Who Says Murder Isn't An Art? (Pinkberry/Technical Difficulties)

Chapter 1: Jeremy

"Come on, just come with me! It'll be amazing!"

Michael sadly shook his head at the brunet's words. He lifted one tanned hand to rest on Jeremy's shoulder. "Sorry, it's just not for me." He gave a strained grin. "Besides, who else 'll stay here and look after your dad?"

Jeremy accepted the excuses, but he knew that's all they were. He wished they were parting on better terms, but they had recently had a fight about just this thing. Jeremy wanted to move up to New York for more job opportunity, and of course, more adventure. He didn't say this, but it was also because that's where he last heard his mom was. Nobody really talked about her, they all considered her a disgrace for leaving her husband and child to chase her dreams, but Jeremy didn't blame her. Who would want to stay in this boring town anyway when new York City was out there? Michael kept trying to convince the brunet to stay behind, and Jeremy kept trying to convince Michael to come with him, but it seemed they were at a stale mate.

Jeremy knew Michael would never want to come with him. Michael always tried to stay on the safe and unnoticed side of things. He was content to stay out of bustling city areas. But Jeremy couldn't suppress that urge to go, to see everything. So he was going, and he had to bid his best friend farewell.

"Don't worry, I'll visit, and you can visit me," Jeremy spoke softly, pulling Michael into a tight hug. The other teen smiled and gripped him just as bone crushingly tight. He let go, still holding the other boy now at arm's length.

Jeremy perked up at the sound of the train, smiling apologetically at Michael as he picked up his things a turned towards the train.

When he actually saw the train, his steps faltered, coming to a halt. What if this isn't what he's meant to do? What if he goes all the way there, just to find out he can't cut it in new York? What if he has to come home, seeing his dad's smile that hides the disappointment at his son's failure, what if-

"Hey, Jer," Jeremy startles, turning to face his friend, who's smiling at him reassuringly. "Don't overthink it, you got this." Even if they are at odds, it seems Michael will always support him. Jeremy's blue eyes search his face for any false emotion, any contempt or belief that he won't be able to succeed. When he finds nothing, Jeremy twists back around, taking a deep breath and puffing his chest out determinedly. Jutting his chin out in confidence he hopes is convincing, Jeremy walks to the train, stepping onboard.

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Despite the nervousness and anxiety buzzing in Jeremy, the train ride is anticlimactic and kinda boring. There are a few men, but it's mostly women and children. He entertains himself by burying his head in a newspaper and avoiding the stare of a toddler that knows no social cues. Eventually, Jeremy falls into a restless sleep, waking occasionally to make sure no one has attempted to steal his luggage.

At some point, a man gets on and sits beside the brunet, obviously close enough to let the boy know he wants to strike up a conversation. Jeremy sits forward, smiling when he meets the other boy's eye.

"Where ya headed?" The man's voice is friendly, tinged with a distinct new York accent. He wears a faded red jacket over a green shirt and brown slacks, smooth dress shoes making Jeremy's look grab in comparison. His brown hair is swept up, giving him a messy boyish look.

Jeremy stutters out an answer of "Er, New York City, you?" Trying to speak as little as possible, so the man doesn't notice his stutter.

If he did notice, he gave no sign, reaching a hand out to Jeremy, grinning "well then, that makes two of us! Pleasure to meet you, name's Jake Dillinger."

Jeremy shakes the man's hand, trying not to let out a squeak of surprise at the man's strong grip. He seems to be Jeremy's age, maybe a few years older.  "I'm Jeremy Heere, p-pleasures all mine, sir."

Jake waves the words away with one hand, speaking smoothly "no need for that, Heere. Just Jake works." He leans back in the train seat, hands clasped behind his head, "so whaddya plan on doin in new york city?"

Jeremy fiddles with his hands, "oh, uh, I actually wanna see all what it has to offer. I want to see everything!" His nervousness is overtaken by excitement in his last sentence.

Jeremy came see one eye slide over to meet his, and he can't understand how Jake looks so harmless and laid back yet dangerous at the same time. It's the very look he himself strives for, and the way this man pulls it off so easily, effortlessly, makes his blood boil with jealousy. At the same time the express makes him shiver, and he waits in Anticipation for the the teen has to say.

"Everything, huh? Well I'm heading back from a job, I probly have time to show you a few places that're definitely sights to remember," there's a tone to his voice that gives Jeremy the feeling that whatever they might end up doing will be dangerous, and probably illegal.

the boy casts a reserved grin to the taller teen.

"Sounds like quite an adventure."

(A/n: I know I should be updating my other fic, but inspiration struck me so have this instead oop it's a lil short sorry but take what you can get I guess :D)