Chapter Text
The crisp cold autumn wind coursed through the air. Fireworks, of various colors, painted the starry night sky. Every few minutes you would hear the sounds:
Boom,
Pop,
Crackle.
Mikey was watching from his balcony that was connected to his room. He attempted to distract himself from the fact the ball had started and prayed no one would notice his absence. He really was trying not to be down in the dumps but, the short lived fireworks only reminded him of himself and how shortly he lived his life before being bound to an inescapable fate.
He dreaded the entire ordeal, it's not like he hadn’t concealed his true emotions, but this was a whole different ball park. He has to act like he doesn’t care about being married off, his own father telling him that he wasn’t a child anymore. Despite the fact that he literally is, he's seventeen. No matter how Mikey would spin it, there were no options to turn to. If he tried escaping, his family would track him down and marry him off immediately, he didn’t even want to know how his fiance would react. It also meant that he wouldn’t be able to contact Gee as much. Mikey didn’t want his older brother to be in trouble, or worse, be disowned. The pressure felt too much, like a pot reaching boiling point with its lid desperately holding on.
As a last ditch attempt of calming his nerves, he grabbed one of the roses that were growing on the wall of his balcony. He stared deep into it, like it owed him something. Then he aggressively plucked all of its petals, crushing them on the floor with his pearl white flats. It was the moments like these where he could let out his frustrations. Whether it was in the world, his parents or himself, Mikey could let his wings spread just ever so slightly.
Sadly, these moments of bliss were ever so fleeting.
“MICHAEL!” his mother’s muffled voice rang through the walls.
“Shit—“ Mikey retreated back into his bedroom and sat on his frilly white bed, attempting to omit any trace of discomfort from his face to plaster his cordial smile.
His mahogany wooden doors opened with haste, revealing Donna Way in her Cleopatra costume, decked out in gold from head to toe. Her jewelry made audible ‘clangs’ as she moved.
“Canary? What are you doing here? There is a ball downstairs and a very important one at that!” Donna reprimanded him.
Mikey just bit his lip and looked away, “I just—I just needed some fresh air, is all.”
His mother shook her head, “You are to meet your soon to be husband and you’re
holed up in your room? keep the poor gentleman waiting?”
‘Oh god, don’t make me remember!’ Mikey bitterly thought. He didn’t want to shake that man’s hand nor talk to him.
“Mother, haven’t you noticed that I—“
Mikey was cut off by his mother taking a seat next to him on his bed, looking at him.
“Okay, you don’t love the man. Canary, not all marriages are for love. You’ve known since you were young that you were different from Gerard. That role comes with responsibilities and this is one of them. It will all pay off in the end, you’ll live in a nice house, have nice things and won’t have to work to death.” Donna looked at him, placing her hand on top of her son’s.
“He’s a good man, Michael. Married life isn’t even that bad. Sure, you may feel…disgusted, hopeless, agitated and…” His mother trailed off, her gaze was on Mikey still.
While he didn't have enough conversations with her to know her on a personal level, despite them being mother and son. Mikey didn’t need to see the melancholy in her eyes. The way her lips parted slightly, as if she was going to continue her rant but remembered something at the last second. For whatever it was, he could tell that they weren’t talking about himself anymore. Instead, it was the woman who dressed herself in valuable jewelry to make up for the valued loss of her youth. A woman who knew this song and dance far too well. That woman was his mother.
It felt as if she was staring into a mirror, with her younger self reflecting back at her.
Mikey looked like his mom when she was younger, to her figure and to her hair. Even his face looked like hers. It was ever so slightly masculine looking due to his bone structure but if you lined them up together, there was no doubt he was almost an exact copy of his mother. Similarly, just like her, Mikey would follow in her footsteps and be sentenced to that same fate they condemned her to.
Mikey realized that his own mother had been living in her own cage. Instead of the shiny gold, it was rusted with time and beaten down but never enough to be fully free.
She shook off her emotion, “You can always learn to love him…Just try and see how it works tonight, Canary. Okay?”
