Mikey's Hook Up

"Ugh, he's so cool and so out of my league Mikes. I mean he is a fucking genius behind that bar, you are gonna wipe the floor with your competition as soon as those drinks hit Instagram. You will have to hire more bartenders and waiters just to keep up with everything!"

Gerard was following his brother around the book store like a lost puppy. He had been talking about his favorite obsession for the past four days. Ever since Frank, the new head bartender that Mikey hired made him that amazing cherry pie drink, Gerard had been trying to figure out a way to ask him out. Instead he was mostly whining to his brother. Mikey shook his head, picking up a book on serial killers, then putting it back when he realised that he'd already read that one.

"Gee, I get that you're popping a boner just thinking about him right now, but could we please talk about something else...like why you're wearing...that, for instance?"

He raised an eyebrow as he eyed Gerard's hoodie that looked like it had been in an argument with a lawnmower...and lost.

"Fuck you, it's comfortable and it was a gift from someone with great fashion sense!"

Gerard stalked off and nearly knocked someone over from his exit. The guy didn't fall, but his hat fell off his head.

"Sorry here..."

Mikey said, leaning down to scoop up the guy's hat and hand it to him.

"My brother's a dick sometimes, ignore him."

He smiled apologetically.

"Well you clearly got the manners in the family..."

The guy took his hat and smiled.

"...and the looks. Hi, Patrick...I mean, I'm Patrick, and you are?"

Mikey chuckled.

"Mikey. Nice to meet you. And err, thanks."

"So serial killers huh? Interest or secret hobby?"

"What?...oh uh..."

Mikey grinned.

"Depends on my mood..."

He laughed.

"Nah, just an interest...human nature and that."

"I find human nature fascinating myself. I'm studying to be a psychologist."

"Really, that's cool. You in college?"

"More online then in a building. I already have a degree in Social Science, but I wanted to add to it. Never hurts to have more knowledge right? Speaking of knowledge, I was wondering if I could get to know more about you...say over coffee?"

"Man, you're a fast worker, ain't you..."

Mikey giggled.

"Unfortunately I don't actually have the time right now, I shouldn't even be here now. I've got my own bar and tonight's the big opening, so I've got things to sort out there but..."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small rectangular card, holding it out to the other man.

"I'll buy you a drink if you feel like coming along..."

He said hopefully.

"The address is on the back."

Patrick took the card and smiled a it.

"Looks interesting. Yeah, I'll be there for sure. Is there a dress code or should I just..."

Patrick looked Mikey up and down.

"...dress to impress?"

Mikey chuckled, shaking his head.

"Well the bar's kinda 80s themed, but there's no real code...'sides, you look good as you are."

"This old thing? Oh honey I can look much better, but I guess..."

Patrick leaned in and whispered in Mikey's ear.

"...you'll have to wait and see."

Patrick brushed his lips against Mikey's cheek as he left.

"See you tonight Mikey."

And then he was gone.

"Hey Mikes, check it out...Mikes? Mikey? Hey, you there?"

Gerard snapped his fingers in front of his brother's face.

"Huh what?..."

Mikey blinked dumbly at Gerard for a second or two, then shook himself out of it.

"What did you say Gee?"

"I said I found that book on Gacy you were looking for. Man are you out of it. You gonna be up for this opening tonight?"

Mikey's face split into a wide grin.

"Oh yeah, I'll be up for it alright. Come on, let's go."

Gerard just shook his head and laughed...there were times he would never understand his brother. They headed to the check out with Mikey's book and one that he thought Frank would love.

(time passes)

"Did you see that line?"

"Fuck, I am so nervous now!"

"What if I fall?"

"I'm just glad we got that problem fixed with the fryer yesterday!"

The staff was milling around talking as Ray leaned against the bar watching. The only one of the bartenders that seemed to remain calm was Frank. Ray marveled as he watched him practice flipping empty bottles. Mikey did good with him, he was gonna put on a good show. Frank set the bottles back down and looked around to see how everyone else was doing. He saw Ray looking at him a grinned, giving him a wave.

"Hey Ray, you don't have a spare cinnamon shaker, do you?...I can't find mine."

"Yeah, let me go grab it."

Ray hopped off the bar stool and headed to the kitchen.

