Chapter three:
When he enters he finds Michael twitching and whimpering in his sleep obviously in a nightmare.
He goes over settling next to him again and pulls him close. He strokes his hair keeping his other arm around him to keep him close. He continues this until the other calms down as if the nightmare was finally chased away. He brings his hand that was stroking his hair down to wrap around him as well. He smiles softly as Michaels face becomes much more peaceful. He stays there until he hears a knock coming from the front door. He carefully gets up and heads over to answer it finding Griffon standing there with a bag.
"Everything you'll need." Griffon says handing the bag to him.
"Thanks." He says taking the bag.
"And good luck. I'm glad he has a friend like you right now." Griffon adds gently.
"Thank you. I just hope that I can help him." He smiles softly.
"You already are. You're being there for him."
He smiles and the two share a hug before Griffon heads off and he heads back into the house closing the door behind himself. He heads back to the bedroom and as he looks inside he expects Michael to still be asleep... But Michael is not there now... He drops the bag by the door and rushes into the room. He looks around not seeing the other at first making him start to panic. He is about to call out the others name when he hears crying that is attempted to be muffled. He follows the sound into the bathroom right by the bedroom. He peers inside and finds Michael curled up in a ball in a corner of the room. He moves over to the other and crouches in front of him. He reaches towards the other but as soon as his hand touches Michaels shoulder Michael jumps only to start whimpering.
"No. No. No. No!"
"Micool." Gavin says trying to watch his friends face. "Micool. Its ok. It's me. I won't hurt you."
Michael looks to Gavin then blinks as he realizes that Gavin is indeed the one there.
Gavin relaxes at this but it doesn't last long.
"No! This can't be real! You can't be here!"
"Why Micool?" Gavin shifts closer to the other with a worried stare. "Why should I not be here?"
"Because he'll hurt you." Michael sniffles letting out a whimper in an attempt to hold back a sob. "He's going to hurt you. You shouldn't have come here!" He can't hold back his sobs though as they wrack through his body.
"Micool. You're safe at the moment. He's not here." Gavin assures him in a gentle tone. "We both are safe right now. No one is going to hurt us." He places a cautious hand on the others knee.
Michael whimpers curling up more.
Gavin can barely make out the words Oh god and oh god please no. He shifts and brings Michael close holding him against his chest. "It's ok." He tells the other. "We are at your place. It's just us two here."
Michael whimpers for a few more moments as he shakes a little before finally calming down.
Gavin strokes Michaels back to help him calm down and finally he take a big deep breath through his mouth. He watches smiling in an assuring way as Michael looks up to him from where he is. "You ok now?"
Michael sniffles and nods.
"Ok. Well let's play some games. How about that?" Gavin tries as he smiles.
"Sure." Michael agrees.
Gavin helps him to his feet and they head off to the living room where they play Minecraft for a bit.
"I think we might be getting close to diamonds." Michael says.
"Great!" Gavin chirps and they keep digging then they hear a hissing sound. "CREEPER!" He shouts out then suddenly he is exploded to death.
"NO! Gavin!" Michael gasps seeing this.
"Don't worry my boi. As soon as I respawn I'll come back to you." Gavin tells him.
They played until it got late in which obviously it's time for bed.
With the game shut off they head to the bedroom where Michael hesitates beside the bed.
"I'm here." Gavin puts an arm around Michaels shoulders. "If you have a nightmare then I'll be right here."
Michael nods and the two climb into bed settling next to each other. He shifts closer to Gavin who embraces him and he closes his eyes feeling safe where his fears of facing his father in his nightmares drift away.
Gavin waits until he's sure Michael has drifted off into sleep before closing his eyes to do so as well. He wishes that Michael didn't have to go through all that he did and doesn't have to go back to it. He also wishes that there is something he can do to help the other when he's back in that hell hole. His thoughts drift away as he falls asleep.
Right now Michael is here and alive and it's at least something especially since Gavin can get him to sleep.
The next morning Gavin awakens as sunlight dances upon his closed eyelids.
He glances down to see Michael shift as if he's about to awaken.
Michaels eyes blink open to halfway then flicker up to him meeting his eyes.
"Morning." Gavin greets with a smile.
"Morning." Michael shifts out of Gavin's grip and sits up stretching. "Time for work?"
"Not if you don't want to go." Gavin says sitting up. "Geoff can cover for us."