She smiled at Mikey briefly before retracting her hand. Arising from the bed, making her way to the door. Trying ever so gracefully to save face from the reality she was living.
Mikey looked at her with pity, “Fine.”
Donna smiled, she was about to take her leave when she noticed Mikey wasn’t in costume.
“Michael! You’re not wearing your wings, headpiece, or any makeup! Put them on! And put some powder on your face. You may have my looks but a little powder makes a big difference! Hurry and go downstairs in five minutes, mister!” She informed him before exiting his doors, closing the door completely. The sound of her heels clacking, echoing after every step she took.
Mikey sighed before slipping on his angel wings and placing his halo headband. He was still thinking about what his mother basically revealed to him not even minutes ago. Would he become like her? Would he have to continue the cycle with his children?
There was a brief silence that fell in his room before the commotion of bottles popping and glasses clinking bled through the walls.
“Right, the party…” Mikey shook his head before heading to his vanity to dab the powder puff on his face.
–
“We’re here, boys!” Brendon chirped as he turned his head around with a sly grin.
Pete didn’t even realize when Brendon’s purple convertible had come to a halt when it did. He was far too lost within his thoughts to even register the loss of motion. It took Patrick to tap him on the shoulder to snap out of it.
“Pete, hey! Time to get up, buddy.” Patrick nudged him further as he jerked his head to point towards the left.
When Pete looked up, he found himself in the Way’s estate entrance and all its glory. The Ways were very particular about their aesthetics, Pete could tell from his eye alone. Their mansion was a fusion between Tuscany and Castlelike, from its brick walls, roof, pathways, and statues. The only modern thing Pete could see was the golden gate that was attached to the brick wall that was at the entrance.
Pete finally stepped out of the car, slamming back the door. The others were waiting on him, impatiently.
“Hurry up, Romeo! Don’t wanna keep Ashlee waiting now do we?” Brendon joked with a low whistle.
Brendon had caused a chain reaction and now everyone was making jabs at Pete and making wolf whistles when he caught up to them. God, he needed a cig and liquor in his system. Pete just gave them a wince, a couple “shut ups” with a side of eye rolling. He didn’t even want to follow the whole Ashlee plan anymore. It was like a wave of clarity hit him, she never wanted Pete and he was stupid for even persisting. Let alone, constructing a whole plan to change her mind. The more he thought about it he realized how ridiculous he has truly been and he already feels like shit from the anxiety coursing through his veins. It also didn’t help that his friends were being super rowdy within enemy territory.
Pete prayed that no one would take a closer look at them and realize that the enemy was crashing the party. He didn’t want to die in a knight costume before he even got to go inside the damn party. To Pete’s delight, nobody cared, the guests around them were just as eccentric, drunk, and drugged out. If not, even rowdier than his friends ever were. If anything, they blended in.
They all made their way to the velvet carpet in front of the golden gate, once they made it pass, they were golden. Security was checking bags, coats, and hats for any weaponry and confiscating any that they did find. None of them, well at least to Pete’s knowledge, brought any guns or pocket knives of the sort. The guy in front of them didn’t take very kind to the procedure but complied. It was now their turn, as reached security, Brendon whipped out his invitation from his coat and flailed it around the bald headed man that wore black and a walkie talkie.
The stonefaced man simply took the invite and let them in without a hitch.
They were in.
Pete threaded along the cobblestone without a hitch, he tried grounding himself by listening to the sound of his boots clack against the floor. He didn’t even realize he was walking ahead than everybody else, he was too busy caught in his own spiral. It was only broken when he heard a loud yelp from Andy. Pete sharply whipped his head aback.
“SHIT—” Andy yelped.
Pete whipped his head around, he saw Andy on the floor with his knees completely scrapped. Joe and Patrick hovered over the fallen boy, as Ryan asked if Andy was okay.
“Fuck! It stings!”Andy hissed.
Brendon lent out his hand to the boy, as Joe took Andy’s other arm to support him back up. They slowly lifted Andy up but it was noticeable that he was having a hard time standing straight.
Pete inched closer, “Hurley! How did you fall?!”
