michael doesn't remember why he's in this situation, bare foot pressed so hard on the gas pedal he's practically driving it into the floor, speeding down an empty highway in the middle of nowhere. he doesn't know why his lip is bleeding, or why he can't really see that well. that's a lie. he knows it's just tears clouding his vision.

he pushes a few random buttons on the electronic console of his car, hoping it'll call someone who can help him. it only rings once before luke's voice is filling the silent car.

"hey babe, what's up? are you on your way back yet, it's get-"

"l-luke, fuck, i'm lost, i don't-" michael chokes on a sob, squeezing his eyes shut. he feels his car swerve and they snap open again

"hang on, are you driving?" luke asks worriedly, and michael nods before realizing luke can't see him.

"yeah," he cries, giving in and letting his sobs grow louder.

"pull over, mike." luke snaps, and it comes out harsher than he means it to, "pull over now."

"o-okay, m's-sorry..." michael sniffles and without thinking, slams his foot down on the brake.

he gasps, jerking forward as the car goes from close to ninety miles per hour to zero in less than a second. he smashes into the steering wheel, slumping over it while he tries to regain his breath as the car skids to a stop.

"m...ael? you...ay? mi...l!"

michael barely hears luke talking over the sound of his own ragged breathing, his chest aching.

"m'fine..." michael mumbles, his eyelids drooping.

"mi..ael, whe..re...ou?"

"shut up," michael begs, his voice a weak whisper. every time he breathes, another sharp pain shoots through his lungs, "think i turned off'f seventy-five north..."

"i'm...ling an ambu..."

michael lets his eyes slip shut, his weak body draped across the steering wheel as he gives up.

-

"...king up,"

michael feels a hand squeeze his, "can you hear me, love?"

luke.

"l-l-" michael hiccups and sniffles, his throat too dry. he carefully opens his eyes, letting them adjust to the bright lights.

"yeah, sweetheart. it's me, it's luke." he rubs little circles on the back of michael's hand. "how're you feeling, baby?"

"tired..." michael croaks, and luke strokes his hair gently. "what happened?"

"just a drunk mistake, mike, don't worry about it. you're gonna be okay." luke murmurs, kissing his forehead.

"o-okay..." he whispers, lower lip quivering as he gives luke's hand a gentle tug.

luke gets the message and leans down, helping michael get his arms around his neck and holding him. "i've got you, love."

michael nods, sniffling and closing his eyes, focusing on luke's arms around him, keeping him safe.

because he is, at least with luke.