Mikey's Hook Up

"Are we done yet Mikes, this is like the fifth place we've looked at today."

Gerard looked at his watch. It was almost six and his stomach was starting to protest that he had not had dinner yet. Mikey rolled his eyes as he grabbed Gerard's sleeve to drag him across the road before he got hit by a yellow cab.

"Not yet Gee, just one more then I'll buy you a hotdog, ok?...it's just round the corner."

Gerard sighed. He was kind of regretting the 80's night he had with Mikey after his last break up. To be fair, it was not Mikey's fault, Pete had an opportunity of a life time, but it required him to move half way around the world and he didn't think it was fair to keep Mikey dangling while he was still figuring out his life. Mikey still took it hard and it was a marathon on every John Huges film. By the end of it, Mikey had this crazy idea to open up a singles bar like the ones he saw in the films. The funny thing is it was actually not that crazy after all, and that's how Gerard found himself in the middle of yet another neighborhood looking at yet another closed bar.

"Alright Mikey, one more, but that's it."

Mikey turned his head and grinned at Gerard as they came to a stop in front of the old brick building. It had been a warehouse, a Chinese restaurant, a salsa club and most recently a barbers shop...but the "most recently", was nearly five years ago, and the place had been boarded up since then, with a huge padlock on the shuttered door. Mikey loved it.

"I think this is the one Gee..."

He pulled the key that the realtor had given him out of his pocket. The guy hadn't wanted to come down here on a Saturday evening, and had just told Mikey to drop the keys back to the office when he was done.

"Lets check it out."

Gerard nodded and when the lock was open, they stepped in.

"Wow, this place is huge! How much did he say?"

Mikey pulled the property details, such as they were, from his pocket.

"Well that's the best bit, it's a fucking steal..."

He held out the single sheet of paper to his brother.

"I can buy the freehold on this place for under 30 grand."

"Does that include the whole building or just this space?"

"The whole building..."

Mikey said proudly.

"It's got an apartment upstairs and a basement for storage too."

"Okay, now I am skeptical. What's wrong with it? Why so cheap?"

Mikey laughed.

"Gee, there's nothing wrong with it...nothing a bit of elbow grease, hard work and paint can't fix anyway. The realtor told me that the last owner died while he was away on holiday in Europe somewhere, and his daughter just wants rid of the place cause she lives in California and can't be assed to come out here to deal with it. She just wants it sold quick as possible, that's all."

"So what are you gonna do with..."

Mikey still lived in the apartment that Pete and him shared. Mikey gave Gerard a "look".

"Don't. Let's just look around this place so you can tell me what an amazingly smart investment this is, then I can call the realtor and buy it before buying you your hotdog...yeah?"

"Alright, let's have a look around."

They checked out the apartment upstairs as well, and the basement. The place had room for a small kitchen, plenty of room for a bar and a dance floor. After a half hour Gerard turned to Mikey.

"Before you say yes, check the building and see if it is up to code."

"It's up to code Gee. The realtor showed me the papers."

"I want to check them out too, and meet the realtor."

Mikey frowned.

"You don't trust my judgement?"

"Its not that Mikes, it's just...this is new for you, and you are excited and it is easier to take advantage of someone..."

"I'm not being taken advantage of, but Gee, you don't want to meet my realtor...trust me."

Gerard's eyebrows rose and he went right into big brother mode.

"Oh? And just why not?"

"Cause you already know him..."

Mikey took a breath, hoping Gerard didn't burst into tears at the news.

"It's Casper...your ex."

"Oh..."

And like that it was five years ago and Gerard was a young kid in college with heart eyes for the TA of his accountancy class.

"Okay, so...yeah, I'm gonna..."

He started for the door.

"I forgot I have this thing."

Mikey grabbed his arm.

"Gee please don't go. You don't have to see him, like at all. I'll deal with him, just like you dealt with Justin for me..."

He sighed, pulling Gerard to his chest and wrapping his arms around him.

"Let me buy you dinner?...I'll even stretch to an ice cream."

"Wow."

Before Pete there was Justin. Mikey's first broken heart. Mikey was 14 and thought his world was over. Gerard stayed up with him as he drank and then threw it up, and then drank again. Mikey raised an eyebrow.

"Is that a; wow, thanks Mikey, of course I'll stay. You're the best little brother in the whole wide world?"

"Something like that...but I want Chinese."

Mikey grinned.

"I shouldn't have expected anything else. Just let me make this call, then we'll go...ok?"

"Yeah, let's go."

Gerard looked around some more while Mikey talked to...Casper and then hung up.

"Ok Gee, he's taken the place off the market, all I gotta do is go see him tomorrow to sign the papers and pay the money...it's a done deal..."

Mikey grinned.

"You ready?"

Gerard nodded and they left .

(Time passes)

Ray was nervous. He looked at the ad on his phone again.