“We were walking and Andy’s heel got stuck in between the cobblestone and he tried taking it out but then he lost balance–” Patrick was cut off.
“...then he ate shit!” Joe added.
Pete knew it! He knew it was a bad idea to come tonight! Poor Andy, he didn’t deserve to have his fun cut short.
“You should really get that patched up, Hurley. You don’t want to get that infected.” Brendon urged.
“You know what, I’ll take care of Andy. You guys, go and have fun.” Joe wrapped his arm Andy’s waist and held onto his left arm.
“I’ll go too! I mean, what is Mario without Peach?” Patrick chuckled, joining Joe and Andy, supporting the injured boy on his right.
“Are you sure? We could wait for you all, y’know?” Pete assured.
“We’ll be fine. Go ahead, We’ll meet up with you guys later!” Andy smiled awkwardly.
Leaving the trio behind, it was now just Pete and the lovers. Great….
–
To be truthfully honest, Pete tried. He really tried keeping his cool and not spiraling further about his pitiful conquest of love and the bad omen following him but he couldn’t. Try being in a room where Brendon and Ryan are aggressively flirting for more than five minutes. Exactly, you can’t. Pete just wanted to save himself the sight of the two actively eye fucking each other.
In an attempt to calm down his nerves, he went inside the mansion and guzzled down three glasses of champagne. Not the smartest move, but when has Pete ever thought clearly at a party? To the Way’s credit, the interior of the house was elegant. From the artistic paintings that hung on the wall to the artisan furniture that filled the house. Not to mention the sleek gold railing and embellishments that were in every nook and cranny.
“God, I think my parents have finally met their match of who has the most stuck up house!” he murmured to himself as he eyed the interior up and down.
There was a sea of people, every part of the dance floor and its surrounding areas were filled. They had a live band and singer, champagne glass towers, poker tables and a spread of all sorts of food.
“The faster I can get alcohol in my system, the better.” He whispered to himself as he inched closer to the tower of champagne.
‘I can’t freak out if I’m under the influence, am I right?’ He figured as he quickly grabbed a glass from the tower.
All his worries seemed to fade as Pete raised his glass towards his lips, “I wonder how the notes on this will taste—“
Pete rocked forward and stumbled aback. Some idiot in a suit bumped into him and spilled his drink onto his face. Despite wearing his eye mask, some of it managed to fall through the eye slits and in his nostrils.
“Ack!” Pete's face scrunched.
Pete tried wiping it off his eyes under his mask and blowing some of the alcohol out. The guy that bumped into him didn’t even say sorry. He simply scoffed at Pete and went on his way.
‘What a dick! Who wears a suit to a costume party?!” Pete angrily thought.
Pete had a new objective, find the bathroom and wash out his eyes and blow his nose properly. He clumsily navigated his way out the ballroom and searched for any signs that directed him to the bathroom. Eventually, he found his way to the bathroom, which had multiple stalls and sinks. He tore off his mask and immediately washed his face with the sink water, relieving him of the previous stinging in his eyes. Then he blew his nose before drying it with the bathroom’s paper towels. As he discarded the used paper towels, he stared intensely at his palms, letting his inner monologue run wild.
‘Should I just leave? I’m not even having fun, I’m not doing the stupid Ashlee plan anymore and—What am I doing? Pete, what the hell is wrong with you? Are you seriously letting this shit get you? God, I’m so—’
“What type of acid are you on that makes your palms seem the most profound thing on earth? You better share with the class.” An unknown voice spoke from behind.
Pete snapped from his thoughts and looked up to the mirror only to see the most angelic boy, as he literally was dressed as an angel and had the most breathtaking face he ever saw. He fully turned to face him and examined him, the boy was tall, skinny, bright hazel eyes, fair skin as if he was a vampire, and shoulder length blonde hair. He was wearing angel wings, white flats, a gorgeous headpiece that had small wings pointed inward with a gold ornament of a sun in the middle and a midi length white dress with an off the shoulder neckline.
