I ran a hand through my hair, watching Mikey get dressed. “I have no idea what's going on.”
“I'm taking you out to dinner, baby, it's not that complicated,” he laughed, leaning over to kiss me.
“Yeah, but why are you wearing a tie?”
“Because it's a fancy restaurant. And I told you to go get dressed, why are you just laying there?”
I giggled and got out of bed sleepily, kissing him quickly. “I'm coming, I'm coming.”
“If we're late, it's your fault.”
“Whatever.”
I wandered into the bathroom, glancing at my reflection. I'd been going to the gym more since the incident with Gerard, and it showed. Mikey kept complaining that it was becoming an addiction, but I promised I wouldn't go more than four times a week, which seemed to make him happy. I got dressed quickly, grabbing the tube of makeup on the counter. I smoothed it over my hands and neck, covering up the tattoos effectively. Mikey stuck his head around the door. “Hey, did you see my-...aw baby, please don't cover your tattoos, I love them.”
I looked up and sighed. “I'm not going to a fancy restaurant with tattoos all over my fingers and neck, Mikey. People are always shitty about it..”
“Well, fuck ‘em. It's our date, not theirs.”
“Mikey,” I whined softly, staring up at him. He sighed and kissed my forehead.
“You do what makes you comfortable, Frankie, okay? I just wish you didn’t have to do that to feel happy.”
I nodded, looking down at the sink. “It’ll probably all rub off anyway..”
Mikey smiled and wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me against his side. “Probably. I love you, y’know.”
“I love you too, Mikes, but aren’t we gonna be late?”
He nodded slightly. “Yep. Are you all ready to go?” I stifled a yawn and kissed his jaw. “Yeah, lemme just go grab my phone and put my shoes on.”

