Mikey woke up to the feeling of arms wrapped tightly around his waist.
The moment he gained consciousness, he felt dread in remembering what he'd promised JJ yesterday. Knowing his desperation as of late, he was probably going to pester him about the moment he woke up, and the realization made him want to fall asleep all over again. Despite that not being a true escape from any of this; a true escape for anything going on right now, for that matter.
Mikey heard a subtle groan coming from behind him, and following that, he felt something slightly warm nuzzle into his neck. He fully expected what JJ was going to say, so he didn't even bother to give him any attention.
"I know what we can do today." JJ whispered, rubbing Mikey's arms and leaning further into him. Mikey still refused eye contact.
"I think it's about time... that I go say sorry to our friends. For the things I've done to them."
Mikey stopped. He stared in surprise, and JJ gave a confirming nod.
"We can go today," He said. "Right now, in fact. I can really feel it, Mikey - today is the day I start changing. I'm tired of lashing out the way I do because of my bottled up emotions; I need to get proper help, and that starts with surrounding myself with supportive people, not pushing them away. I need to start fixing myself, so I can die having lived a full life to be proud of."
Mikey continued to watch him in astonishment for a few seconds, before grabbing the sides of his face and gently brushing his fingers over it.
"Oh, JJ... this is incredible." He whispered, flooded with relief. "The first step to becoming better is recognizing your flaws. It's what helped you start your redemption journey last time, and now, I know it will help just as much. I knew you were always a good person at heart."
JJ seemed to beam at his encouragement.
But on the inside, he was laughing.
"Oh, you're such a fool, Mikey." He thought mockingly, allowing him to cuddle him while trying to hold back his amusement. "That's one thing that hasn't changed about you. So oblivious, believing everything you hear without questioning it... a long time ago, I would've called it a flaw, but now? That's the one thing I need. For you to be a stupid, clueless idiot who believes everything I tell you, and always thinks I'm a good person, even when I hurt you. That way, I'll always have you in my grasp, right where you belong."
He allowed Mikey to cuddle him for a little while longer, before eventually, for the first time in a long while, they both willingly left the room together side-by-side.
JJ found solace in knowing he wouldn't have to deal with Mikey running off and trying to escape him anymore. At least, for now.
-
Mikey insisted on being the first to knock on the door, saying it would be better if they were eased into JJ's out-of-the-blue passive appearance. He listened, and stayed out of sight for the time being.
Banana Kid answered, cracking the door slightly and peering out with caution. After noticing that it was Mikey, he let his guard down just a little.
"Hey, Mikey." He tried his best to greet him warmly, but it was clear he was stressed about something. "Is something wrong?"
"No, not today." Mikey answered, trying to move past the subject as fast as he could, knowing JJ was listening intently to his conversation. "I actually have good news - someone's here to say sorry, to both you and Carrie."
Banana Kid realized who he was talking about before he could begin to ask. He watched nervously as Mikey went down the porch to retrieve JJ, and came back with him nested under his arm. It would be guessed that he was calm at the moment - but it couldn't be known, as his expression was completely blank.
