inthesaferoom | Random texts post

Hey, you said I couldn't murder him.

[ Mike forgets about his previous determination not to get too close without being invited again and starts looking Gavin over. Just being protective and making sure he's fine. ]

This way his reputation is what suffers. Better idea, right? Not like he's actually good at anything, especially his fucking job.

Doing everyone a favor here.

[ Gavin responds to Mike’s concern in kind: cupping his face, tilting his head every which way. More worried about him, still. ]

You know there are other ways to end up in prison, yeah? Not just murder? Shit like, oh, I dunno — blowing up the car of a fucking SWAT captain?

[ His voice softens when he says: ]

Is that what you want, Mike?

You really think I'm that stupid? Please.

[ He's fine, he learned how to escape explosions unscathed a thousand or so years ago. But he's giving Gavin a look that says he's moderately offended. Not that he minds the concern, just -

Hmm. ]

Like anyone's tracking it back to me.

[ Gavin recoils a bit from that look, hurt plain on his face for a second before he’s back to his usual scowl. He stands, brushing off his knees. Starting to walk away. ]

Right. Yeah. Because it’s about you being stupid and not me fucking worrying about you.

[ Is that several shades of regret and grief on his face? Yeah. For his own lost intelligence, apparently. He considers what to do and then decides to follow along on his knees, staying at an intentionally subservient position as a concession of sorts.

Hmm. Pavement kind of stings like that, huh? Who fucking knew. ]

But that's why I did it, you know? My worry about you.

You're so close to having too much from him. Too much.

You worry about me, so you go and blow a guy’s car up? Do you not realize that’s going to make things worse? Because sure, maybe he can’t pin it on you, but he’s going to —

[ — take it out on me, Gavin almost says. But he bites his tongue. Clenches his fists at his sides. ]

I told you I could handle him, and you just... what? Didn’t believe me? Didn’t trust me?

[ Maybe Gavin can’t handle it by himself — without Mike — but it makes him feel weak. And he can’t let Mike just run around pulling dangerous stunts like this in retaliation.

It hurts too, deep down, knowing he’s pulled Mike into his bullshit. Even though it makes sense why Mike feels this way, feels this need to snap back at the person hurting Gavin, but...

Would it be better to just stop telling Mike? About what Grady does? ]

The fuck are you even...

[ Gavin rolls his eyes. ]

Get up, dumbass.

Not getting up, because you need to understand how I feel. Maybe if I talk to you like this, you'll listen.

[ He's looking up at him, keeping his eyes focused on Gavin's as long as he's allowed. He can't do anything about it if the guy looks away, but he's going to hold this as long as possible.

This means something. It's important. He settles one hand on the ground and lets the other slip, idly, into his pocket. ]

It's not about a lack of trust. It's about wanting to lend you my strength. Get that in return.

Doesn't make either of us weak. Makes us strong that someone cares that fucking much.

[ His voice is so even. It doesn't betray his inner anxiety at all. ]

[ Gavin’s looking down at him, all right. Looking down at his weird, obsessed, wonderful Mike clown, and...

His heart skips a beat when he sees Mike reach into his pocket. Mixed with seeing him on the ground like this, Gavin’s thoughts just go places: back to that damn hypothetical ring he refused.

Not that he thinks that’s what this is. But he still gawks down at Mike: taken a bit off-guard by the imagery. A little flustered. ]

Just don’t want you to get hurt, Mike. It is strong — this. Us. And I know you’re not stupid, I just...

[ He rubs at the scar on his nose as he glances away for a moment, then: ]

Don’t want you making any opportunities for someone to take you away from me.

Okay. How about this.

[ He presses his fingers against what's inside his pocket, rubbing it lightly as if to boost his damn courage. This wasn't something he planned on at all. It was always a possibility, he tended to just carry the ring around in his pocket the last long while - loose was probably a bad idea but it is what it was. Just, he hadn't been sure it would actually happen? ]

I'll discuss shit before I do it, let you in on the plans. That means anything I do for you or whatever stupid shit I get conscripted into anyway, despite myself. You discuss with me when you feel like you don't deserve me or you fucked up.

