Wherever You Are ; muke [completed]

alternate ending

WARNING: this chapter has mentions of suicide. please read at your own risk.

Around him, cars moved, people walked, but time didn't stop for anyone. Everyone had actions and thoughts and a mental to-do list. Everyone except for Luke.

Cautiously, he stood up, finding his balance. He was careful not to fall just yet.

"If you think jumping off the bridge is going to solve your problems, you're so very wrong."

Luke didn't have to turn around to know it was Michael. His heart stung but swelled at the same time. How could someone make him hate everything but love everything as well?

"What do you know, Michael?" Luke spit back. "You have never been in my position. This is the only option. I'm not strong enough to go on, we both know that."

"You want to know what I know?"

"Not really."

"I know that you're the most beautiful human being I have ever laid eyes on. You are incredibly talented and humble. You put so much effort into everything you do. You are caring and loving and honest." Michael paused. "Killing yourself right now would be the worst thing you could do."

"Killing someone else would be worse, I'm sure," Luke reasoned.  "Killing you would be worse, killing a puppy would be worse. This is the best thing I could do."

"Those things are bad, yeah, but they're not as bad as jumping off this 460 something foot bridge and drowning. That might solve your problems, but no one else's."

"I'm going to jump."

"Okay."

"You're going to let me?"

"Luke, what do you think killing yourself is going to solve?"

"It'll make your life easier. You won't have to worry about making sure I'm okay anymore. Ashton and Calum can go on dates without dragging me along. My parents don't have to lie about having a son. It'll be better for the people around me."

"That's where you're wrong, Lukey," Michael sighed. "It will make me hate myself. It will make Cal and Ash feel guilty as fuck. It will make your parents wish they were better to you. It won't solve anyone's problems, not even your own."

"I can't."

"You can't what?"

"I can't live like this!"

"Listen to me. Are you listening?"

Luke waited a second. "I'm listening."

"Turn around," Luke did as Michael said, feeling his heart flutter at the sight of Michael below him with open arms. "Now jump – not into the water, not off the bridge, but into my arms."

Luke's breathing picked up. "You'll catch me? I'm not too heavy?"

"You're not heavy at all, babe. I promise I will take care of you. You are broken but I will fix you. I will try and try and try until I fix you completely. I will keep you safe." Michael nodded at the younger boy assuringly. "Jump, baby, I'll catch you."

Luke jumped, Michael caught him.

Years later, Michael had finally fixed him.

*****

"To Mr. and Mr. Clifford-Hemmings, a wonderful, prosperous marriage."

A/N

I loved writing this! Thank you all for your love and support. 

Love you!

Jordan x

Edited July 2019