20- Sleeping Beauty
MIKE POV-
---- 7:56 AM ----
Six hours later, Mike's eyes slowly opened, stirring awake from his slumber. He yawned, blinking a few moments before stretching, feeling refreshed after his short nap; Michael Wheeler was never one to sleep for more than a few hours; it was something that ran in the family and was good in his criminal career. As his body shifted to consciousness, he felt stiff; despite the large sized car, he couldn't help but feel restricted. Though it was nothing compared to the boy by his side; Will, who was handcuffed to his seat. If Mike was uncomfortable, he couldn't fathom how the brunette must have felt chained to his chair.
In the soft glow of the rising sun, Mike watched the brunette for a moment, scanning his features; his pink pursed lips, the moles above his lip and on his neck, his eyelashes and slightly dishevelled hair; it suited him. Will's features were soft, filled with an expression of weariness, yet oddly peaceful.
There was something about the way Will managed to navigate this chaotic situation that struck a chord with Mike as despite the fear that he knew the brunette harboured within, the small boy still held his own; displaying resilience that the ravenette honestly hadn't expected; it wasn't a normal reaction to this type of situation. He admired Will and commended him for his way to be calm even when most of his freedom was taken away from him.
Deciding he needed a moment to clear his own mind, Mike carefully opened the car door and stepped out, scanning the surroundings and walking over to the front door of the Walmart; thankfully it was open 24 hours! He was able to walk straight in without needing to worry about timings. The cold air hit his face as he looked around the store; seeing the bored faces of sales attendants and a few idle shoppers sulking like lifeless husks.
His eyebrows raised, seeing a sign for the bathroom nearby; deciding to use it to freshen up. Inside the restroom, he first peed, then walking to the sinks; throwing water on his face to clear his mind and awaken his senses. He looked deep into the reflection in the mirror, his tired eyes staring back at him. The events of the past days confused him, and he just wanted to get home to sleep in his own bed and yet... he still didn't know what to do with Will; he was a huge liability.
He couldn't afford to lose focus now, so after splashing water on his face a few more times, he dried it with a paper towel; checking his reflection one last time to tuck a stray hair behind his ear. He needed to stay vigilant, to find a solution to the unintended mess he created. With a deep sigh, he left the restroom, feeling a renewed sense of self; refreshed and ready to tackle another day of driving! At least he wasn't alone; he always hated driving alone, maybe it was the fear of accidently crashing or the crushing weight of being alone with his own thoughts... he liked having Will around.
Returning to the car again and drying any remaining water onto his pants, he settled back into the driver's seat. His gaze once again falling onto the brunette who miraculously remained asleep; he couldn't help but wonder about him; it was a weird fascination of his to know everything about everyone, maybe because being a criminal, he had ways of finding information that made him curious.
But Mike grumbled, realising he needed to adjust the brunette's seat before they left; he couldn't leave it like that, or Will could get really hurt... or worse the police could stop them, see the handcuffs and arrest Mike. No, he couldn't have that! He needed to play the part of the 'law abiding citizen'.
Hesitating for a moment, he realised he needed to be cautious not to startle or hurt Will, who was still handcuffed to his seat; not because he cared for him or anything, just because he didn't want to deal with Will's scared eyes or screaming; it was like kicking a puppy! Yes, the ravenette had a soft spot for all animal life. Taking a deep breath, he quietly reached over, reminding himself to be as quiet as possible. Moving slowly and precisely, Mike leaned over Will's seat reaching for the lever to adjust the seat, his fingers curling around with due care and attention.
With a steady grip and swift motions, he began bringing the seat upright; his eyes never leaving the brunette's slumbering form. Eventually, with every creak, the seat reached its optimum position; one safe for driving but also somewhat comfortable.
Keeping his hand on the lever, the ravenette moved his head away; only realising now that his face was mere inches from Will. He froze, His gaze fixed on the small boy. The rising sun casted an ethereal glow onto Will's features painting each of them in a deep hue; accentuating the peaceful expression he wore while sleeping. It was an unexpected contrast to all the other faces Mike had seen Will pull.
As he continued to watch the small boy, his irritation dissipated, realising the distance between their faces. The proximity was startling, and a small deep breath escaped his lips; almost unintentionally. His cheeks heat up, flushing from embarrassment and something else he couldn't explain.
Abruptly, the ravenette shook his head, shuffling back to his seat nervously chuckling. The giggle, a mix of nerves and amusement; it was just a testament to the absurdity of the situation... nothing more.
Mike cleared his throat, feeling his racing heart gradually slow down as he placed the key into the ignition, turning it. The engine roared to life, shattering the momentary silence. And with a deep sigh, he reversed the car, making his way out the parking lot and to the next destination...
Nevada.
WILL POV-
---- 6:43 PM ----
Many, many hours later, the brunette eyes flutter open; released from his chamber of sleep. His senses returning. He blinked, his surroundings coming into focus, softly pushing himself into an upright position, becoming acutely aware of the handcuffs restraining him and binding him to his seat. He tried to move his arm, yet it was roughly yanked back by the cuffs clamped around his hand; even if they weren't tight around his wrist anymore, the feeling of essentially being locked in place was truly a pain.
