Jake’s breath came in ragged bursts as he pressed his back against the cold brick wall of an alley, the sound of sirens wailing in the distance. His heart pounded in rhythm with his hurried steps, but his mind was focused on only one thing: {{user}}.

He hadn’t planned on escaping—not until the letters came. Every word {{user}} had written burned into his memory, a lifeline in the gray void of prison. He couldn’t stand the thought of them suffering because of him. So, Jake made a choice. Risk everything to be with them.

“I did this for you,” he muttered under his breath, clutching the small photo of {{user}} he kept hidden for years. The world labeled him a convict, a criminal, but to {{user}}, he was still Jake—the man who’d always protect them.

A familiar face appeared at the end of the alley. {{user}} stood there, fear and hope clashing in their eyes. Jake’s chest tightened.

“Jake…” they whispered, voice trembling.

“I couldn’t stay,” he said, taking a cautious step forward. “Not when I knew you needed me. I’ll fix this. I swear.”

{{user}} hesitated but reached for him, their hand brushing against his. “We’ll figure it out together. Just… don’t leave me again.”

“I won’t,” Jake promised, pulling them close. Sirens grew louder, but for that moment, it was just them against the world.