I leaned my head against the car window, watching the streetlights flash past. Mikey rested his hand on my knee. “You okay, sweetie?” I sighed quietly and shrugged. “I guess, I’m just really tired.”
“You’re always tired lately, baby. It’s all that-”
“Time I spend at the gym, I know. I only went twice this week, Mikey. I thought you’d be happy.”
Mikey rolled his eyes, his jaw tightening. “Yeah, and I am,” he half-growled. “I just wish you’d...I don’t know.”
“Just wish I’d what? Be fine? Sorry I can’t be perfect for you,” I mumbled sarcastically.
“Fuck, Frank! I just wish you’d listen to what I actually said instead of just assuming I’m having a go at you!”
I jumped a little, looking up at him worriedly. “Sorry.”
Mikey sighed and slipped his hand off my knee to hold the steering wheel.
“You don’t need to be sorry, Frankie, I just hate feeling like we’re gonna fight over something so minor. I was gonna say that it’s all that time you spent looking at tattoo designs last night, I wanted to talk to you about something nice, and you cut me off and almost turned it into a fight, and I shouldn’t have gotten angry.”
I looked out of the window again, chewing on my lip. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry too. We need to communicate better sometimes,” Mikey smiled, offering me his hand. I took it, lacing our fingers together.
“Okay.”
“So why were you looking at tattoo designs?” He went on after a brief pause. “Are you thinking of getting another one?”
I shrugged and lifted his hand, kissing his fingers softly. “Kinda. I kind of want to...I want to break the number. I don’t want them to mean what they used to anymore.”
Mikey frowned. “You told me you used them as a way to make something beautiful out of something horrific.”
“Mhm. But they still symbolise that. I won’t forget when I got each one, or anything like that, I just wanna...I dunno. I wanna just get one because I want one.”
He smiled softly, pulling into the parking lot of the restaurant. “Well, it sounds like a great idea, baby. Do you have anything in mind?”
I shrugged, unbuckling my seatbelt and letting go of his hand. “Not really. Not yet, anyway.”
I got out of the car and Mikey jogged around to my side to wrap an arm around my waist. I gently shrugged it off and he settled for holding my hand as he walked me to the door. “Okay, let me know if you come up with something. I’d love for you to get another one.”
I smiled, slipping through the door he held open for me. The lady at the desk stared at us as we walked up, but Mikey just grinned. “We have a reservation under Way.”
She nodded, grabbing two menus and leading us through the restaurant. I glanced around, clinging to Mikey just a little tighter. It wasn’t exactly a Michelin-starred restaurant or anything, but I’d never had much money, even growing up, and I wasn’t used to anything much fancier than Red Robin. Mikey let go of my hand so I could sit down, and I blushed slightly as he pulled my chair out for me. The lady left and I leaned on the table nervously. “Mikey?”
“Mhm?” He offered me his hand again, and I took it carefully.
“This is super fancy.”
He chuckled and squeezed my hand lightly. “It’s not really, Frankie. But it’s the best I can afford right now.”
I bit my lip, smiling at him. “It’s all those singles you have.”
Mikey rolled his eyes and shrugged, but I could see a hint of a blush in his cheeks. “I’ve been making a lot more in tips lately.”
“You’ve also been working longer hours, Mikes. Don’t you have a day off soon?”
He leaned back in his chair, not letting go of my hand. “I’m not sure, I gotta talk to Angelo about my schedule for next week anyway. I think I’m due an all-nighter.”
I wrinkled my nose and shook my head. “You shouldn’t have to.”
“I know, but everyone does,” Mikey sighed as a waitress walked up and asked us for a drink order. Mikey ordered a bottle of some kind of wine and I asked for water as well. He smiled at me as she walked away. “You know nothing about wine, do you, Frankie?”
I giggled, shaking my head quickly. “I buy whatever’s under ten bucks.”
“But you like white.”
“Yep.”
“Okay, good, I think I got it right,” he grinned, touching the back of my hand lightly. “Your makeup is wearing off again.”
I frowned and looked down at the letters starting to show through on my fingers. “I uh...I’ll be right back.” I got up quickly, hurrying off to the bathroom. I glanced in the mirror and sighed quietly, then washed my hands and wiped the makeup off my neck. “Fuck it,” I mumbled to myself, looking down at my hands. I adjusted my shirt collar and walked back to the table, smiling at Mikey nervously as I sat down.
“You look stunning,” he said calmly, flashing me a small smile. “And I love you.”
I blushed again, ducking my head just as the waitress came back with the wine. I hadn’t even looked at the menu yet, so Mikey poured us both glasses while I flicked through.
“Mikey?”
“Mhm?”
“Did you bring me to a vegetarian restaurant?”
He grinned at me and I bit my lip. “You’re so romantic and I never do anything for you,” I whined quietly.
He sat back, shrugging. “That’s okay. You’re here with me, and that’s all I want from you.”
I blushed and traced a circle on the back of his hand. “I just wish I did more for you.”
“Then start,” Mikey smiled, watching me. “If you feel that bad about it, do something about it. Just know that I’m happy with things the way they are, and I don’t think you should feel bad.”
I sipped at the wine, glaring at him over the top of my glass. “You’re too reasonable sometimes,” I tried to say seriously as I set the glass down again.
“And you’re too cute. I know you’re about to laugh.”
I pointed at him, giggling. “I hate you. Also, Gerard told me your birthday’s coming up. There’s no escape.”
Mikey groaned and rolled his eyes. “I hate my birthday.”
I frowned, taking one of his hands and playing with his fingers. “Gee told me that too, but he wouldn’t say why.”
Mikey shook his head. “It’s not any particular reason, I just have some bad memories and I find the whole presents thing awkward.”
I grinned. “That’s good, cause it’s next week and I haven’t gotten you anything,” I said, trying to lighten the mood. Mikey looked down, biting his lip.
“You don’t need to buy me anything, Frankie,” he mumbled. “You’re all I need.”
I tried to fight the blush, but gave up quickly. “I’m still gonna get you something.”
He smiled. “I’m sure. You’re too generous.”
“Not really. It’s my boyfriend’s birthday, I should get him something, surely.”
Mikey shrugged and looked up as the waitress came back for our order.

I pushed the plate away and smiled at Mikey. “That was awesome, Mikey. Thanks.”
“You’re always welcome, and I’m glad you liked dessert too.”
I giggled and nodded, rubbing the bridge of my nose. “I ate most of it, I’m sorry.”
He grinned, gently taking my hand. “That’s okay, baby. I don’t mind.”
I heard someone shout something outside and turned my head, but couldn’t see anything. When I looked back, Mikey was opening a box on the table.
“I won’t get down on one knee, cause I know you hate people making a scene, but..” I stared at the engagement ring in a mix of fear and horror, starting to shake just slightly. “Frankie...I’d be honored if you’d marry me. I love you so so much, and I know I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
I could feel everyone staring and quickly grabbed the box, snapping it shut. “Mikey, I wanna go home.”
He frowned, squeezing my hand lightly. “Why? What’s wrong?”
I got up quickly, leaving the box on the table. “I need a smoke, and I want to go home,” I said firmly, hurrying out of the building.
I crouched down by the back, lighting a cigarette and staring at the wet tarmac. It’d started to rain while we were eating, and there was still a persistent, light drizzle. I heard footsteps and looked up at Mikey miserably. “Are you gonna yell at me?” He chuckled and shook his head. “Of course not. Stand up, Frankie.” I stood up shakily, forcing myself not to back away as he walked closer to me, pulling me into a gentle hug. “Let’s go home, we can talk about this there.”

