Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A knock on the door played from the front on a chilly winter night in Boston Massachusetts. It was late and dark and silent out other than the blizzard and the cold frigid winds that swirled the snow in captivating icy swirls. And Mick asked himself first who the hell would be at his door at this time at night? But, then he remembered him. And it was enough to get himself up enough to open the door. 

And there stood him, Jeremy wearing no jacket in the cold Boston weather, a bruise on his cheek and knuckles red and busted from what Sniper assumes happened from a fight. 

“Jeremy, god mate what did he do now?” Mick said, his eyebrows now furrowed nervously. 

“He- he got mad again. Kicked me out. Can I get a place tah stay for a while?” Jeremy said, “Brr- it’s cold man.” 

“Of course, Jeremy.” Mick said, quickly allowing Jeremy to step into the warm and cozy house. 

And Mick prepared some hot chocolate as Jeremy laid wrapped up in blankets by the electric fireplace in the living room, watching the fake orange flames flicker. When he came back out, he sat on the couch next to Jeremy, and handed him the mug. 

“Made with milk?” Jeremy asked, staring at the steaming liquid. 

“No, water. It’s swissmiss.” Mick said, taking a sip of his own hot chocolate before setting it down on the dark oak coffee table. 

“You need to start buying the good stuff.” Jeremy said, taking a sip of the hot chocolate. “But this will do.”

Mick hummed, “What happened kid? Ludwig’s acting crazy again?” He asked. 

“When isn’t he, Mick?” Jeremy said with a sad chuckle. He then winced, his knuckles burned with drying blood. “Fuck… he pulled out his bone saw again. Just to threaten me.”

Mick frowned, “Mate, your knuckles are busted.” He said. “Let me see if I can find a bandage.” He stood up, heading back to the kitchen. From there, he called out to Jeremy. “Why don’t you leave him? Or call the police?”

“Mick, you know I can’t.” Jeremy called out, “He- he’ll know. House is riddled with cameras, I can’t pack anything. And he’d kill me before I could press the number nine.”

Mick frowned, and just let out a sigh as he grabbed some bandage from his cupboards. 

He made his way over to Jeremy, and sat back down. “Here mate, let me help.” He said, and took Jeremy’s mug and placed it next to his own on the coffee table. Jeremy held his hands out as Mick cleaned and wrapped them. He went to Jeremy’s face, cleaning up the dried blood from a bruise on his temple. “You put up the fight this time huh?”

“Yeah.” Jeremy said, wincing a couple times as he was patched up. “How long should I stay here?”

“As long as ya need. You’re unemployed now aren’t ya? You could just sleep here for as long as ya want.” Mick said, shooting Jeremy a small smile. 

“Jeez man, you care about me too much.” Jermey giggled, but looked at Mick with a thankful smile. “Thank you.”

“It’s no problem, it’s what friends are for mate.” Mick said, a smile never leaving his face. 

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Briiing

Briiing 

Briiing 

“Hello?” 

“Hallo, do you perhaps know vhere Jeremy is?”

“Don’t know, shouldn’t you know Ludwig? He’s your boyfriend.”

“Vell, if anyone vould know it vould be you!”

Mick could feel a nasty and sour taste on his tongue at the sound of that German accent. It’s been three days and Jeremy is still staying with Mick. And currently, he was sleeping in Mick’s spare room. Jeremy never felt safe at home, so his sleep schedule was sleeping for an hour and fake sleeping so Ludwig wouldn’t let loose his anger on him. So being in a safe environment here, he was able to sleep. And it’s all he’s been doing in between meals, showers, and bathroom breaks.

“Well… I don’t know. Maybe he went over to Tavish’s house.” Mick suggested. Tavish was a close friend to Jeremy, taught him a little too much about Scottish culture and how to safely dispose of explosives. Saying an iconic line that goes ‘One crossed wire, one wayward pinch of potassium chlorate, one errant twitch- and ye blew it.’ That Jeremy loved to quote. 

“Vell I don’t think he’d stay with Tavish for this long!” Ludwig said, aggravation in his voice. Which Mick could easily recognize, and it made him… upset. 

“Look mate, I have no idea where Jeremy is. Stop tryna interrogate me about it, because I don’t know.” He spat, “G’day, Ludwig. Alright?” And he hung up, huffing angrily. He went to lock his windows and doors, knowing that if Ludwig did try to show up, he wouldn’t knock. 

This was about time Mick decided he’d check on Jeremy. He only woke up this morning to ask for a snack, which Mick let him fetch from the fridge. Other than that, he slept. 

Mick knocked gently on the door of the spare bedroom, before slowly opening the door to peak in. Jeremy was sitting up on the bed, a book set on his knees. His head snapped up quickly at the sound of the creaking door, eyes a little wide and startled before he calmed down, seeing that it was just Mick, who entered the room.

“How ye holding up, kid?” Mick asked, walking over to the twin sized bed that sat against the wall. He sat down on the bed, “Ah, I never took ya for a novel reader, mate. Thought you only read comic books.”

Jeremy shrugged, “I’m fine…” he sighed, and looked down at the book set on his lap. He rubbed the yellowish paper full of words, letting out another soft breath of air. “Don’t got my comics, and you got a book shelf n here.. got bored.”

“Mm.” Mick hummed, and took the book from Jeremy’s lap. He looked at the cover, a black background with some roses- and then two people holding each other close. “Ah, this one’s a classic. Come on darling what have ya got to lose is a sweet slow burn.” 

“Didn’t see you as a guy who liked romance, thought you bought books for show.” Jeremy chuckled, “Was just gettin’ to a part where Charlie kisses another girl, and Lorisha gets jealous and doesn’t know why. I’d like that back.” 

Mick laughed, “Look who’s gettin’ into it ah mate?” He looked at the page, looking for a part to read. “Ah! ‘Ere we go! When Lorisha peaked around the corner of the office into the secluded back room area, she could feel her world turn to black and white pages drawn with sharpie marker and radioactive ink. As Charlie pressed his lips to Heather’s, she could only feel a drop in her heart that felt like a bullet to the stomach. But she asked herself why she felt this way, as Charlie was always just a-”

“Okay okay dude I get it!” Jeremy ripped the book from his hands. “Why ya gotta read it like ya tryna embarrass me?”

“I’m not trying to embarrass ya mate, I find it quite entertaining! I’ve read this book before.” Mick said, sitting against the wall. 

“Yeah? Ya better not spoil it you Aussie bastard.” Jeremy said, looking at the book. “…Can ya actually read it ta me again..?” He held the book out for Mick to take. 

Mick smiled softly at Jeremy, and took the book. “Sure, why not kid?” He said, finding his place in the book. And before Mick could start reading, Jeremy interrupted him. 