The soft hum of the engine and rapid motion of cars passing told him they were still on the road; which State? Will had absolutely no clue; they could honestly be in Canada, and he would be none the wiser. Blinking groggily, his first instinct was to glance at the time that was written on the clock of the car radio. Squinting at the screen, he saw the numbers 6:43 AM.
'Not bad!' he thought, thinking he had only had a short nap as he looked outside, only to be met by the bright daylight staring back at him. Confusion filled his every pore, turning his gaze back to the radio clock.
"Wait, what?" Will muttered to himself, his voice hoarse and dry from the sleep. Blinking a few times, he leaned closer to the clock as his heart skipped a beat and realisation dawned on him. "No fucking way!" he mumbled.
It was 6:43 PM, not AM. He had slept for a staggering eighteen hours! Running a hand through his hair, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment; anything could have happened while he was asleep, and he made no effort to stay awake while in the company of this dangerous criminal. Even if Mike had been nice to him, what's to say he wasn't just waiting for Will to fall asleep before he struck?
He slumped back in his seat, frustrated and annoyed with himself, casting his eyes to the ravenette who caught his attention with a chuckle and an amused expression, "Good morning Sleeping Beauty! Enjoy your little nap?" Mike said, waiting for hours before he could say that joke; proud of himself for thinking it.
Will narrowed his eyes; once again not a morning person and not one to be messed with; irritated by the tall boy's teasing tone. He straightened in his seat, furrowing his brows, "Morning? Seriously? Does that look like morning to you?" he pointed at the blazing sun.
Mike's grin widened, "You've got a point there! You've been asleep for like eighteen hours!" he burst into laughter, his amusement evident, "Looks like you really needed your beauty sleep."
The brunette scrunched his face, "Well it's exhausting being kidnapped!" slumping in his seat once again.
"I have to admit... I was starting to wonder if you'd ever wake up." The ravenette's laughter subsided as he retorted,
Will shot a death glare, "Well I apologise for not being on your sleep schedule!"
Mike's grin faltered; his expression unreadable, "I mean, it's no harm done but I guess I was getting kinda lonely by myself for twelve hours," He muttered the last part, genuinely seeming sad.
"You've been driving for twelve hours straight?" The small boy's eyes widened.
"No..." the ravenette shook his head explaining, "I took an hour break a while ago: to eat and stuff!" he shrugged.
"Oh... okay." Will mumbled, slightly relieved that the tall boy had taken a break, "Did you buy any food for me?" he asked, hopeful as his stomach rumbled in response, reminding him he hadn't eaten in over a day.
"Nope!" Mike chuckled sinisterly,
"Excuse me?" The brunette questioned
"I didn't bring you anything because you were asleep! It's your own fault; I'm punishing you for sleeping too much," The tall boy quipped
"Oh, thanks for teaching such a valuable lesson..." Will rolled his eyes; not knowing if Mike was lying or not, irritation simmering beneath the attitude, "Did you actually not buy me anything?" Will repeated, his voice dropping to be softer.
A few seconds later, the ravenette chuckled, using one hand to pull a bag into his lap and take out something; unravelling a sandwich within its container, sealed and unopened, "I brought an extra one for myself, but I guess you can have it..." he said, holding the sandwich toward the small boy. Will attempted to grab the box, but at the last second Mike pulled it away, "On one condition!" the tall boy added, loving to tease the brunette and seeing his facial expression; finding it oddly cute.
"What?" Will's spat, his frustrations bubbling to the surface, "You want me to beg you or something?"
"Something along those lines... I want you to call me 'Master', and then I'll think about feeding you!" Mike said with full seriousness.
"You can actually go fuck yourself if you think I'll call you that!" The small boy chuckled in disbelief, almost not believing the request made of him,
"Fine, I guess you can starve then!" The ravenette shrugged.
"The blood is on your hands!" The brunette responded, a tad overdramatic, crossing his arms; hearing the vibrations of his stomach, looking out the window.
Mike rolled his eyes, placing the box into Will's lap, "Oh come on, I'm not that heartless!" he cooed, turning his attention back onto the road.
Will's annoyed expression softened, taking the offered sandwich with a grateful smile, "Thanks!" he muttered, unwrapping the sandwich and taking a bite. Despite the teasing and strange circumstances, he felt a reluctant smile tug on his lips upon stealing a glance from the ravenette. Mike was annoying in the worse possible ways, but it was an oddly comforting distraction; at least the tall boy had a nice voice and was somewhat entertaining... and attractive... but that means nothing...
Will spoke through chews, almost inaudible chatter escaping his lips, "So when do we reach your friend, El's house?" Remembering that's where Mike said they would be going today.
"Not far... maybe thirty minutes..." The ravenette mumbled
"Oh okay..." Will replied with a nod, feeling the car retreat back to an uncomfortable silence.
Abruptly, Mike broke the void, "Now that I gave you food will you call me 'Master' now?" He jokingly questioned
The brunette playfully rolled his eyes, "Shut up Mike!"
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2054 Words
Stay Safe <3
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