A Killer's Lover

16

The drive back took days.

But somehow, it was not nearly as long as the way up, because the pair finally found an understanding for each other.

Scott found out that Mitch really liked to sing. His voice was angelic and trebly, and his bubbly personality -most of the time- would make him out to be a good future pop star.

Mitch found out that Scott loved old records. Like, the ones that required help with a record player. He kept older hits in the car from before either of them were born, for whatever reason. But, upon playing them, he figured out that he liked them, too.

"You must be an old soul," Mitch commented in between songs.

"A what?"

"An old soul. You know, wise and living in an older period of time."

Scott shrugged, making a swift turn. "I guess you could say that. It's just that with everything that's being made nowadays..." he paused.

"I crave a simpler time, I guess."

"I get that," Mitch answered.

Mitch offered to drive a few times, and Scott refused. He wanted to help, wanted to give the man a break.

Turns out, they were thinking the same thing.

"You should sleep," Scott suggested without looking over at him. "Your...your back won't heal if you don't rest."

"I'm fine," he mumbled.

"Doubt it. Don't be so stubborn, kid. Just get some shut-eye. At least for a little while." Mitch felt Scott's hand slipping into his own.

Truthfully, the kid knew that a part of Scott could be playing a character, and his real self could be dark and hidden away. If this were his way of getting a younger kid alone, with no way to defend himself, he could have whatever he wanted.

But something about Scott made Mitch feel safe. Protected, even. It's an indescribable emotion to have for someone you just met.

Besides, if Scott really wanted to hurt Mitch, wouldn't he of done it by now?

As much as Mitch hated to admit it, he was extremely tired. Minutes later, he fell asleep with Scott's hand still in his own.

-

It was dark when he woke up again.

The gas had been refilled once, and there was now an empty coffee cup in one of the cup holders. Scott looked beat, but still, he kept on.

"Pull over," a groggy Mitch said, "you need to sleep."

Scott looked over at him, and he smiled tiredly. Not even trying to cover it up.

"You're awake."

"Yeah. You won't be much longer, though. C'mon. You can just take a nap and we'll keep going when you wake up. You can climb into the backseat and stretch out and shit."

Scott chuckled. "Don't think so."

"So help me God," Mitch muttered. "Get your butt in the back of the car, right now. I'm not asking you, because I'm not letting you fall asleep at the wheel."