Chapter Text
Michael should have paid more attention to the world around him, in fact, he could have avoided this whole situation if he did. If only he hadn’t been primarily focused on the fact that Sam was finally leaving him alone.
If he wasn’t trying so hard to see where the mystery girl had vanished he would have seen the crowd part and the figure barreling towards him. He should have seen the mop of blonde hair that was approaching him at an alarming rate but it wasn’t until the collision and slap of the floor against his back did his mind snap back to reality.
With the breath knocked out of him his focus went to the figure who was shaking their head and jingling the multiple accessories that hung from their jacket.
“Wow, sorry about that man!” They gave Michael an easy smile that made the retort on his tongue dry up and die. He could only stare at the wild hair and equally wild glint in their eyes. They opened their mouth to speak but their head turned back to the crowd and the smile left their face. They quickly stood up and helped Michael do the same. “I’m really sorry man but we got to go!”
“Wait what-“ they grabbed his arm and ran, not paying any attention to his questions and protests.
“There he is!” Michael heard someone shout but when he tried to see from where, they were already miles away.
Mystery person moved him through stands and crowds and not once did they stumble or crash into anybody else. It was like everyone and everything knew to get out of the way. They pulled Michael along with such ease and speed that he was starting to struggle to keep up. They were closer to the beach now and to his immediate relief they pulled him into an alley and stopped.
“What’s going-“
“Shhhh!” They covered his mouth with their hands and pushed him deeper into the alley. His question was momentarily replaced by how their hands were absolutely freezing against his face.
He wanted to push their hands away, wanted to push them away, but the intensity in the way they were looking out on the street told him it wouldn’t be the best idea. The approaching sounds of shouts and running feet confirmed this. Two people rushed by and he felt them tense further, like a coil ready to spring at the first sign of trouble.
The rest of the group ran by, each of them shouting and cursing but none bothered to turn their heads or divert from their course. It wasn’t until a guy who was panting heavily and walking more than running passed did they relax.
They removed their hands from his face and moved to check both sides of the street before fully stepping out of the alley. “All clear! Come on man let’s get out of here before they get back.”
Whether it was the need for answers or the fact he didn’t know where he was didn’t matter because something told him to follow them regardless. They started to walk towards the opposite direction the guys had gone and he had no idea where they were going.
“What the fuck was that about?” He blurted out and to their credit they did give him a confused look before bursting out laughing.
“Oh my god I totally kidnapped you!” They laughed again and it was as if they were hearing the world’s greatest joke. The smile on their face was all encompassing and Michael had the urge to laugh along with them, it was simply infectious.
“Yeah you did.” He played along.
“And I dragged you into an alley holy fuck! Dude, I could’ve killed you!” That made them laugh louder for a reason yet unknown to him but he tried to act like that last part wasn’t at all creepy.
“Yeah, still doesn’t explain why you made me run for my life.” They let out a few chuckles before continuing to walk.
“Yeah you got a point. I mean it’s pretty self explanatory, people chase you, you run.” They moved their hands around and the clinking of their bracelets and accessories added a sort of musicality to their movements.
Micheal rolled his eyes, “They weren’t chasing me.” They moved in front of him and started walking backwards.
“No but they might have, after all they did see you with me and did you really wanna take that chance?” They asked with a knowing look.
“Huh, didn’t think about it that way.”
“Of course not, aren’t you glad I’m here looking out for you!”
“My hero.” He deadpanned but they seemed thrilled by his jest.
“You know it!” They put their arms around his shoulders and threw him a wink. He gave them a playful shove in return.
“I don’t even know your name jackass.” He said with a smile.
“Ooooh, classy aren’t you? Well, I’m Paul.” They gave him a quick bow.
“I’m Michael.”
Michael took the chance to really look at who he had spent the night running through the Boardwalk with. They had a mesh shirt, tight white pants and knee pads for no discernible reason. The boots and suit jacket covered with safety pins and other accessories didn’t help shed light to what they were going for fashion wise. The bracelets, belts, singular earring, it was all too much but at the same time Michael had to admit that it kinda worked. Just add in the crazy mane of hair, an easy going smile and a pair of blue eyes that spelled mischief to seal the deal.
“Michael, that’s a good name. It suits you.”
“Thanks, Paul’s good too.”
“I know.” They chuckled at a joke Michael had no clue existed and Paul moved back beside him. “We should probably steer clear from here for a while just in case they decide to retrace their steps, follow me!”
“As if I wasn’t already doing that.” That got a chuckle out of them and a playful punch on Michael’s arm.
“You know what I mean. Keep up!” They took off with a shout leaving him momentarily stunned before he groaned and started running again.
It wasn’t long until pavement gave away to sand and he couldn’t be bothered to care about how it was getting inside his shoes when he tried to keep track of the blonde. He wasn’t doing a very good job since he eventually had to stop and try to find them. Where he stood was oddly deserted since he could spot a couple of fire pits not too far from him. The concert mustn't have been far since he could faintly hear the crowd and music. The general ambience of the Boardwalk was a reassuring constant in the background. He took this time to get his breathing under control and he had half a mind to just plop down on the sand right there and then.
