2:17 am
Michael's POV
My back relaxed against the bed's headboard as I was lying comfortably on the bed with my legs crossed. My hands held each other while my eyes watched my feet rock slightly from left to right, like a car's pair of wiper blades on a rainy day.

Ever since we left the restaurant I had this melody stuck in my head. It was very sweet, and it would've been a shame if I allowed myself to forget it.

After I carried the sleepy Y/N from the car to her room, I took Jonathan's absence as an opportunity to have a brainstorming session downstairs at the piano. I hummed the melody over and over as I carefully tucked her in; leaving Alex to wipe her makeup off. I changed into comfortable clothes and ran straight to the piano, almost tripping at the end of the stairs. I was inspired and I had to take action immediately.

The tune came off much better than how it sounded in my head; it made me very proud. But adding lyrics to it? I was totally blocked. Especially when Y/N's screams of horror roared through the house, making my body freeze on the piano's stool. I thought Jonathan had come back, or any other stranger like Lew intruded, and hurt her.

I took a deep breath and exhaled, smiling to myself. How come this girl has turned my world upside down so quickly? I could teach her how to defend herself, but it still won't shake away how protective I'm beginning to feel over her.

She shifted in her sleep and turned to the other side; now she's facing me. I took my time to study Y/N's facial features as she peacefully slept.

Her hair was all over her pillow and face, which didn't surprise me after learning how much she moves during her sleep. I reached out to her face and carefully moved her hair behind her shoulder, leaving the smaller strands tucked behind her ear.

Y/N had asked me to stay with her after that awful nightmare she had. I could go to the piano right now, but I didn't want to leave her alone.

Although last night's event with Ross was unfortunate, I would like to repeat the moment I shared with her. She may have done it subconsciously, but while we chatted she momentarily watched the sky as it gradually revealed the stars of the night.

"Stars of the night..." I mumbled to myself. It was a delayed reaction, but I realized those four words might be useful for this song. I quickly rose from the headboard and reached for my beat-up journal from the nightstand; one I've kept over the years.

I also grabbed the pen I've placed next to it and quickly searched through the pages for the unfinished lyric I wrote a while ago. I sighed as I stared at the almost empty page in disappointment, for it only had "August Moon" written at the top all along. I remembered I wanted to name a song like so, but I couldn't remember why I never did anything about it.

I bit my lip, trying to come up with a line that had those two phrases together. I stared to the side, at my source of inspiration. She slightly shifted, making me think I might've woken her up; but she remained in her deep, peaceful slumber. I recall her staring at the sky as if she was waiting to greet the moon, while also expecting the stars.

I quickly scribbled across the paper: 'Hello moon, where are the stars?'.
I shook my head, what the fuck is that?

I aggressively scratched it out and wrote 'Hello August Moon, where are the stars of the night?' underneath.
That one's not so bad, I thought to myself.

I was happy for a couple of seconds until a wave of frustration washed over me. I couldn't come up with something else. Before attempting to move on to the next line, I wanted to jot down words related to last night, and this moment.
Home, bed, her, restaurant, Alex's chocolate cake-

I groaned in frustration, why is creativity so hard?

"What are you doing?" Y/N's voice slightly startled me. I felt bad for waking her up.

I looked at her, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you up."

"Are you okay?" She asked, her raspy voice making me grin. She supported her weight by her left elbow and squinted her eyes, trying to adjust her vision on me.

"Everything is fine, Y/N." I assured her, "I'm going to get myself some water, you want some?"

"Yes, please. Thank you." She didn't say another word, before making herself comfortable again.

I carefully placed the journal alongside the pen back on the nightstand and made my way across the bedroom to leave. As soon as I stepped into the hallway, it felt colder than usual; I shivered, although I was wearing a hoodie. After silently stepping down the stairs, I finally made it to the kitchen. I rubbed the entire wall searching for the light switch and squinted as soon as it was on, making my eyes slightly burn.

I started humming "Who's Loving You", reminiscing about that one performance with my brothers years ago during The Jackson 5 days while searching for the water gallon and cups.

"Loving you... that's what I want to do..." I sang to myself as I poured water into both glass cups. I hummed, slightly satisfied with that line.

"Who's that second glass for?"

I swore on my life the oxygen got stuck on my throat while I flinched at the sound of the voice from the only man I used to admire and now dread so much. Fuck. my. life, I thought to myself.

