page 31

[green]

“Sure, okay,” Mikey says. Gerard grins and grabs his phone.

Bob shows up about forty-five minutes later. Mikey looks outside and sees his car – it's a nice one.

Gerard and Bob are easy with each other, like old friends. Mikey wonders why Bob's never come over before this.

They settle in the basement to watch movies. They start with The Howling, then move on to The Shining. The latter freaks Mikey out a little, although he'd never show it. Bob is sitting right beside him, his arm stretched out along the back of the couch. It's easy to lean back, if only for a little reassurance. The movie is really freaky, and even though he's seen it before, Mikey wants to hide his face.

Bob bumps Mikey's shoulder with his fingers. “You okay?”

Mikey nods, looking away from the television and at Bob, instead. “It's just...”

“Scary movie,” Bob finishes for him. Mikey nods again and leans against Bob a little. Not a lot, not a come-on, but just comfortable.

They watch the rest of the movie, and during one part Bob's arm slips around Mikey's shoulders. It's nice, warm and sheltering. That's how Mikey feels. He smiles at Bob to let him know he appreciates it, but Bob is staring straight ahead, a blush staining his cheeks.

“Thanks,” Mikey whispers, low enough that just Bob hears.

Bob squeezes Mikey's shoulder and gives a small smile.

Later, when Gerard has gone upstairs to get snacks, Bob looks at Mikey and says, “Will you go out with me sometime?”

It surprises Mikey, but he finds himself nodding. “Friday?”

The smile Bob gives Mikey warms him. It's nice, and Bob's eyes are very blue and bright.


page 30 date with Bob