I lit my second cigarette, the hood of my raincoat pulled up and half covering my face. Mikey was sitting on the step next to me, a cigarette between his own lips. “I knew it was a long shot,” he said after a while. “Maybe I shouldn’t have done it.”
I sniffed and wiped my nose on the back of my hand. “No, Mikey, it was lovely,” I sighed, taking a long drag. “This is all my fault.”
“What got you so upset, baby? Do you wanna talk about it? And I’m assuming it’s a no...I mean..”
I smiled sadly, glancing at him. “I’m sorry, Mikey, but I’m not gonna say yes.” He nodded dejectedly, looking out across the street. “It’s not about you, I love you,” I mumbled, watching my cigarette burn. “I just...after Paul, I’m not sure if I ever want to get married again, let alone to the boyfriend I’ve been dating for what? Three months?”
“I’m sorry..”
I put a hand over his, smiling at him. “No, don’t be, Mikey. Don’t be sorry. I’m not upset or angry, and I just wish I could give you the answer you want. I’m not going anywhere, not anytime soon, but I’m also not going to marry you. I just wanna...I wanna be your boyfriend for a while.” Mikey nodded, knocking the ash off the end of his cigarette. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“I know, and I’m okay now,” I said softly, lifting his hand to kiss his fingers. “I love you, you’re my world, Mikey. I think we should go inside, it’s fucking freezing and I need a pee.” He chuckled and flashed me a brief, slightly pained smile. “So delicate.”
“Whatever.”

---

I woke up in Mikey’s arms, tapping the end of his nose lightly. “Mikes...Mikey, wake up.”
He groaned, slapping my hand away lightly. “Go away.”
“No, I wanna make you breakfast.”
“So wake me when it’s done,” Mikey mumbled, opening his eyes and squinting at me.
“No, I want you to come and talk to me.”
“About what?”
I giggled, rolling my eyes. “Mikey, just get up! Please? For me?” I batted my eyelashes at him and he grinned.
“You’re an idiot. Go get started, I’m coming.”
I got up and slipped a random shirt on over my head, walking to the kitchen quietly. I could hear Mikey talking a few minutes later, and he walked into the kitchen, wearing nothing but a pair of boxers and holding his phone to his ear. He grabbed my ass lightly with his spare hand, winking at me. I slapped his hand away and he grinned, kissing my neck and whispering in my ear.
“You look great in my shirts. Love ya.” I pushed him away playfully, grinning at him as he walked off, back into the bedroom. He finished up his call a couple minutes later and wandered back out, kissing my shoulder. “You’re so short, that shirt looks like a dress.”
“Aw, Mikey, fuck off,” I whined, shifting away from him slightly. “I’m not wearing anything else.”
“I know. I’m gonna go take a shower, are you gonna be okay?” Mikey asked more seriously, playing with a lock of my hair.
I nodded slightly. “Promise I won’t burn the place down.”

---

Mikey was laughing.
“What?” I giggled, holding the phone to my ear with one hand while stirring the batter with the other. “Stop laughing at me!”
“I can't, I'm sorry, Frankie. You're so sweet.”
“Stop it,” I whined, looking down at the bowl. “Please?”
“Okay, okay,” Mikey chuckled, taking a deep breath. “I love you, baby. I'll be home a little late, but I’ll pick up Gerard, I promise.”
“Okay. Are you having an okay night?”
“So far, how are you doing?” He purred, and I could hear him taking a drag off his cigarette.
“I'm okay, I'm trying to do something nice but I dunno how it's gonna turn out,” I sighed, rubbing the back of my hand over my forehead and somehow managing to smear chocolate cake batter over my nose.
“I'm sure it'll be amazing, baby,” Mikey soothed, and I smiled to myself. “Hey, Frankie, I gotta go. I'll see you at four, I love you.”
“I love you too, Mikey,” I hummed, setting my phone down after the click. I sighed, pouring the batter into cake tins.

