Worn sneakers, over-sized sweater, an innocent face and a dweeby attitude. Mike had no idea what he was in for.

It used to be a time where Mike could collect his thoughts, or Jeremy would have free time to actually have a hobby. Now, it was a dilemma. Torn between hating the dangers of the dark, and loving who was standing with them in it.

Jeremy slammed the locker, gritting his teeth as Mike laughed in the background. "This is your fault! I can't go home like this!" He yelled. "How am I going to explain this to my mother?"

The guard could hardly catch his breath, "So? It's just a little cut..." He shrugged. " It's not that bad..."

Jeremy frowned, pointing to his mouth. "There are teeth marks in my lip, Mike"

Mike stared into the mirror, glaring at the lining stitches. The consequences of the past was enough, but the constant reminder every morning was going to eventually send him over the edge. His hand clenched into a fist, briefly considering breaking the reflection away until a smaller figure appeared in the mirror, giving a child-like smile and holding up a marker.

They ended up drawing goofy faces and pictures all on the glass.

Jeremy felt a tap on his shoulder, looking up from the dark hallway. Mike sat beside him, snickering to himself as he ushered the nightwatch closer. "Jere, look" He chuckled, holding out the tablet. He pointed to the power gauge. "69% percent"

"Mike no"

There was a tiny, little, hardly noticeable creamy white smudge of vanilla on the corner of Jeremy's mouth. He only took another lick of his ice cream, oblivious to the spot . Mike's eye twitched.

"Hey Jere, C'mere for a sec"

Said nightwatch turned to face the guard, freezing when something wet roughly ran over his closed lips. The teen paled, staring in shock as Mike leaned back, wiping his mouth. "Better"

"How could you?" Jeremy wheezed, "I trusted you!"

Mike only snorted, grinning as the teen threw down his cards, crossing his arms and giving a pout. "You're just a sore loser," He chuckled, making sure to keep his key play hidden in his sleeve.

Sometimes, his stitches will fail him, and even the slightest drip of blood or stretch of skin could be either a simple annoyance or an onslaught of pain. Despite years of practice, Mike's never truly gotten the hang of taking care of himself. So it wasn't much of a surprise when Jeremy began to bring a tiny first-aid kit with him everywhere, just in case he needed to play doctor again.

Chirp crawled out of the vents, dusting her self off and looking up, giving Mangle a nod of the head as she passed. "Funny one, ye are..." The mass of wires called out. "Gone to spy on the scurvies, yet ye never catch em'..."

She was given a shrug."It's called shipping" The chicken retorted. The pirate peeked to attention, endo head giving a grin. "Shipping, eh?" Chirp nodded, a mischievous shadow over her face. "Yeah, though I warn you; they're sailing different seas then what you think"

Mangle leaned down from the ceiling, an interest coiling in her features. "Surely thar ain't a sea I can't conquer, bird. What be the title?"

Chirp giggled. "The Sea of Gay"

Taking a sip of his hot chocolate, Mike nudged Jeremy from behind. "Hey, dweeb" He caught the teen's attention. "Thanks...uh, for inviting me to your...holiday party and all" Mike looked away, giving a sheepish shrug. "I mean, I know it's a family thing and all but...uh..."

Jeremy smiled. "No one should spend Christmas alone, Mike" He reassured. "I-I'm glad to have you here...My aunt's been wanting to meet you anyway-"

He cut short as something small and leafy was thrown between the two, landing in Mike's cup. They paused, staring at the floating mistletoe before look down, just in time to see Jeremy's cousin give a ferret-like squeal and scutter into another room.

Mike blinked. "You're family's weird"

A set of footsteps sounded from behind them. "I heard that, you two.."

Turning to meet the voice, Mike gave a warm smile. "Uh...Hey, Mrs. Fitzgerald..." He mustered. Jeremy watched as the guard back-peddled, rolling his eyes. "Hi Mom..."

The woman set two hands on her hips, a criminal smile gracing her cheeks. "I hope you two aren't breaking tradition. That's quite rude, especially for a guest, you know" She stated, eyeing Mike with intent. The security guard froze. "What tradition?"

