~*Jerome*~

+Flashback+

I was sitting in my family's kitchen drawing a picture of some sort of animal while adults talk amongst themselves nearby. "I don't think you should take Jerome out for your lessons any more, Nathan. It's too dangerous," my grandmother says to my father as she finishes cleaning a plate, setting it in the sink.

"He should learn how to protect himself when they come looking. Every wastelander is bound to know I have a son by now." My father places a hand on my shoulder as I draw.

"That boy is not going to be a wastelander, Nathan! That's final!" My grandfather slams his fist down on the table, making me look up at him.

"He's my son, not yours," My father states calmly before looking down at me. "Finish your drawing Jerome, don't mind us."

"And as your father I am telling you that boy doesn't belong in the world you got yourself tangled into, Nathan. What happened to my son? The one who promised to look after the shop when I was away? The one who never wished to cause anyone grief?"

"He grew up. I grew tired of the city. I wanted to see the world outside of buildings and money."

"And that took killing how many innocent people?"

"They were not as innocent as they seem, dad."

"I'm done, daddy!" I state, setting down my crayon and holding the picture up to him.

"Oh wow!" My father smiles at me and takes the picture. "What is it?"

"Wolf!" He looks down at me and chuckles fondly, ruffling my hair.

"Of course it is." Careful not to tare the paper he folds it and puts it in his pocket. "I'll keep it forever."

"Nathan, you are a bad influence on that child," my grandfather states, glaring at my father.

"At least I'm paying attention to my son. Unlike someone I knew."

"That's enough, Nathan. Get out of my house!"

"This isn't your-"

"You lost your right to own a home when you left the city limits to become one of them. Get out." My father sighs softly before crouching down to my height and kissing my head.

"Jerome, be a good kid alright? Listen to your grandparents, and don't give your mother any trouble. She's already been through a lot." He looks me in the eyes before standing up and walking out the door. A darker skinned man stood outside the door, as if he was waiting for him.

"Daddy?"

"Goodbye son." He smiles back at me. "I'll see you in a few years."

+Reality+

"Jerome? You there?" I blink to see Mitch staring at me with a worried expression.

"Y-yeah. What did you need?" Mitch sighs and shakes his head.

"I asked if you wanted to head back to your house. But since it's already night, I guess we're staying out here for a while."

"It's night already?!" My eyes widen and I look up at the sky. The black sky was contrasted with thousands of tiny white dots.

"Yeah." Mitch's voice was soft as he stood beside me, most likely looking up at the stars as well. Smiling to myself, I wrap an arm around his waist and pull him closer to me. Can this man stay by my side forever? He's protected me, saved my life, and has done so much just to make me happy. I want to make him feel the way he makes me feel...

"Thank you."

"For what?" He looks at me in confusion.

"Thank you for saving me from that dog back then."

"Jerome, that was a long time ago. You've already-"

"No, I haven't." I look him in the eyes. "I want to repay you somehow."

"You don't need to. I'm more than happy you're here right now." Yes, I actually do need to.

"Sure I don't need to. I just want to." Mitch sighs at my comment.

"You're too stubborn."

"Ah, but that's why you love me," I tease before resting my forehead on his.

"Keep telling yourself that if it makes you happy."

"I'll be more than happy to." Mitch sighs dramatically before holding my face in his hands.

"Shut up idiot." And with that, he presses his lips against mine. How did I live without him?

~*Woofless*~

"Woof, look! It's a full moon!" Frags states, pointing at the moon overhead. Why is he such a child?

"Yes I see it Frags." I mutter, rolling my eyes.

"Oh come on, it's beautiful out here! You can't not like it." Whatever you say Frags. Whatever you say.

"What can I do to make you shut up?" I snap, looking back at him.

"Well there is one way, but I doubt you'll like it." He shrugs and smirks at me.

"I don't think you understand how much I hate hearing your voice." Frags laughs at me. That wasn't a joke...

"You're funny Woof. I know you love my voice," he teases, poking my nose. I swear this man will be the death of me.

"Right. Keep telling yourself that Frags. Maybe it'll work out for you in the end."

"I know you're trying to play 'hard-to-get,' Woof. Deep down inside you're probably dying to ki-"

Growling, I turn around and point a knife directly at his throat. "Say one more thing about how I feel. I dare you!" My eyes narrow. This man is pushing his limits.

"You're too scared to admit that you like me," Frags says with a calm smile, moving my hand away from his neck. "You won't hurt me. I know that well enough." I can kill hundreds of people without hesitation, but why do I always struggle with this one? Growling, I put the knife away and cross my arms. Frags smiles widely, embracing the fact that he is victorious for once in his life.

"Mention this to anyone and your head will be mounted on the center most building of this city."

"Mention wha-" I interrupt him by pressing my lips against his. If it works for ladies, it'll probably work for him too. After a few moments, I pull away and glare at the shocked man. He had a distant look on his face; his fingers touching his lips.

"Works every time." I smirk before walking away, twirling a knife in my hand. Why did I enjoy that? I hate that guy.
________________________
Happy New Years everyone!

Hopefully '17 will be a lot better than the last.

(2018 Mickey: Let's hope 2019 is better than 2016 bc these last two years have been chaotic)

Sorry I didn't update sooner. I was having a social life and lacked internet.
(2018 Mickey is surprised)

Anyways,

:)

Much Luv,
Mickey-Kenzie