"Fuck!"

Brendon crashed into the bar cursing. Someone spilled something slippery, most likely the wood polish being used last minute, and Brendon rolled right through it sticking up his wheels.

"Woah dude, you ok?"

Frank asked, hopping the bar to approach the taller boy...who was even taller with his skates on. Frank looked up at him as he grabbed his arm to steady him.

"Yeah, just...do you have a spare wet rag? I think my wheels are gummed up."

Frank nodded.

"Sure, take a seat..."

He pointed to Ray's newly vacated bar stool then leaned over the bar to grab a rag. He turned to see the taller boy awkwardly settling on the seat and chuckled, moving over and dropping to a crouch on the floor in front of him.

"Ok...left, right or both?"

"Oh, you don't have to, I mean I can...."

Brendon blushed a bit. Frank was a good looking guy, but he noticed that Frank would flirt with Mikey's brother a lot so he didn't even give Frank a second glance. Still he did look good on his knees like that.

"No sure, maybe better to do both."

While Frank was doing that, Brendon called out to one of the other waiters and pointed out where he thought the spill was. The other waiter skated over and gave a thumbs up to tell Brendon he was right, then went to find a mop and bucket after putting a sign over it. Frank carefully cleaned all of Brendon's wheels off then spun them with his fingers to make sure they were gunk-free.

"There, done!..."

He said, standing up and back with a grin.

"Give them a go."

Brendon dropped off the stool and tested the wheels. He did a spin and moved backwards in a line and then changed directions.

"Much better, thanks!"

Brendon leaned in and kissed Frank's cheek and then skated off.

"Looks like he older Way has some competition huh Frankie?"

One of the other bartenders smirked a him. Frank rolled his eyes.

"No Jimmy. Brendon's nice and all, but he's not on my radar like that...maybe you should ask him out or something."

"Look just cause you and the skating buffoon over there are into pole dancing, doesn't mean we all are."

Jimmy walked away just as Ray came out of the kitchen. He bumped him, but Ray was more solid than Jimmy and Jimmy was the one that stumbled. Frank took a deep breath and let it out slowly, he hadn't thought he'd have to deal with guys like that here. He could handle himself if needs be, but some of the other guys he wasn't so sure about. He smiled faintly at Ray as he walked over, but it didn't reach his eyes.

"Hey, you find it?"

He asked, forcing Jimmy the dick out of his head.

"Yup and I filled it with cinnamon already for you."

Ray handed it over noticing the slight frown on Frank's usually happy face.

"You alright?"

"Hmm?...oh err yeah, just thinking. What's your opinion on Jimmy?"

"Jimmy?"

Ray looked over at the guy who bumped into him. He was standing with a few other staff pointing and obviously making comments about one of the waitresses outfits. Ray shook his head.

"He seems like a chauvinistic ass and if I can read our boss well, he will not be here long with that kind of behavior. Why, did he do or say something to you?"

"Nothing I can't handle..."

Frank shrugged.

"Think he needs watching though."

"Maybe I'll say something to Mikey when he comes..."

At that moment the door opened and both Ways walked in.

"Gee, I know what you're saying but I still think Superman could kill Wolverine. I mean he's the man of steal, and I don't think even Wolverine's Adamantium skeleton and healing ability could save him..."

Mikey looked at his brother with a challengingly raised eyebrow.

"Do you?"

"Sometimes I don't know how I am related to you!..."

Gerard was flapping his hands around in exasperation with a bag on his wrist flipping around it.

"Next you are gonna tell me that Spiderman isn't a whiny bitch and...oh...Hey Frank."

Frank grinned.

"Hey Gee, hey boss. So what's the question up for discussion?...Superman versus Wolverine was it?"

"Oh...just you know, sibling bullshit. So are you excited about tonight?"

"Definitely..."

Frank nodded enthusiastically.

"It's gonna be a blast. There's been a line waiting for the last half hour and we're all ready to get to it. Are you sticking around Gee?"

"Yeah...um...I have something for you. Sort of a good luck gift?"

"Really?...you didn't have to."

Gerard pulled out the retro looking journal with old fashion cocktails on the cover.

"You can keep your recipes in here."

"My God Gee..."

Frank beamed wide, turning the book over in his hands.