“Uh, Mick?” Jeremy said, and Mick looked over, waiting for him to respond. “Did.. did Ludwig call at all? Uh- just to uh.. see I was here?”

Mick paused for a second, “Oh uh…” He said. He was unsure if he should be honest. But once he takes the second thought, he realizes it’d be best to lie. Knowing that if Jeremy knew Ludwig was looking for him, he’d never be able to relax. “No, mate. No call.” 

“No call at all.”

Chapter Text

“Are you sure you wanna head back home?” 

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. I’ll be able to fight em off.”

“Hh.. Well if ya ever need a place to stay, you got my house key mate.”

“Thanks Snipes.” 

That nickname made a swarm of butterflies fly around like lunatics in his lower abdomen. Mick was uncreative, he never had anything to call Jeremy. But it was fine though, plus he’s too busy worrying about the kids physical and mental health to care about stupid nicknames. 

Seeing Jeremy walk off down the icy sidewalk was.. sad. It’s been more than a few weeks of Mick staying with him. And surprisingly, Ludwig never called again after the first time. And Mick thinks to himself that the old German bastard simply forgot and stopped caring. But Mick is still worried, especially if Jeremy walks back home and gets killed for being gone for so long. It… worried him. Too much. He didn’t want Jeremy to get hurt. 

Plus, he was dressed in new clothing that Mick bought for him. But also, one of Mick’s own jackets he wore often. It was a nice red flannel jacket, furry and fuzzy soft beige inside and a comfortable hood. It was Mick’s favorite jacket his father gave to him right before he passed away, and he wonders why he so easily just.. gave it away to Jeremy. Maybe it was the pulling feeling in his warming chest whenever Jeremy smiled at him. Or the reddening face Mick held as Jeremy looked comfortable and cozy. Plus, that jacket was a bit too big for him. But he looked as snug as a bug in a rug. 

Watching Jeremy leave was sad. 

It felt wrong to let him go. 

Something in Mick’s head screamed at him to run over there to Jeremy and scoop him up in the arms. Then pack all of his bags, grab his gun, hop in his truck and drive with Jeremy in the passenger. Listening to whatever song was on the radio. But something held Mick in his place, and once he knew Scout was really gone he walked back into his house, closing the door behind him. 

And he went to get himself a cup of black coffee, looking for his #1 Sniper mug in the cupboards. But he only thought of Jeremy, and all the possibilities of what could happen when Jeremy gets back to his home. Maybe Ludwig would be at work at the hospital he works at? That would only be the best option. Or maybe he isn’t. And he’s waiting in the dark on a couch waiting for Jeremy to walk through the door. Just to flick the light on and scare Jeremy. Just like a cliche part in a classic movie about a teenager sneaking out. 

As Mick poured the bitter black liquid into the coffee cup, all he could think about was the safety of his friend. 

And why his face was red even though he was outside with Jeremy for a minute in the cold. 

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Jeremy knew deep down in his heart that he shouldn’t have left Mick’s place to go home, but for some reason there was something in his head that was pulling him back. Because even if Ludwig was an abusive son of a bitch, a piece of Jeremy’s heart could still admit that it loved him. And it has for years. So even if he’s beaten and it hurts, and the bruises dig deeper than the surface he still can’t stop himself from loving Ludwig. Even if it was scary and painful. 

When he unlocked the front door to his and Ludwig’s large home he stepped inside. The house didn’t enter into the living room like it did for Mick’s. Ludwig made good cash, and good cash earned him a big house in a rich person neighborhood. Jeremy took his shoes off at the door and walked inside. He was greeted by one of Ludwig’s many doves that he lets loose around the home. He doesn’t know this one’s name, but he knows they weren’t Archimedes. 

He slowly took steps along the hardwood floor, praying that the creaking wouldn’t be too loud. Hopefully, Ludwig wasn’t home. And if he was, maybe he wouldn’t be so mean.

But he stepped inside the living room, and Ludwig was sitting on the couch. Archimedes rested on his hand, but flew away when Jeremy entered the room. Ludwig looked up at Jeremy, his blank face changing into a angry glare.

“Jeremy!” Ludwig greeted with a strange friendly tone, standing up to walk over to his boyfriend. “Vhere were you? It’s been weeks!”

Jeremy frowned, “Oh ah.. y’know.. around-” he was cut off. 

“And vhere did you get this lovely jacket!” Ludwig said knowingly, grabbing the soft fabric of the large jacket. “I haven’t seen you vear if before!”

“Oh! This? Ah.. uh…” Jeremy trailed off, trying to step away from Ludwig. Maybe he should go, he should go now and head back to Mick’s. Ludwig seemed angry, and he didn’t want to deal with him. He didn’t want to hurt or punched or-

He was slapped in the face before he could run away. 

“AH! H-hey man what the fuck!” Jeremy yelled, stumbling back before he was grabbed by the strings of the jacket and pulled closer to Ludwig. And there, he was slapped again. 

“You ran off to Mundy’s place again didn’t you?!” Ludwig scowled, “After I told you I didn’t like you being around him?!”

“Ludwig!” Jeremy held back his stutter, grabbing onto Ludwig’s arm. “I- I wasn’t with him! This- this is a new jacket!”

“New jacket my ass!” Ludwig kept his grip, his knuckles nearly turning white at how tight he held on. Glaring into Jeremy’s eyes with a fury that screamed hatred. “I know that jacket, I’ve seen Mundy vear it all the time! You can’t lie to me. I don’t know why you always break my trust!”

Jeremy gulped, his anger rising higher than his fear. And he could slowly feel himself begin to snap. He glared at Ludwig, grinding his teeth against each other. “Okay! Okay FINE! It’s Mick’s jacket- but-” He tried to step away, stumbling back towards the archway that exited the living room. “But it means NOTHING! He just gave it to me so I can- can go home!”

“So you DID go there?!” Ludwig let go of Jeremy, but just to slap him in the face. “Mein gott, I do everything for you, and you do this to me?! You betray my trust, to go off with Mick?!”

Jeremy winced, a tear building in his eyes. And he used his strong legs, kicking Medic in the knee. It made him let go, and Jeremy only had so much time to get away. Run away. Get out of here before he’s beaten half to death. Go back to Micks, beg him to take him somewhere where Ludwig could never find him. But then Jeremy had a thought , a sharp one that stung him right in the chest. The feeling in his heart, in his gut, in his mind and muscle and his marrow. His love for Ludwig. He can’t leave him, no matter how how hard it-

“Mick treats me better anyways.”

No.

“Was hast du gerade gesagt?”

Why did he say that-

Jeremy couldn’t even think before he was thrown on the floor, screaming filling his ears and pain shooting through his already bruised body. He felt the jacket be ripped off his body, and the world only turned a mess of fuzzy colors and white noise as he slowly drifted off into unconsciousness.

