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Jeremy fell into his bed as it creaked under him. He groaned in exhaustion, he had just gotten home from what felt like the longest shift in a while.
It was the beginning of summer and he was finally able to work longer to save up for college, pay for his car, and whatever. Regardless, he hated the summer more than anything. It was hot and sticky and it always made his binder roll up. It did that anyway, but it was especially bothersome during the 90+ degree weather. At least he wasn't wearing two binders like he used to.
No matter how many times he pulled this one back down, it always went right back to one side being pulled up for some reason. The more times he tried to fix it, the more uncomfortable it got. It was too small for him, but it worked better than any of the other ones he had gotten. It was painful, though it was only worse if he had to see the reality of his body.
He stretched, finally not caring that the shitty chest binder was gonna do what it wanted. Unfortunately, it was a Friday and that was the day he and Michael would normally hang out. Jeremy always wanted to hang out with him, but he had been wearing his binder for so long that his chest and back felt like they were completely crushed and his lungs were a breath away from popping under the pressure. That basically meant that any plans he had of doing something were ruined.
If anyone called, he'd just ignore the phone.
He decided to just change and lay down, Mike would probably understand that he was tired.
Surprisingly, Jeremy got no phone calls at all. That was fine by him, he could just hit the Afton house tomorrow. Of course, as Jeremy thought he was in the clear, he heard a tapping at the window. He turned over and tried to ignore it. It's sort of hard to ignore this guy though. He couldn't bring himself to be mad either.
He got up, grabbed a hoodie, and slipped it on before going to the window and moving the curtain. He shoved the window open, revealing Michael Afton, of course.
"You're not one to usually show up at my window." Jeremy helped the other into the house.
"Well, you usually would've come through mine by now. I got a little worried."
"I had work today, I was just tired. Sorry, I shoulda called."
"That's alright. Do you want me to see my way out then? I didn't mean to disturb you."
"Don't worry about it, babe. Stay if you want." Jeremy sat on his bed, grabbing the remote to flip through the little channels there were on the TV.
Michael kicked his shoes off before making his way next to Jeremy on the bed. Mike was fine, but Jeremy couldn't find any position that worked comfortably. It was still fairly warm despite the sun being asleep at this point. He usually slept in a t-shirt or nothing at all, but that didn't seem like an option now that Michael was there.
His body ached. It always did. He couldn't even just be comfortable in front of his boyfriend. Mike knew all about Jeremy, but it wasn't something that Jeremy liked to let show. He always needed to hide in front of everyone. He needed to hide the imperfection that was this body. He couldn't even call it his body, it felt like a prison.
Mike tapped Jeremy's shoulder, trying to release him from his day dreaming.
"You seem out of it."
"Yeah, again, just pretty tired. My brain seems to just keep going though."
"What's on your mind?"
"Nothing important." Jeremy leaned against Michael, keeping his eyes on the television.
Mike didn't pull his eyes away from Jeremy right away either. The other kept moving just slightly, continuously trying to find a position that wouldn't strain his body.
"What's hurting?"
Jeremy shrugged, he immediately winced at even such a small movement.
"Everything."
"Why don't you lay down? I can try to help."
He glanced at Michael, kind of unsure, then just flopped down to lay on his stomach. Mike brought his hands to the other's back and pressed down just hard enough to try and crack it. That in itself felt a thousand times better.
Jeremy stretched his arms outwards, looking sort of like a cat. His spine popped a few more times from that as well. All the pressure built up started to dissolve.
It was still hot and annoying to wear a hoodie to sleep, but he managed to pass out to the feeling of relief not too long after.
He'd dream of the day that he wouldn't have to wear a shirt all the time. Or even the day that he'd feel comfortable without one around who he trusted the most. He'd dream of the day when his ribs didn't hurt constantly and when he didn't take the risk of his lungs collapsing every day.
He'd rather be dead in all honesty. He'd rather be 6 feet under than be like this. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be any different than if he were to stay how he was made. But he can dream.