Wanted, short order cook for bar. Experience a must. Contact Michael Way for interview.

Ray did and he was given the address for a coffee shop on third and a time. He looked at his phone again.

"15 minutes early, that ought to be impressive."

He walked in and after getting a latte sat down and waited.

"Damn it damn it damn it..."

Mikey muttered to himself as he hurried around the corner toward the coffee shop...ten minutes late. He hoped the guy he was supposed to interview at 10 was still there, but he would understand if he wasn't. Pushing into the warn, coffee scented space, Mikey looked around for any sign of someone who looked like they were there waiting for him. There was a couple of college kids sat drinking espressos while staring at their cellphones, a woman with a baby in a stroller, trying to catch a few minutes peace while the child sucked messily on a rusk, and a man with what could only be described as an awesome fro, sat on his own and looking somewhat nervous. Mikey took a breath and walked over to the man's table.

"Err hi, are you Ray?"

"Yes, are you Michael?"

"Yeah, sorry I'm late. You been waiting long?"

"Um...maybe 20 minutes?"

"Sorry..."

Mikey took off his coat and hung it over the back of the second chair at the table before sitting down. He put his hands on the table and offered Ray a slight smile.

"Soooo...you worked as a cook before?"

"Yes, I was a cook in the military."

"Military?..."

Mikey raised an eyebrow, glancing at Ray's hair.

"You don't look like a soldier."

"Yup, four years with an honourable discharge."

"And what have you been doing since?"

Ray scratched the back of his neck, letting his nerves show.

"Been on unemployment. Hard to find a job, even with a military background, you know?"

Mikey nodded.

"Yeah, I get that. So what kinda things do you cook?"

"Well we worked in the mess hall so all three meals. Before the military I worked in a diner as a bus boy, but I was in the kitchen a lot learning prep and if I didn't go into the military, I would have been trained there too."

"Can I ask...why'd you join up?"

"Uh...well, my home life wasn't the best at the time..."

Ray could still hear his dad.

"Fucking faggot! Four of you! Four of you raised in my home the same way and look what you turned out to be! A worthless faggot!"

Ray's mother was crying and his older brother was holding her. His dad grabbed a handfull of garbage bags and threw them at him.

"There! You can pack your shit up and take it out like the trash that you are!"

"No, my baby!"

"You can get the fuck out like him too!"

"It's okay Ma, I'll be fine."

After that Ray went to live with his older brother and joined the military. He was good with the don't ask don't tell program, but then...honourable discharge it was. Ray didn't even realise he was off in his own head till he felt a hand on his arm.

"Ray?..."

Mikey asked gently.

"You ok?"

"What? Oh yeah, sorry, spaced out a bit I guess..."

Ray scratched the back of his neck again.

"Did I miss something you said?"

Mikey shook his head, smiling kindly.

"No...you were saying...why you joined up?...you don't have to tell me though, I was just curious."

Ray sighed.

"My dad didn't want to have a fag in the house influencing anyone to be unAmerican."

Mikey's eyes widened.

"You're...oh...ok well, your dad sucks for thinking like that. You don't need to worry about that with me, the bar I'm opening is gonna be an LGBTQIA+ singles bar...everyone's welcome."

Ray smiled.

"That's good. Even if you don't hire me, I will let everyone know about it cause we need a safe place, you know?"

"Yeah, don't I know it..."

Mikey said wryly, thinking of what had happened to him and Gerard a month or so back, when those homophobic pricks cornered them on their way home from a friend's birthday party. He shuddered at the memory, then smiled at Ray.

"Yeah, I'm planning on making sure it's real safe. I'm friends with a guy who runs a gay friendly cab company called Rainbow Cabs, and I'm gonna talk to him about his firm being exclusive to us after 10pm, so I can try to guarantee my customers a safe ride home. As for you getting the job, I think there's every chance...though I'll want a taste test first, to see what kinda food you are comfortable with making...if that's ok?"

"Oh, of course, just let me know where and when and I will be there!"

Mikey grinned.

"Well the bar part of the bar is still a work in process, but the kitchen is fully functional and awaiting a test run...it's just a couple of blocks away if you've got the time now?"

"Uh...sure, I mean I'm not exactly dressed to cook though."

Ray was in his only suit and tie. Mikey grinned.

"I've got an apron ready at the bar, but if you want to meet me there later, that's cool too."

"No no no! No, I'll come...I mean...yeah, I got time."

"Cool..."

Mikey stood up.

"Lets go then."

"Awesome!"

Ray got up and tossed his cup. Mikey put his coat back on and waved a hand toward the door.

"After you."

Ray grabbed his coat and then headed out of the door.

(time passes)

"I can do this."

Brendon took a deep breath. He opened the door to the coffee shop. He looked around and saw...no one.

"Fuck."