Maybe Jeremy shouldn’t have left Mick’s place after all. 

“He came over to your place this time, didn't he lad?” A drunken voice spoke besides Mick at the bar they sat at. Tavish, the old Scottsman. A good friend to Mick, but also a great friend to Jeremy. Tonight, Mick was worried about Jeremy. He kept thinking about the kid, worried that Ludwig touched him again. Hurt him, like he always did. And it wasn’t like he could just drive there and knock on the door, knowing damn well he’d be met with a lie or an extremely annoyed crazed doctor.

“Yeah, mate. Few weeks ago, let em stay with me for a while.” Mick sighed, downing his shot of whisky and asking for another. “Ludwig was being a dickhead again.” 

“Doc’s insane.” Tavish let out a small laugh, drinking his bottle of his own alcoholic beverage he always had with him. “Jeremy’s been with me before for one night, and Lud’ knocked on the door like a crazy son of a butch an’ yelled at me until I had to make Jeremy leave! Not before they had an argument in the parking lot of my apartment, though. I felt bad.. but.. I didn’t know what to do.”

Mick took his new shot of whiskey, and held it in his fingers. But he didn’t drink it, just watched the liquid swirl around as he tapped it against the ivory counter. “I just don’t get it. Kids got the legs of a cheetah runnin’ for a gazelle but he just never can run away from Ludwig.” He said, eyes fixated on the shot. But he glanced up, looking at the wall full of liquors of grenadine. 

Tavish took a swig of his drink, and placed the bottle on the counter. “I’ve been around the block only a couple of times ta’ know a thing or two an’ maybe he’s just.. in love with Ludwig too much to run away.” He said. 

Mick looked over at Tavish, face full of shock and a little annoyance. It didn’t seem possible that Jeremy would want Ludwig. A guy who beats him, abuses him, tells him he loves him and gives him a good night kiss and then slaps him on the face again. How could he possibly love that man? 

It just didn’t seem to make sense. From his perspective. 

“Mate, do you realize how goddamn absurd that sounds? Why would Jeremy like Ludwig? He- he’s run away before. To me, many times!” Mick said, trying to keep his voice at a leveled volume so as to not disturb the guys and gals trying to get drunk around them. “He just can’t leave him because Ludwig’s gonna hurt em.”

“Well,” Tavish started, letting out a sigh and adjusting the way he sat on his chair, and taking a gulp of his scrumpy. “Maybe there’s more to it. Maybe it’s like a.. Stockholm syndrome type situation that he needs to work out.”

Mick looked at his shot again, and despite the feeling in his stomach that made him sick, he downed it. Cringing at the ill feeling in his gut, and scrunching up his face as he placed the shot back on the counter. “I don’t know mate I’m just- just worried for the kid.” He said, “I just wanna.. get him out of that damn relationship! Away from.. Ludwig.”

He bent over more against the counter, his orange tinted glasses sliding down his nose and his hat hiding his face. And Tavish looked over at him, and tapped him on the back. 

“Yer a bloody good mate, lad.” Tavish said, looking at the counter as well, but sitting a little straighter and crossing his arms across his lower chest as he leaned against the counter. “But for now, I think Jeremys is gonna be just fine.”

Chapter Text

Air tasted like darkness and his mouth tasted like his overarching, scary memories. His vision was blurry with fog and dots of white like splattered paint. On the ground he laid with a sharp shooting pain all across his body, ripping him to shreds as a groan left his throat. He curled up on the hardwood, feeling a liquid against face. And when he licked his lips, he tasted the familiar yet uncomfortable taste of blood on his tongue. 

Laying in solitude for a moment, he kept his eyes closed tightly. And slowly the world around him became less echoey, and more like real life. And as he opened his eyes, he was met with the dark living room. And down the hall, he could hear someone singing in the kitchen, the sink running as dishes were being washed. 

Jeremy sat up, instantly feeling woozy and dizzy with a sharp ice pick pain shooting against his forehead. Like his brain cells were trying to make an escape. He rubbed the side of his face which was covered in his own blood, and slowly stood up. He nearly stumbled with a struggle, and wobbly walked down the hall. He fell against the wall, but followed the light into the kitchen. When he walked in, he leaned against the entrance and looked at Ludwig, who was washing dishes. 

Ludwig sensed he was being watched, and turned the sink off. He quickly turned around. Eyes wide from being slightly startled, but his face softened when he saw Jeremy. Taking his red dish gloves off, he walked over to Jeremy. 

“Oh meine Liebe!" He said, quickly guiding Jeremy over to the counter, lifting him up and having him sit. “Look at you, let me clean you up!” 

Jeremy watched as Ludwig opened the cupboards, searching for a med-kit he always had laying around. Jeremy gripped onto the edge of the counter with his still bandaged knuckles, blinking slowly. 

“You… you hurt me.” He said, his voice weak. “Again.” 

Ludwig acted careless at first, before he finally got out a med-kit, looking at Jeremy. Then he frowned, “Oh liebling, I’m sorry.” He said, opening up the kit. “You know I never meant it, I was just… in a particularly bad mood. Work was crazy and… you leaving made me sad.” He pulled out some bandages and ointment, but first wetted a rag and began to wash the blood away. 

“But.. you do it all the time.” Jeremy found woozy, his mind wasn’t straight. He could barely think. And Ludwig’s voice was so soft, his accent so sharp. An oddly comforting tone. He felt safe. 

Safe. 

Was Ludwig safe?

“Well… I don’t know. Schatz, you know I’ll always love you. I love you so so so so much.” Ludwig said, his voice getting so soft. So soft, it was captivating. As his hands were so gentle, so slow, as he cleaned Jeremy’s wounds. “Even if I hurt you, or make you bleed..” 

He threw the bloody rag in the sink, pointing some ointment on the scratches and bleeding wounds. “You know… it hurt me when you left.” He frowned, making Jermey feel guilty. “I… I wish you didn’t leave. You know I never meant to make you actually leave, right? I was just.. so so angry. I thought you vould come back sooner. I started to think you didn’t love me anymore.” 

Ludwig looked up into Jeremy’s eyes, catching his saddened gaze. “Do… do you still love me..? Do you still love me Jeremy?” He asked. 

Jeremy stared with eyes widening just a little. “No- no! I do, I do love you, Ludwig. I.. I do y’know? Yer’ my boyfriend, I.. I’m sorry for leaving! I just.. was..” he trailed off, wincing as band-aids were pressed on his wounds. 

“Nein nein nein, I guess it’s my fault. I’m just a bad boyfriend.” Ludwig spoke with a tone that burned like acid on Jeremy’s skin. He put the med kit away, walking about from Jeremy, distress in his walk- in his tone. 

