Welp, my prediction came true. Things got too busy to update on time. But I made a long chapter, that makes up for it, right? Right? No? Well, it's long anyways. Michael and Reese are finally having the talk they need. Hope you guys enjoy it :)
Disclaimer: I do not own 'Be More Chill' or any of it's adaptations or content.
Replaced
Chapter XI
~Breathe~
He waited.
He waited for the SQUIP to wake. As each minute passed he kept his stare on their unconscious form, tensing at the anticipated movement. The computer had done everything they said they would. Their speech started slipping into Japanese, creating incoherent sentences in the process. Before he knew it they were unconscious. To his ease of mind they seemed to be okay. They were breathing normally as though asleep and showed no signs of distress. That didn't mean it didn't scare the shit out of him anyways.
What if the SQUIP didn't wake up? What if these people still found them? Would they punish Michael too? What if he couldn't fend them off? What if he couldn't revive Reese? Would it be his fault? Of course it would. He doubts anyone but Reese would give him an easy time about it. Computers aren't easily swayed from how things really are, but humans are.
Michael looked at his phone. He had a received a lot of text messages and phone calls from his friends - all were ignored. The only message he bothered to send back was to Rich after the shorter teen freaked out asking what happened. He simply instructed them to stay at the party until it was time to leave, and that was all. He got a few messages from Jeremy too, asking similar questions. His friend was worried for him and believed something serious happened. He wasn't wrong. He hated ignoring Jeremy but he didn't want to lie to them, especially since it'd be to a direct question about the SQUIP.
To his surprise he got a message from Christine. She didn't ask about the situation or anything else. She only asked if he was okay and that if he needed anyone she would be there. Her text sent the most warmth to his heart. He wished he had grown closer to her sooner. He had spent too much time disliking her over how much Jeremy was trying to change for her to notice how wonderful she is. Another failure on his part.
He hovered his finger over the response button. He wanted to talk to someone, to confide in someone. Someone objective, who would only help. But he couldn't. It would be unfair to include Christine in any of this, especially when Jeremy wasn't. He couldn't tell them…or anyone…he would have to do this alone.
A jolt from the body beside him woke him from his daze. Michael's eyes snapped to the computer as the SQUIP's eyes opened. "Reese?" he called quietly - his voice hoarse - as he moved closer in case they needed him. Reese rolled onto their side, facing Michael, but their glazed eyes fixed onto the floor.
"Warning…Warning…?" they mumbled, looking around confused as though trying to find their bearings.
"Reese?" the teen called again concerned, placing a hand on the computer's arm. Reese immediately placed their hand over his, gripping tightly. Their eyes found Michael for a moment before shifting away, still not fully grounded to their surroundings.
"Its okay. It's okay. It's safe. You're safe," they whispered gently, as though trying to calm someone down. Michael's brows furrowed as his heart began to race.
"Reese?" he questioned again, his voice barely coming out of his throat. The SQUIP shook their head slightly in response, gripping his hand tighter as though to signal they heard.
"You're okay. You're okay, you're safe. Breathe. It's okay. You're safe," they continued to mumble. Michael didn't know what to say. Were they talking to him? Were they broken? Did they know where they are? What should he do?
"Rich? Rich," the SQUIP's eyes finally locked with his, eyes cleared, "Rich. Get Rich. He needs to go home. Now." Michael's eyes widened in realization. Something was wrong with Kert. Without a second thought he used his free hand to grab his dropped phone and hastily sent a text to the shorter teen. He knew Rich was just waiting for an excuse to go home, he doubts it will take them long to get there.
"What happened? Is Kert okay? Are you okay?" he asked frantically, turning his attention back to the SQUIP. Reese roughly sat up, taking in a shuttered breath.
"Yes…yes, we're safe," they answered slowly, eyes downcast.
"…I asked if you were okay," Michael pressed gently, his concern only growing. Reese's eyes shifted to him, holding the gaze for a long moment. They were unsure, and shaken.
