Akrasia (bxb)

Chapter Five

The night didn't last as long as David wished it had. It served as a great distraction being in Michael's soft bed. He had an abundance of sweet kisses and warm cuddles. It had been perfect. 

And then the morning came and David found himself not wanting to leave. Especially when he woke up to the smell of breakfast being made. He'd gone down stairs to see Michael in front of the stove, his hair down and just a little disheveled from sleep. He was shirtless, just in his pajama pants from the night before. 

He couldn't control the urge to wrap his arms around his waist. It was all too inviting. Michael let out a breathy laugh as he felt David's arms come around him. 

"Good morning." Michael said as he flipped the sizzling bacon. David mumbled something in return, but was too distracted by Michael's coconut scented shampoo to really comprehend what was said. 

Then when Michael was done cooking they ate together, laughing and joking the entire time. Everything in David wanted to stay and just have that happiness forever. But he knew, realistically, he had to go. He had to check on Karen and Abigail. 

He could tell at least that Michael didn't want him to leave either. "It's going to get better." Michael had said while they were at the door, his arms around David that time. David just hummed in response. The whole situation was still so surreal for him. 

And then Michael kissed him, and somehow, David felt more inclined to believe it. 

~*~

David stood in the living room and watched as Karen and Abigail packed their things. He could feel panic start to seize in his throat at the thought of being alone. He couldn't exactly ask to come with them. 

Karen had enough money in her savings to get them a hotel room. But where did that leave David? 

His birthday was next month, then he'd be legal. He was going to have to get a job and soon. There was still too much going on. David didn't like any of it. 

"Hey, David, sweetie. Can you help me?" Karen asked as she struggled to carry a particularly heavy box. He rushed over to her and made sure she didn't drop it or hurt herself. "Thank you." Karen said through a heavy breath. 

He just nodded in response as he carried to his car. Her and Abigail's suitcases were already in his trunk. And Abigail was already in the backseat getting squished by all of their things. Which still wasn't much. 

"Are you sure this is okay? We can call the cab company..." Karen trailed off then, her eyes looking tired. She also looked as though she'd been crying for hours. David would have been surprised. 

"I'm sure, Karen." David sighed. And after that, they all finally got into the car. They drove in silence the whole way. He hadn't even felt like turning on the radio. 

They made it to the hotel and made sure to stack all of their s**t into one corner of the room. It was just going to have to do until they could afford their own apartment. 

"And now I have to go get groceries.." Karen sighed as she scrubbed a hand over her face. David could tell she didn't want to ask, like she knew she'd already asked enough of him. 

He walked over to her and handed her his keys. "I trust you still know how to drive?" He asked, more so as a joke but still wanted to know that Karen wouldn't crash his baby. 

Karen stared down owlishly at them. "Are you sure?" She asked again, and it only made David groan. The sound, for whatever reason, just made her give him a fond smile. Karen took the keys, kissed Abigail goodbye and thanked David profusely as she walked out the door. 

"She's definitely gonna crash your car." Abigail mumbled as she flipped through the channels. 

David rolled his eyes, "Shut up." He had said, but there was no heat to it as he sat down beside her. She kept flipping through the channels, her expression getting tighter with each press of the button. 

"There's nothing on!" Abigail groaned as she threw The remote down onto the carpeted floor. David stared at it, an unimpressed look on his face. 

"You sure taught that remote a lesson." He said, and then automatically laughed when she flipped him off. She couldn't help but join him. 

But soon, the laughter faded. 

"I don't like it here, David. It's like.. when my mom left my dad. We had to do this for, like, a year." Abigail brought her knees to her chest as she said this, like she was trying to hide away. 

"I didn't know that. You don't really talk about him." David said, his voice gentle. She just shrugged her shoulders. 

"He's.. not exactly like your dad. But he wasn't good either. He did a lot of drugs. Cheated on my mom constantly." She mumbled against her knees. "He never would, like, hold me or anything. I think he probably hated me. Probably because I was the reason they had to get married, I don't really know."

David had to sit there and let all that sink in. He never would have expected them to have already gone through so much. 

"You'll get through this, Abby." David promised. She looked up then, eyes glassy and wet. Slowly, she formed a small smile. 

"So will you." She said, her tone sure. It made David feel warm. She swooped down and picked up the remote so she could cut on the TV. They both decided that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was the best choice for the evening.

Over two hours later, Karen came back with grocery bags and a handful of paperwork. "I hope you don't mind, but I had to stop by the places I applied to so I could update my contact information." She explained as she set the bags down. "There's an opening for a nurse position at the clinic. I feel really good about it."