"I love it...thank you."

He leaned in and pressed his lips to Gerard's cheek.

"I'll leave you two to it."

Mikey muttered, walking away. Frank giggled and Gerard's face went bright red.

"I-I'm glad you like it."

"Come sit at the bar, I've got another drink for you to try."

Frank grabbed Gerard's hand and pulled him over to a stool. Gerard walked over and sat down. He noticed it was he same seat he had used before. Frank hopped back over the bar and set to work.

"You're not allergic to nuts are you?"

Gerard nearly choked as he swore he heard Mikey snickering somewhere.

"N-No, I like nuts...I mean, I eat them, I mean...I'm not allergic to anything."

Frank looked up with a raised eyebrow.

"That's...good."

He chuckled slightly as he went back to mixing Gerard's drink.

"So this one's called the 'I Can't Believe It's Not Cheesecake Cocktail'..."

Frank put half a strawberry on the edge of the glass then placed it in front of the older boy.

"Tell me what you think."

http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/alie-ward-and-georgia-hardstark/i-cant-believe-its-not-cheesecake-cocktail-2106731

Gerard picked up the glass and admired it. The rim was dipped in graham crackers and crushed nuts. He smelled the liquor as it breathed through, but not too strongly. He took a sip.

"Holy fuck!"

"Is that a good 'holly fuck', or a bad 'holly fuck'?"

Frank asked, tipping his head to the right.

"Frankie this is even better than the last cocktail you made me!"

Gerard had to fight to not down it. He needed to be sober for the books.

"Hey Frank, did you ever give back that...oh hey Gerard."

"Ray, you should try this!"

Ray took a small sip of the pink drink.

"Wow, that is really good, what is it?"

"One of Frankie's creations."

"Wait till this hits the menu! Speaking of, has anyone seen UPS? They were supposed to deliver the newly printed menus today."

Frank shook his head.

"I've not seen them, maybe try Bob?"

"That's not good. I need to go find Mikey and let him know."

Gerard got up and left Frank and Ray.

"Geeze, poor Mikey, he doesn't need this kind of trouble on opening day."

"No, he doesn't..."

Frank frowned slightly then looked up at Ray with a growing smile.

"We'll just have to make sure everything goes perfectly, won't we."

At that point the sound started up and the place filled with songs from the 80's. The lights came on and the place started to look like a roller rink. A few of the waiters and waitresses hit the floor including Brendon, and started to do some dancing. Brendon actually had some pretty good moves too. Ray laughed and clapped along. Frank grinned.

"I think this place is gonna be a big hit."

He said before starting his final checks. The bar would be opening in ten minutes and everyone was ready...well nearly everyone.

"Gee, what if everyone hates it? What if no one gets it?...what if it flops?"

Mikey was panicking and pacing the office frantically.

"Mikey..."

Gerard grabbed his brother to still him.

"Everything is going to be amazing. You worked really hard, you have a great staff and tonight is going to be a night to remember."

"Yeah, for being a disaster..."

Mikey whined.

"Have I made a mistake Gee?...should I have put my money in shares instead?"

"Stop! You are going to start hyperventilating!"

"Excuse me, but...oh, is he okay?"

Brendon skated in. He was wearing a pair of satin red hot pants and a blue half shirt showing off his abs. He had on white tube socks with red and blue stripes on them. His black calf skates were polished to perfection. He even had on a red and blue sweat band on his head and matching wrist bands. He skated over to Mikey and looked at him with concern.

"Yeah, just opening night jitters."

"Oh, hey don't worry boss, this place is amazing and I can tell you that half the line is made up of people who lived in the 80's and want to relive those days! It's gonna be great! You should have been out there a few moments ago when me and a few others were dancing to the music! The lights are pretty great too!"

"Really?..."

Mikey asked uncertainly.

"It all looks good?"

"Yes and the smells are already wafting from the kitchen as Ray's team is cooking and Frank let us taste this amazing cocktail of his...!"

"Calm down Bren..."

Mikey giggled, interrupting Brendon's excited babbling.

"Save it for the guests, yeah?"

"Right, sorry boss."

Brendon blushed. He had a tendency of getting too excited. Mikey grinned.

"Don't apologise, I like your enthusiasm. Now, what were you saying about an amazing cocktail?"

