I had meant to update this sooner, sorry. So, only a few days left of this year and two chapters left to go… reckon I can make it? I'm not exactly doing much this week so it should be fine.

This chapter is supposed to be set a couple months later, just so you know.

...

Hey Mike ;D,

Yes, things are chugging along splendidly. I'm now in the front room and it actually looks really nice. Mr Davies really did a good job making it personal and comfy, practical too. It's... my room, if that makes sense. A proper young man's room, personal and I suppose permanent. It certainly went a lot smoother than Mātua's attempts to fix a wheelchair ramp to the caravan. It was the most beautiful sight, just relaxing on a deck chair watching them swear up a storm at inanimate tools. You might be pleased to know liberal usage of the c word did not come from me this time. The caravan smelt funny anyway.

I'm used to navigating with a wheelchair now, thank you, and planning my journeys with it in mind. People are generally nice about it, if a little patronising. No one at college has really given me grief, which is taking a load off Charlie and Mātua's minds. The only thing people really ask is how it happened, or, if they recognise the accent, was it a shark? One person said crocodile instead, come to think of it. At least Mātua finds that funny.

Easter sounds great, by the way. Hope you can get things sorted, and if so, looking forward to meeting you.

Take these regards dammit,

Oscar

...

Heyyy O-zone ;DDDDD

They weren't calling you an inanimate tool, were they? And I bet you decorated your new room just perfect, huh? Got those cassette tapes alphabetized yet? Allirea found a nice spot for herself?

Well I suppose cows are land sharks. That's one way to look at it. Got those cold, dead eyes that let you know you're fucked. Glad to hear people are treating you well though, and I won't have to kick any ass while I'm over there.

Yeah I think I can make it, reckon I can get over jet lag for the two weeks I'm there? There's one thing I want to talk about though, and it's just easier over the internet man. I'm not too good with words and stuff. Does it show?

What do you think about me? I mean… for real like. Now that we're not trying to beat each other and fight and there's no mind games or bullshit, what did that kiss mean to you? Do you like me? ...That was a bit forward, wasn't it? My bad. Not good with words and stuff. Again. I'd be worse in person though.

I don't want the regards unless you bring me a receipt so I can return them.

Mike

...

Hi, Mike.

Firstly, nothing of the sort! They would never be that horrible to me! Logan would've made those sorts of jokes and worse; I daren't repeat what he would say to try and cheer me up. Something something vegetable, you know. My brother was what I like to call an 'equal opportunities offender' and how Mātua put up with him was a mystery I never got round to solving. And yes my cassette tapes are ordered on my shelf, but by date released, actually. Allirea sleeps with me.

You should be fine if you plan to stay for two weeks. And no, you don't need to kick any arse.

As for your other question...

Well, what did the kiss mean to you? How do you feel for me?

Please take these regards they are orphans and need a parent.

Oscar.

...

Oscar.

I never met Logan outside of some hellos, but that sounds like something he'd do. In fact, he's probably up there thinking of some to tell you when you're old and dead and see him again. ...That came out more depressing than I meant. You have a long life ahead of you and that's plenty of time for him to think of a buttload of jokes.

By date? Nerd! And yeah I may not need to kick arse now, but if you ever need some muscle in the future, I can kick anyone's ass, if you want. I'd kick my own ass.

I'm not answering that! Not until you answer first! Come on man don't just turn those questions back on me, you dick.

Screw your orphan regards

Mike.

...

It was a full week before Mike got a reply. He thought he would have a heart attack every waking minute spent waiting.

…

Michael.

I feel what you said about Logan was sweet, and the intention behind it was clear regardless. And I hope to live a long life, purely to wait to be told my hair looks as disabled as my legs.

As for you. I have typed and retyped this many times, and I apologise for the delay in my reply, as I am sure it is distressing you, but I needed to think things through and get my point across clearly and completely. No more misunderstandings. I understand you still struggle with leaving yourself emotionally vulnerable, and I haven't exactly helped in that matter, so I suppose I ought to be the one to step up and go first. You can relax though, even if I suspect you won't.

I really like you. I did in Texas and I still do. Back then I thought it was some silly, shallow crush because I tend to be silly and shallow. Shocking. Of course, getting to know you then and now, I have found myself feeling quite deeply for a very sweet young man. You're something special, Michael and I would love to find out just how much you still hide from me, if you would allow. I mean, I even like your hair now; I never thought I would, but now I just want to run my hands through it. And kiss your nose. And make you laugh and I wish we weren't so far apart now. We'll see each other again though.

Please take my regards, and my heart,

Oscar

…

Oscar.

...Damn right I don't do that talking about feelings crap. But I guess I can make an exception, since it's you.

What you said made me all mushy and stuff inside, cause dude I really like you too. And for ages it pissed me off because I thought I was supposed to hate you, and I'd made you hate me, but now I know how silly I was and there's nothing stopping me from feeling however I want for you. We never were enemies and we certainly ain't now. Now... well, now I just like you. Still. A lot.

But I still got scared because of everything that happened and maybe you would want to move on at some point and forget the past. I don't know. But if you still want me you can have me, just be warned I am a flawed human being who may get on your nerves from time to time.

For example, you can shove your regards up your asshole, I'll keep the heart tho ;]

Mike

...

Mike :D

Really? You still have feelings for me? After everything I did? I don't know if thanking you is the correct path, but thank you for giving me another chance. I want to move on but with you.

What do we do now though? Are we boyfriends? Does this mean I can hold your hand? I suppose I am now extra excited for Easter now. And we are all flawed human beings: I, for example, have been told I am quite hard to live with, and some would say narcissistic. Can you believe that? The cheek!

Take my regards, take them,

Oscar xxx