"Alex was thirsty," I was quick to come up with a lie before turning around and realize I wasn't hallucinating. I wished I was, though.

"Hmph," Jonathan hummed with a nasty smirk on his face. "Bet you didn't expect me to come back so quick, did ya?"

"Yup..." I sighed. My grip on the glasses became so tight as I tried to keep calm and not bash them against his skull right now. "We definitely missed you." I smiled like a white person in their mid-40's would when you walk past them awkwardly.

He giggled while also searching around the place. "Also, a man named Lew was supposed to meet me here tonight. Have you seen him?" He walked around the kitchen aisle and dropped his motorcycle gloves and key on it before opening the fridge. He raises his eyebrows at me, expecting my answer as he opens a bottle of water.

"No." I simply replied with my jaw clenched, hoping nothing comes out of my mouth that might give me away. "What is he going to be doing here? If you don't mind me asking." It was my turn to sip on my water. Y/N's glass was getting warm and I was growing impatient. She must be wondering what's taking me so long.

Jonathan shrugs and closes the water bottle after two sips. "We are just a couple of steps closer to owning that warehouse, my man." He chuckles proudly. "He was supposed to drop some documents I told him to fix... Maybe they're not ready yet."

"Yeah. . . maybe," I agreed. My face was stiff as I struggled to swallow; it felt like a rock was miserably attempting to go down my throat. I silently hoped my gulp wasn't loud enough to make me look suspicious.

How dare he lie right straight to our faces as if it was no big deal? I wondered.

"Did Y/N cause any trouble?" He asked and placed the water bottle back into the fridge.

"No," was all I said. I watched him make his way towards the bottom of the staircase.

"Alright," he rubbed his hands together. "Good. I missed her."

I immediately knew it's not her personality he missed, or how soothing it feels to hold her in one's arms. He was about to hurt her again, and there was nothing I could do to stop him; if I wanted to stay alive. My heart started pounding on my chest, begging me to let it out while Jonathan made his way up the stairs.

'Go after him!' My heart screamed.

'If you want to save her, stay.' My brain argued.

The adrenaline rush was too much to handle. I didn't want to go through another sleepless night listening to Y/N's cries of pain in her room next to mine. I just couldn't.

She doesn't deserve any of this. She deserves to be sleeping comfortably under her bed's quilted covers, at her own home; safe.

The glass on my left hand shattered into pieces, making me flinch and hiss in shock as the water rushed from my hand into my leg. I was gripping the glasses so tight and didn't even realize it. I impulsively smashed the other one against the wall; water splashing almost everywhere.

"Not again, please!"

I shut my eyes as my heart sunk to my stomach at the sound of Y/N's muffled voice begging for mercy. The stinging pain on my left hand grew enough for me to notice I was bleeding; however, it wasn't as painful as what Y/N is about to go through.

"No!"

Suddenly, it hit me like a thousand bricks were just thrown at me. How could I have forgotten?

Y/N's cries slowly became background noise as I realized who Jonathan might be also working with. The only cunt who almost screwed me and my family over; Vito Mariani. If there was something else I could do to help her, it's to get more answers. Pronto.

I ignored the stinging pain on my palm and quickly adjusted Jonathan's gloves around my wrist. I dragged the key across the marble kitchen island until I gripped it safely in my unwounded palm and made my way out. Or was about to.

"Michael!"

She should not have done that. She should not have done that. She should not have done that.

As much as I wanted to risk it all and save her, I can't. If Jonathan knows we're still fraternizing, it's just going to make things worse. Right now it feels like I'm the only one who's attempting to put a stop to his plan. Therefore, if I end up getting killed, no one will save her.

My jaw was clenched as I pulled the door open and left the house. Jonathan's helmet was sitting on his shiny black motorcycle in the driveway. I could take my car, but I was impulsed to borrow Jonathan's brand new Kawasaki Ninja.

3:48 am
Y/N's POV
My head was pounding as if there was a tiny person inside my skull begging to be free. My chest was heavy and I couldn't bear the pain in my intimate parts anymore. Tonight Jonathan decided to go both ways and it stopped time for me; I was afraid of the next time I had to go to the bathroom.

I didn't realize how loud I was crying until Jonathan covered my mouth after he finished dressing himself up. While he has me cuffed and naked... again.