The blonde boy wove his hand with his brows slightly furrowed, “Hello? Anybody home? Man, you’re out of it. You look the most interesting out of everyone here, too.” He sighed as he disappointedly shook his head.
Pete barely realizes that this mysterious angel is talking to him and it only registers barely, prompting him to turn around to face the latter. “I—uh? I’m not high? Hell, I barely even got a single drink in. Actually, some asshole bumped into me and the champagne got into my eye and nostrils. I’m just—I’m just having a shitty night is all.” Pete tried seeming less dorky.
Mikey hummed at the stranger’s backstory, “Oh man, I was really hoping you had that acid. I’d be tripping balls than doing this sober. But hey, at least I’m not the only one who’s having a rough time.” His soft lips curled into a smirk.
Pete huffed as he leaned against the sink, speaking with a boyish grin, “Oh yeah? Why so? Plus, isn’t an angel not supposed to treat their body like a temple? I’m pretty sure there’s a book that gives you these ten rules and stuff.”
“Wouldn’t you love to know, weather boy?” Hazel brown eyes flirted as a mischievous lazy smirk formed on his face.
Pete unusually felt calm talking to this mysterious man in comparison to ten seconds ago . He wanted to keep talking, he was curious and also he lost Ryan and Brendon a long time ago—he couldn’t be bothered to look. He wanted to indulge in these brief non-anxious moments. “Say, I don’t have acid but I sure do have some Newports. Care to join me over a cig? It seems we could both use some relief.” Pete kept his gaze cool and aback.
The mention of cigarettes made his eyes light up to life, “Why didn’t you say so sooner? C’mon, I have a perfect spot that’s away from everyone. Follow me—sorry, what’s your name? I'm afraid I didn’t catch it.”
Pete relinquished from leaning against the bathroom sink, lazily smiling, “Pete. You?”
“Mikey. Now, follow me, Sir Pete” Mikey chuckled as he joked, jabbing at the other boy’s costume.
Pete laughed at the jab and figured he should play along as well, he knelt on one knee, “Your orders are my command, your holiness. I shall accompany you for your protection.”
As Pete was about to arise from his position, he noticed Mikey’s outstretched hand offering to help him up. Pete smiled as latched onto the hand, feeling a weird but familiar feeling of warmth wash over him. It was as if his body was telling him that he was safe. Once he fully stood up, he linked arms with Mikey, catching the other boy off guard, delightingly.
“As your knight, it is my duty to protect you. Now, shall we?” Pete continued the bit.
Mikey dragged them through the halls of the manor, slipping through the crowds, avoiding any contact of his parents. Pete felt like he was a ragdoll from how much tugging Mikey at him when they needed to change directions but he didn’t mind. It almost brings comfort, excitingly dashing through the halls before any adults can catch them. It was like they were making up for the childhood Pete never had. Before he knew it, their wild goose chase had come to a stop. It only took a trip down the flight of stairs, slipping through the seemingly endless hallways, a trip to the garden and Pete almost falling onto a thorny rose bush but nonetheless, they had arrived at their hidden hideaway.
“Gee, you’d think you’d warn a guy about the very thorny rose bushes?” Pete recoiled at the remembrance of his almost unfortunate fate.
“Oh? And here I thought Knights were fearless” Mikey playfully smirked.
“Fearless, yes! Painless, no.” Pete straightened.
Mikey rolled his eyes out of amusement, enjoying the playful banter.
The hideaway was a forgotten extension of the garden. Neglected and overgrown, as its vines draped over the mossy stone walls, Ross buds half heartily blooming on the bushes and vines alike, as tall grass reigned on the ground, making the cobblestone path barely visible. Said path led to a decommissioned small sit water foundation that was surrounded by weeping willows. The scenery felt unreal and yet so intimate, sure it wasn’t as grand as the main garden and pavilion but it had its own charm to it. They followed along the broken path to the rundown water fountain,
“Man, how did you even find out about this place?” Pete low whistled, enamored by the scene in front of him.
“Ah-Ah no answering questions before the smokes I was promised.” Mikey declared with a mischievous smile.
