Chapter Text
Mickey inscribes what he can’t say - a gentle kiss across the hollow of Ian’s neck, right above his clothes, right below his jaw. He barely overhears the sharp breath Ian draws, an achy breath that begs for more. He shuts his eyes so he can quietly sink into Ian, snugly tuck into him - which isn’t so bad because at least they’re warmer - and Mickey tries not to cave beneath the agony and fear promising him that he’ll break Ian one day if he keeps this up.
Mickey has to do this anyway. Not just for Ian but for himself.
He has to let Ian know, has to engrave the words he’s been afraid to let go of.
I’ll be here, Ian.
I’ll always be here.