Michael turns to Gavin at this. "Well it'll be good to get out. Maybe work will take my mind off of things."
"Ok. Then we go to work." Gavin agrees and they get up.
"I'm going to have a shower." Michael says grabbing some clean clothes.
"Ok." Gavin nods and as Michael heads off to do that Gavin changes into clean clothes before going to see what he can make for breakfast. He decides on toast and eggs this he begins making them humming to himself for a bit.
After his shower is done Michael wanders in changed in a clean pair of clothes and goes over to see what Gavin is making.
"Toast is ready." Gavin says. "Eggs will be done shortly."
"Ok." Michael turns and sees the toast on the table on a plate so he goes over and takes a piece putting it on one of the empty plates on the table. He grabs the butter from where it is by Gavin is and spreads it on the piece of toast. He settles at a seat at the table and begins to eat.
Gavin comes over with the eggs that have just been finished being made and puts them in a bowl he put out. He puts it on the table then settles next to Michael and grabs a piece of toast to let Michael dish up eggs first.
Breakfast went rather well as they discussed stupid video game achievements when they weren't eating.
Once breakfast is done they put the dishes in the sink to wash later since its time to go.
Michael grabs his keys and Gavin meets him at the front door.
They head off to work continuing their discussion that ends up moving to the hardest achievements to get.
Once they arrive at work Michael parks the car but pauses to take a slightly deep breath.
"We can go somewhere else if you want." Gavin offers worriedly.
Michael shakes his head. "No no. It's ok." He waves it off. "Come on. They might be starting a let's play without us."
Gavin squawks in protest at the thought causing Michael to chuckle softly.
The two get out of the car and head on inside going to the achievement hunter office.
The others are already there and they turn to look to the two and seem a little happy that Michael has perked up a little.
It's something.
"Hey!" Ray jumps to his feet. "We should have Michael wear the new shirt!" He suggests. "So we can show it off to the fans."
Michael shrugs. "Why not."
"I'll go get it!" Ray leaves the room to do so patting Gavin on the back in a silent good job before he continues on his way.
Gavin almost wonders if the others would be this happy if they knew the truth of what's going on. He turns and shares a look with Geoff.
They both know that this is an opportunity to see if they can see just what kind of damage could be expected when Michael returns to the hell hole.
Ray comes back and tosses Michael the shirt in which he catches it. "No need to be shy we are all guys."
Michael raises an eyebrow at Ray. "I know." He strips himself of his shirt and Gavin and Geoff move to try to not be noticed by the others as they take a look as Michael's torso.
While the others look in wonder at the scars littering Michaels body like thinking of the fights they think he got them from, Gavin and Geoff's faces pale... Especially when their eyes land on the nasty looking long scar on his back going from the back of his right shoulder to his left hip. The two can also easily imagine fresh wounds and bruises also littering Michaels body.
Gavin turns to Geoff who meets his eye.
They both know what this means.
Michael is in a lot more danger than they realized if the damage done is like this.
"Got into a lot of fights in the past?" Ray asks.
"The scars are old. Nothing special." Michael waves it off obviously not wanting to talk about it so the subject is dropped.
Showing off the new shirt went well and Jack offered to edit the video.
Everything went ok at work and with Michael seeming to be a little better they do the hitman video.
Michael is editing when Geoff silently calls Gavin outside the room.
Gavin and Geoff step out and Gavin turns to Geoff.
"I believe I know what we are going to do." Geoff says and Gavin tilts his head. "We are going with him."
Gavin blinks. "It's a good idea." He says. "We might have to be careful though."
"Well yeah obviously." Geoff states.
"Well I mean when Micool thought he was already back there he freaked out when he thought that I was there too."
"It'll be ok." Geoff assures him. "We will just be going to be there for him and to help him."
Gavin nods. "I never disagreed on the idea. I'm just speaking of a warning."
Geoff pats him on the shoulder then heads off elsewhere in the building.
Over the course of the next few days things went ok until it was the day that Michael had to leave.
Gavin wakes up finding Michael sitting on the edge of the bed with his head down. "Want some breakfast?" He asks sitting up and stretching.
"Not hungry." Michael sighs causing Gavin to look sympathetically at him.
"Alright. Well Geoff is driving us." He gets up and Michael just simply nods softly.
Gavin frowns and hopes that it all goes well.
"I kind of wish it wasn't so far away..." Michael sighs. "I would have liked to be able to come back here."
