Flicker

For You

Mikey

The moment I see Andy in the doorway, looking half-drowned in his old jackets and coats, I take him into my arms, not worrying about how the water soaks into my shirt. I'm worried more that he's freezing cold, and shaking in my arms, and that he has tears flooding down his cheeks.

I try to talk him through the issues, scared out of my mind at how broken he looks. His eyes are red and scared, his body trembling and he's barely able to keep his breath.

Once he's relatively calm, I kiss his temple and he looks up at me.

"Do you want to go change into something dry?" I ask him softly. "I've got some things you could use. And while you do that I'll make you a hot chocolate, yeah?"

He shrugs, and I take that as a yes considering his situation. I'm sure that if I was like that, I wouldn't feel up to nodding, as simple as the task seems.

I bring him up to my bedroom, his hand in mine, no longer shaking. I suddenly feel a rush of admiration for him and how much he works to sustain himself. He just clings onto me, not that I mind at all. I find it cute, and I can't help the smile that wants to crawl across my face, despite the situation.

"Sit down and I'll find you something to wear, alright?"

He nods and sits on my bed. I head to my wardrobe, looking through all of my hoodies and joggers and pull out some random ones. Because he's so skinny, I know that my clothes are going to be far too big for him, but at least they're dry. Thats the main thing.

"Here you are, And. I'll leave you to change, just bring your clothes down when you're done and I can get a bag for you to take them home in later. You can spend the night if you'd like. Take as much time as you need."

I press a kiss to the top of his head and give him a small smile, closing the door behind me.

I go down to the kitchen to prepare a hot chocolate for him in order to warm him up, just as I'd promised.

Mum looks to me, eyebrows raised. Her arms are crossed as she leans on one of the counters, but her eyes betray her exterior; worried, soft, confused.

"What was that about?" She asks, and I'm suddenly unsure.

Of course, she doesn't know everything about Andy, so she doesn't understand.

"He's in financial trouble, he's a busker, as you know," I explain, "he's usually much more happy, I can assure you, he's just having a hard time. I don't doubt it has something to do with his past around this time of year."

I bite my lip, watching her closely.

She nods with a gentle sigh.

"Alright, well, I hope he's okay."

I'm forever grateful that she's not intrusive, not asking about Andy's problems, knowing it's not my place to tell her anyways. I know she's curious, but I know she won't interfere too much.

"I've been trying to fix up his Christmas gift all day," I tell her, "it's nearly ready, and I'm really excited to give it to him. But can I have you do something for me?"

Mum smiles. "What do you need?"

I start to make the hot chocolate, turning on the coffee maker and letting it pour hot water into the cup with the mixture.

I lower my voice a bit, just in case. "Can you get him some guitar strings? I can pay you back but I really need them."

She laughs softly. "Of course I can, Mike. Don't worry. Knowing you, you'll want me to go get some now?"