Trying to Escape the Inevitable

I realize after slamming the door to drown out Ray’s eventual voice of reason that I will be embarrassingly early to work if I keep at this furious pace, and the last thing I want to do is alphabetize neglected piles of vinyl before 10 am. Fortunately, the comfortable coffee shop down the block opens at a ridiculously early hour and I have somewhere to seethe before needing to put on an interested, friendly face for six hours. I order my usual black coffee before sitting down to doodle a few character concepts in my sketchpad. The soft acoustic music playing overhead helps me zone out, and before I know it it’s practically ten. With a jolt, I slam the sketchpad shut, not bothering to see what I had produced in a full hour and a half, and hurry towards the door, almost, almost forgetting to purchase another coffee on the way out.

With barely a minute to spare I shove my way into the slightly musty smelling shop, taking a deep breath when I realize the owner is nowhere in sight to lecture me about being punctual. I can’t help it really, I have, and probably always will be, a last minute kind of guy. With a heavy sigh I place my sketchbook and fresh coffee on the counter, throwing my jacket and scarf behind me on the floor. Having no customers for at least an hour, I sit on the uncomfortable stool behind the counter and continue sketching to pass the time. After what feels like forever I stretch and look at the clock, seeing it’s approaching one o’clock.
“What a waste of time” I grumble to myself, stealing a glance outside to see the beautiful day I’m missing out on. The sky is slightly cloudy and a gentle breeze shakes the trees planted along the sidewalk. The streets are surprisingly empty of people, which is strange for there only being a few weeks left until Christmas. A slight movement just down the road easily captures my attention and I perk up, hoping to break the monotony of the day with a few customers. As they stroll closer to the store their features become more apparent and my heart practically stops.
No way, he wouldn’t dare after yesterday. And yet the pair continue to walk my direction.
Oh fuck he definitely would.
In a moment of pure panic I throw myself beneath the counter and silently pray to a god I don’t believe in that he will not walk into this store. A sharp ding from the door announces their entrance.
Obviously god doesn’t believe in me either.

“Gee?” a voice rings out and a giggle follows.

“Gee?” asks another, amused voice

“Yeah, he’s pretty slow. Always responds better to that name.”

I don’t know who Mikey is talking to, but rude!
“You’re an ass, Mikey Way” returns the perpetually amused voice.

Agreed.
“I’m aware. If you want you can go around while I find him.”

The voice doesn’t respond, but I hear the crinkle of a jacket, short enough to be a simple shrug, and footsteps slowly becoming less audible.

“Do you think I’m stupid Gee?” Mikey asks.

“A little.” I mumble from beneath the counter.

“That’s fair, because I can’t seem to figure out why you’re hiding under a counter when your lovely brother came all the way down here to see you.”

“Uhh” searching frantically for an answer, I reluctantly force myself to uncurl and stand up. “I thought I dropped a pencil”.

He gives me a look that screams Yeah fuckin’ right.

“Regardless. ‘Lovely’ is certainly not a word I would use to describe you. I’d use something more along the lines of ‘conniving bastard’ or ‘nosey shithead’.”

Mikey takes a step back and holds out his hands in defense, feigning innocence. “Woah, what have I ever done to you? Besides almost everything.”

“Hey Mikes, you almost done? I could hang out with vinyl all day but I’m fucking hungry and you promised cof-“, the man stops abruptly when he reaches us. It takes a brief second before recognition lights up his eyes, and a familiar, mesmerizing smirk creeps onto his face.
“Well well, if it aint Ziggy himself”

A huge blush erupts across my cheeks. Mikey looks between the two of us, incredulous but satisfied. “I was going to introduce you two since you both were at the show, but it appears you already know each other.”

“Yeah, I know him.” I grumble, not willing to release any details.

“I feel a bit left out so humor me anyway. Gee, this is my friend Frank. Frank, my brother Gerard.”

“Pleasure” he throws with a wink.

“Likewise” I say coolly, fighting to keep the tremor out of my voice. I decide to direct my attention towards Mikey in hopes of calming down.
“So if you’re such a great friend Mikes, why did you bail on his show last night?”

“About that” he begins, rubbing the back of his head and sounding sincerely apologetic, “Sorry I couldn’t make it Frank, something came up. I’m honestly bummed I couldn’t see your last show.”

“No worries, for real man. Life has a habit of fucking things up. Though if you’re interested, we were booked for an encore show in Asbury next week.”

“For real!? I’ll absolutely be there. After all, what kind of friend would I be if I missed seeing dear Frankie twice in a row?”

“A shit one” he grins. “Of course, we’d love to have you there too Ziggy. You and I had the crowd going last time, I’m curious to see if we can do it again.”

“Wait. What?” Mikey gapes, obviously unsure of what he just heard.

“Sorry, I can’t -“

“He can’t imagine anywhere else he’d rather be.” Mikes interjects, landing a punch on my arm. “We’ll absolutely be there.”

“Rad, I’m looking forward to it. And uh, sorry to change the subject, but I wasn’t kidding when I said I’m fuckin’ starving. Let’s grab a hoagie down the street? Unless your cheap ass changed its mind.”

“Christ Frank you’re one needy date.”

“Whatever. You’re not getting any unless you feed me first. Might want to keep that in mind, Zigs.” He adds with a chuckle, giving me an obvious once-over before turning and heading for the door.

“You wish” I scoff, though the blush I had done so well suppressing hits me at full force.

I catch Mikey raise a brow. I respond with a scowl, mouthing the word "Dead” so he’s aware I’m going to absolutely kill him next time I see him.

“You heard the man, I’ve gotta go. See ya later Gee.” Without a backwards glance he darts out of the store, and the two disappear from sight.

Notes

Wow I'm garbage at updating. Here's a longer one (I think) to make up for it.
Also, sorry if there're mistakes but it's 3am and I just want to get this chapter up as this is honestly just the beginning. The good stuff is coming up.

Thanks for reading! <3