Chapter Text
Alec:
'I'm running. You in?'
1;42AM
Malachi glanced down at the message on the screen before clicking on the notification. He hummed to himself. The pair had been planning this for weeks. Seems like today was finally the breaking point for Alec in his household. Malachi's fingers hovered over the keyboard of his phone for a few seconds before replying.
Malachi:
'Sure'
1;43AM
The three dots appeared, disappeared and reappeared several times before Alec's reply came though.
Alec:
'Can you be ready in 15? Meet by the pier as we promised?'
1;43AM
Malachi nodded to himself, sending a thumbs up emoji in response.
Alec:
'Seriously? Thats all I get? Anyway. Remember, the note, food and our safety bags.'
1;44AM
Malachi:
'Yep, I know'
'Cya there'
1;45AM
Malachi shut off his phone, grabbing the bag stuffed under his bed; specifically packed of this moment. All he had to do was take the torch chargers, cash and some food.
He slung the bag over his shoulder, walking on precise floorboards just like he'd practiced to make the least sound, all memorised from late night runs for food from the kitchen. Malachi stepped on the very ends of the stairs after collecting the tooth brush and paste, sure they made some noise, but not as much as stepping in the very centre of the board. He was down within a few minutes, calming himself as he reached the cold tiles of the downstairs.
He'd dressed somewhat appropriate for the weather; a black, slightly turtlenecked shirt; dull blue jacket; black cargoes under which he wore an extra layer; thick socks; a coat in his bag just in case.
Malachi gently placed the bag on the able, just going through what he packed, making sure he had what he needed;
Money, check; plastic Tupperware, check; utensils; two spare changes of clothes, check; Toothpaste and brush, check; knife for protection, check; compass, check; lighter, check; etc.
All he needed to get now was canned food to last longer and cereal. He quickly searched the cupboards, taking out the bag from the cereal box, clipping the open part closed, just placing the cans straight into his food.
Malachi slung the bag over his shoulder again, taking his keys from the bowl on the shelf in the hallway. His key softly clicked in the lock as he pulled the door towards him, sighing as the cold air rushed into the house. HE walked out onto the cobbled street, locking the door behiind him before attaching the keys to his trousers via a carabiner.
The walk to Cromer pier didnt take long, just a few winding streets before getting to the pavement and smooth railing, of which he ran one of his hands across as he walked, torch on due to the lack of street lights. Malachi's boots gently thumped on the concrete as he swiftly walked. He couldn't believe he was doing this. But he was. He was running away with his best friend. After they would start moving, there would be no going back. He came to the zig-zag ramp leading down to the front of the Pier. He saw Alec waiting on the steps. Malachi could recognise that Scruffy blond haired kid anywhere.
‘Hey!” He called out, a small smile gracing his face as he picked up his pace into a slow jog to the boy sat on the curved steps.
‘Malachi!” Alec chirped, jumping up at the sight of his friend. ‘Good to see you came” He grinned, gesturing for them to start walking as they talked.
Malachi nodded in agreement ‘ ‘course I would. Couldn’t ditch my best friend like that could I?’
Alec’s smile slightly faltered at the ‘best friend’ but he quickly regained his smile. ‘Mhm! That would be shitty.” The blond shrugged.
Alec was dressed how he usually did; black hoodie, red plaid jacket with a grey hood, black cargos and a pair of black and burgundy vans (Specifically Old skool 36 DX, Malachi had memorised the specific type when Alec had ruined them in yr8 at highschool and his birthday was coming up)
He had his own bag with him; just a plain Nike one he’d use for school.
The two had met in Primary school, Year two. They were assigned to sit next to each other in the seating plan; both bonding over the shared love of history and hate of practically every other subject. Malachi had, at the time, recently moved up from Ipswich in Suffolk, whereas Alec had came over from Arkhangelsk in Russia.
Now the two were running away from their homes together.
Alec began to walk first, Malachi along side him. The torchlight swayed in Malachi’s hands as he walked. ‘So, remind me, Where are we going?’ The raven-haired boy questioned curiously.
‘Inverness” Alec answered ‘Scotland.”