Sweetheart • muke •

Chapter Thirty-One

•February•
And I recalled all those memories that we made that were so sweet and precious

When Ashton and Calum got to the hospital, Michael was speaking to the doctors.

"Because Luke is not eighteen,
we need permission from a legal
guardian to do any operation"
The doctor explain.

"I get that! But the only person legal guardian of Luke is a piece of shit who beat him and landed him in here in the first place. You can't tell me that you'll just send Luke on his way with two broken ribs, a fractured ankle and a severe concussion. I have been legally responsible for Luke
for the past year, he lives under roof
and I recently helped him find a good
job where he is respected and loved.
Please, he's all I have and I'm all he has,
I'm begging you, you have to help him"
Michael begged as Ashton and Calum went to stand next to him. The doctor sighed but gave a hesitant nod.

"Since you are the caregiver of Luke, I can have you sign for his operations"
The doctor said.

"Thank you"
Michael sighed. The doctor gave a smile and a nod before walking off to Luke's room. Michael sighed and fell back into his chair. Ashton took a seat next to the boy and placed a friendly hand on his wrist.

"I don't think I've ever said this but I'm really glad Luke has you, mike. You're probably the best person that's ever come into his life and I can't thank you enough for making him healthy and happy again. Cal and I were too caught up in our own secrets that we didn't tell anyone about what Luke was going through. Then you came swooping in and saved him from everything, you made him healthy again-"

"Yet he's in the fucking hospital"
Michael spat, tugging at his hair as he stood up. He turned to face Ashton with a heavy sigh.

"I know you're just trying to make me feel better but the love of my life was attacked by the man who took half of his life away from him and I wasn't there to protect him. I should've gotten him out of that place the first chance I got but I didn't. And look what happened. I won't feel better until I apologize to Luke for letting this happen"
Michael said, tears running down his red rimmed eyes. With a choked breath, he turned around and started walking down the corridor, thoughts of Luke floating around in his brain.

"Mikey! Mikey, I saw a bunny and it was so cute! Can we get a bunny? Please!"
Luke exclaimed as he jumped up and down in excitement. Michael chuckled as he pulled Luke onto his lap to stop his bouncing.

"Maybe, but not right now. You wouldn't want to make bobo jealous, would ya?"
Michael asked with a small smile. Luke purses his lips before shaking his head as bobo jumped into his lap.

"Can we get a bunny, someday?"
Luke asked with a cheeky smile.

"Someday"
Michael nodded, knowing deep in his heart that there would always be another day with Luke.

Michaels breathing became uneven as he struggled to pull in deep breaths. His chest spluttered as he let out a small sob.

"Give it back!"
Luke pouted as Michael held a cookie high in the air so the short blonde couldn't reach it.

"What the magic word?"
Michael teased. Luke crossed his arms, poured his lips, and furrowed his eyebrows as he looked up at Michael.

"Please?"
He asked.

"Nope"
Michael shook his head. Luke huffed as he placed his hands on Michaels shoulders and jumped, wrapping his legs around the older boy's waist. He bounced again so he was higher on Michaels torso, reaching up and snatching the cookie from the boy's hand.

"Short but fierce, I love it"
Michael chuckled as he gently held Luke by the boy's thighs. Luke took a bite of his cookie, giving Michael a cheeky smile.

Michael fell to the floor, his body shaking with the harsh sobs that left his lips. It was unbearable to think about going back to the life he had before. If Luke's body failed him and his internal injuries got the best of him, Michael would die inside knowing that he couldn't protect Luke.

"Luke, get down you're gonna fall"
Michael said wearily as Luke
climbed up a tree.

"Don't be such a worry wart"
Luke giggled as he sat down on a branch and swung his legs back and forth.

"I have to be a worry wart, do
you know how I would feel if I lost
you? Sweetheart, please get down"
Michael said, staring up at the blonde with worried eyes. Luke looked down at Michael with a small smile as he started climbing down the tree. He walked up to Michael and wrapped his arms around Michaels toros.

"I love you"
Luke smiled. Michael exhaled deeply, cupping Luke's cheeks and kissing his lips.

"I love you so much, sweetheart"

Michael sat in a heap of self-loathing and hatred, awaiting the news on his blonde lover.