She pointed to his cup, Mike glancing down. "...Oh"

An audible gasp came from Jeremy as realization smacked him. "H-hey, um..." He sputtered, looking to remove himself from the situation. "Why don't I help Auntie with the c-cookies? You guys can get to know each other..." He took a step towards the family room, only to be pulled into a swift embrace.

Jeremy paled as Mike's free hand wove around to cup the back of his neck, gently pushing him forward to meet him in a short, sweet kiss.

He could barley register his mother's approving praise as Mike pulled away. A smile of equal satisfaction ran over their faces, amused by the deeping red on his own. His mother gave an elegant laugh. "That's not really mistletoe, boys"

Jeremy's face flushed and Mike's grin dropped. "...What?"

"Your cousin tricked you..." She smiled. "I watched her break a leaf off the Christmas tree a few minutes ago"

Mike would often find himself counting the seconds as the clock ticked on. Alone in his apartment, he'd watch the clock tick towards midnight and ask himself if it was too late to rush over to the pizzeria. Just in case.

Rain poured as Mike stood cold and unmoving, a sneer plastered on his face as he waited for the bus. Hands in his pockets, he inwardly cursed the car dealership a special place in hell for towing his truck, offering nothing more than a bus ticket as compensation.

A shadow loomed above him and the soft patter of the rain stopped. He blinked, looking to his side. Jeremy gave a smile, ushering the umbrella out for him to take.

Jeremy's mother pretty much figured it out before her son even did, catching the subtle signs and little notions the teen would make with the security guard. Hard to notice, really, but becomes plan as day as soon as you spot it.

Her sister, Jeremy's oh-so-lovely aunt dissaproved of the development. But regardless, she still couldn't find herself to be against the affection. Mike was a good man, she thought, and she would trust him with her son no matter what history he seemed to have. After all, marriage is about starting a future together, not to drown in the past.

She sat with a wide, proud smile in the front row as the vows were spoken.

Mike rose his hands to his chest, fist curled in an aggressive stance. "Always keep your arms up. You can't give them an opening."

Jeremy nodded weakly, attempting to copy his movement. The guard frowned as the teen positioned, looking more like he'd shrunk into himself than preparing to throw a punch. "That's just going to make you look like a twat" He walked behind Jeremy, reaching out and taking both wrist in his grasp.

"Keep them in front of your face, just lowered a bit" He corrected, "Make it firm. Try not to flinch."

Jeremy bit his lip, trying to adjust to the order. "L-like this?"

He felt an encouraging pat on the back. "Better than where we started, I guess"

A pout rolled over the teen's face. "What's that supposed to mean?" Mike shrugged, pivoting around to his front. "It means you'd never last in a fight, but you could probably beat a hamster if you wanted to" He grinned.

"W-what?" Jeremy stuttered. "I-I would never hurt a hamster, Mike!" He frowned, watching the older man give a snicker. "Besides, cut me some slack. I've never done anything like this before..."

Mike gave a smirk in agreement. "Yeah, no kidding. I could probably knock you out in the rink, first round" The teen stepped back with wide eyes, flushed with embarrassment. "You've had practice!" He retorted. "It wouldn't be fair-"

"Hell no it wouldn't" Mike interrupted, pointing a proud thumb back to himself. "I was the star athlete in collage before I dropped out. Ruler of the rink, ya know? Nobody fucked with me, Jere" He boasted, chin held high and arms crossed, feeling quite pleased with himself.

Jeremy gave a look. "I can tell"

"...The fuck that's supposed to mean?"

The teen's stance faltered. "It means I'm nothing like you." He mummered. "I've never thrown a punch in my life, Mike. I've always run away or...just let it happen..." He trailed off, looking down at his shoes. "I have no clue how to defend myself"

Hands took his wrist and pulled them upwards, back into offensive position. Mike gave a smirk, determination written across his features. "That's what I'm here for, right?" He chuckled. "I got faith in ya, dweeb. Yeah, you're not as strong as me, but you're faster. Smarter too. Motherfucker's will never see you coming..."

He watched the light seep back into green eyes before pausing. "Also, repeat that to anyone and I'll deny it. Not kidding."