Pete was now rolling his eyes, “I didn’t promise anything, it’s bad to be in debt to someone like that. But, since I’m so nice, I’ll share my stash.” The knight slipped his hands into his pant’s pocket, pulling out his fresh pack of Newports. He opened it and quickly took a cigarette from the container before offering the box to the latter.
“I’ll say, but I do suppose I owe you a thank you for the cigarette and one hell of a distraction” Mikey takes a cigarette ever so gracefully before putting the drug in his mouth.
“Here, come in close” Pete mumbled with his cigarette in his mouth, bringing the lighter close to light it, with his free hand hovering to preserve the flame.
Mikey did as he instructed and allowed Pete to light his cigarette as well, only lifting two fingers to retrieve his cigarette after he took a drag. The taste of the nicotine and how it polluted their lungs with every hit eased the tense buildup within both Mikey and Pete. Everyone had their vices and this was one of the few that they couldn’t do without.
After a couple of minutes in comfortable silence and a few hits in, Pete dared to ask his previous question. Figuring that Mikey would tell him now that he’s loosened up.
“Alright Mikey, what gives? How did you find this place? Do tell.”
Mikey removed the cig from his mouth, exhaling the smoke, “Well, my parents were nagging me as usual and wanted me to socialize with some suitors who were nearby. But I’d rather die than talk to those slimy bastards, seriously, all of them just want to kiss ass to my parents because of their money.”
Pete took a drag of his cigarette, blowing the smoke, “I get you, it’s good you know how to weed out the fakes. Also, you said something suitors? No offense but you look like you’re barely pushing sixteen.”
Mikey turned his head to Pete, speaking without a beat, "I recently turned seventeen, last month. Meaning in my parents eyes I have to start looking for a husband or some bullshit like that.”
Mikey looked away and redirected his focus on the ground, thinking about his mother. How he would soon follow her fate, continue the cycle. Smoking the last of his cigarette, as Pete’s brows furrowed.
“And they’re marrying you off like that? That’s inhumane. I’m so sorry. You’re just a few months younger than me. You should be living your life like a regular high schooler. Not marriage of all things.” Pete spoke with an apologetic tone and a flicker of anger on his face.
Pete’s a crook, not a monster. He is thankful that his parents never bestowed that onto him. His parents were quite lax on Pete majority the time but if he over stepped his place his father would be sure to remind him.
Though, he never went through the extent of forcing an arranged marriage.
“I can’t do much about it though, I’m betrothed to some guy I’ve never met or cared for.” Mikey bitterly spoke while looking away still. He didn’t want nobody to see him as vulnerable, to be easily taken advantage of. Mikey bit his cheek from the inside, disgusted by the thought and himself.
‘Just stop talking, don’t say anything anymore about it. God you’re so pathetic, Mikey.’ he thought.
He switched back to his laid-back demeanor, facing Pete again. Hoping that he could still save his image somehow.“Why do you even care? You’re just a stranger. You’ll forget about my existence in the morning after you drink a couple of shots.” He spoke as he stubbed out his cigarette with a hum.
Pete truly felt bad for Mikey, granted he had no idea who he was prior to five minutes ago but, he truly did want to set Mikey free. He reasoned it was normal to feel that way but would it also explain how Pete noticing the blonde’s features under the moonlight made him feel weirdly fuzzy inside.
He shook his head, “I’m a concerned stranger, and either way—“
‘I’d never forget a person with the most striking hazel brown eyes’
he stopped himself from letting that comment slip.
Mikey fixed his gaze to meet Pete’s, eye to eye, “either way, what?”
“Either way…it’s not profound to express remorse about your situation. It’s basic decency. Seeing as we are both guests at a Way party, we’re aware of what businesses they and their inner circle do. Forced arranged marriages for alliances isn’t uncommon, sadly.” Pete stubbed out the cigarette against the ledge of the water fountain.
Mikey wore a face of confusion at the last bit of the comment, his head tilted to the left. “Guest? You may be but—“
Mikey cuts himself off as his distant yells that he couldn’t quite make out, it’s never a good sign. Growing up in an almost enclosed environment made him observant of looks and sound. Registering every footstep in the house and to the vocal range. Pete on the other hand was clueless.