We let each other in on these things? Then any opportunities, good or bad, are an equal partnership. Not one of us overruling the other.

[ He considers what to do next, what to look say. He shuffles forward on his knees, feeling awkward as hell. Taking the one hand off the ground, he reaches for Gavin's hand, taking it to hold on.

He has to remind himself to keep it loose. What do you do when you're dealing with an anxiety inducing event that happens to involve the person you rely on for stress relief? By whatever means necessary. Sometimes silly, sometimes earnest, horny or more. This here, right now, is definitely earnest. Just continuing to look up at him. ]

Sorry, I know you hate huge questions, but I've got one if you agree to that. But are you ready for it?

Got yourself all bolstered against your own anxiety? I'm pretty sure it'll be good if you stick it out.

[ Gavin definitely feels awkward, too: when Mike shuffles forward, then even more-so when he takes his hand.

Even if he wanted to, Gavin’s not sure he could pull his hand away. Not like this, not from Mike. Even though he’d said no, hypothetically, before. But that’d been hypothetical — even though Gavin knew it wasn’t. He just didn’t think Mike would go and do something like this. Not so soon. ]

It’s not... not funny. Whatever it is you’re doing. Don’t you fuck with me like this, Mike.

[ And yet he doesn’t pull away. Doesn’t run. ]

You come to the grocery store to get me because I’m whining like a motherfucker, you get through a SWAT blockade, you blow up my ex’s car, then you start crawling around like you’re...?

[ He looks down at his hand in Mike’s. ]

And what if you don’t like my answer to your big ass question? What if you don’t like the answer, huh?

Then I tuck everything away and try again another day.

[ Has he not made it clear yet? That he fucking prioritizes what Gavin wants over what he himself probably needs? But this is a little different. He's not letting this guy go, no matter what the rat man says, because they both need each other.

For the first time, not only is he confident in that, but he knows for a fact nothing is going to fool him otherwise.

He digs deeper into his pocket and it.The ring. He spent days choosing the right one, he refused to let anyone in on it help him. It had to be his pick alone to properly mean everything it was supposed to. ]

I was talking to an old friend. You know what he said, after he once witnessed the entire tragedy that was my early teen years?

That he could see I was finally properly loved and how it was changing me for the better.

I don't care if you say no. I'm not going. Because we need each other.

You can say yes, you can say no, but you're not shaking me off and eventually I'll ask again. This is the second ring you know, the other's at home.

I'll keep buying them, I'll keep asking, until you get it through your head it's better to be together than apart.

Because I want you to finally be properly loved too.

But why keep trying? Why today? Why that... last time?

[ The guy’s really gone and done it, huh? Not only bought him a ring but he’s offering it to him, now, as if Gavin is worth the sentiment. The commitment. ]

Didn’t know you were yapping about me to people. Other than the weird little forums. That’s... sweet, though. About your friend.

[ And he means it. Not that it matters what anyone beyond them thinks, really, but Gavin’s so used to having to deal with Grady and Nines, who would rather Gavin be alone. Lonely. Then there’s Hank, who Gavin doesn’t really talk to much about Mike because it’s always hurt: like when Mike went away for a month and Gavin still didn’t know what they even were. He didn’t want Hank to see that vulnerability — even though he saw it anyway; had to deal with Gavin listless and oddly less bitchy for weeks. Too lethargic to fight about stupid shit.

So it’s nice to hear that a third party actually supports them. Someone Mike seems to trust, too. In this regard, anyway.

Gavin’s voice is soft, curious, when he asks: ]

Why did you buy a second ring? Why would you keep buying them? You gonna just make a fucking garland out of all these things? Hang it up in the living room to show everyone who comes over? Nice conversation piece, that.

[ Definitely rambling because he’s nervous. What the hell is he supposed to say? Yes or no, obviously. But that feels so very... inadequate. ]

I am — [ raising a free hand to cover his mouth as he awkwardly clears his throat ] — properly loved, all that. Even though I’m... I’ve been a little bitch, haven’t I? All the time but especially today. And yet you... want that. Apparently. You think that’s... good.

