Mike pov

If Jeremy's father would kill him based on sexuality, then I would have to keep him here. I'm not positive that he's gay, but he could be. Plus, I do really like him, and I feel that the more time I spend with him, the more I like him. I could see myself loving him, soon.

"We'll find a way for you to stay..." I said, hoping it would give him something to look up to.

"T-Thank you M-Mike..." He said softly, hugging me from the tub.

I blushed lightly and hugged back, only feeling more affection towards him. He was just so cute and sweet, it would be hard not to like him. If anyone could I'm not sure how they would do it.

He pulled me into the tub quickly before I had time to react.

"Jeremy!" I huffed, not expecting to get soaked with water.

He just smiled and hugged me, resting his head on my chest. I sighed, not being able to stay mad at him. In my mind, he was just too adorable to be mad at.

"I-I r-really like y-you... I w-want to s-stay..." He said softly, looking up at me with his bright green eyes.

"I really like you too Jeremy. We'll figure out a way to make that happen..." I replied, running my fingers through his hair, which caused him to blush rather darkly.

Jeremy looked down quickly, his cheeks being as red as a ripe strawberry in the summer time. He was obviously embarrassed.

"Sorry..." I said softly, seeing it was my fault.

"D-Don't b-be... I'm j-just, n-not u-used to a n-nice t-touch... M-Most p-physic-cal c-cont-tact I have is f-from my f-father, a-and he is n-not g-gentle..." He explained quietly, hugging me a bit tighter and moving his tail onto my lap.

Hearing that Jeremy was, and most likely still is, beaten by his father isn't easy, it's actually very upsetting. I like him, a lot. The last thing I want to hear about someone I like and care for is that they're being abused. That's one of the worst things to be told.

It must be hard on him, not only to talk about it, but to actually have to be going through it. Nobody deserves to be abused, especially not someone who's as sweet as Jeremy. That only makes it worse to endure.

"It's horrible what you have to go through. It shouldn't happen to anyone, and especially not to you. I know we haven't know each other very long, but I've talked to you long enough to know that you've done nothing to deserve to be abused by him. You are very sweet and kind and should not be treated the way you are. I'm going to keep my promise and keep you safe from him, no matter what." I said, speaking my thoughts for once.

Without hesitation, Jeremy pulled me into a kiss.