She sounded so excited that he couldn't find it in him to be irritated at her for using up his gas. He made a mental note to get some applications for himself on the way home.

"That's good." David gave as he stood up. "Let me know if you need to use the car for an interview or something. All I ask is that you put a little gas in the tank." He said, because he thought it was the nice thing to do. He wasn't expecting her to throw her arms around him. He sucked in a sharp breath, the sudden jostle hard on his back.

"Sorry!" She backed off then, but she was still smiling. "It's just, I really appreciate this, David. And you know if you ever need anything, all you have to do is let me know and I'll try my best."

All I could do was smile at her. He didn't exactly believe her. He gave them both a wave and made his way to the door, and just as he was about to open it, a hand tugged at his shirt. He looked down with a raised brow, at Abigail who wasn't exactly looking at him. "Yeah?" 

She didn't say anything in response. Slowly, she just wrapped her arms around him, her frizzy head below his sternum. He let out a small chuckle as he made sure to hug his little sister back.

~*~

David managed to get two applications on the way back to his house. One for a car shop and another for a hardware store, both part time. He filled them out at the dining room table and tried his best to ignore how empty the house was. 

He also tried his best to ignore the thought prickling at the back of his mind that this wasn't his home anymore, but to no avail. There was no way his dad would let him stay there if he happened to make bail, which he most definitely would. And David doubted he was even able to still be in his custody. He hadn't been in touch with any police officer since the day before. 

David wasn't even sure what could be done. He was going to be eighteen in due time, and then he wouldn't be the state's problem anymore. David dropped the pen and scrubbed a hand over his face. 

He needed Michael to make him feel better and that thought scared him. He couldn't depend on Michael as a crutch. He needed to work stuff out himself. David couldn't just burden Michael that way. The boy deserved way better than that. 

And so, instead of just using the folded up piece of paper in his pocket with Michael's number on it, he just went to his room. He looked around and took everything in. He had posters around his room of barely clothed women; a feeble attempt to seem heterosexual to his father. 

Obviously, that didn't work. 

One by one, David ripped them from the walls. He even ripped down the music posters. The room that didn't even feel like his own didn't deserve to be decorated. 

He grabbed a bag from his closet and started to stuff some clothing in it, not once worrying about them possibly developing wrinkles. He even made sure to take his record player. It was his mother's, so he definitely wasn't leaving it, even if he couldn't use it. 

He ripped the case off his pillow and pulled out the bills hidden inside. He had at least sixty dollars left, and that was going to be his gas and possible food money until he could get a job. 

David could do this. He didn't have to sit in a foster home for less than month, just for the state to kick him out as soon as he turned eighteen. He didn't have to bother Michael either.

This was what he told himself at least as he stuffed what he could into the trunk of the Camaro, disregarding the fact that it was still in his father's name.

~*~

David managed to find a decent place to park his car at least two minutes away from the school. It was dark out already, and he was so tired. He made his way to the backseat and covered himself with his ratty old blanket. 

The backseat wasn't meant for sleeping, but it was going to have to do. 

When David finally woke up, he wasn't surprised to find that he had a backache as well as a headache. He tried his best to ignore them though as he forced himself out of the car to get his bag from the trunk. 

There was no one around, so he hurriedly got dressed right there beside his car, despite it being slightly chilly outside. The breeze dug through his dirty bandages and that had stung. He knew he was going to have to change them soon; probably was going to have to go back to Karen to have her do it. On top of that, his stomach grumbled. He hadn't ate since having breakfast with Michael the day before.

He'd have to push through it. It wasn't the first time he'd gone without a meal. He tried to think about other things, like school work and exams. He refused to worry about his wrinkly clothes or his empty belly. 

~*~

He was at least a two classes late, but the staff didn't seem to mind. David could tell they all knew. He could see the sadness and pity in their eyes, especially Mrs. Welch's, and he did not want any of it. 

All David wanted was some food in his belly, which was why he ate every single bite of the usually disgusting lunch food. It helped to ease the pain in his head, too.

"Slow down, Johnson. You'll choke." Michael said, his tone light. He looked over David with a concerned gaze. David could tell that Michael had questions that he wouldn't ask in front of Brian and Brooke. 

David wiped his mouth with a thin napkin. He tried his best to force a smile, but he really couldn't fake it like he used to. 

Which was why he wasn't surprised to see Michael at the end of the day, right beside the Camaro.