"…Yes," they finally answered, "I am…well."
"…Are you sure?"
"…I am physically well," they corrected slowly, "The alcohol caused no harm."
"…Then…emotionally?" He wondered if he was pushing too far, but he was terrified of whatever was distressing the computer. Reese was quiet, lost in thought. Then they started to look around, breaths coming in more quickly.
"I can't…" Before the teen could ask the SQUIP was on their feet, offering their hand for him to take, "Come with me."
"What?"
"Quick, please. I can't…just come," they begged, unusual desperation in their voice. Michael - too dumbstruck to find words - obeyed, taking the computer's hand as they helped him to stand. Immediately Reese pulled him along, heading up the stairs at a quick pace.
"Where are we going? Outside? What about the SQUIP people?" the teen asked nervously.
"They're gone. It's safe. Just…I can't breath," Reese answered, their voice raspy. Michael's eyes widened as he followed the SQUIP outside. Were they having a panic attack? But…why?
Reese barely let the teen lock the door behind them before continuing to drag him down the street. Michael couldn't help looking around frantically in the dark. What if the SQUIP was wrong and the people were still around? Reese was literally walking outside for the first time without any disguise. Quickly he reached his free hand out and flipped the computer's hood over their head. The SQUIP paused for a moment, startled, as they glanced at the hood. Looking at the teen they gave a short nod before continuing, their pace barely slowing.
Reese continued to drag Michael block by block, somehow knowing where they were going. The teen stayed quiet but his heart continued to pound louder and louder with each passing moment that wasn't explained. Reese could be broken, or they could be possessed by the bad guys for all he knew, and he was blindly following. Were they trying to get to Kert? If so why not take the car? It would be safer and faster. Where could they be possibly going on foot? Was this a trap?
Lost in his thoughts his pace slowed as his breathing increased. Reese only noticed when their arm was yanked back as they tried to continue forward at their set stride. Pausing they looked back at the distressed teen. "Michael," they addressed concerned, and in slight surprise, "I'm distressing you. I apologize…I should explain." Reese looked at their feet for a moment before hesitantly looking back to the anxiously waiting male. "I just…couldn't breath. I need to be able to think, and I…couldn't," they admitted slowly.
"…Why didn't you just say that? That you're…freaking out?" Michael asked, his voice barely audible.
"I couldn't think," they repeated, "I can't…function like this. And you need me. Kert needs me. But I can't. Not when I can't…breath. I need air."
"Where? We're already outside."
"…I don't know why…but a place came to mind…and I know everything will be alright there." Michael didn't question further as they continued to walk at an easier pace. There was a part of him that understood, even if his mind still warned him to be cautious.
Before long the SQUIP changed directions, turning briskly into a wooded area, following the path hidden from any light. The dark, enclosed space only worsened Michael's anxiety, especially since he couldn't see where they were going, so he hovered closer to the SQUIP. Reese didn't seem too sure at first where they were going either, glancing around as though to gain perspective, but it was clear they could see better than the teen so Michael didn't question them as they continued on their way.
The wooded area soon cleared and Michael found himself following the computer up a grassy hill to its peak. It was a clearing that the path didn't follow but the SQUIP walked up it anyways. Their pace slowed to a stop as they reached the top. Michael glanced around the area. There was only a few trees around, scattered among the small clearing, only one making it to the top of the hill. There was also a bench beside it with a quote engraved on its wood, probably in dedication to a person long gone. Michael could see the houses of the area they had just been in and the rest of its urban surroundings nearby. Though it was close - and so was the path and even a park - the hill felt secluded. A quiet place, especially at that time of night. It was silent other than what noise the wind brought with it.
"Where are we?" Michael questioned quietly, looking at the SQUIP nervously, but Reese wasn't looking at him. Instead their eyes were fixated on the sky above.
"...You can see the stars clearly from here," they answered softly. The teen was surprised by how gentle the computer's answer was and how their eyes were almost entranced by the distant lights. It was…vulnerable. He looked up too.