Jeremy giggled. "Whatever you say, Mikey"

Mike sighed with relief, taking a step back. "Alright, let's get back to it" He raised his arms in defensive position. "Give me your best shot"

Everyday she was getting worse. Everyday, Jeremy had to watch her put on a mask of confidence and certainty, going about her business as if nothing was wrong. Treatment was intensive, but it only provided a short term answer. The long term solution was a goal he worked hard to reach, getting a little bit closer with every shift. Though, he often asked himself that once he had made enough money, would it have been too late?

Jeremy kept family matters on the down low, not wanting to cause any unnecessary drama or bring anyone into the situation. He would fix this himself, he thought. He didn't need anyone's help. His mother would agree with him, keeping the secret just among themselves and the doctors. He knew she'd choose the best course of action if it ever came to it. She was his mother, after all.

But what he didn't know was how she called Mike one late evening, with him working away at the pizzeria.

"We need to talk" She said, gripping the phone. "It's about Jeremy"

The tension on the other end of the line grew as she explained, only ever responding to ask if she was still there should she have taken a breath. The conversation went quiet as she finished, soaking in the silence.

"...Why tell me first?" Mike finally asked. "He's your son"

"Because I trust you, Micheal" She would answer. "And so does he"

Mike grimmed, staring at the floor as he ran through the sentence. He was not the kind of man do favors, especially ones of great effort. But even if she hadn't of called, there wasn't a doubt he would have done it anyway. A sense of determination rose in his chest.

"I'll take care of him."

He heard her breath in relief. "Thank you"

One of the biggest fights they've ever had was over what to watch on TV. It ended up with Jeremy locking himself in Mike's room and the guard having to sleep on the couch that night, mumbling to himself how the dweeb practically owned his apartment now.

"G-geeze, I-it's c-cold..."

Mike watched with dull interest as Jeremy shivered, huddled up in a bundle of scarves and sweaters. His eyes trailed up, spotting the missing key feature. The snow drifted around them, settling in the teen's hair.

Floof

Jeremy froze as something soft and warm enveloped his head. He rose a hand to touch it, a familer fabric under his fingers. He turned to Mike, shocked to see an absence of a beanie. Mike pulled his hoodie up, covering his head and shadowing his face.

"Don't shed on it, dork"

Mike was a man of many colors, and it wasn't just his language we're talking about.

Shades of gray, blue and red ruled his wardrobe. Simple, non-attention grabbing clothing; like plain jeans, or an old sweatshirt. His apartment wasn't running for best crib on the block anytime soon, but it was a comfy faded maroon theme, fitting well with the run-down paint job his beloved truck dawned. At first look, he was not a man who valued vibrance.

But if you asked, he'd claim his favorite color to be a vivid green.

"I-I don't understand..."Jeremy stuttered, staring up at the guard with wide shock filled eyes. "W-why would you say something like that?"

"...Because it's the truth"

Mike's palm twitched in his pockets, keeping still as he watched the younger male wither in front of him. "I wanted you to know-"

"But why?!" Jeremy cut off, taking the man aback. "H-how could this happen? I-I thought you..." He choked back a sob. "I thought you said..l-love was...worthless..." A heat rose to his cheeks. "Now y-you're telling m-me...." He trailed off, a hitch in his throat.

Silent, Mike tried to keep a neutral face. "I was wrong" He muttered. "You proved me wrong"

Jeremy shook his head, frantic. "I-I just don't see...how..." He rose his arms and put his hands to his temples, shutting his eyes and gripping his hair. "After all this time..." He sputtered, looking down at the ground. "I-I'm not enough, Mike"

"You're all I need"

The teen only squeezed his eyes tighter. "N-No! I'm not!" His voice sounded throughout the room, echoing in their ears. "I'm not brave like you...I-I can't socialize right...I'm c-childish and clumsy and...b-boring..a-and...and..."

"Jeremy..."

The teen flinched away from the outstretched hand, a panic rising in his chest. "Can't you see? There's nothing special about me! I'm not funny, not brave, n-not..." His eyes shielded, he didn't need to see to know Mike's reaction. Silent and observing, handling the situation with great care. Jeremy shuddered. "I can't give you what you deserve..."

A warmth surrounded him, reducing his ramblings to nothing more but fading whispers. Arms wrapped around his torso, pulling him into Mike's chest, Jeremy's hands gripping his shirt. The guard said nothing, quietly brushing the ends of his hair.