“I may be a guest but?“ Pete questioned but was shushed by the other.
“Someone is yelling a word or a name? I can’t focus on what they’re saying, c’mon I wanna investigate and I need my knight to protect me” he smiled at the last bit of the sentence.
“As you wish, my liege” Pete played along, happily.
They swatted through the willow’s long branches and the wet ferns while trying to remain as quiet as possible. As Mikey would really hate it if he got caught red handed with another man that he was not betrothed to by his family or his parent’s minions. He recoiled at the thought of punishment and what they could do to Pete.
“Man, how did you even hear a voice from far away?” Pete spoke as he swatted another branch away from his face.
Mikey ducked under a vine, “I’ve always had sharp ears as a kid. Strict parents makes sneaky kids”
“Ahh you're right about that one, I used to sneak out of the house a lot when I was fifteen to go on late night drives, parties and what not.” Pete hummed as they both treaded closer to the stone walls closer to where they originally came from. The sound of guests and music once again began to flow back to their ears. All seemed well until Mikey suddenly halted at the shouting voice that was now crystal clear.
“MIKEY! God where is this boy?” An unknown voice rang near the pavilion.
Mikey straightened as his fear washed over him, similar to a deer in headlights, “Shit.”
Mikey knew he didn’t have the luxury to prolong his time with Pete, he needed to return, now. He had to continue living in reality, after all, did he really think that he could just run away? At least he was able to feel and talk like a normal seventeen year old, even if it was for less than ten minutes. He brushed his visible panic off and prepared to put his cordial persona back on. “Looks like they’re looking for me, I better go. Though thank you for keeping me company on this boring night. I hope to see you around, Sir Pete!” Mikey couldn’t help but smile at the last sentence as he bid his farewell to the knight.
Pete hates to see Mikey leave, especially after he told Pete his situation, though he didn’t want Mikey to be in more trouble. “Goodbye, Mikey. It was nice meeting you” he spoke with the utmost sincerity.
Mikey was about to hop on over the wall before stopping to turn back, “Goodbye is what you say to someone you’ll never see again. As long as you’re in Belleville, I’ll be here, so lighten up! Plus…” Mikey figured it was a genuine gesture and couldn’t lie, it was indulgent of him because he found Pete attractive. Plus after never being able to even date anyone, he could at least give himself this. Mikey cupped Pete’s face and kissed his right cheek before quickly pulling away.
Pete could feel the bush paint his face. He felt oddly warm inside and had a million thoughts running through his head. He huffed before breaking out in a small smile, “I’ll see you around, Mikey. It was nice meeting you too. Friends?”
A genuine smile crept to Mikey’s face, “Friends.” Mikey waved bye to Pete before hopping the wall. Once he landed behind the big rose bush, he brushed himself off. He heard a ‘ding’ sound but he had no time to investigate what it was, leaving the scene. Mikey ducked through the crowd and slipped into the house when a hand touched his shoulder. He turned around to see who was the hand’s owner and was met with the sight of his older brother.
“Woah! Didn’t mean to startle you, little bro.” Gerard sheepishly spoke, holding his hands up in the air. He was dressed as an Edwardian vampire, his hair was parted down the middle, loose and combed. It had gotten longer since he last saw him.
“Gee!” Mikey hugged him completely overjoyed. Gerard hugged him back with the same joy before they both pulled away.
“I was looking all over for you! Hell, I even had Frank yelling all over the Pavillion for you, kiddo.” Gerard sighed as he shook his head.
“M’ sorry, I just—I needed some fresh air. I promise I won’t run off again” Mikey’s gaze averted to the side.
Gerard’s face turned to a remorseful expression, “I know, tonight’s not really the most exciting. I wish you could spend at least the first half of the day with Frank and me earlier. Believe me, I really tried convincing Donna and Donald.” Gerard never refers to his parents by title like mom and dad, never to their face. He sees them less than parents just as Mikey does.