"...Yeah, you can."
"...I was going to take Jeremy here." Michael was surprised again by the honest answer. His eyes snapped to the SQUIP to see the sombre expression on their face. "I looked over all the statistics for this location. I thought it would be a better place to star gaze in…I kept the information for it in the back of my memory files for when it would be needed. I don't know why I thought of it, but…if there was a place to think…this would be it." Reese quietly sat down, finally letting go of Michael's hand, as they turned their gaze towards further stars. The teen looked at their hand, not fully realizing he had been guided there by it until the contact was broken. Slowly, he joined the computer and sat down, not knowing if he should say something or not. He didn't need to because the computer continued, "It's half way. Half way from your home to Rich's…and close to Jeremy. My mind can find some ease in that."
"...Are they okay?" Michael asked again, his voice barely sounding. Reese was silent.
"Whatever they feel…I hope Rich can fix it," they answered quietly. The teen's eyes fell to the ground. If it was comfort Kert needed, Rich wasn't the person to give it. If earlier that night was any indication, Rich was terrible at expressing anything. Reese glanced at him, noticing his reaction. "If Rich can't…then…I suppose I'll have to be enough. If not…then…I hope they remember that's they're alive…and that's enough."
"Alive?" Michael echoed, noticing the emphasis on the word.
"...Their mind isn't focused on the present right now. If they can't find comfort, I hope they return to their SQUIP protocol. Their normal SQUIP mind is logical and will focus on the fact that we survived the alcohol rather than…anything else. And I hope that eases their mind if nothing else will."
"Wait," the teen turned to face the computer, "What do you mean survive the alcohol?"
"You know there were risks-"
"Yes, but…life threatening risks?"
"…Yes…I don't understand-"
"You don't understand? You implied something shitty might happen but you forgot to mention you might - I don't know - die!"
"…I…How could you not know? You knew the alcohol would shut off my systems and my SQUIP pill is directly connected to my brain. So, of course there would be a chance that my pill might put my body into a coma state, or render me completely brain dead, or even kill me. How could you not assume that would happen?" Michael stared at them in pure horror. Without a second thought he stood, standing over the SQUIP.
"Are you fucking - I can't even - what the actual fuck is wrong with you?! Are you trying to kill yourself? Because you're doing a great job at it! You ask me how the fuck I wouldn't just assume you'd die? Because for some reason I believed a fucking super computer would be smart enough to not throw their life in the garbage and hope it'll pop back out! Is one near death experience not enough for you?! You want to keep testing it every week?! Come on! Let's go down to the pier next week and push you into the water to see if you can swim! Or dump some Mountain Dew Red in your drink to see if you can survive a mixture! Or gain a tolerance to it! Yeah, nothing dangerous there! Just your life! Fuck, Reese! How can you not see how fucked up this is?! What could I have possibly done if you didn't wake up? Or Died?! Fuck!" Reese was silent, taken aback by the outburst. They stared at Michael as the teen began to angrily pace to clear some of his frustration.
"...What else could I have done?" they finally whispered.
"What else could you have done?!" Michael snapped, turning on the SQUIP, "You're a super computer! You could have thought of something with that infinite brain of yours!"
"...A broken super computer," Reese corrected quietly, "We had no time. No time to find…any other solution. I needed to turn off."
"You are fucking broken to think that any of this is okay! That any of this is normal! That's the third time, did you know that?! The third time I found you strolling down death's road! Do you have any idea?! Any idea how…how any of this affects me?! Do you even care?! Of course not! Because I'm holding you hostage from Jeremy! Who cares what happens to me? I volunteered! I should be happy to deal with all of this torture if it keeps you from Jeremy! I should be happy to keep having traumatic stress every time something happens to you or thinking something's happening to you to make sure Jeremy doesn't suffer instead! But I'm not! So fucking quit it! Or I'll…I'll fucking…" Choking on his words Michael turned so the SQUIP couldn't see the furious tears running down his face. He couldn't keep himself together long enough to get everything he needed to say out, and a part of him was grateful. He almost said something he'd regret, something he wished the computer would never know. Yet the SQUIP now knew more than he wished they knew anyways. He could never win.
