Creation Of Cremations - Mumscarian Superhero AU

Chapter 12 - Jimmy

Grian has never murdered anyone.

It didn't take long for Scott and Jimmy to arrive at Grian's house. Within moments of him opening the door, Jimmy flung his arms around his friend. Though such a thing would usually make Grian tense, he embraced the hug. They stood in the doorway for a moment, silently promising to never let go again.

"We were so worried!" Jimmy cried, squeezing tight.

"I'm sorry, Jimmy!" Grian mumbled.

"Don't you dare apologise!" Jimmy squeezed even tighter until Grian choked that he needed to breathe.

Stepping from Jimmy's grasp, Grian moved to Scott, who also hugged him tightly.

"We tried to find you," Scott mumbled. "What even happened? You have some explaining to do."

"Ah." Grian pulled away, looking at the floor awkwardly. "You didn't tell anyone about the wings?"

"No?" Scott raised an eyebrow. The realisation hit him, causing his face to plummet. "Oh, Grian..."

"Yeah..." Grian muttered. "He used music to lure me out."

Grian made eye contact with Jimmy.

"He's still out there," Grian warned. "If you hear music, don't follow."

"Even if our brains turn to mush." Jimmy sighed shakily.

"He's still out there?" Scott asked urgently. "So he knows what you look like and that you have wings?"

"Unfortunately." Grian shivered. "And he knows where you live. Well, he thinks that's where I live but..."

Scott's gaze shifted towards Jimmy. Jimmy simply stared back in fear. Jimmy didn't want to leave, but not now. Not when he'd finally found a home.

"Jimmy - "

"I think I have to leave," Jimmy stated sadly. "If he comes back - "

"I know..." Scott replied. His face seemed calm at a glance. No one could miss the quiver in his lip. Jimmy nodded again, but he still didn't look convinced. He knew that Scott was trying to be reassuring, but he couldn't help but feel scared. He didn't know what was going to happen to him or Grian, what had already happened.

"Me and Owen might need to look about moving soon. It's not safe for him or Jimmy either." Scott mumbled. "You're welcome to tag along - "

"Scott, you don't need to do that for me." Jimmy insisted. "You and Owen are blood by this point but you've only just met me!"

Scott's face softened.

"Jimmy, that's not what it feels like." He replied softly. "But I get it, you want to go home. I won't force you"

That's when Jimmy's face twisted into a look of sadness. Scott's hand carefully held Jimmy's. A silent question. And an answer.

"I don't have a home..."

Jimmy's voice cracked as he spoke the words. He looked down at the ground, unable to meet Scott's eyes.

"You do now," Scott spoke soothingly, squeezing Jimmy's hand.

Jimmy looked up at Scott, and for the first time, he saw comfort in somebody's eyes. He saw that Scott meant it. That Scott was offering him a home.

"You sure?" Jimmy smiled, and tears welled up in his eyes.

"Absolutely," Scott reassured him.

Jimmy felt like he could kiss Scott. Maybe that feeling was more truthful than he was ready to admit. Scott smiled back at Jimmy, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Jimmy could feel the heat of Scott's hand on his, and he wanted to lean in. But he didn't. He knew that it was too soon. He knew that Scott didn't feel the same way.