page 16

[green]

After school, Mikey texts Bob.

what r u doing?

It takes five long minutes to get an answer.

in the band room. meet me?

Mikey smiles to himself and texts back.

on my way

The band room is empty except for the two of them when Mikey gets there. Bob is behind a drum kit, pounding away on the drums and cymbals. He sounds good, even without accompaniment. Mikey leans back against the wall and just watches. Bob looks amazing. His arms are flying, and Mikey can't stop staring at his shoulders. They're broad and strong looking, and Mikey feels a smile pulling at his lips.

Bob doesn't see him at first, but when he does he stops what he's doing and grins. “What do you think?”

“I think you're a fucking amazing drummer,” Mikey says.

Bob doesn't disagree with him, but a slight blush creeps into his face. He's pale, so it's impossible to hide. He doesn't look embarrassed, though, just pleased that Mikey likes what he's been doing.

“Do you have a car?” Mikey asks.

“Yeah,” Bob says. “I can give you a ride if you need one.”

“Where do you usually go after school?” Mikey asks.

Bob shrugs. “Here and there. You got a place in mind?”

Mikey doesn't want to say he'd go anywhere with Bob, just as long as he got to spend time with him. Instead, he says, “I'm pretty hungry since we skipped lunch. Want to grab a taco or something?”

He's thinking taco bell, but Bob says, “I'll take you to La Cabrerra,” which is the nicest Mexican place in town.

Mikey bites his lip. “I didn't bring a lot of money today.”

“Don't worry about it, I've got it,” Bob says, and gets up from his kit and grabs his bag. He opens the door for Mikey and everything, like a real gentleman, and leads him outside to the parking lot.

Bob's car is fucking gorgeous. Mikey doesn't know year models or makes or anything, but he knows a classic when he sees it. It's green and looks like it's freshly waxed.

“I like your car,” Mikey says. “I don't know much about them, but this one is nice.”

“I rebuilt it myself,” Bob says. And that figures, Bob seems like the capable type who can rebuild cars.

“How long did it take you?” Mikey asks as he puts on his seatbelt.

“A little over a year,” Bob says. “It was worth every second and every penny I poured into it.” Mikey can hear the pride in his voice.

They drive to the restaurant in relative silence, but it's comfortable. Bob drives fast but sure, and Mikey adds 'driving' to the list of things he likes about him.

Bob smokes a cigarette before going inside the restaurant, and Mikey bums one off him. It's time for him to get Gerard to buy him some more.

Inside, they get their chips and salsa right away, and Mikey orders water to drink. Bob gives him a look like he knows he's being cheap for Bob's sake, and Bob doesn't like it, so Mikey changes his order and gets a Coke instead. Bob looks pleased when he does.

“Make any friends today?” Bob asks.

“You,” Mikey says, smiling a little.

“Well you can't go wrong there,” Bob says.

“Do you ever go to Sin?” Mikey asks, talking about the all-ages club in town.

“Sometimes I do. I don't dance, so I usually hang out at the bar listening to the music. I had a job there over the summer doing sound, too.”

“Sound technician?” Mikey asks, impressed. “That's pretty awesome. I don't think I've ever seen you there before, though.”

“Like I said, I don't dance. Not like you.”

“You've seen me?” Mikey asks.

Bob ducks his head and takes another chip. “It's hard not to see you, Mikeyway.”

Mikey dances like there's no tomorrow at Sin, close and dirty with just about everyone. He's been called slutty for it, even though he's a virgin, and Bob … Bob's seen him.

“Tell you the truth,” Bob says, not looking at him, “I watch you a lot.”

Mikey feels his mouth go dry. “You watch me?”

Bob shrugs, and it's annoying because Mikey wants to pull every single word right out of him.

Mikey leans over the table, moving in close so he can speak low. “Do you like what you see when you watch?”

It's a gamble, but Bob's made the first move and Mikey's just upping the ante.

Bob nods, then looks up at Mikey. His eyes are impossibly blue and piercing. Mikey's not sure what to say next – he has little experience with flirting off the dance floor.

“I like you,” he says. Blunt works. He already knows Bob likes him.

“I like you too, Mikeyway,” Bob says.

Mikey leans back and smiles. He doesn't care if it's smug. “Want to go out sometime?”

Bob frowns. “We are out.”

“On a date, I mean,” Mikey says. “You know, movie, popcorn, making out in the dark?”

The flush that comes over Bob's face is adorable. “I've never been on a date with a guy before.”

Mikey shrugs. He hasn't either, but he's not going to say that. “It's not that different.”

Bob smiles slowly, and is about to say something when the waiter comes and takes their order. Bob orders a chicken chimichanga and Mikey orders tacos. When the waiter leaves, Bob says, “I'm glad you texted me today.”

“Me too,” Mikey says, and he means it with all of his heart.

The meal is over too fast. Mikey and Bob talk, both of them treading lightly. Mikey feels like this is fragile, too new to fuck up. He doesn't want to jeopardize whatever possibilities the future holds.

Bob drives Mikey home, and Mikey sits very still in the car when it pulls up to his house.

“I'll see you tomorrow,” Mikey says, but doesn't move.

Bob shifts in his seat and nods. “Yeah, tomorrow.”

“You can kiss me now if you want,” Mikey says softly.

Bob moves slowly, like Mikey's going to stop him if he goes too fast. Mikey turns towards him and leans in, and Bob cups his face with one warm hand.

Gently, slowly, Bob moves closer until he presses his lips against Mikey's. It's a sweet kiss, and Mikey nearly melts. It's over way too early.

“Tomorrow,” Mikey says again, and grabs his bag and gets out of the car. He feels like his feet are barely touching the ground as he walks to the side door. Bob waits until Mikey is safely in the house before driving away.


page 30 – date night