"Please," the voice was so quiet Michael wasn't even sure if he heard it over his chaotic thoughts or if it was just his imagination. But the sharp intake of breath behind him assured him it was real. So was the wavering voice that continued, "Don't…misunderstand. Don't…Don't…I can't…I don't…" Turning, the teen's eyes widened. Reese was shaking, staring at the ground with wide watery eyes. They were gasping for air, trying to articulate something they couldn't put together. They were hyperventilating.
"Reese," he called, kneeling down near the SQUIP, "Reese, breathe."
"No…you don't…you don't…" Reese's breath came in shorter as they shook their head. Michael hesitantly shifted closer.
"You need to breathe," he instructed, trying to sound comforting.
"You don't understand," the SQUIP whispered, still unable to get their breathing under control, "You don't…you're suppose to…you do…you did…don't…"
"Reese," Michael tried hushing the computer, but they weren't listening. He let out a breath, not knowing what to do. If Reese didn't listen to him they were going to render themselves unconscious. He couldn't ask Kert or Rich for help and Jeremy…He was worried that this reaction might not be from Reese at all and wondered if Kert was effecting them…or if this really was all Reese.
Not knowing what else to do Michael placed a hand on the computer's shoulder in awkward comfort. "If you don't breathe you'll pass out…use your logic to calm down. I can't help you if you won't let me."
"Please, just…turn it off," Reese finally looked up at the teen, their eyes giving in as their tears spilled over their cheeks and their breath came in shallower, "Turn it off…let me turn it off. Please, I can't…" Michael's eyes widened as he realized what they were asking. They wanted to nerve block their emotions. A rush of sympathy filled him as he remembered the SQUIP never felt overwhelming emotions before, if negative ones at all. They were looking for help.
"Don't," he whispered, finally blinking out of his wide eyed stare, "Don't turn it off. Just…breathe. Whatever you're feeling, no matter how bad…it's normal. It's okay. I know it doesn't feel like it, but you're going to be okay." Michael bit his lip, trying to think of what to say to make the computer understand. "Your…Your body is telling you that something's wrong. That your hurt inside. But just like a cut you can heal. You know how your hand got broken? And you braced it? It's the same thing, it's just…harder to see, and harder to fix. There's no one right way. But it starts with breathing." Reese let out a small sound almost like a laugh but they were taking in longer breaths. Michael waited, allowing his own breaths to come out louder to help encourage the SQUIP to follow his lead. Reese listened.
After a few minutes passed, though not corrected, the computer was breathing at a more stable pace. "You don't realize…how objective a SQUIP is…until you face the same emotions your human did…but this time your mind is lost to the feelings…rather than functioning as though it can't touch you," they mused quietly. They let their body relax slightly as they closed their eyes. Taking in a few more breaths they opened them again. "I'm not accustomed to…any of this. Thinking of my own safety and needs. Objectively I can, but subjectively…And nearly dying…It's happening so often that I almost feel like its normal. There's a part of me that prefers that rather than believing that the universe is trying to tell me that I'm not wanted…"
"…If the world is Final Destination then I don't want to live in it," Michael mumbled as he settled back beside the SQUIP. Reese let out a small chuckle.
"It seems living in a SQUIP world isn't any better."
"Apparently not." The teen turned to face the computer, "Reese…This needs to change. I can't keep doing this, and it's unfair to ask anyone to."
"I know…But, if change happens, it won't be in the way you imagine," Reese answered, "Less often deaths would be nice. Anything else, though…will have to become normal for you. The only thing I can offer differently is to not assume you know anything and always explain, as long as you don't feel too 'SQUIPed' by doing so."
"Even if I do I'll deal with it. I need you to always tell me what's happening honestly and ahead of time. No exceptions," Michael agreed.
