"You...what?"

Micky stared at Michael with flooded eyes, lifting his hand to wipe away the tears. He sniffled.

Michael laid a hand on Micky's cheek and Micky leaned into the touch, closing his eyes. Michael kissed him long and slow.

"I love you," he choked as they pulled away. "I love you so much and I'm s-sorry. For...For gettin' you that job just cause I wanted sex, for using you, for...everything. I never meant...I never meant to hurt you, Micky."

"It's not your fault," Micky whispered.

"It...It is though. Oh God, I can't lose you either, Micky, please. Not now. Not...e-ever."

Micky gasped suddenly. He found himself in a place from long ago, before his hospital stay.

"M-Maybe I should just—"

"Just what?" Michael asked sharply.

"I-I—" Micky looked down. "N-Nothing."

Micky didn't have to say anything. Michael knew what he was implying.

"Don't do that. Anythin'...Anythin' but that. God, Mick, do you know what kinda hell that would put me through? I can't...I can't..."

"Can't what?" Micky asked in a voice barely above a whisper.

"I can't lose you too."

"Who are you talking about?" Micky asked softly. Michael's eyes widened and he looked away.

"No one."

"Please don't lie to me, Mike," Micky begged. "You lost someone too, didn't you?"

Michael's throat closed up and he stared down at his hands.

"My...My sister."