By the time Mikey got in, Gerard tailing after him, I was nearly in tears. The cakes were burnt, the icing I’d made had split, and I couldn't even get the cake out of the tins.
“Frankie?”
I kicked the kitchen door shut. “Don't come in here!”
“Okay, okay.”
Someone knocked on the door and I sighed.
“Go away!”
“Frank, it's Gerard, can I come in?”
“Yeah,” I mumbled, shaking one of the tins upside down. “Fuck!”
Gerard slipped into the kitchen and grinned.
I pointed at him quickly. “Don't fucking say anything, I followed the recipe!”
He chuckled and walked over, gently taking the tin from me. “Let me help. Do you remember my eighteenth?”
I giggled shakily and nodded. “Yeah, I'm still sorry about that. Just help me get this presentable.”
Gerard smiled, managing to get one of the cakes out of its tin. “I brought a backup with me, I say we stick candles in both and take both out. Mikey will love the fact that you did this for him, but some edible cake would be nice.”
I sniffed, staring at the ruined cake. “Fuck.”
Gerard rubbed my back gently. “Hey, it's okay. Let's get this together, yeah? I bet the middle will taste good.”
I nodded, spreading the icing over the cake before Gerard added the second layer. “There. It looks great, Frankie. Come on..”
I took the candles out of the drawer, sticking thirteen candles in the burnt cake and twelve in the one Gerard bought.
“Okay..”
I carried my cake out to the table, sniffing again.
“Hey, baby,” Mikey grinned, sitting down. “Is that for me?”
I nodded slightly, putting it down in front of him carefully. “I'm sorry..” I felt my nose sting and my eyes filled with tears. “Fuck, I ruined it, I'm so s-sorry..”
Mikey jumped up so fast he almost knocked his chair over, grabbing me and pulling me into a hug. “Oh Frankie! Don't cry, sweetie, don't cry. Jesus, you've done better than I could! It even looks like a cake. God, I love you so so much.”
“It took me all n-night and it’s b-burnt, I r-ruined it!”
Mikey purred, rubbing my back slowly. “Baby...you spent all night on this, just for me. Don't you understand? You spent all night trying to do something nice for me. That's so romantic! Come on, stop crying and sit down..”
Mikey gently pulled me down, sitting me in the chair next to him. He looked at the cake, turning it back and forth by the plate. “That is such a mess. I don't think you should go on Masterchef, baby.”
I giggled through my tears, trying to wipe my eyes. “I cooked it for the time it said..”
Gerard sat down across from me, chuckling. “Yeah? Was it the right oven temperature?”
I blushed, leaning my head on Mikey's shoulder. “Probably not.”
Gerard moved the store-bought cake around next to the dilapidated mess I'd made. “Here. Let's light the candles, yeah?”
We sang happy birthday and Mikey blew out the candles before cutting a slice of the cake I made. He took a bite from the center, smiling at me. “It tastes amazing, Frankie. Really. Try some..”
I took a tiny few crumbs, nibbling at them. I grinned. “It does taste okay.”
Mikey chuckled and kissed me softly. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” I giggled, and he licked his thumb, wiping some chocolate off my cheek. “You're adorable.”

Gerard stayed around for a couple hours, watching some shitty tv and laughing with us. After Mikey took him home, we curled up in bed together, watching a movie quietly. “I had a great birthday, Frankie. Thank you so so much..”
I sat up, tracing a line down his chest slowly. “I haven't given you your present yet,” I said softly, nuzzling his cheek. “I think you might like it.”
“Oh?” Mikey grinned, running his hand down my side. “Where is it, then?”
I blushed and slipped out of bed, standing up. I slipped my shirt off, taking a deep breath before letting my sweatpants fall.
Mikey's jaw dropped and he laughed. “Ohh yeah...fuck yes.”
I went even more red, biting my lip as I pushed a thumb under the waistband of my lacy red panties nervously. “Are they okay?”
He leaned over the edge of the bed to grab my hips, gently pulling me closer. “They're perfect, come here..”
I fell onto the bed, giggling softly and kissing him lightly. “Mikey..” I murmured as he wrapped his arms around my waist.
“Mhm?” He purred, kissing the underside of my jaw.
“I don't uh...I can't go all the way yet, but..”
“No, I know, don't worry,” Mikey soothed, running a finger down my spine slowly. “We don't even have to do anything tonight if you don't want to, I'd love to just cuddle naked all day or something.”
“I'd actually love that too..” I mumbled sheepishly. “I hope you don't mind.”
“No, it's fine. Just uh..” He ran his hand down over my ass. “Just take these off, maybe?”
I giggled, wriggling out of the panties and kicking them away. Mikey sat up, slipping his shirt and boxers off before folding the covers back and patting the mattress next to me. “Come on, let's have some cuddle time..”
I wriggled under the covers next to him, wrapping my arms around his waist. He rolled onto his back, pulling me over so I was laying half on top of him. “You are adorable,” Mikey purred, rubbing my back slowly and soothingly. I buried my face in his neck, kissing his skin softly. “I think I'm gonna fall asleep,” I mumbled. Mikey hugged me tightly, kissing the side of my head. “Then fall asleep, sweetie. That's okay. I'm here, I've got you. I love you.”

Notes

Some fluff and cute stuff and some drama as well. I hope this is still interesting and stuff...