"But in return you must be open minded. Events like today could happen again, one where we're backed into a corner with no other solutions. In moments like that stubbornness can't outweigh the need to survive," the computer clarified. Michael took a moment but slowly nodded. If the SQUIP actually kept their word to ease his mind before moments of crisis then he could be more understanding. Even if it is something risky…the SQUIP would know better than him.
Silence fell over them again as their eyes turned back to the sky. The air between them seemed lighter and much of the anxiety seemed to calm. When enough time passed Michael spoke, "Reese." The SQUIP looked at him. "Why do they want you back? The evil people. What do they want with you?"
"…I have theories," they answered slowly, "The main being we know too much. Their whole organization is at jeopardy as long as we're free."
"Why don't you expose them, then?"
"There are lives at risk. Despite what you may believe we aren't heartless enough to throw lives out the window to expose them. Besides, such leaked knowledge could destroy the whole company. You can imagine, I support the idea of SQUIPs. However, what this branch has done to achieve it…is inexcusable."
"You mean making SQUIP's human?"
"No," Reese shook their head lightly, "It's more…twisted then that. But now's not the time for such conversation. If you truly want to know then it has to be done at a better time, when we're both in a better mental state. It's the heaviest information I may ever give you, and the hardest for me to tell." Michael wanted to press further but kept his mouth shut at the SQUIP's ominous tone. Slowly, he nodded. If the computer was at least willing to share then he shouldn't complain. He would find out sooner or later, and that was progress.
Reese began shifting to face the teen better as they started unzipped their sweater. "In the mean time," they addressed as they took their jacket off and draped it over Michael's shoulders, to the teen's surprise, "We have other matters to discuss."
"What are you doing?" Michael questioned as the SQUIP flipped the hood over his head.
"Comforting."
"With a sweater?"
"A security sweater."
"You really are the worst SQUIP," Michael chastised as he let out a small laugh, shaking his head.
"Good. You hate SQUIPs, so the 'worse' I am the more you'll like me," Reese replied with a grin of their own.
"Is that sarcasm or are you actually trying to get me to like you?"
"Both."
"Why?"
"The answer hasn't changed."
"…Because you don't hate me."
"That's right."
"But you don't have to like me."
"There are many things I don't have to do, but I choose to. For example, if I can make you smile even once while under distress, then I think I'm the most successful SQUIP that's ever lived," Reese countered, their grin growing. Michael rolled his eyes before noticing there was already a small smile on his face.
"This isn't a victory. I'm smiling at your ridiculousness."
"Good. My method is working."
"I really don't need your comfort."
"I beg to differ. Tonight couldn't have been easy for you." The teen was silent. Reese paused for a moment before continuing, "Tell me what happened."
"...You already know, don't you?" Michael mumbled, curling up.
"I do. Rich was getting advice from Kert while speaking to you."
"Heh, 'advice'."
"I didn't say he listened."
"Clearly."
"Michael," the teen sighed, looking at the SQUIP, "What happened?"
"What happened? The fricken Apocalypse happened, that's what. Rich admitted he wanted to fuck me the night we found you, the rumour about us fucking is sky rocketing into orbit, Jeremy is beyond concerned thinking a tragedy happened and probably thinks SQUIPs are behind it, and I wish I was never born! Does that cover everything?" Reese was silent. Michael curled up more, trying hard to hold back the angry tears that prickled in his eyes. To his surprise, the computer placed a hand on his back in comfort.
"Rich meant no harm. I imagine he even thought of his confession as a good thing. He's quite fond of you, you know," they explained softly. Michael wiped at his eyes, his anger lessening at the SQUIP's words. Rich thought of him fondly?
"Did Kert tell you that?" he asked quietly.
"They did. You impact people more than you think, Michael. I doubt there is anyone who knows you that thinks of you badly," they answered. Michael scoffed.
"Only everyone that hurts me every day," he grumbled. The SQUIP tsked displeased.
