Waking up suffocated in Mike's hair and limbs was practically like happiness itself. I was finally able to sleep peacefully, with warmth surrounding me. I reached for his face, running my fingers across his stubbly, tired, peaceful face. I kissed his lips softly, feeling the familiar tingle in my belly before feeling him wake up.

"You're so perfect when you're sleeping, I couldn't help myself!" I whispered loudly.

He chuckled and nuzzled his face into my neck, kissing softly.

"I want to make you girls breakfast so don't lure me into you," He whispered huskily.
"Don't threaten me with a good time," I laughed softly.
"Come on," He pulled away from me and extended his hand pulling me out of bed.

Being near Mike felt like heaven on earth. A month away from his warmth felt like a hundred years. I watched him as he prepped everything for breakfast, I looked at the clock, it read 1 P.M. I smiled softly and hugged him softly, feeling the sudden ache for my weakness pulling at my stomach.

"I'll be right back," I tried to smile and I walked toward Mike's room feverishly.

Inside I dug the small nearly empty bag from my purse and locked myself in the bathroom, inhaling a line off the top of the toilet tank. I wiped my nose and used a couple sheets of toilet paper to dust off the bleach white porcelain.

I felt my joints loosen and the euphoria take control of my body. I felt invincible as the bathroom began to widen and I let myself out, tucking the empty baggy into my purse. Mike was quick to take notice of my heightened state as I pranced into the kitchen.

He looked disappointed but kept his lips tight as he finished breakfast. I felt a smile twitch at the corner of my lips seeing a rested Ainna emerge from the room. I could tell she felt relieved to sleep in a nice warm bed in a welcomed, safe, household.

"Morning," She said quietly and sat next to me.
"How'd you sleep?" Mike questioned, setting two plates down in front of us.
"Good, thank you for doing this for me, you really didn't have to," She spoke lowly.
"Don't mention it, any friend of Brooklyn's is a friend of mine," He attempted a confident smile.
"Thank you baby," I said biting my lip and hoping he'd kiss me.

He nodded softly and began making his plate. I wished I could explain to him how I felt. I desperately wanted to be clean for him, be everything he needed, but I couldn't be. That's why I left him, that's why I made things easier for him.

Ainna finished rather quickly and excused herself, inquiring about towels and such. Mike directed her to everything she needed and finished his breakfast, setting his plate in the sink. He rested his hands on my shoulders and let them slide down my arms and then my hips before guiding me into his bedroom.

He shut the door behind us and rummaged through his closet for an outfit to wear. He started the shower and paused, looking at me steadily.

"I know you're high," He said sadly.

I was silent and so was he.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice cracking.
"Jaime is very upset with you," He informed me, beginning to strip his clothing.
"I figured he was, and Vic & Tony?"
"Vic is glad to see you're back, and Tony is confused by it all. It makes sense to him, but confuses him at the same time."

I was quiet and Mike stood nude in front of me, I tilted my head. All I wanted to do was run my hands over the familiarity of his skin and remember things about our happy past. I wanted to remember what it felt like when we were younger and drunk. I wanted to remember the simpler times when nothing mattered but Mike & I being carefree and happy.

He took my hand and undressed me slowly, throwing my clothes atop the pile containing his dirty pajamas. He brushed my stringy hair away from my face and stood back admiring my newly stick skinny body, brittle bones peeking out of places he'd never seen before.

"How much?" He questioned.
"Twenty pounds," I answered.

I had lost nearly twenty pounds in the month I was gone. He ran his hand down my bare torso, feeling the bumps of my rib-cage beneath his calloused and tough fingers. My breathing was labored but I felt complete. I felt the love Mike contained for me, still blooming like it did when I was 16. I felt his stare upon my body, showering me with kind words through his gaze. I felt the adoration he still possessed for me, even after I had left him high and dry. He loved me, even though I had fucked him over, he loved me even though I was a drug addict, he loved me even when I refused to love my fucked up self.