"Oh man, Frankie made this cheesecake thing that was like..."

"Frankie?"

Brendon looked at Gerard and then at Mikey. Gerard blushed at his slip again.

"Cheesecake thing?"

Mikey asked with a smirk.

"Hey, sorry to break up the party in here, but we have a party to get started out here, oh and we found the menus."

Mikey looked over at the doorway and grinned at Ray.

"That's good news!..."

He clapped his hands together loudly.

"Ok then, let's get this show on the road..."

He placed his hand on the small of Brendon's back and gave him a little push, making him roll toward the door.

"You coming Gee?"

He asked over his shoulder as he headed out.

"Coming."

Gerard put the books down. He could do that later, right now he wanted to be there for the opening of his little brother's dream.

(time passes)

"Holy cow, this place is packed!"

"I know, we can hardly keep up with the orders! I need to have Mikey hire more kitchen staff if we are gonna be this busy!"

"Same with bartenders although Frank is out there putting on a hell of a show and that red Velvet Martini has already been put on Instagram more than a dozen times tonight!"

https://www.restlesschipotle.com/red-velvet-martini/

Ray laughed as Brendon presented his tray and Ray put up four orders of Salmon sliders with his special lemon dill yogurt spread.

http://dishingouthealth.com/smoky-salmon-sliders-with-lemon-dill-yogurt-spread/

"Caught a few shots of these too."

Ray blushed.

"Fuck you Bren, get out there!"

Brendon laughed and skated away to his customers.

(time passes)

Patrick finally made it into the bar. It was full of people and he didn't see the cute owner anywhere. He made his way to the bar and waved a twenty at one of the bartenders. Frank grinned.

"Hey man, what can I get ya?"

"What's good?"

"Everything!..."

Frank grinned, holding out a laminated menu to the newcomer.

"...and the first cocktail's free."

"Oh...well in that case..."

Patrick looked down the menu. He saw quite a variety and he saw one of his favorite drinks, but wondered if this bartender was good enough for the variation. He figured he'd ask.

"...can you make a Slow Screw Up Against a Wall, but Long and Comfortable?"

http://www.cocktailhunter.com/recipe/long-slow-comfortable-screw-up-against-the-wall/

Frank smirked.

"Easily..."

He set to mixing the drink and sat the glass onto the bar when he was finished.

"Enjoy."

Patrick took a sip.

"Wow, this is the best screw I ever had!"

Patrick pushed the twenty in Frank's hand.

"Keep it."

"Thank you..."

Frank said with a grin, sliding the bill into his pocket.

"...but I'm surprised you've not had a better...screw."

The guy was cute no doubt and knew how to make a fantastic drink, but just then Patrick spotted the reason he was here.

"Well in liquid form no, but..."

He saw that Mikey saw him and started over.

"...you would be surprised how many don't know how to do it as well as you do."

"Well I am an expert."

Frank winked before moving to serve another customer.

"You came..."

Mikey cheered with a wide smile.

"So, what do you think of the place?"

"I think it is as amazing as it's owner. Here, I brought you a little congratulations gift."

Patrick handed Mikey a menu for Peter Luger's steak house. Mikey looked at the menu and gave a confused half smile.

"Um, thank you?"

He wasn't sure how he should react to being given a menu for a place he could never afford to go.

"I want to take you there for a congratulatory dinner....say tomorrow?"

"Oh um..."

Mikey's cheeks turned pink as he stumbled over his words.

"...err um well..."

He took a breath.

"Yeah, ok...that'd be nice. Thank you."

Patrick smirked.

"I can't wait to show you off."

"Hey Mikey, Ray needs you."

Brendon skated over. Mikey looked up and smiled at the boy on wheels.

"Ok, I'm coming Bren..."

He turned back to Patrick with a smile.

"I gotta go...you sticking around?"

"As long as you want me to honey."

Patrick winked at Mikey and lightly tapped his ass as he walked away.

"Um...so you know Mikey?"

"You could say that."

Patrick smirked. Brendon frowned.

"Yeah well...he's a good guy so don't try nothing."

"What are you, his boyfriend?"

Brendon scowled and Patrick smirked again.

"Yeah, I thought so."