"Ignorance," they mumbled, "Regardless, you are surrounded by people who care for you but don't know how to show it. Unfortunate, really."
"…I'm hurting Jeremy." The computer's eyes snapped to him, but he didn't meet their gaze. He kept his eyes downcast, tears welling up stronger. It was true, he was hurting Jeremy by doing all of this. He could only imagine what his friend thought was happening. The sky was the limit of the horrific tragedies that could be occurring. Jeremy was probably at home right now, alone, anxiously thinking of what could be wrong. He was probably having his own anxiety attack, and it was Michael's fault. He had isolated himself too much. He wouldn't even know now if Jeremy was upset or needed help. He was a horrible friend.
"Michael," Reese called gently, "You're protecting him."
"I'm taking the choice from him," Michael corrected.
"We both know what he'd do if he knew. This is for the best. For his physical safety and his mental health."
"It shouldn't be like this."
"There are many things that should be different, but this is the way it is. It's a double sided coin, Michael. You feel like a bad friend for hiding this from him but you are also protecting him by doing so. Your emotions won't stop flipping between those two sides as long as you're in this situation. I'd advice focusing on what you feel is more important to help you through this mess," Reese suggested. Michael sighed.
"A mess…that's putting it lightly. This is beyond fucked up," the teen buried his face into his knees. The SQUIP watched for a moment, thinking over their words carefully.
"…Do you know what I would have done if I was your SQUIP?" Michael's head shot up in alarm as his eyes napped to the computer. Reese held up their hands quickly to calm the teen down and allow him to think over what they said. Michael hesitated, biting his lip slightly before speaking.
"...What?"
"I would have forced you to be more social. Introduce yourself to more people at school and else where. No doubt you would have connected with someone and would have started spending time with them. You'd gain new friends, ones that are less intrusive on your life. Then you'd see how big the world is rather than how small it feels," the SQUIP explained gently. The teen was silent.
"…Would you have made me hurt Jeremy," he finally whispered. Reese froze for a moment, thinking it over.
"No…Not unless Jeremy made the same choices he did when I was his SQUIP. Then I would have suggested cutting him out of your life, but not forced. Jeremy obviously means a lot to you and cutting him out completely would have probably put you in a worse mental state," they answered honestly.
"...Just shows how little I mean to him if it wasn't the same for him," Michael whispered, barely audible as he placed his head back against his knees.
"...I am partially to blame. I blocked you from his vision without his knowledge. He didn't even know he was hurting you."
"I heard him," the teen lifted his head to look at the computer with watery eyes, "I heard him say it. I heard him tell you to…"
"...There is nothing I can say to convince you differently. It's true. As hard as it may be, you must still trust him. You mean more to him than you think, but like Rich…he doesn't know how to show it, or realize what his actions are doing to you," Reese explained slowly.
"Like owner like SQUIP," Michael mumbled, bitter amusement in his tone.
"...I suppose being a computer isn't an excuse for that," the SQUIP replied somberly.
"It is, and nothing you did to me was technically personal, but I still hate you for it."
"I would be surprised if you weren't."
"But…" Reese's eyes snapped to the teen but Michael kept his eyes downcast. He hesitated, debating on his words. After a moment he shook his head and looked back to the computer. "Do you really miss Jeremy?" The computer blinked confused, slight disappointment showing over their features before they fully processed the question.
"Of course I do. He's my human, my whole reason for existing," they answered plainly.
"Why aren't you fighting to go home then? I get it, it's safer here. But…still. You brought up once that if Jeremy wanted you you'd go to him. But you haven't tried anything, or made any attempts to get to him. Why not?"
"Other than the threat of death from you?" the SQUIP mused teasingly, "...I suppose, now that we successfully hidden my presence it would be safer to return to Jeremy, but…in all honesty I'm in no rush. I didn't feel the need to contact him because I'm convinced he's happy. If he's not, I'd like to believe he'd tell you, and if you know I would be able to pick it off of you. Besides, I'm quite comfortable in your home. There's no risk of others finding me there, not even your parents. Jeremy's a different case." Reese tilted their head curiously, "Why are you questioning me now? Are you worried Jeremy knows?"
