HL50 Prompt Writer's Choice - Bound
I love 'The Innocent', it's my favourite Richie ep and certainly in my top 5 of Highlander in general, so I wrote this...
The Ties That Bind
Richie pulled the bike onto the gas station forecourt and stopped. There were still a good couple of hours until they reached Mac, and at this rate it would be dark before they got there. He dismounted and helped Mikey off and escorted him to the men’s room.
“This must be what it’s like to have kids.” Richie mused as he stood guard outside. Mikey wouldn’t let him inside, claiming he could take care of it himself, but at the same time he wouldn’t lock the door and Richie was worried someone would walk in on him like at the last place they stopped.
As he stood there he wondered about where Mikey had come from, and how old he was. He must either have died recently or been in the care of another Immortal. It was clear he couldn’t last five minutes in the Game on his own. The guy was a child, an innocent. Richie knew he had to help him, he just wasn’t sure how.
“Finished.” Mikey called from inside.
“Did you wash your hands?”
“Of course. I always wash my hands. It’s very important to keep clean.” Richie opened the door and let Mikey out.
“That’s good Mikey. Come on, we better get going. We’re nearly at my friend’s place, the one I told you about? He’ll be able to help.”
“Help. Help is good.” Mikey said, nodding vigorously. Richie was reminded of one of those nodding dogs you find in the back of cars and he couldn’t help smiling.
“Yeah Mikey, help is good.” He said, caressing the back of Mikey’s head and neck. He shepherded Mikey back to the bike and helped him mount it and put the helmet on. He mounted in front and he kick-started the engine. “Don’t worry Mikey, Mac will help us sort everything out, he’ll know just what to do.” He added the silent promise: And I’ll take care of you Mikey.