Gavin decides that he should let Michael know. "Me and Geoff have decided to visit the city with you."
Michael spins around to look to Gavin surprised and a little fearful.
"It's ok." Gavin puts an assuring hand on Michaels shoulder. "We are going to be there to help you." He says. "You won't be alone there. Plus only Geoff knows so really. Don't worry. We won't go inside the house unless you want or need us to or it's absolutely necessary."
Michael leans against Gavin with a slight sigh.
Gavin holds him until his cell goes off. He checks it and sees a text from Geoff saying that he's there. "Geoffs here." He says.
Michael nods and the two get up quickly changing then grabbing Michael's bags before heading out to go meet Geoff who is standing by his car.
"All set?" Geoff asks as they approach after Michael made sure to lock the house up.
"Yup." Gavin nods and Michael's stuff is put in the trunk with Gavin's stuff being with Geoff's already in the trunk, before they climb in.
Gavin and Michael sit next to each other in the back while Geoff is in the driver seat.
They head off going to the airport.
Gavin reaches over and gently takes Michaels hand.
Michael looks to him and Gavin smiles gently then gently rubs Michaels knuckles with his thumb. He leans against the other closing his eyes letting out a heavy breath.
Gavin let's him and Geoff smiles as he glances to them in the rear view mirror.
They eventually arrive quickly finding a parking spot and grabbing their stuff.
Gavin is glad that Geoff made sure that he had stuff for the week that they'll be gone since what he had at Michaels place would not last the week.
They head inside to get checked in and find that they are on the same plane as each other which helps Michael relax a little.
He has two of his friends with him to not let him go into his thoughts about what's waiting for him. He can be distracted by the two to help him not have to face everything so soon.
The three sit together in the waiting area with Michael having his head laying against Gavins shoulder as Gavin plays Pokemon mystery dungeon.
Gavin talks about different things of the game as Michael quietly seems to listen as he watches.
Geoff smiles softly watching the two glad that they are going along with Michael on this trip. He wants to be able to reach Michael quickly if something happens.
The flights passengers are called to come aboard the flight in which the three get up and head on over.
They get in and find that Geoff and Gavins seats are in front of Michaels.
Geoff puts their carry-on bags up above their heads then settles down in his seat by the window.
Gavin pulls out a pad of paper that he had asked Geoff to bring along with a pen. He writes something down then turns in his seat. He takes off the one sheet then he slips the one paper towards Michael who is right behind him.
Michael blinks spotting the paper and takes it reading it.
We can talk this way if you want.
Michael looks up to see Gavin handing him the pen. He takes it and uses his leg as a table to write back. He hands the pen and paper to Gavin who takes it to read it.
Yeah. Sounds good.
Gavin smiles and turns giving a thumbs up to Michael and decides that once in the air he will write something to the other.
The flight attendant makes sure that everything is all good then soon they are taking off into the air.
Once in the air Gavin let's the tray down and uses it so he can write a message to Michael.
He slips the paper and pen to Michael who takes it.
Michael looks to read it.
What games did you bring?
Michael responds before passing the paper back with the pen letting Gavin take it.
None.
That's ok. You can play some of my games that are in my bag if you want.
I'm good right now.
Ok. Well then let's talk. Say is there any cool places you would want to show us there?
Well there are a few nice places. Especially at night.
Great! We can take time dragging you out and we can all hang.
I don't know if that will happen...
We can try. Anyways. See any good movies?
Well Rainbow rocks wasn't too bad.
Ok. What's it about?
Geoff smiles as he watches the two send messages to each other back and forth. He's glad that Gavin is probably distracting Michael for now. He is especially happy about it since Michael gets a small smile on his face. He turns to face forward and leans back closing his eyes softly. He didn't get much sleep last night out of worry of what will happen when they arrive but right now it's all going to be alright. He lets himself catch up on some sleep. He's awoken by Gavin and turns to him blinking sleep from his eyes.
"We're here." Gavin says.
Geoff nods and wakes himself up even more now that they are going to land soon.
When passengers were allowed to leave the plane Geoff makes sure that they have all their stuff before they head to baggage claim.
"Is someone going to pick you up?" Gavin asks sticking close to Michael.
Michael shakes his head. "No. I was going to call a taxi." He admits.
"Well we can drive. We're renting a car anyways." Geoff says. "Plus we can take detours if you want."