And Jeremy panicked, his craving for Ludwig growing. “No, Lud-” he jumped off the counter, nearly falling over as he stumbled, falling against Ludwig- who caught him in his arms. 

His strong, large arms. 

“Woah there, Jeremy..” 

“Please don’t leave, Ludwig.” Jeremy’s voice shook as he clung on, “I.. I need you. I love you. I’ll- I’ll do anything.” 

Ludwig just held Jeremy, staring, silently. “No, you don’t.. you would have been here faster if you really loved me.” He said, looking away, but his arms were still around Jeremy. 

And Jeremy only seemed more panicked, still worried and scared. “No! Pleass, Ludwig. I… I want you.” He said, “I need you. I’ll do anything you want, I’m sorry for being gone so long. I- I don’t even know why I left. I should’ve stayed outside, waited for you. I’m sorry, please don’t leave. Please..”

Ludwig hummed, as if he was thinking hard about what else he had to say to Jeremy. But then he sighed. “Vell…” he inhaled before he spoke again, “I believe in second chances. How about we go and cuddle in the bedroom, ja?”

“O-okay.. okay Ludwig.” Jeremy said, his grip on Ludwig only getting tighter. As if he was afraid Ludwig would leave him, leave him there in pain and heartbreak. And Ludwig stood there too, just for a moment, before he lifted Jeremy up and walked down the hall. Leaving the dishes for tomorrow. 

As Jeremy was held in Ludwig’s arms, a sinister smirk grew on his face. 

It was so easy to fool Jeremy. He was easy, like a puppet, and Ludwig had access to those fragile strings. And he could keep doing this forever, and Jeremy would just keep coming back. No matter how much he knows he shouldn’t. 

But right now, Jeremy was too hurt to realize anything. He was safe, he was safe with Ludwig here. Now all cuddled up under red velvet blankets. Snuggled up against a chest, lights dimmed, the smell of lavender candles. 

And it was hard for him to even register anything, not even hands on his body, on his clothes, or anything. Not the feeling of blankets against bare skin. 

But no, Ludwig wouldn’t go that far. 

He was safe. 

He was safe here, right?

Yeah. He was just fine.

Chapter Text

Mick used to never answer the door when it was late at night on weekdays. Always knowing that there’s gotta be something out there behind that door that either wants to kill him or wants his money. And thankfully, Mick's house always has guns and knives due to his job, just to protect himself from dangers. You never know who’s out there, and Mick didn’t exactly live in the brightest side of Boston. He swears he could hear sirens a few blocks down in the middle of the night multiple times a week. And at some point, he just stopped being bothered by it. 

He used to never answer his door. But now he does. Because of Jeremy. 

He always thought that just maybe, just maybe behind the door was a bruised and broken Jeremy, standing out in the cold in nothing but shorts and a tank top. And Mick would always be there so save Jeremy if he needed it. So he always answered his door. And if it wasn’t Jeremy or anyone he knew, he’d just close the door. He always had a plan B. And a C, D, E, F, and if things get really bad- a plan G. 

So when Mick got a knock on his door in the middle of the night on a Wednesday, he wasn’t slow to answer it. Besides, Mick was already awake, in the kitchen making a snack before he really took his ass to bed. 

So when he heard the door knock, he stepped up to the door. He opened it, expecting it for it to be some random guy asking for money, or Jeremy . But instead? 

He was met with Ludwig.

“Ludwig? What the hell do you want?” Mick asked, his grip on the door tightening, ready to slam it back shut.

“Ve need to talk.” Ludwig said, his tone still and dark. Mick could tell he was up to no good, so he went to shut the door. 

“I don’t need to hear it, mate. Nice seein’ ya.” Mick said, but before he could get the door to close, Ludwig slammed his foot into the doorway, and forced it open. He forced his way into the house. “He-HEY! What the bloody hell are you?!-”

Ludwig grabbed Mick by the collar of his shirt, pulling him up close and glaring into his eyes. “Stay the fuck away from Jeremy or I’ll ich werde dich töten!” He spat. 

Mick grabbed onto Ludwig’s arms, squeezing with a tight grip. “What the bloody hell are you ON ABOUT?! Was that a threat?! You speakin’ threats in your nazi language like the pussy you are?! Who are you to tell me what to do?!” He spat, anger hot off his tongue. 

“Ja, it was a threat!” Ludwig yelled, “I’m tired of you thinking you can barge into me and Jeremy’s life! He doesn’t need you, I don’t need you manipulating him!” 

“What?! Manipulating him?! I’m not manipulating him at all! YOU are the one fucking with his poor head! I’m HIS friend. I have known him longer!” Mick yelled, using his strength to push Ludwig away from him, grunting as he did. 

“Oh please! He came home and he was wearing your jacket.” Ludwig said, brushing off his clothes. “What else did you do to him while he was here? Did you have sex with him? Did you rape him ?! Because I know you can’t get him without it!” 

Mick looked disgusted, filled with anger. “I’m not a bloody monster you- you- you goddamn lunatic!” He spat, “Jeremy’s the one who comes CRYING TO ME WHEN YOU TOUCH HIM!” He screamed, gritting his teeth. “You barge into MY home! My life! Just to tell me to stay away from a guy you abuse?! Oh please!”

Ludwig just stared at Mick, “I just asked for a simple request.” He spat.

“Tsk! Request?! Oh please! You- GET. OUT! Or I’m calling the police.” Mick spat, grabbing Ludwig by his sleeve and dragging him to the door. He threw him out, slamming the door. He didn’t want to listen to him anymore. And he slammed the door, locked all the locks, and went to lock all the doors and windows. 

He went back to the kitchen, gripping onto the edge of his counter. “God…” he sighed, “God.” He looked at his toast in the toaster, which had already popped up. He wasn’t hungry anymore, but he left the toast in the toaster and went to bed. He didn’t understand Ludwig, and how he had the audacity. 

And the encounter felt like a dream. It went by so quick, it was a blur. And it made his blood boil, boil. And he didn’t know what to do at this point. He worried about Jeremy, hoping that he was okay. And part of him worried that Ludwig’s threats were true. 