"I'm not enough..." Jeremy sniffed. "Why would you love me?"

"Because I couldn't find a reason why not to"

Mike gave a groan, his head falling to the desk with a thud. He threw his pencil to the side, tossing a stack of papers to go along with it. "This is so fucking stupid..." He mummered against the wood. "This shit's too hard..."

Jeremy face palmed, sighing to himself. "I'm trying my best to teach you" He paused, before giving a soft, encouraging smile. "I promise algebra isn't that hard once you get the hang of it..."

"The alphabet needs to get their shit together and stop fucking with numbers..."

Rolling his eyes, Jeremy reached out and grabbed the papers, settling them neatly in a stack. "...learning algebra will help with budgeting, you know..." He reasoned. "I-it's helpful...You could have some left over money for things you'd like to do!" He held a cheerful tone.

Mike glanced up with half-lidded eyes, giving the teen an impressionist stare. "If you're suggesting I think you're suggesting, then I'm all for it"

Jeremy blinked. "...uh...and what would that be?"

"C'mon" The guard stood up, pushing his chair back in. "I'm taking you somewhere"

With a confused expression, Jeremy stared at the man. "....but I still need to teach you algebra-"

"Sure, whatever...just teach me over dinner. My treat." Mike met the teen's shocked gape with a shrug, reaching in his pocket for keys. "What? You said you'd teach me to save money for shit I wanna do, right?" Unsure how to answer, Jeremy only nodded.

"Good, let's get to it then"

"Do you trust me?"

Jeremy hesitated. "I don't know yet"

"Too bad"

With a small tug, both men went spiraling into the water; Jeremy screaming and Mike laughing as the brunette hopelessly clung to the older man.

Needless to say, Jeremy was never going to rope swing with Mike ever again. He was sure there was still some trace of lake weed stuck in his trunks somewhere.

That night, Jeremy left his little sniveling cousin in the care of his co-worker, whom seemed none too enthusiastic about the favor. As he left for work, he could feel the tension shift, as the air would prepare for a storm. Shaking the worries from his head, he bid them goodbye and walked to work.

That morning, he found them draped over the couch; the living room and kitchen looking equivalent to a war zone. Jeremy frowned, stepping over the sleeping child and walking to Mike, eyeing the crude drawings scrawled carelessly on his head. He spares his cousin a glance, noting the sharpie marker still in her hand.

Mike looked up and groaned. "She started it"

Once, Mike found out Jeremy was being hassled by a couple of teenagers, no older than the nightwatch himself.

He was just taking the trash outside the restaurant, not too long from closing time when he saw figures standing outside in the dark. One smaller, familer one stood out from the rest. Suspicious, he inched closer, holding just enough distance to keep himself hidden.

He over heard their conversation: "Hows the closet today, fuckboy?" One would laugh, "Gets a little scary in there, doesn't it? Is that why ya going to play with cuddly animals now?" The group would snicker, watching the brunette back away.

"I-I'm not-"

"Can it, faggot. Fuck off and play with your dolls" The biggest would smirk, elbowing his partners in crime. Jeremy pressed his lips together in a thin line, turning on his heel and walking into the restaurant.

They watched with amusement as the nightwatch retreated, unaware of the looming threat around the corner. Hearing the sound of cracking knuckles, they whipped around, staring at a not-so-happy security guard. With a gleam in his eye, Mike grit his teeth.

"Wouldn't ya know nobody likes a couple of assholes?"

The next morning during class, Jeremy raised a brow as the group of bullies walked in late, each of them sporting a pretty nasty injury. They gave him a fearful glance as they moved to the far back of the room, keeping far away from the brunette.

Jeremy watched as Freddy backed down the hallway, one arm raised to shield his eyes from the lights. Another flash and the bear was gone. A snort sounded from beside the nightwatch. "About time" Mike mumbled, flipping through the cameras. "Maybe I'll mop the floors before our shift next time. Give them a little trip"

Jeremy remained silent as the guard snickered, a thought circling in his head. "...Do you ever wonder what it's like?" He asked, checking the vents. Mike raised a brow. "Like what?"

"Being them"

Rolling his eyes, Mike shrugged. "Who cares? They don't feel anymore"

"...They didn't have a childhood" The teen continued. "Kinda like you"