At that point Mikey was returning. Mikey sighed as he reached Patrick and Brendon.

"First night, something was bound to go wrong..."

He leaned on the bar and waved at Frank, who finished with his customer then stepped over with a grin.

"Could I get a Coke please Frank?"

"Sure boss..."

Frank turned and bent over to grab a bottle from the chiller, before straightening up and turning back around.

"Everything ok?"

Mikey huffed, but before he could answer, Frank was called away by a guy in short shorts and a see through vest. Mikey turned back to Patrick, but was disappointed to find that Brendon wasn't there anymore and was off across the room again. He gave Patrick a weak smile and took a long drink from his bottle.

"What happened, maybe I can help?"

Patrick put an arm around Mikey and rubbed his shoulder lightly offering comfort. Mikey sighed again and shook his head.

"Not unless you've got a kitchen hand in your pocket...one of mine just quit."

"Give me a second."

Patrick kissed Mikey's cheek and then stepped away to use his phone. Frank chuckled, catching Mikey's attention. Mikey turned to him with a raised eyebrow.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing boss...it's just..."

"Just what?"

Frank giggled, drying the glass in his hand then setting it down on the bar.

"Well, it seems to me that you've got yourself a little fan club...that's all."

"Fan club?...what're you talking about Frank?"

Frank saw Patrick returning and shrugged with a smirk.

"Nothing boss."

He winked then headed off down the bar to serve another customer, leaving Mikey sat there confused.

"Okay, so he doesn't have a ton of experience, but he'll be here in about half an hour."

Mikey looked up.

"Huh, what...who?"

"Just a friend of mine who owes me a few favors. Don't want you to worry about it. I'll let the kitchen know he'll be coming to the service entrance to avoid the crowd."

Patrick kissed Mikey's cheek again and squeezed his hand and then headed for the kitchen with a stride that no one would stop and question. Mikey felt a little like he'd been in a hit and run...but in a good way. Well, it would be good if Patrick's friend wasn't a total waste...like the guy he'd hired who bugged out at the first sign of a crowd. Mikey sighed, hopefully everything was gonna work out ok...hopefully.

"Hey, so some guy in a suit just went in the kitchen like he owned the place and started telling Ray that someone was coming to help in he kitchen?"

Gerard walked up to Mikey with one of Frank's amazing drinks in his hand...minus the alcohol. Mikey nodded.

"Uh yeah, that's Patrick..."

He said with a smile.

"One of the kitchen hands quit and I mentioned it to Patrick and he made a call and now, yeah, someone's on their way. I think he said it's a friend of his."

"Patrick?"

"Yeah, he's a friend I made when you knocked his hat off."

"Wait...the guy from the book store?"

"Yep. He's a nice guy Gee. He's taking me to Peter Luger's steak house tomorrow night as a congrats on this place. You'd like him."

"What?! That place costs a mint!"

"Well it helps a bit when you helped the executive chef to get his position there."

Patrick walked over and stood close to Mikey. He held his hand out.

"Patrick Stump, and you are?"

"Gerard, Mikey's older and protective brother."

Gerard shook the man's hand firmly, but with intent. Mikey rolled his eyes.

"Gee, chill out. Isn't there something you should be doing that's...you know...elsewhere?"

Gerard looked shocked and he saw a glint in Patrick's eye that he did not like at all.

"Well nice to meet you Gerard."

"Yeah."

Gerard walked away not sure what happened, but not liking it at all.

(Time passes )

"Wow Mikey, you have some moves!"

Patrick was laughing as he and Mikey left the dance floor after doing the electric slide with everyone.

"That was more fun then doing it at a wedding!"

Mikey giggled.

"Yeah, cause you feel obliged to do it at weddings, whereas here, you're doing it cause you want to. Drink?"

"Sure! I can't believe your bartender is Instagram famous already!"

"I know! He's kinda great, ain't he."

Mikey enthused, leading Patrick back to the bar. He waved at Frank as they claimed two bar stools. Frank nodded and grinned to indicate that he'd seen them, then finished serving his current customer.

"You know who else is kind of great?..."

Patrick gently turned Mikey's face to him.

"You are."

He planted a soft kiss on his lips just as Frank came over. Frank raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment.

"What can I get ya?"

