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The Search

Mikey

When Andy finally wakes up, I think we're both very aware of the fact that it's been hours. I will admit that I had fallen into a sort of half-sleep, though I don't think either of us really know what to say, so we sit in silence for a long time.

"I should be out..." Andy whispers regretfully. Even his voice sounds congested. My heart squeezes tightly, hating how bad he must feel.

"Andy you're too-"

"-No, I'm not. I've been ill before, Mikey, I'm fine. I just..."

I guess he doesn't know exactly how to finish that sentence, but I just cuddle him closer. He gratefully accepts the affection, despite his previous attempts to deny me. I smile in victory, though it's mostly a loving look adorning my face.

"Mikey?" He asks.

"Hmm?"

There's a small sigh. "I'm seriously regretting this. I should be out. I'm not going to die. I'm just... it's just a cold."

He tenses up and starts to struggle from my grasp.

We both know that, in any other circumstance, Andy would be outside. Playing his music to people. If we hadn't met, Andy would be shivering outside, struggling to play the guitar, and struggling to sing.

But he's my boyfriend, and I refuse to let him leave his room until he's better.

Anyway, it doesn't matter if he doesn't play for a while; he doesn't know I've paid his bills for the next two weeks, maybe a bit more. He has plenty of time. Just like I have plenty of time to find him somewhere else to stay; hopefully cheaper, and bigger. With nice landlords.

He doesn't deserve this life. But I'm glad I met him, against all the odds. I hold him tighter, not willing to let him go.

"Thanks Mike", Andy croaks, sniffling a little.

I chuckle and kiss his head, not caring that he's sick. He needs comfort, and rest. And that's exactly what I plan to give him until he's better; and forever more.

Within seconds, he's fast asleep. Again. I can't help but smile at my boyfriend, and twiddle with his hair gently between my fingers. Without meaning to I stare around Andy's small room critically, eyeing that small space.

He needs somewhere bigger, I think to myself. His show is in a month, and so that's plenty of time to sort him out with somewhere more... homely.

As carefully as I can, I slip my phone out of my pocket and immediately load up Google. My fingers fly across the screen, tapping and typing and scrolling and searching... searching... searching...

And then some time later I'm smiling, thinking I've found the perfect place.

One of the good points is that this flat is only a few blocks away, and is very close to Andy's normal place to play. However, it's not for sale exactly, it's more of an advert, put up a week or two ago. I scroll further down the page, and skim read the information provided. Beside me Andy stirs, but I shush him with a gentle kiss on the cheek.

I'm living in a two bedroom flat alone, but I can't afford to pay the rent by myself. If anyone's interested in the room, hit me up.

I chuckle a little at the tone of voice; this guy seems quite laid back and easy-going. With a smile I save his number from the site and fire him off a text.

Me: Hi, mate. I've just seen the advert you put up, and my boyfriend's interested in the place. But he's currently passed out from a cold, so I thought I'd message you for him. I don't suppose you could let me know the rent, because your advert wasn't that clear ahahah