Yes

Love is taken for granted every day by so many people in this world and yet the most cruel man you know doesn't do that - mostly because he isn't sure what it is, why it feels so overwhelming.

Michael remembers moments spent together when he got all warm inside - he often daydreams about those memories when he is missing you. If you are gone longer than a day, he feels unstable. Of course he never shows it though. No matter how much you reassure him that it’s okay to feel emotions and show them in a softer way - he doesn’t budge. Michael has kept the usual energy, blank like a canvas and so stiff, never allowing himself to be too close.

It’s not that he hated it - he wanted it, searched for it late at night when you were sleeping. He would lay near you, staring and reaching to touch your cheek but always pulled away. Michael is not used to any of this - you are the one who introduced him to this new world of love and friendship.

Michael never had a true friend before you. When nothing romantic was blooming in the beginning, he found so much comfort in your ways of being a friend. He felt confused too. You would sneak out to hang out with him during the night like he preferred. And when you did go to his home - he always got bags of candy and a few drinks. You knew he had a sweet tooth without him having to say it. Michael knows it’s silly but he feels heard and seen because of that.

The way you trusted him so blindly stunned him. You had no questions about the mask or the outfit. You never pushed his boundaries - always asking him if it was okay to sit next to him during movie nights. He denied it a few times but the first time he did was nerve wracking - he didn’t understand how relaxed you were with being so close to him; a monster, full of evil. Someone unlovable, as he believed. It’s hard to feel accepted when all he’s heard since childhood is how horrible he is. You slowly taught him that yes - he is lovable, if given the chance on both sides. Michael is more than thankful that he didn’t kill you. 

-

the first time he let you sit next to him:

“What about this one for tonight? Or.. wait- let me get snacks first.”

Michael said nothing and only nodded, watching you leave the living room. His chest is tight, he is uncomfortable - anxious, but he won’t admit that. And it’s all because he is mentally screaming at himself to stay close to you for tonight.

He didn’t care about the movie and focused on you instead. You felt his stare the whole time - it’s almost funny how blunt he is with it. He isn’t even trying to be casual, no short glances. Michael sat on the other end of the couch, head turned and breathing a little heavy, probably from his heart rate increasing.

“Nothing you do scares me more than you staring at me like I’m dinner.” An attempt to joke falls into an awkward silence. Your words didn’t pull any reaction from him, not even a huff that he does when you do say something weird or funny. 

Michael finally looked away to stare at the couch, looking back up to you and then pats the spot next to him once like you were a dog. When you didn’t move closer, he hit it a little harder which made you hold back a laugh. 

The night ended with you right next to him, the credits rolling and your head on his shoulder. He didn’t move a muscle and instead let you rest.

dinner for two:

Michael loves your cooking even if it’s bad. He won’t eat unless you’re in his house making it. And for the past couple days you couldn’t hang out with him so you told him to just come over your house. He didn’t want to at first. Michael is not a fan of change - but he sucks it up and comes over, somewhat clean and not all bloody in respect of your home you pay so much for.

You’re surprised of how polite he could be - you never imagined it like this but here he is, standing beside you, fixing his own plate and lightly pushing you away - he made your plate too. (He saw this in movies so why not try with you? His thought process is cute but don’t say that..)

Once both of you were sat down he didn’t start eating until you did. Michael took his time to enjoy the food and you - the way he looked at you from across the table is one for the books, his masked eyes hiding the softness.

From then on, he refused to eat alone. To him, it’s intimate since he needs to lift his mask enough to expose his mouth. You’re able to watch the shape eat like he is a normal working man who just got home from a 9-to-5 job.

the first time you cried:

Michael had no idea how to handle the situation. All he knew was that someone had hurt you in some way which started a flame of rage, soon to explode. But he also felt hurt - like he was feeling it with you, he is very connected to you.

You knew that he isn’t good at being a rock for someone, he never had anyone in his life long enough to actually care about them the way he does with you. This didn’t stop you from breaking and being selfish enough to push his limits, asking him for a hug.