But if he died for Jeremy, he wouldn’t care.

~~~

Mick didn’t want to sit around anymore and let Ludwig win. So he had a plan, but he needed help. He needed Tavish. So drove over to his apartment after work Thursday, and sat down with him in the kitchen, a colorful showcase of alcoholic beverages in front of them. Maybe getting drunk could make them have good ideas to get Jeremy out of that goddamn relationship. 

“So ye wanna save him, save him how?” Tavish asked, holding a bottle of scrumpy in his hand and looking at Mick with a sort of confused expression on his face. 

“I don’t bloody know mate that’s why I’m here.” Mick sighed, staring at a bottle of Jack Daniels and tapping his fingers on the table. He looked back at Tavish, “You said you’d help.”

“Yeah, I did. But we need a plan, mate.” Tavish said, “Ludwig’s a richie, he’s got a big house in a nice part of Boston. We’d have to really think it through if we wanna get the kid outta there.”

“I know what Ludwig’s house looks like, Tavish. We’d have to jump the gate and get through the bushes.” Mick said, “But.. I don’t know the interior.”

Tavish sighed, and took a huge gulp of his scrumpy, then placed it back on the table. “At mate, I got a plan then!” He cleared his throat, “So you said when ye got here that sociopathic arse forced his way into your house? Well, maybe we can do the same to him!” 

“The- Tavish you realize how crazy that is?!” Mick said, “We can’t- he’d call the police, we’d be in jail.” 

“Jail? Oh please mate, I’ve had my rundown with the cops before. The cops gone broke, we can escape them. All it takes is a drive down town and out of the city mate. Together we both got enough money.” Tavish said.

Mick sighed, “No, listen, I have a better plan. Okay? We make it there via car, you head to the front and knock on the door, say you’re here to see how Jeremy’s doing since it’s been a while and… give me a signal and I’ll…” he trailed off, “That’s all I got, mate.”

Tavish laughed, and took a sip of his drink. “Well mate, I can finish that plan for ye! How about all that, but I try to get Jeremy to the door, and then I give the signal, you rush in, and we take em away like we’re kidnapping the lad and all's well!” He said. 

Mick was quiet for a moment, but then sighed. “Yeah. Shit, that’s the only plan I think would work.” He said, “If we wanna do it well, we’d need to have a gun or a knife. I have plenty of those.”

“And I’ll drive!”

“No, no you won’t. You’re a drunken bastard half the time.”

“I drive better when I’m drunk-”

“Where are we gonna go after he supposedly get him anyway? We can’t go to my place, and we can’t go to yours either. Ludwig knows where we live.” Mick said, cutting Tavish off mid sentence. They would need a place to hide out, considering Ludwig knows their locations. It’d be a fools game if they didn’t go somewhere where Ludwig didn’t know about. 

And Mick watched a smirk grow on Tavish’s face, and he took a sip of scrumpy. “Ah mate, I know just the lad for the job.” He said, his smirk never leaving his face. 

Chapter Text

“I could hide you two out here!” A loud, strong voice came over the phone. “As long as it allows me to slap that Nazi bastard right in his Nazi-lookin face!!” 

Jane Doe. If that was even his real name. A good friend of Tavish! Met each other at a bar down in Atlanta. Both on vacation. Where does Jane live now? Lewiston Maine. All up in the corner of the United States. He’s an American loving bastard, who probably lies about being a Veteran to get money from the government. But he’s got a nice place with his wife Zhannah. 

And since Zhannah is off in Siberia Russia to visit family, Jane thought it was perfect to have his home a hideout for Jeremy!

So that was the plan. Why not run it back?

Step one. 

Get in Mick’s van, drive downtown to Ludwig’s place. Hope to god that he’s not home.

Step two. 

Kidnap Jeremy. Unless he says: “Oh sure guys! Road-trip!” But that’s probably not likely. But let’s hope that he agrees. 

SIDE NOTE: PLAN B FOR PLAN A — Tavish will convince Ludwig to allow him to see Jeremy.

SIDE NOTE FOR THE SIDE NOTE:  PLAN C FOR PLAN As PLAN B — break in and entering. 

Step three. 

Once Jeremy is in the car, we drive all the way to Maine. It should take two hours to get there, not counting traffic. 

Step four. 

Hide out in Jane’s place, while planning a way to get Jeremy out of Ludwig’s life. 

Boom! It should work, right?

“Really? Ah, thanks Jane. Yer’ always my best mate!” Tavish said, “I’ll contact you again once we get Jeremy in the car, alright?” 

For the rest of the conversation, Mick stayed sitting in his chair with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. When Tavish hung up and placed his shitty cracked android on the table, Mick took his cigarette and put it out in the glass ashtray, where many other cigarettes were. 

“Only took three cigarettes to get off that call with Jane.” Mick said, sitting back in his chair. 

“Oh please, I haven’t talked to that man in a long time! He’s been busy with his wife! But Zhannah is off back in Siberia with some family.” Tavish said, rolling his eye. 

“Zhannah, I’ve only met that woman once.” Mick said, “She’s terrifying.”

“Damn right she is! That’s why I’m glad she’s going to be out of town!” Tavish let out a loud belly laugh, “Well, when are we gonna be doing this plan?”

“This weekend.” Mick said, “Come to my place at noon Friday, that way maybe Ludwig will be at work. You know, he’s a doctor.” 

“The fact that a crazy lunatic is a doctor scares me. I feel like he's got a secret fetish for… for limp bodies or like.. some Jeffery Dahmer shit.” Tavish sighed, rubbing his face. “Well, I’ll see you then, yeah?” 

“Yep.” Mick sighed, “Make sure you’re not late. We both don’t know Ludwig’s work schedule. We oughta think of everything.” 

~~~

Friday at noon. 

That was the time, and thankfully Tavish decided to get there early. Guess he and Mick both knew the stakes of the situation. 

And they were driving to Ludwig’s place, where they hoped Jeremy was, and hoped Ludwig wasn’t. 

“Y’know mate, I feel like we should’ve put a little more thought into this. We shoulda.. spied on Ludwig for a while before he did any of this.” Tavish said, feeling a little uneasy as he looked out the window. 

“What are you having second thoughts for? I thought we both wanted to save Jeremy out of this.” Mick said, taking a glance at Tavish- who looked back at him. 

“I do you fuckin’ buffoon.” Tavish said, “But I’m just saying, maybe it would’ve been better if we had someone.”

“Well, I think I know a guy who could’ve helped. But that bastard never liked me.” Mick huffed.

“Who…? Oh! I know who you’re talking about! It’s Jeremy's father! Hah!” Tavish laughed, “Didn’t think of him.”

“Yeah well that Frenchie is a bastard.” Mick huffed, “You know, we don’t even know his name. We just call him Spy. Not even sure if Jeremy knows that bastard's name. I don’t even know where he is. He’s probably off in the Middle East spying on some poor bastard right now.” 

“Well, knowing Spy, I wouldn’t be surprised.” Tavish said. 

“Yeah…” Mick said, his words trailing off into the void as the conversation dried out. 

And the rest of the drive was in silence, until they reached Ludwig’s place. And Mick parked the car outside in the street. Both him and Tavish looked out at the driveway, trying to see for any cars. And there was only one, but Ludwig was known for owning two. And Jeremy could drive but he didn’t have a license.