What are you imagining? No, I'll keep them to the side. If you don't say yes, these things will just be waiting for you.

It's not like I'd make a display. Not going to fucking pressure you for something beyond your control.

[ Hmm. His knees are starting to hurt and he has to wonder if anyone is noticing what's going on. Not that he cares if they do, as long as nobody fucks with this. Mike just stays right where he is but he does shift a bit, trying not to make it clear gravel and asphalt are digging into his knees through his jeans. ]

Don't fucking mind if you're a 'little bitch'. Or a bully or nice or anything you might be. I want you to be yourself, whatever way that might be.

Don't know why you've been sick but I'm going to bring you soup and ginger ale every time. Pet your hair, rub your back. I'm going to keep an eye on you and if you were serious about wanting me to stalk you a little again, not questioning it, just giving you what you want.

You're the one I want. That's the beginning and end of it, the goddamn alpha and omega. You think I'm going to walk away because you're yourself?

Honey, that's exactly what I want and that's never going to change. I take full offense at every person that told you you're not enough, and I'm going to spend until my last breath showing you the evidence of otherwise.

Edited 2025-09-04 07:18 (UTC)

[ Gavin laughs, and he knows it’s terrible timing but, god, he can’t help it. ]

You really are a dipshit. Not “pressuring” me. Even if you did pin every goddamn ring to the wall in some weird, freakish clown design, it’d just be... something to look forward to. Not the clown shit, but the — you know.

Didn’t freak out last time ‘cause I didn’t want to marry you. Dipshit. Freaked out because I thought you were making a mistake. Thought you were settling. Thought you were maybe in love with the idea of me more than... well.

You have so much time to find someone better.

[ Gavin Reed, insecure about an age gap? Say it isn’t so. But he gets it more now, being on the older end: feeling like he’s responsible for fucking up Mike’s life if he stays. ]

But you don’t want that. I know.

I wanted to know your limits, honestly. Before we committed to... all this. But I guess we’ll come to that whenever we do, yeah? I can’t just go on a murder spree and you can’t just accept that. I wouldn’t want you to. Wouldn’t want to drag you down with me, the way Grady does with all his bullshit.

[ Gavin thinks of all the things he’s wanted to tell Mike, too. About his dad. Elijah. How he’s wanted to explain things, explain himself. And this takes the wind out of his sails in a good way: like a calm sea. Like he doesn’t have to fight for the right to stay by Mike’s side.

And that feels odd: the sensation of there being nobody left to fight with, really.

Other than himself: letting his fear win. Or not. ]

You can — you can get up, you know.

[ He tugs at Mike’s hand. Gently. ]

And you can stalk me a little, if you want. I’m not your damn keeper. Not doing anything interesting other than failing to get chocolate sauce, anyway.

[ Gavin sucks in a breath. Feels himself deflate somewhat before he says: ]

I’m not good enough. You deserve better. And that’s just the way it is. I’ll always be holding you back. But I can deal with that — if you can.

Babe, I'd be dead right now without you. Overdose or worse. Only quit because it was hurting you.

[ He's constantly terrified of slipping up, fucking up. He ignores the spike of that particular anxiety and the memory of failing so badly. Mike gets to his feet, steps in close as expected. His hand holding the ring stays separate from them and the other settles on Gavin's hip. He's just going to take a moment to feel him close. ]

Wouldn't call that holding me back or anything else you're going to say to insult yourself. Ain't nothing to deal with either.

If none of this convinced you I'm serious, let's try a different way.

[ He reaches into the inside pocket of his thin jean jacket, pulls out a squeeze bottle of chocolate syrup. ]

Grabbed it on the way out. Always thinking about providing whatever you want. Always.

[ It’s nothing Mike says or does to cause it, but that familiar panic rises up in Gavin again. It almost feels as if he’s watching the scene play out from outside of his body: the smoking rubble of Grady’s car. Mike finally standing up.

