Mikey walked to the comic book shop. He was ready to open it-but it didn’t open. Mikey frowned as he peered in, staring into the darkened shop. He knocked, “Pete?” There was no reply. He looked at the sign by the window which said, “CLOSED”. Pete never did tell Mikey that they’d be closed today.

Mikey pulled out his phone and texted Pete.

To: Pete :))
3:01 p.m
Hey??? Why is the shop closed???

From: Pete :))
3.05 p.m
Dont cume insiide.

To: Pete :))
3:06 p.m
So you are here??

From: Pete :))
3:10 p.m
Get the daayyoff.

Mikey was getting worried. It seemed Pete wasn’t typing well, which made him wonder what the hell was going on inside. Mikey tucked his phone in his back pocket. He jiggled the door before giving up completely. He made his way around the shop to the back, noticing that the heavy metal door was unlocked. He grinned to himself, happy that he found a way in. He opened it and walked in, stepping over distressed comics in the back. He entered through another door and spotted Pete dosing down a large bottle of liquor. Mikey inched closer, “Pete?”

Pete wiped his mouth and rolled his eyes, “I told you not to come in.”

“You should really lock the back door.”

Pete practically shouted, “Get out.”

Mikey snatched the bottle away from Pete’s grasp, “What’s wrong with you? Tell me what’s wrong .. please, Pete, you’re my best friend.”

“And that’s all I’ll ever be.” Pete replied, looking down to his shoes, “I love you so much. And you ignored me. How did it feel? Fucking Ray? Or did he fuck you?” Pete’s chest tightened, “I bet you fucking liked it.”

Mikey’s cheeks burned. He growled, “You’re drunk. Sit down.”

Pete snorted, “While I am drunk, are ya gonna confess your love? Are ya gonna kiss me?” He paused for a second, “Well you can’t. You can either have me or Ray-and you obviously chose already, didn’t you?”

“Pete-”

“No, no, no, fuck you.” He growled.

Mikey went over and grabbed Pete by the shirt. He led him to sit down on one of the comfortable chairs and sat next to him. Pete tried moving away, but Mikey wouldn’t allow it. He yanked him close and hugged him. Pete took in the scent of Mikey and his bottom lip quivered before he cried into Mikey’s jacket. Mikey held him close, letting Pete cry into his jacket. Pete muffled into his jacket, “Why Ray? Please, I can do so much better ..”

Mikey felt like crying too. He said softly, “I know you can ..” He stroked his hand through Mikey’s hair and hushed him. Pete’s cries died down as Mikey held him for another ten minutes. Pete was sniffling now, “I just .. I don’t know. My heart hurts so much.”

Mikey hushed him, “Just try to sleep.”

Pete sneezed. He rubbed his nose with his sleeve before lying back on Mikey’s chest. As his eyes slowly closed, he murmured, “I just want to make you happy. Me. No one else .. can you please consider me? Please?”

Mikey felt his heart break, “I’ll always consider you.”

Pete’s rosey cheeks burned. He grinned, his eyes shut as he slept soundly on Mikey’s chest. Mikey sat there, holding onto his best friend. He didn’t know what to do. He loved Ray, but something about Pete made him feel comfortable. Mikey knew there was only one thing he could do to make his decision final. He needed advice. He needed advice from his brother.

---

Gerard waited patiently. It was after school. Why was Frank taking so long to walk through the door. Gerard scrunched up his nose in thought. He pulled out his phone, seeing a text from Frank. Gerard rolled his eyes when he realized his phone was on silent.

From: Frankie<3
2:46 p.m
Can’t come today. I have to introduce my parents to my tutor.

To: Frankie<3
3:23p.m
Oh! Okay. I didn’t see your text until now. How did it go?

---

Frank walked next to Brendon who was perfect in every way. Well, at least Frank thought so. He’s never seen anyone so perfectly postured and elegant. Frank cut himself off from his thoughts about Brendon. He found it odd he was thinking “those kind of” thoughts about Brendon.

Brendon asked, “So, your parents want to meet me?”

“I know it’s only been a couple of days, but yes.” Frank grinned, “Sorry we couldn’t take your car. I don’t feel comfortable getting into a car with someone I don’t really know-no offense.”

Brendon laughed, “None taken. It’s actually pretty smart of you.”

Frank smiled. As they got closer to his house, Frank bit his lower lip. He said, “Can you do me a favor?”

Brendon rose a brow, “What is it?”

“I .. I need you to stretch the truth for me.”

“You mean, lie?” He stopped in his tracks, making Frank reflect it. Brendon asked, “What am I supposed to be lying about?”

“Well, I was hoping you’d tell my parents we meet up after school not during .. and that I’ve been seeing you for about a month.”

“I can’t lie.” Brendon stared at Frank. He can see the disappointment in his eyes. Brendon sighed weakly, “Fine. I will. But on one condition.”

“What is it?”

“We do study sessions twice a week after school, added onto the study sessions we have during lunch.”

Frank looked away. He sighed a bit, “Alright, deal.”

Notes

xo