“I don’t think Ludwig’s home.” Mick said, “Hopefully Jeremy is. You think yer’ ready?” 

“Yeah mate I’ve been ready this whole time!” Tavish said with loud confidence, as if he hadn’t just second guessed the entire plan just a few minutes ago. But here Tavish was now, leaving the van without another work and walking his way up to the front of the house. 

Knocking on the door, he waited a few seconds before pressing the doorbell. Then he did it again, and again, and again, until he heard someone call out from inside. 

"Okay! I'm comin'! Stop pressin' the goddamn doorbell!” 

Tavish knew that loud and annoying Boston drawl from anywhere. 

When Jeremy opened the door, he had bandaged knuckles, a bandage on his forehead, eye bags under his eyes and messy clothing. 

“Jesus Christ whaddaya-” Jeremy paused when he saw Tavish, “Tav? What are ya doin’ here?” 

“Ah laddie, it's been a while!” Tavish said, “Is Ludwig home? Was wondering if ya wanted to come out to the bar with me!” 

“The bar..? At noon? And.. no, Ludwig isn’t home.. he’s at work..” Jeremy said, “Uh.. look, I’d love to go but.. Lud doesn’t really like it when I leave the house-”

“And that’s why yer’ comin’ with me lad!” Tavish swooped Jeremy off his feet, and ran down the steps, leaving the door wide open. 

He was shocked at how easy this was, and how frail Jeremy felt in his arms. But he also belt blessed that the gods above decided to make Micks and his plan easy. 

“Wha- hey! Let me go! Let go of me dude I don’t wanna!-” Jeremy tried to fight back, but couldn’t, and he definitely couldn’t when Tavish got himself in the car, told Mick to drive, and slammed the door shut. 

“I don’t wanna go!-” Jeremy looked at Mick, sitting uncomfortably on Tavishes lap. “Mick? What- what are you guys doing..?”

“We’re goin’ to Maine.” Mick said, “To get you the fuck away from that maniac.” 

“What?! Ludwig isn’t a maniac. He’s just- he has.. quirks.” 

“The fact you knew I was talking about Ludwig says all we need to know.” Mick said. 

“What- guys- I don’t even have clothes-”

Jeremy was cut off by Tavish, who spoke loudly in his ear. 

“We have enough money! Plus we’re going to Jane's house! You remember him, right? He’s got good money too. We’ll be able to get all the new stuff for you.” He said. 

“We don’t have money.” Mick rolled his eyes, “Well, not enough right now.” He sighed. 

“I want to go back home.” Jeremy said, “It smells like cigarettes and alcohol in here. Ludwig’s gonna be pissed if he comes home and I’m not there!”

“Well you’re not going back. It was already easy enough getting you in the car, we’re not just gonna drop you back off to the man who’s hurting you.” Mick sighed. 

“Hurting me..? No, he apologizes.” Jeremy said, “He ain’t that bad guys. Look now I know you’re trying to be good friends, but-”

“Stop talking, lad.” Tavish said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

“What the fuck does that mean-” 

Jeremy tried to speak, but Mick and Tavish would not listen. It was gonna be a long ride to Maine, and they needed to keep driving if it meant getting far away from Ludwig. 

And Jeremy sat there on Tavishes lap uncomfortably. He didn’t expect to end up in Mick’s van, but here he was. And Tavish and Mick weren’t making any sense anyways. 

And Mick? He was a little worried. It felt too easy to get Jeremy, like the plan went.. too well for his luck. He felt like something bad was going to happen, like time was running out and soon enough everything would fall apart. And half of him screamed to drive off the thruway, and drive into another state. Like New York, or Ohio, or try to get to the Midwest. Because he didn’t feel safe. Like Ludwig knew exactly what they were planning, or he already had a plan in mind if this ever happened. And it made Micks anxiety run like a cheetah that had a dangerously unnatural level of energy. A killing, shooting warm in his chest that felt like a lava lake, emitting toxic fumes that choked him. Absorbed him. 

And Mick was mindlessly driving. He knew where he was going, but he wasn’t completely there. 

He couldn’t stop thinking about the possibilities of what could go wrong. 

Chapter Text

Ludwig knew immediately something was off when he pulled into the driveway after work. The front door to the house was wide open, which would be unusual for anyone. He left his car and stared at his open door, and thought to himself that an intruder would have entered the house. And with that information, he quickly ran into his home. 

Standing in the front hallway, he closed the front door and took off his white jacket, placing it on the coat rack next to the door. His eyebrows were furrowed as he took his shoes off, and walked further into the house. “Hello? Anyone home?” He called out, “Jeremy! You better be here somevhere!” 

He searched through the house to make sure no intruders were here, and to his happy surprise there was no one. But then he realized another thing, it was too empty. And another search led to the conclusion that Jeremy wasn’t home, either. 

He felt a flood of anger in his veins, Jeremy wasn’t allowed to leave the house without Ludwig’s supervision. He grabbed his phone, and tried calling Jeremy. But he wouldn’t pick up. 

Ring

Ring 

Ring

No answer. So he called again. 

Ring

Ring 

Ring 

Your call is being forwarded to an automated voice messaging sys-

Same results. 

And Ludwig was getting concerned, more and more angry. But deep inside he knew that Jeremy wouldn’t have the guts to leave on his own. He shaped Jeremy like he was clay, molding him into his own play thing. His silly little experiment that he used to have complete and utter control. Ludwig was a sociopathic narcissist, and he knew that he was deep inside. He needed to have constant control. 

He had cameras all around his house, just to make sure Jeremy doesn’t try leaving. It was enough to make Jeremy afraid, so he stayed. So he assumed that he was either too brave, or there were more than a few lines attached. 

So he checked the cameras, he had them on his phone. And he sat on his couch in the living room scrolling through the multiple documented videos to see when Jeremy left. And then he finally caught it, the moment Mick pulled up in his van, to the time Tavish pulled Jeremy out of the house. 

He got them. 

With anger boiling his blood in his streams, he gritted his teeth and stood up. He dialed 911 on his phone, not being able to hold back his anger. He didn’t understand why Mick couldn’t just back away from his and Jeremy’s life. And why does that stupid drunken scotsman think he can get in the way too? He was burning with icy hot rage. 

Calling 911, he decided he’d report Jeremy missing. 

“Hello? Yes, I’d like to report a missing person..? He’s my boyfriend…. He’s 5’10, has tan white skin, short brown hair.. blue eyes. He uhm.. has a slim body, he’s a runner….. ah yes, he was last seen at… uh.. noon today, he entered a car. The car? Ah, he was kidnapped. It was a greenish mint van? Kind of worn down. The man driving it is Mick Mundy, and another person inside is Tavish.”