Brendon flopped in a chair. He needed this job. He was beyond broke. He lost his apartment and was sacking out on his best friend's sofa, but it was not a place he wanted to stay. He looked at the coffee bar longingly, but he barely had the bus fare to get back. He sighed wondering if he should have even come.

(time passes)

"Geeze Mikey, what kind of boss is constantly being late to his interviews?"

Gerard pulled up to the curb and put the car in park.

"Well I'm sorry Gee, it's not my fault the couch ate my keys..."

Mikey said as he undid his seatbelt.

"Are you coming in?...I'll buy you a coffee."

"But aren't you...ugh, fine."

Gerard got out of the car and locked it after Mikey closed the door and followed him in.

Brendon was drinking his free water when the door chimed and he looked up. Two guys walked in and one of them made Brendon drool and his pants tighten.

"Fuck, why can't I get a guy like that?..."

This made Brendon more depressed as he thought of all his failed relationships.

"Fuck it, I'm out."

He got up to leave, tossing his cup.

"Hey, are you Brendon?"

Brendon turned too fast and splashed what was left of the cold water on his shirt.

"Fuck!"

He jumped, crashing into the chair behind him and falling on his ass. He looked up and saw the good looking guy from before.

"Oh, fuck my life."

Mikey raised an eyebrow and held out his hand.

"I'm Mikey...you are Brendon, right?"

"Uh yeah, that's me."

"And you're here for an interview?"

"Yeah..."

Brendon stood up, not even noticing the hand out for him.

"But I just made a complete ass of myself, so maybe I should just..."

"Oh my God, it's you!"

Brendon cringed and muttered under his breath.

"No no no, please no, please God not now."

"Look honey it's the guy from the show we saw over the summer!"

"Oh the one that had the..."

"Yes yes, thank you, thank you for remembering me and the small part I had and..."

"Oh no! Thank you, you made the show so much better!"

"Can we have your autograph?"

"Oh, I have the bill paper right here!"

The woman pulled out...

"Oh no, she..."

And there is was. Brendon's ass on the cover with him making a coy look at the photographer of the off Broadway musical that he had a part in. A very small, but noticeable part that everyone seemed to remember. Mikey raised an eyebrow, but said nothing...who was he to judge? He couldn't say anything after his own stint on the stage...but let's not go into that. He watched Brendon's cheeks turn every shade of pink and red as he signed the woman's paper.

"Thank you so much! Can we get a picture?"

"Oh, can you pose like you did in that one scene?"

Brendon cringed inwardly. Yeah, this interview was over so why not.

"Sure, give me a second."

Brendon moved beyond the tables since now nothing mattered. His chances were ruined so he might as well go all out. He stood with his legs apart and boldly grabbed his junk as he closed his eyes and stuck his tongue out pointing to the ceiling. The woman stood next to him making an utter fan girl face. When it was done they thanked him again and left. Once it was over his bravado broke and Brendon returned to his normal, tired of the world and this life, self. He started to make his way to the door, calculating when the next bus was coming by so he could go home and drink the last of his cheap Golden Anniversary beer.

"Hey wait Brendon..."

Mikey called after him with a grin.

"Can you roller-skate?"

"What?"

It was not the question he ever expected to be asked...like ever.

"Uh, yeah, actually I can."

"You ever been in serious bother with the cops?"

"Um...no?"

"And you don't do drugs?"

"Well...nothing hard, but a little weed now and then, not when I have a job though, but weekends sometimes with friends."

Brendon didn't understand where this was going. Mikey nodded at the boy.

"Yeah, well a bit of weed's nothing really is it...who can honestly say they've never had a puff or two, eh?..."

He held out his hand to Brendon with a piece of paper in it.

"This is the address of my bar, we're not open yet, but I'm hoping to get all my staff in Saturday afternoon for introductions and a tour...run through rules of the house and all that. I trust you'll be there?"

He offered a friendly smile.

"Wait...I got the job...but what about...I mean after all that...you still want me?"

Mikey laughed.

"Honey, all that proved to me that you are just exactly what I want. If you can strike a pose like that in the middle of a coffee shop, then you can handle working the floor at my place...if you want the job, that is?"

"Yes! Oh yes please! I promise to be so good for you!"

Brendon internally groaned. Did he need his kinks to get in the way right now? Mikey smirked slightly.

"Oh, I'm sure you will honey. Now, you spilt your drink, let me buy you one before Gee kills me for being slow to buy his...what would you like?"

"Oh no, it was water so..."

The look on the guy's face said don't test me so Brendon shut up.

"Um...Hazelnut iced coffee please?"

Mikey grinned.

"Sure, you staying or walking?"

"Oh I..."

Just then the bus drove by.

"Shit. I mean...I guess I'm walkimg."

Mikey chuckled.

