Seth sits on the bus fidgeting as it pulls away from the station. The night sky beginning to give way to the morning as they drive away from the city. He wasn't certain where he was going. He didn't care either. He had bought the ticket blind and just jumped on the bus that was leaving the first. He needed to escape. He had to run away. He also know if he knew where he was going he may chicken out and not go. He can't risk that he wouldn't do it.

After being with his partner for years it was over. He moved in with partner right out of high school. At first things where wonderful then it turned fast when Seth moved in with him. He started hitting Seth and the final straw was when he broke Seth's arm. Seth then began planning on how to run away when he left the hospital. He needed to escape before his partner killed him.

Seth's parents had died when he was 16 so he had no family ties to worry about. He knew he could leave and vanish and his partner would never be able to find him. His partner also isolated him from everyone and even made him quit his job a year ago. All so he could control him.

Seth let his arm heal first as he got his plan ready to run. He had taken half the money out of the account in cash. He then packed his bags and walked away. No note or message. He was just gone. His cell was on the table. It's memory was wiped and it was broken so that his partner couldn't track what he did.

Now he was on the bus to another town with no idea where he was going. He was going to start a new life. Seth runs a hand through his hair and sits back in the seat. He closes his eyes and pulls his coat around himself. He shakes out excitement and fear. What if he came after him was present in his mind but right now Seth just wanted to put some distance and to be safe.

Seth arrives at his stop and disembarks the bus. He looks around and chews on his lip. He picks up his bag and doesn't notice a lady watching him. She has long blond hair and Russian accent. The lady looks at the boy and sighs softly watching his nerves and the timid look in his eyes. She walks over and smiles gently at him.

"you seem like your running from something." She drawls out softly.

Seth nods and looks at her.

She gives him an address. "you go here. He'll take care of you. He rents out rooms and i think you need a place to stay."

Seth nods and looks at her. When he looks up to say something he notices that she's walking away. He chews his lip and looks down at the address. It can't be worse then what he left. Seth walks down the street, holding his bag against his side. He walks to the address that the lady gave him. It was a small apartment building and it seems legit. He knocks on the door and looks up when a huge man answers the door. He swallows and looks up with his eyes huge. "I.. I came to see an apartment..."

Taker looks down at this little boy that was standing in front of him. The kid obviously was a mess and his eyes are red rimmed from crying. Taker reaches out and the kid flinches. He frowns and gently runs a thumb over Seth's cheek and it comes back covered in make up. Taker takes in the bruise showing now on Seth's cheek. Taker shakes his head and sighs softly.

Seth looks down and then bites his lip when Taker motions him in.

"He know your here?" Taker rumbles.

Seth shakes his head, "No."

Taker nods and looks back at Seth. "Good.." He opens an apartment door. "if anyone comes looking for you. Your not here as far as I'm concerned."

Seth relaxes and looks around.

Taker raises his eyebrow as he watches Seth look around the apartment. The apartment is a tiny studio apartment. It's got a bathroom though. A small kitchen and tiny bedroom. It wasn't great but it was his.

Seth looks up at him and whispers, "When.."

Taker holds up his hand and hands him a key. Seth gives him the damage deposit. Taker though won't take the rent. "save that. Rent is due on the 1st. Also.." He hands Seth a card from his wallet. "Go down to this shop in the morning. They'll give you a job."

Seth looks at him and whispers, "Thank you."

Taker nods and looks at him, "Don't get use to it. If you need anything though talk to me." Taker then turns and leaves.

Seth watches him go and then the door shuts. Tears come to Seth's eyes. He looks around the apartment and then slowly sinks to his knees. He sobs softly. His hand covering his mouth as he tries to contain it. He was free. Seth wipes his eyes and then whispers to himself, "Pull yourself together.. You're free.. you are finally free."

Taker walks into his own apartment and picks up his phone. He dials a number and then speaks softly into the receiver. "He's here.. Yes .. he's going there in the morning... Yes.. I understand.. I'll protect him."