“Told you to keep up.” He could hear the grin on their face and he greeted it with an exasperated look.
“You got to stop getting me to run everywhere.” They chuckled and looked as if they weren’t affected by that run at all; no heavy breathing or sweat on their brow.
“Places to go, places to see, running generally gets you there faster.” They cocked their head and took a good look at his disheveled appearance and decided to take mercy. “Come on, I know where we can lay low for a while. And don’t worry, we’ll walk.” He really did try to hold in his sigh of relief but sometimes things are just out of your control.
They took him further down the beach and it didn’t take long for them to reach an empty but lit fire pit. They sat down on a log and Michael sat next to them, finally getting a real chance to rest.
“You're an asshole.” Michael said with no real bite. He closed his eyes and relished in the soft heat of the fire.
“Can’t argue with you on that.” They pulled out a blunt from their coat’s pocket and offered it to him. Normally, he would be all for it but he was meeting back up with his mom so he couldn’t risk it. At the same time he didn’t really want to turn them down. “Hey don’t worry about it man, there’s always next time.”
“Next time, yeah. Could do without the chasing though.” They put the blunt away and pulled out a box of cigarettes. They offered him the box but he shook his head. They lit one and took a drag.
“Why? Not a runner Michael?” They leaned in closer to him, their cigarette held carefully by two fingers.
“More of a basketball player, sorry to disappoint.”
“Who said anything about being disappointed?” They rolled their eyes at him.
“Are you a runner?” It was Michael's turn to ask and from what he had seen this guy was most definitely a track team star.
“Done it my whole life!”
“Something tells me that’s not why those guys were chasing you.”
“What makes you think it was my fault?” He gave them a look. “Okay yes but they totally deserved it.”
“I’m sure they did.” He mused, what could they have done to the group to solicit such a reaction?
“Hey, if they get us kicked out of the Boardwalk they have to make up for it!” They pulled a pair of car keys from their pocket and whirled them around while taking another drag. “So I thought, if I can’t get my rides, you can’t get yours, and the rest is history!”
“So you just stole their car keys and ran? How bad of a pickpocket do you have to be to get immediately chased?” He jabbed.
“I’ll have you know that I’m an exceptional pickpocket! I could have walked away without them knowing but where’s the fun in that?”
“You’re insane!”
“No, I’m just fun!” Both of them laughed at the absurdity.
“Oh man this isn’t how I thought my night was going to go.”
“Why? Hey wait a minute, I haven’t seen you around here before Mikey, why’s that? Passing through? Vacation?” They leaned in a little closer to him and looked closely at his face.
“We just moved here today.” He moved back a little, not expecting the sudden proximity. Though he was glad they derailed the subject, he didn’t really want to admit they were following a cute girl they saw at the concert.
“Ah, where are my manners?!” They stood up and extended their arms. “Welcome to Santa Carla! Murder capital of the world and home to the best funnel cake this side of the coast!” They flicked their cigarette into the fire and sat back down.
“Thanks.” The lack of enthusiasm on his face and tone gave away his exact thoughts on the situation.
“Hey it’s not so bad! Sure, you have to keep track of your wallet all the time and you’re more likely to get robbed than laid but there’s nowhere else like it.”
“I’ll take your word for it. If every night is like this I’m sure I’ll feel right at home in no time.”
“Moving is always a pain in the ass but I’m sure you’ll get used to it. Where did you live?”
“Phoenix.”
“Haven’t had the pleasure but it must be quite the place if this isn’t up to your standards.” They teased.
He shook his head, “How about you, where are you from?”
“What makes you think I’m not from around here?” They cocked their head to the side and looked at him expectantly.
“Point.” He really looked at them and yeah they fit right in with the world around them. He couldn’t picture them anywhere else except maybe New York or San Francisco.
“I’ve been here forever man and I know it’s not for everyone. I won’t lie to you, it does take some warming up to. Especially if you weren’t expecting this.” He signaled at the general area.
“Yeah.”
They fell into a comfortable silence. Undisturbed by the crackling of the fire or the sounds of civilization behind them. The crashing of the waves and soft clinking of metal added to the atmosphere instead of breaking it. They both looked out into the black water, the smell of smoke and ocean didn't repulse but instead lulled them.
Michael closed his eyes despite not really knowing the other boy next to him. They did get him to a dark and secluded spot but if they were going to hurt him, they would have done it by now.
Who knows how much time had passed, could have been minutes or hours but Michael didn’t seem to care. His mind did wander to Sam and if he was still in that boring comic book store but he brushed those thoughts aside in favor of savoring the silence.
Paul looked at him and debated whether to disturb the moment or not. They were usually more energetic than this, talking up a storm or messing around with everything around them. Granted, the others usually encouraged their unhinged behavior and questionable ideas but right now they didn’t see the need to indulge in their impulses; they instead settled for drumming their fingers and occasionally gazing at Michael. They didn’t get many quiet moments with the rest of the boys (mostly his fault) and it was nice to just sit around and enjoy the moment for once. But they also knew that Michael couldn’t leave his younger brother alone in Santa Carla. “Come on man we got to get you back, wouldn’t want to keep your kid brother waiting.”
