Deadline≫hemmings a.u

5.0

Michael kept his promise. He brought me home.

I remember that day - more like night - we pulled up into a parking space near the back of my apartment building. It was late and dark out, meaning most people weren't out to see us. We unloaded our suitcases from the trunk, all of the stuff we needed to make ourselves at home. I promised Michael he could stay with Calum and me, who would understand if I talked to him. We had a futon he could sleep on and I was willing to do whatever was necessary to make it a permanent living space for him if he wanted it.

"You're sure this is okay?" Michael whispered as I led him down the street to the back of my apartment building. The back door required a passcode, and I hoped that it hadn't changed yet. The pros of going through the back door were that there weren't usually security guards watching it since only residents really knew about it.

"Michael, I am one hundred and five percent sure about this," I assured him, using the hand that wasn't dragging my suitcase to take his hand. "I want you to live with us, okay? You're one of the most important people to me."

Michael didn't respond but let out a deep breath and squeezed his hand tighter around mine. I could feel the nervous air he had about him, I'd noticed it the past few days, but he wouldn't share what it was.

"What's wrong?" I questioned him, looking up at him as the few lights around us cast soft shadows across his face. "And don't say nothing, Michael. I know you. Something's up," I added as he opened his mouth.

Michael shut his mouth and frowned slightly. Then he looked down at me, and the corners of his lips quirked upwards. He shook his head. "I suppose you do."

"Well?" I turned to him as we came to stand in front of the back door. "What's bothering you?"

Michael looked up at the building, the glow from within illuminating his green eyes and showing the concern hidden there. "I'm nervous."

"About what?" I frowned, turning to the keypad. I said a silent prayer to whatever was out there and tried the passcode I remembered. By a miracle, it worked.

"This," he shrugged, watching me as I opened the door and stepped in. "It's been so long..."

"So long since what?" I looked back at him, holding the door open, but he had yet to move.

Michael frowned, looking up at the building. "Since I've had a home, you know?" he shrugged. "On the road for so long...I always figured when I settled down, I don't know...I never thought about it. Maybe it's not for me."

"That's just your nerves talking, Michael," I assured him, waving my hand for him to come through. "It might take a week or so, but you'll adjust. I promise you can find a home here with us."

Michael looked hesitant and he glanced back over his shoulder as if he was debating whether or not to make a run for it. After a moment, he sighed and followed me into the building. Not much had changed since I had last been here. It was still clean and modern looking. The only real differences were the potted plants that sat on the table near the elevator.

I pushed the elevator call button, brushing my thumb over the back of Michael's hand in an attempt to soothe his nerves. When the elevator arrived, I felt my chest tighten with anticipation as I led us inside. I was finally back, moments away from seeing my best friend after all this time. I was slightly worried about what would happen. Calum had said on the news that he was more than ready for me to come home, but I was still slightly scared what would happen when we finally reunited. Would he be mad? After all, I had just disappeared into thin air practically. If I had never gone to the club like he told me, maybe things would have been different.