[WP]

Michael listened to the familiar dial of his phone, ringing sweetly in his ear until the sound of shuffling began as the device was picked up.

"Hey! Mikey what's up?"

Michael grinned at the sound of Jeremy's voice, "Nothing much, you?"

"Just chillin' in my basement like usual." Jeremy took in a content breath.

"Stoned?" Michael sighed.

"Actually, no."

"Surprising." Michael huffed with a smirk.

"Oh hush, now what did you call me for?"

"...I just wanted to tell you how much I love you." Michael murmured kindly into the phone.

Jeremy let out a small giggle, "I know, idiot! You tell me like twenty times a day."

"Yeah..." Michael sighed peacefully, "But I-it's true ya' know, I really do- a-a lot."

"Michael, you okay?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Your voice just seems to be...off..."

"Mhm!" Michael chirped, "Why wouldn't I be?"

"I dunno'..." Jeremy muttered.

"It's okay Jer, I love ya' for being worried."

Jeremy grinned, "I love you too, Michael."

"Not as much as I love you."

"Oh really?" Jeremy tested.

"...Really."

"How much?"

"I'd give my l-life for yours." Michael choked into the phone.

Jeremy frowned, "Michael, what's up, seriously?"

Michael shook his head against the phone, "N-No, no! Everything is fine!" Michael added hastily.

"...Michael please, if you're...if you're having an..attack, just tell me, alright? I can come over and-"

"I'm fine, Jer!" Michael chuckled, "Honestly."

"...Michael..."

"Jeremy, I-I love you."

"Michael?"

"A lot. A lot a lot."

"Yeah, I know bud, I love you too, is everything okay?" Jeremy asked once again.

"I...I...I love...y-you." Michael's voice was cracked and shaken by small, escaping sobs.

"Michael?" Jeremy's voice was layered with worry.

Michael no longer had the strength to hold his phone.

Nobody would have come fast enough, not even Jeremy.

Michael stared down at the bullet wound that had plunged through his gut, blood pooling around him, his phone now covered in the stuff, muffling Jeremy's worried tone.

How Much do you love me?

...I'd give my life for yours.