On the night before Mike was supposed to leave, Micky cried.

"Hey, shhh," Mike kissed him and held him close. "It's gonna be okay. The time'll pass quickly, I promise."

But, deep down, even he didn't believe his own words.

Micky, who was sitting in Mike's lap, sniffled and laid his head against Mike's chest. "What am I g-gonna do without you at school?"

"Senior year'll go by fast," Mike promised. "And I'll be back in time for your graduation."

"They're gonna make fun of me, Mike," Micky whispered.

"Hey now, no they won't. If anyone does, tell me and I'll personally come and beat their ass."

Micky managed to smile at that and he even managed to crack a joke. "Maybe I'll just lie so you'll come back sooner."

Mike laughed and they kissed. Afterwards, Micky got out of Mike's lap and they crawled underneath the covers.

"Hey, Mike?" Micky whispered.

"Hmm?"

"I love you."