The police were happy with so much information, Ludwig thinks to himself. Now all he had to do was wait. Wait and hope that those bastards get caught, and he’ll get his plaything back. 

~~~

A quick stop at the gas station to refill the tank allowed Jeremy the chance to stretch his legs. He then got in the back of the van, where knew he’d be more comfortable. And they’d be on the road again after buying snacks and drinks for the road-trip to Maine. 

Back on the road, the traffic was definitely annoying. And Tavish sat in the passenger seat scrolling through news on his phone. They were on the thruway, out of Boston by this point. But still close enough for if they decide to turn around, it wouldn't hurt to drive back. 

“Uhh… Mick?” Tavish said, breaking the silence through the eighties music playing on the old radio. When Mick glanced over, he noticed a worried expression on the Scotsman’s face. 

“What is it mate?” Mick said, looking back at the road as he waited for Tavish to speak. 

“Missing person alert, it’s Jeremy.” Tavish said, “Ludwig isn’t playing around, lad.”

“Ah piss.” Mick spat, “I- I fuckin’ knew in my mind it wouldn’t go this smoothly. Just something had to happen huh? Now look. They probably treated us like criminals.” 

“Last seen in a mint green van heading out of north of Boston, christ.” Tavish said, “They got pictures too, we better keep hurrying or we’re doomed lad.” 

Mick was quiet for a second, gripping hard onto the steering wheel. “We’ll be fine.” He raised the music up louder, just as an attempt to drown out the sound. The sound of the now growing anxiety and fear. If they get pulled over they're fucking done for. And Mick wasn’t interested in police chases and taking the backroads to Maine. 

But Tavish just turned the music back down, staring at Mick with a worried eye. “Do ya think we should tell Jeremy?” He said. 

“He’ll find out. He’s got a phone ain’t he?” Mick said, “I don’t want to do anything right now but drive. Okay? The cops aren’t looking for us, okay? All cops are bastards anyways right?” He huffed, “Don’t talk about it, don’t think. Don’t think, don’t think, don’t think-”

He raised the music up louder, and Tavish quieted down. He knew better then to push, and just opened the bag of chips he bought at the gas station. Maybe stuffing his face like a glutton would help him be at ease too. God knows it’s all he needs. What they both need. 

And the driving was going smoothly. It was calm and collected, so calm that Mick lowered the music down. And he thought to himself, it’ll be fine. 

Then blue and red flashed in his mirrors. 

“Ah bugger!” Mick yelled, gritting his teeth with worry. 

“Ah mate, just keep driving! Maybe they aren’t after us!” Tavish said, his face just as worried as Mick. 

“I can’t just keep driving. What if it’s genuinely me they’re after?” Mick said, pulling over on the side. “Maybe.. maybe it’s because I’m speeding.”

“You’re going below the speed limit lad.” Tavish said, sighing. 

Mick looked in his mirror, seeing the officer approach. “Well you better put that bloody scrumpy away before he sees it and gets us BOTH in trouble!” He said. 

“Ah lad it’s just me who’s drinking-” With Mick's angry expression, he threw the alcohol behind the chair. 

Mick rolled his window down and looked the officer, a blank expression on his face while he looked at the officer. 

“Do you know why I pulled you over sir?” The officer said, examining Mick's face. 

“We plead the fifth!” Tavish yelled, which earned him a slap from Mick. 

“Don’t listen to him. No, why was I pulled over?” Mick said, not taking his hands off the wheel. 

“Well there was a missing person reported. Your van looks like the one described.. mind if you step out of the vehicle so we can-”

“DRIVE.” Tavish yelled, and Mick stared at him with shock, before deciding to take the advice. 

“TAV THIS IS STUPID!” Mick yelled, “NOW THEY KNOW THAT WE’RE-” 

“JUST DRIVE MATE WE’RE BLOODY FUCKED EITHER WAY-” 

This wasn’t going to be a fun ride, because as quickly as they left, the sirens blared behind them. 

Chapter Text

Chaos. 

Absolutely goddamn chaos. 

Mick asked himself, how did he get in this situation? Why did he let himself get in this situation? And honestly, Mick didn’t really know the answer. Sure, save Jeremy, Ludwig’s crazy. But honestly, other than that… Why was he here at this moment, driving down the thruway at max speed, away from cops? 

“Keep driving Mick!” Tavish yelled, holding onto the side door of the car like it was about to fall off, staring front ahead through the windshield at the cars they whizzed past. 

Mick, gripping onto the steering wheel with all his might, tried not to focus on the literal police chasing after their vehicle, and instead drove as fast as he could and tried to dodge the honking cars as they went past them. 

“I’m bloody trying mate!” Mick yelled, looking out at the side view mirror at the police chasing them. “There's more of ‘em at this point! We ain’t gonna get out of this!”

“Keep driving! Get off at the next exit, lad!” Tavish yelled back, looking in his side view mirror, hearing the sirens blast in their ears behind him. He could only think to himself how panicked Jeremy must be back there, he has no idea what’s going on.

Mick decided to listen to Tavish’s advice, and when he saw the next exit up ahead, he drove into the lane to get off. Speeding faster than the speed limit, he drove down the road that led to a nearby town, racing down and trying to lose the police. 

“Did we lose them?” Mick said, chewing his lip as he stared at the red light they stopped at, cars ahead racing past. 

“There’s still sirens. GO! Go! Drive you bastard!” Tavish yelled, “I don’t care about accidents! DRIVE!” 

Mick hesitated, but pressed on the gas. A car hit the side of his, and caused another accident. It was enough to shake them up a bit, but the car was still running. So they raced down the road, dodging obstacles like it’s a game of subway surfers, praying to god they didn’t die. 

“We need to drop the car, mate.” Tavish said, still gripping on the car door. 

Mick didn’t glance at Tavish, just kept driving. “What?! This van is my baby, and it’s our only ticket to Lewiston!” He argued, 

“Look where we are, the police are gonna be lookin’ for us all over.” Tavish said, “Your van is recognizable, and now they know what we look like. And Ludwig isn’t going to give up! We should park somewhere, get Jeremy and sneak out.” 

“And then what? Find a motel? Live in the alley?” Mick spat. 

“If that’s what it comes to, then yes.” Tavish said, blank faced staring at Mick. And Mick was left in silence, staring straight ahead, then back down. 

“Fine.” Mick said, and took a sharp turn down a road, trying to find a good place to hide with the cops still on their tails. 

Micks never been through this before, and he’s learning now that it isn’t quite fun! With Jeremy still in the back, he worried too much. He still didn’t know what the hell was going on, didn’t he? But he must’ve heard the sirens. 

Soon enough, Mick pulled down a backroad and lost the police, letting out a sigh of relief and quickly parking. Him and Tavish jumped out of the car, and ran to the back of the car- opening the back doors. 

Jeremy was sitting there, eyes wide and chest heaving. “What. The fuck. Just happened?!” He yelled, quickly crawling out of the back and brushing off his clothes. “What the hell were you guys doing!-”

“Yer bastard of a boyfriend there mate bloody told the cops we have you.” Tavish sighed, “And the cops found us and now we’re on the run. But we should be safe now, lad.” 

Jeremy blinked, and suddenly looked panicked. “Oh no-” he said, “Fuck, we should go back, guys. Seriously, I- Ludwig’s gonna be so mad at me!”

“No! No, Jeremy.” Mick said, frowning and placing a hand on Jeremy’s shoulder. “We can’t go back now, not after getting so far. I’m not taking ya back to get beaten, we’ll get out of this somehow.” 

Jeremy wiped a tear away, breathing in a deep breath. “But how? How in the fuck are we possibly going to get out this?!” He said, frustration leaking into his worried and shaky tone. 

Tavish went to speak, but then someone spoke behind them. 

“Perhaps I could do of service.” The man spoke, and all of them turned to look, seeing a quite familiar face, wearing a dark red mask and a suit to match.

“Well I’ll be damned.” Mick said, a smile growing on his face. 

Chapter Text

“D-dad!” Jeremy shouted, staring at his father with wide eyes. “How- how did you?!-”

“Well bloody hell! Look who decides to show up?” Tavish said loudly, looking at the man in front of them. Spy. Jeremy’s father. (In which they don’t know the name of…)

“Yes, yes. It’s me,” Spy said, dropping his cigarette on the ground and rubbing the tip of his foot on it to stop the small flame. “As soon as I heard of the van on the news I..  knew what was going on. And I would do anything for my son.” 

“Christ mate,”  Mick said, “It’s about bloody time ya bugger. We need a place to hide out until we can get to Jane’s place-”

“Jane’s place? Are you sure about that?” Spy said, a little perplexed. “That man is a lunatic-”

“He uh.. has a lot of guns.” Jeremy pointed out, standing oddly close to Mick’s side. 

“And bombs.” Tavish added. 

“Ah. I see.” Spy said with a sigh, “Well. Where does he live again?” 

“Maine. Some town.” Mick said, “Will you be able to get there safely?”

“Why of course. But for the night, I know a motel we can stay at. You’ll have to abandon the van, Mick.” 

Mick sighed, although he didn’t want to let go of it, it’s what he must do. “Alright mate…” with savior comes sacrifice, huh?