"I have to go there." Michael says almost plainly and instantly Gavin wraps his arms around him.
"Listen here. If anything happens I want you to call or text us." Geoff says a little sternly in which Michael almost winces so Geoff quickly makes his tone gentler. "Ok? Well race right over there if you need us. Just don't hesitate to contact us."
Michael nods and Geoff wishes he hadn't said it sternly at the start.
He's just worried for the other and wishes that there was a way to protect him.
They reach the baggage claim and the two still stay close to Michael in attempts to comfort him.
Geoff takes the lead as they head to go rent a car. "What kind of car do you think we should get?"
"How about a grey one?" Gavin offers as an idea joining hands with Michael in an attempt to comfort him.
"That's not a bad idea. I think they have some nice models." Geoff nods. "What do you think Michael?"
Michael shrugs. "Doesn't really matter to me."
"Ok. Grey car it is then." Geoff nods and they reach the renting place. "What kind of grey cars do you have?" He asks the desk.
"Well we have a newer car that's a Honda Civic. It's in dark grey." The lady says.
"Perfect." Geoff nods. "Then we'll take that car."
"Alright."
Gavin turns to Michael and uses his free hand to pull him close. He wants to go in to the house with Michael when they get there so he can try to protect him but he doesn't want Michael to have even more strain about the whole situation.
"Ready?" Geoff comes back over with the keys swinging around his pointer finger.
Michael sighs heavily. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Geoff puts a comforting hand on his shoulder obviously really worried about him like Gavin. "Remember that you can contact us at any time." He says and Michael nods.
They head off and step out into the parking lot only for Geoff to glance around.
"Where's the car?" He moves in one direction but doesn't seem to see it so he looks down and presses the alarm.
The alarm goes off making him turn around since it's behind him.
"That way!" He points for a moment in the direction before lowering his hand. He takes the lead and soon they find the well-kept car in which he stops the alarm.
They put their stuff in the trunk, though Michael puts his stuff in the back seat since he will be dropped off, then they pile in like they did before in Geoffs car. Geoff driving with Michael and Gavin sitting in the back.
Michaels stuff is at his and Gavins feet.
Geoff begins driving hesitantly asking Michael the address in which Michael tells him it. He just plugs into the GPS though and they drive in silence for a few moments before Geoff clears his throat. "You sure you don't want to take any detours."
Michael nods. "Yes. I'm sure."
Geoff sighs softly to try to not let Michael hear it and they continue along.
As they get closer and closer Geoff and Gavin feel a sense of dread and guilt. Dread because they are aware of what will happen when they drop Michael off and guilt because they are pretty much handing Michael to an abusive place.
"You have arrived at your destination." The GPS informs them.
Geoff pulls up in front of the house and glances to it as to memorize every part of it.
"Thanks for the ride." Michael says removing his seat belt and gathering his stuff.
"Please. Please remember we are here for you." Gavin says and Michael flashes him a small smile that seems mostly forced.
"I know. Thank you." Michael heads out of the car and towards the front door tense for obvious reasons.
Geoff and Gavin watch and he heads inside the home with the door closing behind him. Geoff quickly types down the address in his phone to make sure that he always has it.
Hesitantly they drive away heading to go to the hotel.
Gavin watches the house even for a few moments after it disappears from view. "This feels so wrong."
"I know." A heavy sigh is heard from the older man as Geoff grips the steering wheel rather tightly. "I know."
Meanwhile...
Michael glances around seeing that it all seems to be how he left it.
Then his father marches over to him obviously upset.
Michael tenses as he waits for it to start.
His father stops and stares angrily at Michael. He has red hair, dark menacing blue eyes and is wearing jeans with a mahogany t-shirt and white socks. "You." He growls. "Who was that? Some old man?" He snarls as Michael doesn't look to him not even sure he could if he wanted to. "I bet you got him to give you a ride for free in favour for some sex favour you slut!" His eyes narrow then he pulls back a fist that Michael doesn't see since he isn't looking then slams it into Michaels cheek.
Michaels head turns sideways and he stumbles a step or two to the side.
"You're pathetic." His father then turns and heads off somewhere else.
His hesitant mother who has dark brown hair, brown eyes and is wearing black sweatpants with a long sleeved white shirt comes over to him. Her eyes shine in concern.
"Welcome back I guess." Michael sighs to himself bringing a hand to his cheek trying not to touch his stinging cheek.