It’s incredulous, really. Someone wanting him. Someone proposing to him; anyone, but especially Mike. And, again: at a grocery store. After a bomb threat; after throwing cucumbers at his ex; after being cornered in the bathroom with Grady’s hands all over him, his mouth, his stupid voice insisting that no one will ever love Gavin like he does. After Gavin was a pissy motherfucker once Mike got there; Mike came for him, and... ]

This isn’t a joke, right? You’re not fucking with me? ‘Cause I wouldn’t even strangle you in a sexy or not so sexy way, I’d just be... sad.

[ But then he sees Mike pull out the chocolate sauce, the stupid goddamn chocolate sauce, and something breaks in Gavin. Something that needed breaking. ]

Do you just... put the ring on? I dunno what the hell to do here. You got two rings, yeah? You wear one too? Do you — will you? Is that too much?

[ Gavin clenches at Mike’s shirt to hide how his hands are shaking. Could anyone blame him — for this, anyway? Guy’s in shock. Tired. Queasy. Happy. ]

That’s what you wanted me to say, right? Yes, I mean. You weren’t hoping I’d say... no?

[ The words sound extremely stupid once Gavin voices them, but they’ve been tumbling around his head and need to come out. ]

You aren’t disappointed?

[ There's so much to respond to in all that, Mike doesn't know where to start. If he was the kind of psychic that could read minds, he'd be addressing the shit Grady had said. Because yes, it was true, he didn't love Gavin like Grady did. But that was a good thing, dammit.

Whatever Grady felt wasn't really in the same realm of love, beyond seeing Gavin as someone to use and abuse to make himself fucking feel better. Of course nobody else was like that. Nobody should be. ]

I'd never joke like that at you. And I'm not clinically insane so of course I'm not disappointed.

[ He tries to take Gavin's hand but won't make him let go before he's dead. He just wants to put that ring on. He's exhausted, almost like he battled a war. But he's trying his best not to tip that off. ]

Both are yours. But if you want me to wear the other one, I will.

You just seemed — I dunno. Determined. Like maybe me saying “yes” before the fifth ring is cheapening it for you, or something. Cheapens me...?

[ Gavin looks down at his hands. They look like someone else’s, don’t they? But he lets Mike take his still shaking hand. ]

No. That’s bullshit; I know that’s bullshit. I’m just — in shock, okay? Don’t understand why you’re so fine with all the bullshit I put you through, but I’m glad you are. Is that fucked up to say? Feels pretty fucked up.

I want you to... wear the other ring, yeah.

[ He’s nodding to himself. Wriggling his fingers to make sure that really is his hand. ]

I mean, that’s not a demand. Not being an asshole. Just a request. Can do anything you damn well please; don’t have to do everything I want to.

[ Eyes watering, now. Not crying. Definitely not crying. ]

Like you always do. So if that’s what you want to do, then put that goddamn ring on my finger and let me kiss you like a cheesy motherfucker, then we can go home and sleep with Ugly and that weird little baby.

[ Hopefully Killer won’t make another murder attempt while Gavin’s all vulnerable. ]

What you're not realizing is saying yes doesn't stop me from buying more rings just because I fucking want to.

And I don't care if it's fucked up. It's you and me, that's all I ever want. Don't care if that means I'm obsessed, either.

[ He slips the ring on Gavin's finger and just looks at it, looks at him, taking everything in. Crying isn't something Michael Munroe does, he's just going to ignore the lone tear or two. Must be something in the air.

He looks him in the eye and kisses his hand, doesn't even try to repress his smile. ]

Want to wear it, yeah. But I want you to put it on me.

I think that'll be perfect.

Edited 2025-09-05 00:01 (UTC)

Why would you get more rings? Already caught your damn fish. Why get more bait?

[ Gavin isn’t comparing himself to a fish. Absolutely is not.

He scowls. Eyes still wet. ]

Would take someone being a little obsessed to want to be with me, yeah. Makes sense.

[ Gavin watches the ring slide on. Feels weird: again, like watching it happen to someone else. But this is his new normal, hopefully. This ring and everything it represents. ]

You bet your fucking ass I’ll put that damn ring on you.

[ He sees that little smile. The glossiness in Mike’s eyes — no comment, there. Just like Mike’s been respecting his own.