~~~

This motel was shitty and musky but it’d do. Looking around, it was a little.. off. Very sketchy, but it’s what most motels were like, honestly. 

“Okay, I have gotten two bedrooms. Mick, you and Tavish will be in one room and me and-” The Spy went to say, but was cut off by Jeremy. 

“Uh- actually.. can I.. stay with Mick?” Jeremy said, sounding a little sheepish. The Spy on the other hand was a bit surprised to hear this. 

“Really? With Mick?” 

Mick’s face was red, why did Jeremy want to stay with him? He was very much expecting to be sleeping with Tavish. Which would probably suck, knowing that old Scotsman. 

The Spy looked a little bewildered, narrowing his eyes. Then he nodded, “fine then. Your room is thirteen.”

They split, and Mick found the motel room with Jeremy. It was nice, at least. One bed, very tacky old fashioned flower printed blankets. Beige walls, an old TV. 

“Room number thirteen, how unlucky.” Mick kicked his shoes off and sat down on the bed. Noticing there’s only one bed, he decided the argument for who takes the bed will come later. 

“Yeah.. guess that is just a myth, though.” Jeremy shrugged, sitting down on the small but ripped leather couch by the small window. He sighed, “they’re probably searching so hard for us.”

“Yeah.. but mate, ya can’t think about it too much right now. There’s no way out of all the motels in this place, they’ll happen to come to this one and find us. And you know The Spy, he’s smart with what he does,” Mick said, trying his best to ease Jeremy’s troubled mind. 

Jeremy sighed, “fuck. You’re right. But Ludwig, he’s insane!” He stood up, “but I just. I love him so much. God, god why do I love him?!” 

Mick was quiet, just watching Jeremy. He looked into a mirror held on the wall, staring at his reflection. His saddened and bruised face, which underneath the adult skin was a child’s broken spirit. Despite the broken glimmer yet to die in his eyes, Mick still thought Jeremy was pretty. 

“Love is quite the motherfucker, ah mate?” Mick broke the quick silence, but didn’t move his eyes from Jeremy’s body. “Like a loyal dog who gets kicked, it’ll still love its owner afterwards. Humans are the same way.”

“Yeah? And it’s not fucking fair.” Jeremy looked back at Mick, and rubbed his eyes. His saddened expression turned angry, but then suddenly dropped. He sat on the bed next to Mick, feeling a hand on his shoulder. 

It was quiet again, and Jeremy hugged his knees. He felt like a child, a sad child dealing with a bully. But he wasn’t, he was an adult. But it was so hard to be an adult. “Can.. can we share the bed tonight…? I don’t… I don’t want to be alone.” 

Mick’s breath hitched in his throat, and he seemed a bit surprised. He assumed he’d be taking the floor, or sleeping in the bathtub if they had one. He was surprised that Jeremy wanted this, since the risk of accidentally cuddling was so high. 

“Ah.. alright, whatever you want, mate-”

“Good because I need to sleep now.” 

Jeremy was acting weird. Maybe it was because his mind was going a million miles a second, and that’s the most logical reasoning. He stripped off his socks and shirt and threw his hat to the floor. Then he jumped in bed, and wrapped himself under the covers. 

Mick, who was not ready to fall asleep, just looked mildly amused. “Alright tired?” He let out a laugh, “does this mean I gotta hit the hay early?”

Jeremy didn’t say a word, his eyes said enough. So, Mick got his shirt off, took off his glasses, and slipped into the bed. 

He kept a fine distance from Jeremy, worried that being too close in a bed alone like this would be uncomfortable or even triggering for Jeremy. But surprisingly, Jeremy scooted closer, and wrapped his arms around Mick. 

“I don’t want to be alone. I mean- I- I’m not alone just- just in case Ludwig finds us, okay?” The anxiety and paranoia was enough to probably send a grandpa into cardiac arrest, but someone Jeremy seemed to manage it. Or maybe, it was just buried so deep inside, you’d never know. 

Mick’s face, surprisingly, didn't get warmer. But it was probably because it was already at max temperature. So, he just allowed Jeremy to cuddle him, facing away from the door. He’d be the shield and the guard, anything to make sure Jeremy was comfortable. He felt like he needed that responsibility, considering that Jeremy, out of his highly skilled and trained father, chose the idiot with the sniper skills instead. 

And Mick can’t lie, it made him feel warm inside.