"I was hoping you'd call." Michael whispered, a little frown etched to his features. David sucked in a shaky breath at the sight. 

"Don't have a phone." David admitted, his eyes only on the pavement. He felt embarrassed talking about this with Michael. 

"That's okay." Michael said after awhile, and then added, "I was wondering if you'd like to take a ride with me somewhere. We can drop your car off at my house first, if you want." 

David finally looked up at him, at his hopeful expression. David wanted to fall into him, have him ease his nerves. They couldn't do that though, not in that crowded parking lot. 

Eventually, David nodded, "Got nothing better to do." He said fondly, a small smile playing at his lips. Michael beamed at him like he knew there was no where else David would rather be.

~*~

David was glad he could leave his car there at Michael's. It was safe there. He had too many things of his inside of it just to leave it in the school parking lot. 

And David also really liked Michael's BMW. The new car smell was long gone, replaced with Michael's cologne and the faint smell of weed. And maybe he just liked being beside Michael on the open road. 

David didn't know how long they'd been driving, he just knew that he finally felt relaxed. Especially right then with Michael's hand in his. It should have been expected that he'd just fall right to sleep. 

He had no idea how much time had past when Michael woke him up. He just knew that Michael's warm hands were on his cheeks, and that it was getting dark outside. 

"Wake up, sleepy head." Michael said as his fingers carded trough David's curls. The blond smiled warmly up at him and leaned into the touch.

"Where are we?" David asked, his voice still gruff with sleep. He sat up so he could look around. They were in a parking lot and sand dunes were directly in front of them, as well as a wooden stairway to the right of them. The kind that would lead you to directly to a beach.

David could feel excitement build up inside of him. He felt like a child as he beamed in Michael's direction. 

"You took me to the beach." David breathed, tone full of disbelief. Before Michael could even respond, David took him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him into a searing kiss. Michael was the one who melted into him that time as he pulled David closer. 

The kiss itself didn't last that long though. David desperately wanted to feel the sand between his toes. Not that Michael minded. He seemed to like that David was happy. 

David kicked his shoes off as soon as he reached the sand. It was dark and there was no one around, so he took it upon himself to yell out as he reached the cold waves. 

"Smith! Get over here!" David called out as he rolled up the ends of his jeans. He could hear Michael's laughter as he chased after him. 

"That's cold." Michael shivered as his bare feet came into contact with a shallow wave. David grinned at him and pulled him close. Michael wrapped his arms around him, both looking up at the full moon. David couldn't help but notice how cheesy it all was, but that didn't make him any less happy. 

David turned his head and slanted his lips against Michael's, and it didn't take long before Michael was kissing back. David's fingers ran through Michael's hair, gently pulling the strands free from the hair tie. Michael made a small sound at the feeling of David's hands in his hair and moved to pull him even closer. 

The blond couldn't help but smile at the affect he had on Michael. He soon realized that he was no better as the long haired boy tackled him, both of them tumbling onto the sand. 

Their laughs filled the empty beach. David knew there was going to be sand in his hair, but he didn't care. Not with Michael on top of him, his hair cascading over him. And his bright smile was right there, lighting David up from the inside out.

That really should have been scary. He'd never cared about someone like that before, and he'd certainly never been exposed to any good relationships. David probably should have been more terrified than he already was. 

But then Michael was kissing him again and intertwining their fingers, taking away whatever fear David had in the first place.

"I got you." Michael whispered as he trailed his feather light kisses to David's neck. The blond gasped, his head fuzzy from the feeling. He craned his neck to give Michael more room to work. 

"You're gonna be okay now." He said it like a promise. He sealed it with his mark, right onto the side of David's neck. David had moaned for it, a weak little sound that sounded too much like a sob. 

"Sorry, should have asked if that was okay." Michael sighed. He tried to sit up, but David didn't want that. He didn't want Michael to pull away. David placed his hand on his cheek and let it travel through Michael's long locks before finally stopping at the back of his head. 

"S'okay. Please... please, don't stop." He almost hated how weak he sounded. It wasn't like him at all. David Johnson never begged. Somehow though, all of that didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was Michael and his warmth. David never wanted it to end. 

Michael gave a slow nod and leaned down just so he could slant his lips over David's. His hand was at the hem of David's shirt, fingertips just barely touching his skin. David was just about to beg again, something he surely would have regretted. But Michael moved all on his own, sliding his warm hand up David's t-shirt. 

