He's been through this before, at least, and as his knees hit the floor he winces but doesn't make a single noise. It's something he's used to.

They're getting somewhere. He thinks they're getting somewhere--it's progression, not fucking limbo, and at this point Mike will take that over anything. The other starts unfastening his belt and Mike has to wonder if he wore his own subconsciously or not. Maybe he wanted this to happen.

That's what Liam would probably say. He swears not to bring too much attention to it. Besides, he has something to concentrate on. Surviving.

"Okay," His voice is soft, though that's because of the belt around his neck. "I'll do well." It's as close to a promise as he can get, still on his knees, worrying his bottom lip with his teeth. "I swear I wouldn't do anything to compromise what we--what you--have."