"Honey, I meant do you want your coffee take out, or are you gonna join us?"

He pointed to the table Gerard was sat at, glaring at him with "you promised me coffee" eyes.

"Oh..."

The guy that Mikey was with looked just as good and Brendon should have known better. Of course someone like him would already have a boyfriend.

"Uh, I don't want to impose on your..."

"Miiiikey, I need my caffeine!"

Gerard whined and whimpered giving Mikey puppy dog eyes.

"Alright Geeee..."

Mikey mocked with a roll of his eyes.

"Keep your panties on..."

He looked back at Brendon.

"Please stay?...save me from murdering him in public?"

"Um...okay?"

Brendon gave a small nod, but avoided looking at the guy. Mikey sighed and grabbed Brendon's arm, dragging him toward the table with a grin.

"Come meet him, he's not that bad when you get to know him, promise."

Brendon doubted that. They reached the table.

"Gee, this is Brendon. Brendon, this is Gerard. Sit, I'll fetch the drinks."

Mikey turned and headed off to the counter, leaving Brendon and Gerard to get to know each other.

"Um...hi."

Gerard just stared at the boy. He wasn't even sure what job Mikey was offering him, but after that display, Gerard wasn't sure if it was a good idea.

"Okay..."

Brendon was completely intimidated by the the man's piercing gaze. He looked down at the table and studied the deformities, wishing he could disappear into the cracks. Mikey watched them from the line with a frown...he wondered why they weren't talking, he could've sworn they would get on. After he'd ordered, paid and collected the drinks, he headed back to the table.

"So Gee, don't you think Brendon's got what it takes to be an absolutely fabulous rollar-skating waiter?"

"First of all I still think the roller skates are a stupid and hazardous idea that is just gonna spike your insurance, and considering that clumsy display, no I don't have any confidence in him what so ever."

Gerard didn't care if he was being a jerk, he needed Mikey to understand what interviews were about. Mikey punched Gerard in the arm.

"Gerard!...be nice."

He turned to see Brendon's crestfallen face.

"Please ignore my stupidly overprotective big brother...I do..."

He grinned.

"And I think you're gonna be great."

"Brother? I thought he was your boyfriend!?"

Gerard looked at the boy, his eyes widening.

"I'm gonna be sick."

He grabbed his coat and ran out of the door to get some fresh air....which for Gerard was chain smoking.

"Oh shit, I fucked up again didn't I?"

Mikey burst into laughter, slapping his hand on his thigh as tears leaked from his eyes. When he started to get himself under control again...

"No no...you didn't fuck up honey. That was the funniest thing I've seen in ages, thanks for that..."

He took a breath and tried to talk normally, though a few giggles crept out here and there.

"Gee and I used to pretend to be boyfriends in clubs and places, when sleazy drunk guys hit on one of us...we'd hold hands, hug, dance too close but that was it, until..."

He broke into another fit of giggles.

"Until...what?"

Brendon couldn't help being curious. Mikey calmed down enough to speak again.

"Well...until this one guy didn't believe us, and I ended up with my tongue down Gee's throat in the middle of Club Bang for three minutes. He doesn't like to talk about it cause he has this weird kissing fetish and long story short...he got hard."

This time when Brendon fell over the chair it was quite on purpose. He was still doubled over with laughter when Gerard showed up.

"Miiiikey, you didn't! Please tell me you didn't!?"

Mikey gave Gerard his sweet, innocent, butter wouldn't melt in my mouth look.

"Who me? I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about..."

He took a sip of his coffee.

"How was the fresh air?"

Gerard ignored Mikey and sat down, crossing his arms and sulking.

"So...thanks for the coffee, but I do have a long walk ahead of me."

"Why, did you miss the bus."

Gerard smirked being sarcastic, but then Brendon nodded.

"Yeah and the next one isn't about for another two hours and it will take that long to get home."

"We'll give you a ride...won't we Gee."

Mikey gave Gerard a look that meant business...and that he wasn't asking.

"Ugh, fine, can I just drink my coffee in peace without you telling more embarrassing secrets about me?"

"Of course Gee..."

Mikey said with a wide smile before looking at Brendon and mouthing...

"I'll tell you later."

Brendon chuckled. Maybe this would be a turning point for his life. He needed some good luck and perhaps it came in the form of his new boss. Mikey winked at Brendon then continued to quietly sip his coffee. He had a good feeling about the staff he'd picked so far...a very good feeling indeed.

Notes

Hi there chipmunks, how's you?

So we're starting a new one, all thanks to this sign we saw when I was visiting my wonderful momiji in New York from the UK, and we went to see a FIATP show. The sign (which is in the story header) caught our eye and we knew we had to use it.

Hope you enjoy the ride...

Until next time...PLEASE COMMENT, and peace out babies!
<3


ps. the other character's descriptions will appear when they do.
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