Michael didn’t hug you but he walked over to you and almost bumped chests. This was his way of telling you it’s okay to cling onto him. That night he adores more than others; he found out that he actually likes holding you in some kind of way, to feel your body against his. Michael felt so needed - lovable.

Whoever hurt you no longer walked the earth - you don’t need to know that though. Michael wants you to not worry; leave all the hard work to him.

-

You were gone for days. Weeks. Four whole months. Michael went insane - more than he already is according to Dr. Loomis. Michael tries to understand you had family to visit out of state, he does his best at holding back any rage fits that can only be calmed by hunting. 

He missed you. It’s like a sappy movie he watched one time with you. The couple were forced to be away from each other and Michael didn’t understand why they cried so much or why they ran to each other and hugged.

Now he does - it all makes sense because he got to experience the rush the couple must have felt when he saw your car pull up to your house. The way he hid so well during this cold night made it seem like he was preying on you; he even looked a bit scary, with the way he walked towards you.

He didn’t run like they did but he made up for the lack of excitement with a very strong, bear like hug. You had to drop the suitcase and whatever else because he tugged on your wrist roughly, forcing you into his arms. And as always, you tap his back with a groan. That man’s grip is deadly even when he means well.

Michael felt okay again. No more anxiety of you getting hurt, he isn’t angry at the world and he won’t be if you do what he says. It’s a simple word but you’d do anything to here it over and over; he sounded so gentle.

Michael was beyond angry, never in his life had he have a killing spree and he was angry. The victim he was after ran into your house. Now there was more trouble and it lead to you probably getting hurt. He looked everywhere for the victim, then heard.. screaming. It wasn’t the victims screams either.

He didn’t want to believe it, walking up the stairs to see the victim running out your bedroom out with blood over their shirt, completely fear in their eyes knowing that they messed up BIG TIME. It was already bad enough that he was chasing them in the first place, the victim put you in front of them as a shield, Michael didn’t notice it was you until he heard you screaming. Seeing his knife deep into your stomach, the victim dropped you after he did, now realizing they’re at a dead end. He was now in a blind rage, but also... scared. He’s scared for the first time. You're hurt badly and the victim was going to get away, you’re losing blood and he can't leave you there. At the same time if the victim escapes they'll tell the police EVERYTHING.

He acted fast, now having to take care of the victim with his bare hands. Grabbing the victim by their neck and plunging their thumbs in their eyes. Crushing them completely. He made sure they were dead before going towards you, shaking your body, you didn't get up. The knife was still in your stomach, this was the first time he was ever... Scared. He's scared to take it out, now scared for his own life. His shaky hands checked your pulse... you're still breathing but your heartbeats are very slow. Turning your body over, your eyes were filled with.. fear and pain. You couldn't tell, but Michael was besting himself up on the inside, he didn't think the victim would. use you as a HUMAN shield.

You placed your bloody hand on his mask, not knowing you’d die this way. It hurts.. the betrayal hurts.. could you even call it a betrayal? Tears streamed down your face as you took your last breath in Michaels's arms. Michael was shaking you over and over again to make sure you were staying with him, it didn't work. Your dead body laid in his arms as your emotionless eyes stared back into the dark circles of his mask. Holding your body close to his chest, he felt hit liquid come out his eyes. Tears, tears of sadness, he’s never cried and it showed any other emotion in a LONG time, not like he had a reason to.. Until now.

He’s sorry, if only he paid more attention instead of letting the rage control him you’d still be alive and not hurt. Probably would be taking care of any scratches or wounds by now, but no, you're not here anymore..

His eyes opened as he sat up rather quickly. Michael looked around, he was still in the bedroom. Looking over to his left, he saw you sleeping peacefully on your side, your back facing him. It was late, probably two in the morning. There wasn’t blood anywhere, no victim.. he paid attention to your sleeping figure, you’re alive.. and breathing. He let out a sigh.. it’s been a long time since he had a nightmare. Good thing it was a dream. It was only a dream, it was t real.. everything was fine. You’re okay, not hurt or anything, you're right here sleeping peacefully. Michael slowly scooted you closer to his chest. He just wants to feel you against him after that. Still being cautious since he doesn’t want to wake you up.