David's mind was warm and fuzzy as he took in every sensation. The salty smell of the beach, the sound of the waves in front of them, Michael's hands and lips. David was almost sure it was a dream.

"David..." Michael murmured against his lips. His hand slid from under David's shirt, leaving his skin cold. It traveled lower. Anticipation prickled at David's skin. "Is this okay?" Michael whispered, his voice shaky like he was nervous.

David licked his lips and took in a deep breath, "Only if you want to. There's, uh, no pressure." David wasn't even sure if Michael had been with another boy this way. He never wanted to pressure him into doing something he wasn't ready for.

"I want to." Michael said, his voice laced with determination despite how truly nervous he had been. David shut his eyes as the other boy worked his pants open. 

David had expected his hand at most. In fact, he would have been grateful for any type of contact. But the wet feel of a tongue caused his eyes to shoot open. Michael was between his legs and using his mouth, his movements unsure and inexperienced. 

David placed a shaky hand on Michael's head as he sat up, sand sticking to the back of his shirt. "Michael, you-" the words caught in his throat as the long haired boy took him into his mouth fully. "Shit." David groaned out instead. 

All he could was breathlessly watch the scene in front of him. Michael's mouth was warm and wet, his inexperience somehow making it so much hotter. It wasn't long before David was gasping out that he was close, so close the edge that he could fall-

Michael coughed and sputtered as the thick of it entered his mouth. David fumbled for a few seconds, apologizing over and over again as he wiped the excess away from Michael's face. 

But then Michael looked up at him, his eyes light and full of amusement. David stopped his rambling and just gave a warm smile. He pulled Michael in and kissed him softly, not at all minding the taste of himself on the other boy's tongue. 

"That was good." David whispered as their lips parted. "Now it's your turn. If you're up for it, I mean." David had been teasing, but he meant it. If Michael, or anyone for that matter, were to ever ask him to stop, he would always do that. 

Seeing as Michael was nodding his head vigorously, David could tell that wouldn't be the case. David slanted his lips against Michael's, kissing him slow and sweet as he got the long haired boy's pants undone. 

His length was heavy and warm in David's hand. All other sounds drowned out, the only thing the curly haired boy could hear was Michael's breathing as he got it into his mouth. 

David was good at this part. He'd done this a lot. But what he'd never done, was do this to someone he actually cared about. So David was careful with each detail, with each stroke of his tongue, with each bob of his head. Michael was babbling about how good David was, how beautiful he looked like that, his grip tight in David's blond curls. 

It wasn't long before Michael was gasping out that he was close. David kept going, his pace ever consistent, and took every last drop without a single cough or gag. David couldn't help but be a little proud of himself as he sat up and saw Michael's look of amazement. 

David had expected a lot of things after that, some of them actually painful thanks to his own subconscious, but he hadn't fully expected Michael to pull him into a tight embrace. David let his head fall to his shoulder, a shudder of a sigh escaping his lips as Michael's warm hand moved up and down his back, right over his bandages.

"That was amazing, David. I just need you to know that it wasn't why I wanted us to come out here. This.. this isn't all I want from you, and I need you to know that, too." Michael said, his voice like velvet to David's ears. The seventeen-year-old toyed with the end of Michael's sleeve, his lips pursing as he tried to blink away unwanted tears. 

It was all so cheesy. He shouldn't be wanting to cry about someone actually caring about him. "Then.. why? Why did you take me out here, Smith?" David asked, his tone more rough than he'd actually intended. 

"To make you happy. Did it work?" Michael asked weakly. Like he was almost regretting taking David out there. And in no way did David want that. 

David backed away just so he could look Michael in the eyes, his hands on the sides of his neck, thumbs brushing over his jawline.

"Of course it worked, dummy." David said fondly. Michael smiled up at him and leaned into his touch, his hands working to brush the sand off the back of David's shirt. 

"I'm glad." Michael said, his voice low. "You deserve it." His words caused David's cheeks to heat up more than they already were. He hid his face in the crook of Michael's neck, willfully ignoring Michael's chuckles. 

"You hardly know me. I hardly know you." David grumbled into Michael's skin. He could feel Michael's hand raise up to the nape of his neck and card through his sand covered curls. 

"We should change that, then." Michael said, his tone more sure than it ever was. "Because I meant what I said. I got you. You're gonna be okay now." 

David didn't have it in him to protest. More than anything, he wished for it to be true, no matter how childish it felt. So just let Michael talk, let him murmur promises into his hair. David let some tears fall, because he knew, even for just the moment, that Michael would be there to wipe them away. 

~*~