Call it what you will, but Frank didn’t have regrets sleeping with Gerard even if he was upset with
him. Frank felt good, his body was more relaxed. He turned his back to Gerard, looking away from him. Gerard tucked in his lower lip and wrapped his arm around Frank’s waist before reeling him closer to his body. Frank kind of smirked, oddly surprised that Gerard wanted his love even if Frank was upset.

---

Mikey was distracting himself from his recent heartbreak in a coffee shop. He was next to the large window, occasionally taking sips from his mug. He stared out from the window, sometimes awkwardly making eye contact with strangers unintentionally. He paused when he noticed he was just across the street from the comic book shop where his friend worked. Mikey glanced down from his drink to the comic book shop, debating whether to go now or later when he felt better.

He set his coffee down and grabbed his jacket before exiting into the cold air. He paused, almost getting trampled by passing strangers. Mikey would admit the streets were way different than in San Francisco. San Fran’s streets made their way up like a hill, and L.A’s streets were completely flat. It just wasn’t what he was use to. Though there were things that weren’t different, like the big structures and the amount of people.

Mikey made his way across the street, just outside the comic book shop. He looked at the window, admiring the old and new comics that were displayed from the inside. He made his way inside the shop, gazing at the comics against the back wall.

“Welcome to Maniac Reader,” A husky and bored voice called.

Mikey turned to find his friend Pete, staring down at the counter. Pete didn’t realize it was his close friend who kept in contact with him when Mikey went on the road for the band. Pete was more focused on a comic book he was reading rather than the boredom around him.

Mikey grinned as he made his way to the desk. He spotted a bell and smacked his hand on it, sending Pete’s head to shoot up. Mikey asked, “Missed me?”

Pete’s smile formed, “Holy shit, Way!” Pete, as excited as he was, swiftly jumped over the large desk and reeled in Mikey for a tight hug. Mikey was laughing as his close friend’s reaction. Pete pushed him away sarcastically, “Fuck you, man. I can’t believe you left me.”

Mikey reeled him back in for another hug, “I didn’t know you were moving further away-so technically, you left me.” His smile lost its form, “I missed you.”

Pete kept his grin, “I missed you too ..” Pete quickly looked away, making his way around the shop, “Don’t tell me you’re just dropping by. You better have been coming here to fill out an application instead of teasing me with that idea of yours, telling me you want to work here with your brother.”

Mikey smiled, “Yeah, sure. I’ll apply. I’m not sure about my brother though-he’s been distracted lately.”

“Oh, that fuckboy?” Pete grinned, “Ever since he came out he’s been breaking guys’ hearts faster than the way you play the bass.”

Mikey frowned, “Yeah, he has .. he’s uh, sleeping with someone who's probably going to be hurt for a while.”

“What makes this guy any different?”

“He’s 18.”

Pete frowned, “Oh.” He shook his head, making his way back around the desk, “Even for Gerard that’s a low blow .. “ Pete thought about the 18 year old, “Poor kid.”

Mikey nodded in agreement, “I love my brother but he’s such a dick most of the time.” He looked at Pete, “But let’s not talk about that .. how are you? Last time we hung out you lived in Idaho.”

“Well, yeah, we met on your band’s tour.” Pete smiled, pulling an application out from a drawer, “I didn’t get to tell you about me leaving. Even when we stayed in contact, I didn’t know when to tell you because the time zones are always weird.” He smiled, “But it’s okay now. Ever since you told me you came to live here, it was perfect to tell you!” He chuckled, “Now, let’s hope your application goes well so we can be bored together, working here.”

Mikey rolled his eyes, “Being with you is always fun. We can make the best of it here.”

---

(( Flashback: Idaho ))

The MCR members made their way out the back door of the large stage. Gerard smoked a cig as Patrick talked to Gerard about his multiple fedoras he had back home in San Fran. Ray and Mikey were shoulder to shoulder, laughing about the amount of times Ray rubbed against Mikey, getting the crowd heated up. Mikey was blushing, not getting noticed by Ray who kept the conversation going.

Mikey was too distracted by Ray’s smile and laugh that he bumped into another figure, knocking them down onto the grass. Mikey immediately apologized and kneeled down to gather broken pieces of-a camera. Mikey’s body turned hot, “Shit, shit, I’ll pay for it-”

“No, it’s fine.” The guy on the ground looked up to Mikey, “It’s an old camera anyway.” He got up onto his feet as Mikey frantically picked up the pieces. The guy reassured him, “Mikey Way, it’s fine.”

Mikey grabbed as much pieces as he could find and handed it over to the guy who stared at him, graciously smiling. Mikey looked at him, “You know who I am?”

“Yes. I mean, who doesn’t?”

Ray looked at the two and tapped Mikey’s shoulder, “We should get going.” Mikey nodded, “Yeah, okay-I’ll catch up to you guys.”

Ray glanced at the man and then nodded at Mikey before leaving with Patrick, Bob and Gerard. The four walked off to the bus while Mikey stayed with the stranger, “What’s your name?”

“Pete. Pete Wentz.” He looked at the broken pieces of his camera, “I was planning on taking pictures of the sunset but uh, it’s okay. I have another camera back home.” He quickly added before Mikey could say anything, “I mean it. It’s fine.” He grinned.

Mikey smiled slightly, “Well, at least let me buy you a drink or something-not in a weird way or anything.”

Pete laughed, “Sure, sure. There’s a modern tavern not far from here. We can go there.”

Mikey agreed, and they went. There was something about Pete that couldn’t make Mikey frown. He didn’t have a crush-or at least he didn’t think so. But there was a pleasant feeling around Pete that was hard to let go. Pete was comfortable to be around with, and Mikey felt a connection. He liked Pete’s company and was sad he was leaving tomorrow.

Mikey said as he exited the tavern with Pete, “I hope we see each other again. I really liked hanging out with you.”

Pete scoffed, “Fuck, might as well give you my number.” He grinned, “But let’s not fall in love with each other, okay? I’m not a committed person.” Pete joked, winking at Mikey would laughed.

Mikey nodded, “Alright, alright. I won’t fall in love with you.”

Notes

xo