Mikey pulled back from the kiss and blinked stupidly for a moment before turning to look at Frank.

"Oh err...something sweet but no alcohol for me and..."

He turned to Patrick.

"What would you like?"

"How about we share something. That way you can get a little kick and I can...quench my thirst."

Patrick turned to Frank.

"Make us a little Death By Sex."

http://www.bardude.com/drink/Death+By+Sex

Frank chuckled.

"That good for you boss?"

Mikey swallowed, his cheeks pinking.

"Uh yeah, I guess."

Frank nodded and set to work. Mikey looked at Patrick seriously.

"I'm not getting drunk! It's opening night and I'm in charge."

"No no no, just a few sips with me and then water. It's tradition to give a glass of water with this drink cause it is so sweet."

"Hmm, ok then...but I'm definitely back on Cokes after this, ok?"

"Deal...shall we seal it with a kiss?"

Mikey raised an eyebrow.

"You think I kiss before I've even had a first date?"

"Call it even for helping you out in the kitchen?..."

Patrick gave a sly smile and reached up with his thumb running it across Mikey's lower lip.

"And I can't help but wonder how soft they are."

Frank cleared his throat, setting a glass on the bar.

"Your drink gentlemen."

"Thanks Frank."

Patrick placed a twenty on the bar. He then picked up the drink and took a sip.

"So perfect."

He held the straw to Mikey's lips.

"Try it."

Mikey glanced at Frank who just smirked at him. He rolled his eyes and took the straw between his lips, sucking the sweet liquid for a moment before releasing the straw.

"Mmm...nice."

"Yup and it will make the kiss even sweeter now..."

Patrick put the glass down and then turned back to Mikey. He moved so that he was standing between his legs. He touched his face lightly with soft caresses.

"Just one kiss Mikey Way?"

"Just one."

Mikey breathed. Patrick closed the gap a bit brushing his lips over Mikey's and whispering against them.

"Just one."

Mikey smiled slightly, closing his eyes. Patrick pressed their lips together and slipped his tongue between then right away. At first he gently explored his mouth, tasting the sweet alcohol and then Mikey himself, but then he got greedy for it and he slipped a hand behind to hold Mikey's neck as he deepened the kiss. Mikey allowed the kiss to happen for a moment or two, then pulled back, pushing his hands against Patrick's chest.

"Well...I think that was..."

"Um...excuse me?"

Patrick looked up and saw one of the men from the kitchen. He was pretty sure it was the head line cook. Mikey looked up and saw Ray stood there, looking a little awkward.

"Yes Ray?"

"Uh...Gerard is looking for you."

"Ok um...did he say what he wants?"

"Uh...I forgot. I'll go ask again."

Ray stumbled away in a daze.

"Too hot in the kitchen you think? Maybe you need better cooling fans..."

Patrick looked back at Mikey.

"I really like the way you kiss."

Mikey frowned slightly, his eyes on Ray's retreating figure for a moment before he stepped out of sight. Mikey blinked, turning back to Patrick.

"Sorry, what did you say?"

"Are you alright? Was I too forward? I'm sorry, I just...I have never seen anyone as beautiful as you before. You took my breath away and I thought for sure you had a relationship already, but I would never have forgiven myself if I didn't try."

Patrick looked down and away.

"I don't."

Mikey said, placing his hand on Patrick's arm.

"So...this is okay then?"

"Yeah, as long as you understand one thing."

"What's that?"

"That I don't do 'boyfriends'..."

Mikey air quoted the word.

"You good with that?"

"Oh...so just no titles?"

"Yeah, that's pretty much my only rule."

"I can do that. So does that mean I get to kiss you again?"

Patick looked deep in Mikey's eyes. Mikey smiled and put his hand flat against Patrick's chest.

"After I've seen what my brother wants...yeah."

He winked, then turned and walked off in search of Gerard. Frank smirked as he looked back at the drink he was making...something told him that his boss could handle this guy, and anyone else that came along.

(time passes)

Brendon was on the porch smoking. He was taking a break when Ray walked out.

"Did you see..."

"Yeah I did."

"Who is he?"

"I don't know man."

Both men sighed and smoked in silence.

Notes

Hi there chipmunks, how's you?

So the bar's open and things are happening...what do you think?

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