"Keep it down. You don't want to wake the others," he said, nibbling on my ear.

I immediately moved my head away from his teeth and his nasty, greasy hand. "Just leave me alone."

He chuckled and reached for the keys to release me from the cuffs. "I would keep you cuffed, but it's more fun to punish you every time you do anything stupid."

At this point, I have run out of tears yet I continued to sob hopelessly. I began to wonder about Michael, where is he?

My feelings intensified at the thought of Michael relaxing next to me and keeping me company; safe. My heart craved for the feeling of his comfort. I've never had a friend who cared as much as he did. I needed him, now. I just cried harder, I wanted this to be over.

My face was buried on my pillow when I heard Jonathan groan in frustration. I felt a piece of fabric lay upon my skin, which turned out to be my short nightgown.

"I'm going out for a few hours. Don't try to be sneaky now, will ya?" Jonathan stood in the middle of the doorway, holding the handle. "I need you alive until your father gives me that money."
With that, he left the room.

I was weak. Therefore it took me a lot of energy to sit up on the bed, just to fall back due to the agonizing pain on my back part. I whimpered as I attempted to slip on the gown.

My chest felt even heavier than it already was when I realized this is going to be a never-ending cycle. Even if I managed to escape, I will go back to my abusive parents' hands. If I stay, Jonathan will keep treating me as a sex object until the day he takes me across the globe to continue to be sexually assaulted. The suffering will never end.

Unless I stop it myself.

After what seemed like a lifetime, I managed to stand up from the bed. My legs were almost shaking and when I turned around, the view of my bloody sheets made my heart sink again. My vision was blurred by tears as I weakly attempted to walk towards my door. Jonathan was gone by now, so he won't see me snooping around. My cheeks felt sticky, and I assumed they were glossy by the tear stains.

I held onto the hallway's hall for support as I made my way towards the double doors at the end of the corridor. I passed Michael's empty bedroom; the door was ajar enough for me to see it was a bit of a mess.

"Michael?" I whispered, hoping his bedroom wasn't empty at all.

No response.

I stayed still, hoping to hear any movement from downstairs that might indicate he's still present.

But I shook my head and focused on moving forward, although my legs didn't want to. If I didn't get to the doors on time, I can collapse at any time.

I mentally crossed my fingers, hoping the doors weren't locked as I quietly passed everyone's rooms; until I reached the double french doors at the end.

I pulled down on both handles and pushed the doors outward. Bingo.

My body shivered at the sudden contact against the night's cold touch. It wasn't as cold as the metal rail surrounding the balcony, though.

I carefully threw my right leg over the rail and held tightly onto it before I swung the left one. Now I was standing on the edge of the balcony, holding on to the rail behind me.

A shaky breath escaped my lips at the view before me.

I was aware we're in the rural part of New York, close to a few mountains. However, the ground wasn't as far as I pictured it to be.

But it didn't matter; as long as I was away from Jonathan and the never-ending abuse. I was happy Michael wasn't here to see me here.

I'm tired of being a burden. To my parents, to Michael, and everyone else. I'm tired of watching Michael get hurt because of me. I know by heart he will try to help me. And Jonathan will kill him if he tries to interfere with his vile plan.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. "I'm sorry," I whispered.

"You do realize the fall isn't going to kill you, right?"

My eyes shot open and my head turned around almost enough to recognize Ross's presence.

"Maybe a few broken limbs, but that's about it," he added. I heard his steps come closer, slowly.

My head turned back around. I stared at the old green grass and a few rocks waiting for me 25 feet below.

"Then shoot a bullet straight through my brain, Ross." I spat without looking at him, without thinking. "I'm better off dead."

"I'm afraid if I do that, Jonathan will do the same to me." He chuckled nervously. I looked to my side once again when I noticed he was now resting his arms on the rail next to me.

"Right," I chuckled humorlessly. "I forgot you're Jonathan's bitch."

His jaw clenched as he looked away. Silence fell upon us until I accidentally allowed a whimper to escape my lips. My insides were burning with pain and the only thing I found soothing at the moment was the thought of crossing to another realm, where nobody can hurt me.

My hands were becoming sweaty on the rail, I was stalling too much.

"I'm going to jump, Ross," I gulped. "I'd rather not have any witnesses."

"No, you're not." He scoffed. "Plus, I'm quite sure Michael would be devastated if he found you dead."

