hadn’t, i would have never met you. I was so broken. I was alone, but you put me back together and showed me life was worth living.”

Jeremy smiled, no longer able to hold back his tears as he tackled Michael into a hug. He held onto the taller one as if he would never see him again if he didn’t hold on as tightly as possible. “I love you.” he admitted between sobs, still clinging to Michael.

“I love you too.” Michael sighed, Jeremy didn’t need to look, he knew Michael was smiling. Jeremy pulled away from the hug, wiping his face from his tears. Michael kissed his forehead, adjusting Jeremy’s hat. “Let’s warm up.”

---

Everything went so horribly wrong before Jeremy could even sing his first word. Michael had walked out before him onto the stage, after having no introduction, simply just music beginning to play. Michael didn’t get to sing either. Before he was able to say anything, a gunshot was heard and Michael had fallen. The shouts between customers drowned out Jeremy’s, as he ran onto stage and clutched him tightly. He looked out in the crowd, spotting Madeline. The crowd was disappearing at an alarming rate. He turned back to Michael, who was half dead. “No, no no no no.” Jeremy pleaded. “Not again, please not again.” he shook his head. Tears began to pool in his eyes, Jeremy held onto him as if, once again, he was the most important thing in the world. And he was. As Jeremy held onto the other, he sobbed as images flashed in his mind. Some of the exact same thing happening now, and a few others where Jeremy was the one to die.

Their plan to live out their lives was unrealistic. He knew that and so did Michael. Everything was against them. But most importantly, Madeline was against them. Jeremy sobbed harder as Michael put a hand on Jeremy’s shoulder. “M-Mahal kita,  Jeremy.” he said weakly. Jeremy shook his head, he knew what it meant.

“Mahal kita.” Michael has mumbled against him as they lay in Michael’s bed. Jeremy turned towards Michael, still wrapped up in his embrace. Michael opened one eye before laughing a bit. “It means I love you.” he told him. Jeremy flushed. He wondered if Michael meant it, but knew he probably did. Why else would he say it?

Sudden realization that Michael was probably waiting for Jeremy to say it back had dawned on him. “Oh. Um- Mahal Kita too?” Jeremy said, butchering the phrase completely. Michael laughed. Each and every time Michael laughed, he swore he could hear bells ringing behind it. The laugh was so joyful, he was back to being someone who smiled a lot. Jeremy became someone who smiled and laughed a lot as well. Jeremy joined Michael in laughter, the two in fits of giggles. In the moment, it was as if nothing mattered.

Jeremy clutched Michael closely, being unable to say anything. Suddenly, someone cleared their throat. Jeremy looked up, seeing Madeline herself. She looked haunting, her clothes were all black, as if she had begun the mourning process before it had even started. The look on her face showed no remorse. Jeremy wondered if she felt anything at all. Well, she must feel hatred. “You.” he said, spitting out the word as if it were a poison. He noticed the gun in her hand, and she pointed it at Jeremy.

“Me.” she confirmed. Madeline had always been against them. Madeline always hated Jeremy, and there was nothing he could ever do about it. Michael always tried but it never worked. Madeline was set on other goals, all that ended in their deaths. “You made me kill him. I thought he was you .” Madeline spat. Her voice was sharp, as if she had spent the majority of her life anticipating killing him. Jeremy had a feeling she knew what she was doing, shooting Michael first. Her own brother, the man who had loved her when no one else would.

Jeremy wasn’t so sure someone as twisted and dark as Madeline could be loved. He wondered what caused her to be so cruel, no, what caused her to be so diabolically evil that she would kill her brother in almost every single life. “You knew what you were doing!” Jeremy exclaimed. He looked around, he had not seen Rich. Hopefully he had gotten out alive. Jeremy knew how devastated Jake would be. And Christine, what would she be doing if Jeremy died? Would Rich take care of her? Maybe she would be completely okay.

“I didn’t know shit!” Madeline hissed. “You took him from us, from all of us. You’re the one who caused this.” She shook her head. Madeline seemed so set on this, on killing him. As if it were her goal. Maybe she remembered something Jeremy didn’t, he was so unsure.

“I’m not the one who shot him.” Jeremy spat. “You’re sick, evil, manipulative. I don’t think you ever loved your family.” he shook his head. Madeline pressed the gun against his head. Tears were still streaming from Jeremy’s eyes. He glanced down at Michael, seeing his eyes be truly lifeless. It gave Jeremy a feeling of sickness, he looked back up at Madeline.

“I did love them!” Madeline yelled. Now tears were streaming down her face. Progress. “Then my parents died because of Michael. And now he’s dead because of me. And soon enough, you’ll join him in hell!” she sobbed, shaking her head.

Jeremy paused for a moment, before laughing and sobs collided to make a sound he had never heard come from his mouth. “You’re going to have to go home and tell Daniella. Tell Silena. You’re going to have to tell them you killed him.” Jeremy taunted.

“Maybe so, but at least I’ll have wiped scum like you from this earth.” she seethed. Jeremy knew what was going to happen. He held Michael close to him as the shot fired, all there was left was darkness.