"…Yes. And I don't think I'd be able to lie to him if he confronted me about it…and if I tell him…"
"He'd ask for me to go back."
"For my protection. He'll think I'm possessed if I tell him no. He won't understand that this is safer."
"…But if we're both in agreement than he has no power," Reese concluded, "Is that what you were searching for? Testing my resolve?"
"You give me too much credit."
"Doubtful. You're the one percent, I can never give enough credit."
"Flattery isn't getting you anywhere."
"If you believed it it would." Michael rolled his eyes but didn't make any more comments on the matter. "Are you going to tell him?"
"…I don't know. I don't want to keep lying to him, but…"
"…Michael, if we're both in agreement then there's little harm in sharing it with him now. The threat has been lessened tonight and it will ease the tension between the three of you to include him. He can't force me to leave if I choose not to," Reese pointed out. The teen looked at them for a long moment.
"…But I still doubt we're in agreement," he admitted, "Even if you're not lying to me, I think the moment Jeremy says he wants you…you'll go. He's your human, right? It's your job to help him. If he asks for it, I don't think you'll say 'no'." The SQUIP was quiet, thinking over what he said.
"…You may be right. But, if that is the case, we can always take measures to avoid such a situation. I don't have to be in the same room when you tell him. Yes, he'll want confirmation, but I can give it digitally to avoid temptation. A phone call or even a video chat. It'll be easier to deny him when there's distance between us."
"…And you'd do that?"
"Yes. If we're both agreed that this is the safest place for me, and you're willing to keep going, then I would do it."
"…I have to think about it," Michael resigned, "I need to fix things with Rich first and talk to him about it. No doubt he'll take your side but…he may have some insight we haven't thought of."
"It's possible."
"But, if we're going forward with this…we need more. Jeremy's going to ask a lot of questions, especially about the people after you." Reese nodded.
"And your proposition?"
"…I don't know how much you know about them, and I haven't helped out at all by hiding internet access. But…maybe I can do something about that. I don't trust you on my computer but maybe something else. Like an internet cafe. Then if they track you it would be to there, right? Yeah, it's in our area and they'd get suspicious again but they wouldn't know exactly where you're staying, right?" the teen suggested. The SQUIP grinned.
"I have no doubt in my skills to prevent that from happening. Is that what you wish to do?" they asked.
"I think it'll help. The more we know about them the better. Then we can tell Jeremy everything."
"Not everything." Michael looked confused at the computer.
"What do you mean?"
"Remember, there are things I'm even hiding from you. I don't want Jeremy to know either. He'll only ever know the same as you, no more. If possible I'd like to keep the information that I know more between us. I don't know how much will power I will have to deny him if he asks me directly to tell him about what I'm hiding. You'll need to help with that," Reese explained. The teen nodded.
"Alright, I can do that. And if he does find out, direct him to me. I can explain the situation to him if you're too busy 'resisting the urge'. Basically…we need to act like a team. Especially if Jeremy has power over you, we'll need to rely on each other's abilities to weave through it. Are you okay with that?" Michael questioned.
"I would think you would have issue with it," the computer mused. Michael rolled his eyes.
"Are you okay with it or not?"
"I am."
"Good, then we're in agreement."
"We are."
"Good. Now are we staying out here all night?"
"For a little longer…I quite like it out here." The teen stared at the content look that over came the SQUIP as they looked back to the sky before joining.
"Okay. Then we're going home. There's a bottle of Mountain Dew on the floor and some nerve blocking that needs to be turned off waiting for us."
"So, no rush then?"
"Heh, yeah. No rush."
A/N: Book reference anyone? Alright, I haven't read the book myself, but I know the star gazing scene and I wasn't going to leave it out. Finally these two are coming to an understanding! Only good things could come from this, right? Right?...Well, we'll have to wait and see, now won't we? ;)