I looked at Ross only to find him looking back at me. Our eyes locked and he raised his eyebrows, pretty confident about his statement. The gentle wind made his blonde hair slightly blow, allowing me to notice his deep eyes; they sort of reminded me of Michael's. I slowly shook my head and looked away.

"He was fine 4 days ago before he met me, he will be fine after." I tried to convince him. But I didn't even believe it myself.

"Seriously, Y/N, are you that naive?" He asked in disbelief.

I didn't answer.

"Have you seen the way that man looks at you?" He continued to ask. "There hasn't been any light in his eyes since Leah's death. Until he met you."

He got me.

"He may not be in love with you now, but everyone knows how in a matter of days he's grown to deeply care about you." He added.

I care about Michael as well and if what Ross said was true, I didn't want him to be heartbroken again. If I end it all now, I will never be able to feel the comfort of his presence or share a joyful piano session ever again.

I sighed. "Fine."

My legs were still slightly trembling, therefore I was nervous about how I was going to get back into the balcony in a safe manner.

I swung my left leg then the right over the rail when Ross came to my aid. "Here, let me help you."

"I'm fine, Ross. I got it-"

I definitely didn't.

Everything happened so fast. The last thing I knew, I hurt my right wrist as it slipped from the rail causing my body to lean back into the empty. I felt my heart sink, this was it.

I knew I wasn't going to die in this fall. But I was definitely going to end up hopelessly paralyzed after probably being unconscious for hours.
Until a pair of hands gripped me strongly enough around my waist to pull me back up, then lowered me onto the safe surface.

I panted as I found myself staring right back up at Ross. His hands remained around my waist as his eyes examined my face. That scare and adrenaline had my arms shaking as well as my legs.

"Almost lost you there for real," he chuckled, then slowly frowned. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, then gulped. "I just want to lay dow-"

"What's going on?" The husky voice I was yearning for spoke behind Ross from the hallway.

Ross released me quickly and we both faced who turned out to be Michael. I slowly started to pant. My shortness of breath was becoming a burden and my legs were about to give up on my weight.

"Nothing serious, Michael." Ross tried to assure him with a blank expression. "Y/N tripped, and I caught her."

My heart wanted to escape my chest. It was pounding so hard I heard it in my ears. I gripped onto Ross's forearm as firmly as I could for support. I was close to passing out.

"Woah, there." Ross's arm was around my waist once again to hold me steady. "Y/N? Are you feeling okay?"

I stared at Michael, whose eyes wanted to cut Ross's head off.

"I'll take it from here," Michael stepped forward. "You can go to sleep, Ross."

"No," Ross refused. "I'm the doctor here and-"

"I said-" Michael interrupted him sternly. "I'll take care of her. Now, get your musty hands off her."

I felt Michael's hand slap away Ross's and the next thing I knew, I was being carried bridal style.

"Michael, don't be like this." I heard Ross beg.
I was becoming lightheaded, the conversation was becoming a blur.

Michael ignored him and began to walk inside the house.

"I said I was sorry!" Ross exclaimed.

My head was resting on the crook of Michael's neck when I felt him turn around.

"'Sorry' isn't good enough. I wish it was Jonathan who caught you touching Y/N and not me." Michael admitted spitefully and turned back around into the hallway.

I didn't have to look at Ross to know Michael's words stabbed him through the heart.

But what mattered the most to me is that Michael is here with me. My left hand found its home on the other side of his neck as I took in the warmth of his body.

"Where were you?" I asked.

I felt his chest rise and slowly fall as he sighed. "I went out to get some answers about the Italy situation."

"And did you?"

Michael took the staircase and made our way to the bathroom downstairs. "Not exactly. But I did get confirmation about my suspicions." He sighed again.
I remained quiet, expecting him to carry on. But he didn't.

He carefully carried me inside the bathroom and sat me on the counter. I gasped at the sharp pain from underneath, unconsciously gripping Michael's shoulder as I shut my eyes to keep tears from rolling down my cheeks.

"Fuck," I sobbed.

"What's wrong?" worrisome took over Michael's facial features as he looked down at my legs in confusion. It didn't take him long to realize, though. He gulped and his eyebrows frowned together.

"Did he-"
He stopped when I nodded as confirmation. We both knew what he meant to ask.

"Oh my," Michael shook his head. He carefully cupped my face between his hands and gently wiped the tears away.