“Huh?” Michael opened his eyes and looked back at Paul who was already on their feet and stretching.
“Your brother man! Can’t leave him all by himself now can we?” Michael didn’t remember mentioning Sam or the fact that he had left him on his own, but he must have since they were bringing it up.
“Ah shit, yeah sorry man.” He stood up and quickly stretched.
“Nah don’t apologize man! I should be heading back myself, pretty sure the assholes ditched me.” They must have gotten another cigarette while he had dozed off because they flicked it into the fire and started walking.
“Brothers?”
They give him an amused smirk, “Sure why not.”
“What are you going to do with the keys?” He couldn’t help but be curious on what was going to happen to the object responsible for derailing his night.
“Oh right I had forgotten about that.” They took a look at them before throwing them as far as they could. “Out of sight out of mind right?” They laughed.
Michael couldn’t help but be a little bit disappointed. “That’s it?”
They chuckled, “What else were you expecting?” Michael didn’t have an answer but he couldn’t help but feel as if they just wasted an opportunity. For what? He wasn’t sure but he didn’t want to trouble himself enough to dwell on it.
The Boardwalk wasn’t as crowded but it wasn’t exactly deserted. The place was still stuffed with people but it didn’t feel as suffocating, it was generally easier to move around and before he knew it he was back in front of the comic store.
“This your stop?” Paul asked with a grin.
He felt disoriented for a moment before realizing where he was standing. He was pretty sure he hadn’t mentioned the store. “Yeah, thanks.”
“Don’t mention it man. Well as much as this pains me, I’ve got to get going if I wanna be alive tomorrow.”
“Are your brothers such hardasses?” He asked with a small frown.
They barked out a laugh, “Ha! Just one, he’ll have my head if I’m not back before sunrise.”
“In that case best of luck man. Catch you some other time?”
They patted his shoulder. “You can bet on it. Oh before I forget!” They handed him his wallet.
“How the-“
“Told you, I’m an exceptional pickpocket. See you around Mikey!” They gave him a two finger salute before disappearing into the crowd.
His shoulder felt warm where their hand had lingered but he brushed it off, they were just being friendly and he had been running. The fact that their hands were ice cold was something they decided to ignore. Despite the chaotic beginning, he did enjoy the time spent with them and would have probably continued to if it weren’t for Sam and mom. Next time he was definitely bringing his bike.
“Shit, didn’t ask him if he needed a ride.” He thought out loud.
“Who needed a ride?” Sam seemed to have materialized beside him and he almost jumped out of his skin.
“Jesus fuck Sam! Give me a warning next time!” He playful swatted his arm.
“Not my fault your heads in the clouds! Answer my question Mike, so you actually caught up with her?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” He could have answered truthfully but why should he? Sam had been a pain so he decided to have some fun.
“Hey that’s not fair! After you dragged me all this way I deserve to know.” He wasn’t beyond whining but desperate time, desperate measures.
Michael saw this one coming a mile away but he wasn’t going to give in just yet. “You got your comic store! I'm sure you can survive.”
“Still! I missed the concert.” A commendable attempt but nothing compared to what he had in store.
And now the kicker, “Life isn’t fair Sammy. Now come on, mom’s probably waiting for us.”
Sam would have groaned but he didn’t want to give him the satisfaction, he knew he would spill eventually.
True to his assumptions, Lucy was waiting for them by the car and once they were inside she immediately bombarded them with questions. They weren’t invasive nor did they hold a sliver of an accusation, she just wanted to know how their first night in town was.
“Pretty cool, found a comic book store and Mike got himself a girlfriend!”
“Sam!”
“Now Sam don’t tease your brother like that.” She said fondly and with a hint of a smile.
Michael sighed, “I didn’t get myself a girlfriend, just hung out with a couple of guys.” Just one but he knew Sam would make it weird.
“Oh my bad, mom Michael found himself a boy-“ Made it weird regardless. He knew he was joking but Michael kicked his seat extra hard and the glare he threw his way was more than enough warning.
“Oh honey it’s great that you’re finding friends already! I’m so glad you’re starting to settle in.” She practically beamed at him and he didn’t have the heart to say that meeting Paul wasn’t the same as deciding to settle.
“Yeah, I’m sure Sam would make plenty of friends if he decides to stick his head out of a comic.” He ruffled his hair just to add salt to the wound.
He slapped his hand away. “I can make friends and read comics!”
“You keep telling yourself that.”
The ride home continued without much fanfare but it was pleasant. The lights and sounds of the Boardwalk fizzled out to a calm and eerie silence. The street lights were few and far between, casting the streets in a comfortable darkness.
Once back inside the house he went to his room,
He lied down on his bed not bothering to change, at least not right now, and rested his head against his pillow and closed his eyes. He thought about how he had practically forgotten about the girl with alluring eyes and long curls. His night and thoughts were replaced by cold hands, loud laughs and near constant smiles.
He sighed, he really should’ve taken the sand out of his shoes back at the Boardwalk.