Not that Gavin cries. Ever.

What he does do is slowly move his free hand up to cup Mike’s cheek. Not trying to be an ass here, for once, but he is impatient. Tilting Mike’s head up so he can kiss him: lips dry, albeit not chapped. Right now, all Gavin wants is Mike and some water and Mike and sleep and Mike and that chocolate sauce, covering a variety of foodstuffs.

And Mike. ]

It's not bait. It's spoiling you, but I'm not sticking to rings. Sorry but by saying yes, you've signed your fate as permanently doted upon.

I don't know anything about what it takes, I just know you're what I want and that's never changing. But I'm not going to let you be mean to yourself about shit anymore.

[ That's probably hypocritical? Mike is definitely mean to himself as well. But he'll die on the fucking hill that this is different.

He returns that kiss and just holds him close for a moment, refusing to let go or move away. They'll need to get out of here soon enough but he wants to enjoy the moment. ]

If you haven’t realized, you’re already doting on me and shit. Bringing home cats, even ones who try to kill me on the regular. Getting me flowers and chocolate — not dark chocolate. Fucking me all the time and letting me fuck you.

[ Gavin kisses him more insistently: needier. Biting at Mike’s lower lip before he’s tugging it back with his teeth. ]

Oh, you’re not gonna let me talk shit about myself, huh? Not gonna let me go and do that?

You think I'm just letting you fuck me? Like it's not something I crave and would die for?

[ Gavin's just going to go ahead and kiss him like that, huh? Two can play at that game. Mike slides the hand on his back down, until it connects with Gavin's ass and then he gropes ever so thoroughly.

Take that. ]

Anything bad you say about yourself, I'll say five good things back. I can even start now. Want to hear how hot you are?

[ A little more groping. Just a little. ]

…Maybe.

[ With Mike, anyway. All those old guys Gavin used to fuck? It was different with them. They didn’t have to deal with Gavin: they just got the horny fuck who slobbered all over them. Sex and nothing more; the bitchiness, sure, but nothing like having to deal with whining about goddamn chocolate sauce. ]

No, not really, just — it’s hard to wrap my head around, okay? Someone wanting to do anything with me long-term. Everyone gives up on me which I don’t even blame them for. It’s just weird.

Weird.

[ Which is the last word Gavin manages to get in before he’s really focusing on how Mike’s grabbing his ass. Just groping him in a grocery store parking lot, huh? After blowing up his ex’s car?

He could go for hearing about how hot he is, sure. Could always go for that. But he’s more interested now in sliding his hand along Mike’s neck: pressing his ring finger against him. Brushing his tongue against the seam of his lips, and — god, he wasn’t intending on getting distracted like this, not here, but that just happens with them, doesn’t it? Just goddamn happens. ]

[ He feels affection at the moment, definitely, especially feeling both the ring and the finger it's on pressed against him. But more than that, somehow, feeling the reminder he actually made this happen? Damn, that's hot, actually. Possibly the hottest thing Gavin has ever done.

Yeah, this sort of distraction definitely happens. He remembers something distantly, idly, and it's the only thing powerful enough to get him to separate their lips. Mike leans in close to his ear and whispers in it, tone dark and low. An effect sort of like the verbal version of a Caffè mocha. ]

You know? I didn't plan on this. But funny coincidence, before shit went down, I decided to make you feel better when you got home with more than food.

You getting tired of me surprising you with outfits yet? Because there's definitely something interesting under here.

Just putting that out there.

Random texts post

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ruining this beautiful thread with this wretched rat icon

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THE CHOCOLATE SYRUP 🥹🥹🥹

He totally stole the chocolate syrup but nbd considering he also blew up a car

the chocolate theft was necessary; Gavin might never have shut up otherwise

He has CRAVINGS okay

CRAVINGS OF THE RAT!

Apparently one craving is Mike

Forever craving. Parched. Starving 4 Mike

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Keywords lol

dawww

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I imagined “perhaps spit” in the same voice as “perhaps car” (idk why there’s a voice??)

It's Josh's voice. Go home Josh (but avoid Ashley on the way)