This time our faces were closer than ever, meaning I had a chance to look deeper into his eyes. They were dark and full of sorrow. However, they had a hint of hope.

"What?" Michael grinned and blushed under my stare.

"Why are you always helping me?" I asked, more like a whisper. "You know it will get you in trouble. . . again."

"Because you don't deserve any of this, Y/N." He said, tightening his jaw after. He let go of my cheeks to start searching the cupboard next to my head. "Nobody does.

"And I am not going to sit here, watching everything unfold. I'm not scared of Jonathan. I'm doomed to this life, not you." He closed the cupboard to reveal a gauze and a small towel.

"You need to follow your dr-"

"I want to be dead, Michael." I interrupted him in the coldest tone possible, looking at him dead in the eye.

He was quiet for a few seconds before he made sure he heard correctly, "What?"

He stared at me in disbelief, trying to understand why would I commit such an act of idiocy.

"Ross found me in the balcony," I explained. "He convinced me to not jump. But my supportive wrist slipped off the rail and he caught me before you saw us. . . I kinda wish he didn't catch me at all."

"You know the fall was-"

"Wasn't going to kill me, I know!" I expressed out of frustration. I looked away as I felt tears build up in my eyes again.

My heart was still heavy, and the pain in my private parts wasn't getting any better. I still wish I jumped, even if I only remained unconscious for hours. I just wanted the pain to be over.

"Everything hurts," I admitted, trying my best not to sob. Obviously, I failed miserably.

"I know," Michael said. "Let me help you."

He picked the gauze first. "Give me your wrist."

I gave him my injured wrist before he gently took it on his palm. He starts wrapping the gauze around my hand.

"Don't ever do that again, Y/N." He scolded. "You hear me?"

I was still looking away until he grabbed my chin and made me look at him.

"I heard you," I replied, obviously annoyed.

He didn't seem convinced, but didn't say anything else.

Once Michael finished bandaging my hand, he picked up the small cloth. He dampened it on the sink next to me before asking, "May I?"

I followed his stare down to my legs. Guess I was too focused on taking my own life that I didn't notice my legs were a blood-stained hell. I nodded.

The cloth felt warm on my knee as he worked his way until the middle of my thigh; the same thing on the other one. The tenderness of his touch made my stomach flutter.

"I'm so sorry he did this to you," He shook his head. I remained silent while I watched him turn on the sink's faucet and wash the cloth. "He's never done this. At least not here. . . I wonder if he's hurt other girls on those random trips he takes across the country."

"Probably," I shrugged.

"I don't want to believe it," He shook his head once again. "He absolutely disgusts me. I don't care if he's the reason I'm still alive."

"Mich-"

"I'm not going to let him hurt you again, he will eventually kill you if-"

"You're the one who's going to end up getting killed if he sees you trying to get on his way! Remember, he can't kill me because it will ruin his plan," I tried to convince him.

He was standing in front of me now, our eyes locked again. I feel him inching closer, almost between my legs.

"That doesn't mean you have to endure constant rape, Y/N," He said tensely. I gulped, feeling intimidated by his intense stare. Although, I didn't break any eye contact. My heart accelerated as I watched him lean closer.

"I want to skin him alive," he admitted. My eyes slightly widened while I took in the scent of his minty breath. I couldn't picture him doing such atrocity; I didn't want to envision it either.

"For all the pain he's brought upon everyone," he continued. "I swear I will."

"No," I whispered.

"And I want him to beg for mercy," his jaw clenched.

Listening to Michael speak in such a manner had me shaken, especially when I'm used to him being so tender with me.

Our breathing picked up as his eyes examined my face with his index finger holding up my chin.

"My God, what is it about you. . ." He trailed off for a second. "- that makes me want to protect you and care for you so bad?
"Every time Jonathan hurts you, I just want to blow his brains out." He adds.

At this very moment, I feel my heart going a million miles per hour. Michael was slowly inching closer and our noses were about to touch, making the butterflies on my stomach throw a party. I closed my eyes, anxiously expecting our lips to clash against one another.

"I'm going to get the tub ready for you upstairs," Michael stepped back, clearing his throat. "Wait for me in the living room, I'll be back."

He was quick to leave the room, then I heard his footsteps going up the staircase. I exhaled with my hand on my chest. I smiled to myself, for this man just left me breathless.