“They didn’t let me go because I was giving Donald ‘attitude’ for what? I have no clue.” Mikey rolled his eyes.
Not long after, Frank, who was dressed as Frankenstein, appears and spots them from across the hall and practically sprints to pull the youngest Way into a hug. “Oh man! I missed you, little bugger!” Frank nuggies Mikey.
“Happy Birthday Frankie! Also stop it! You’re gonna ruin my hair and drop my halo!” Mikey complained.
Frank looks up at Gerard confused and they both look back down at Mikey. “Mikey, you don’t have a halo?”
Mikey’s demeanor switches from confusion to panic, he immediately starts grabbing at his hair and realizes he does indeed not have his halo. “SHIT—I must've dropped it when I was in here or the garden. Mom is gonna kill me!” he whips his gaze to Gee.
“I’m sure we’ll find it! Don't worry, Mikey! Plus after a couple of drinks, Donald and Donna will be more lax and drunk so their sense of time will be gone!” Frank reassured as placed his hand on the younger’s shoulder. “I’ll check the garden, don’t worry your pretty heads about nothing! You guys check inside the house and I’ll meet you by the champagne tower!”
The three parted ways, Frank going to the garden out the back door as the brothers began their search inside, retracing Mikey’s steps. Going hallway to hallway, room to room. Unfortunately, no matter where they turned, they couldn't find it, retreating to the champagne table. “Well, it's a bummer we can’t find it here. So while we wait for Frankie to come back with it, do you wanna tell me why you smell like cigarette smoke and aquatic cologne? I’m no means judging but I can’t help but notice the smell on you when I ran into you earlier. You usually smell like vanilla..” Gerard wore an expression that said ‘I know you’re hiding something.’
Mikey completely forgot that cigarette smoke clings onto you like an unwanted ex, but he didn’t realize that Pete’s cologne had stuck onto him. “Uhh…Well, I was getting a breath of fresh air, I just wasn’t alone.” Mikey tried restraining a smile from forming his face, though it was so obvious.
Gerard looked at him with a boyish grin, “Who’s the lucky guy?”
Mikey rolled his eyes playfully, “Oh please, he’s just a friend, he’s around my age. I met him tonight, in the bathroom.” Gerard paused furrowing his brow about to speak before Mikey quickly addressed his concerns flusteredly, “Not like that! He was washing some champagne out of his eyes and I went to the bathroom to hide from the party!”
The older way’s shoulders visibly relaxed, letting out a sigh of relief, “Well I’m glad you made a friend, I know it gets lonely around these parts and I’m sorry we don’t visit often, y’know with work and all. What’s his name?”
Mikey hummed, “Pete. We were hanging out in the old abandoned part of the garden and he offered me a cigarette. I couldn’t possibly say no!“
‘Gee doesn’t need to know about the kiss on the cheek I gave him. That can be my little secret.’ Mikey smiled to himself.
Gerard shook his head with a chuckle, “I’ll tell you what, I’ll give you a pack and a lighter later.”
Shortly after the raven haired man spoke, a familiar Frankenstein came into view, though he wore a nervous expression. “Hey guys, I couldn’t find it. I swear I looked all over and it just wasn’t anywhere!”
Mikey sighed, “It’s okay Frankie, I’ll just lie saying that It broke or—“
“Canary, darling there you are!” Donna inched closer to them as she spoke with two mysterious men in tow.
Mikey could feel his heart sink to his stomach at the sight as his fist clenched. Gerard and Frankie were equally caught off guard but knew they couldn’t do much. Once they were directly I gathered in front of them, they were addressed by Donna.
“Oh my! Gerard and Frank! I didn’t know you were here, let alone with Mikey!” She greeted them with a hug and a kiss on their cheek.
“Ahh yes, we are. Sorry, we ran into Mikey and we’ve been keeping him company all night long, we lost track of time.” Gerard effortlessly lied.
Frank cleared his throat and directed his attention to the men in front of them, keeping a polite tone, “Who may be these gentlemen with you?”
The two men weren’t even dressed up, they were both in typical business suits. The visibly older man, presumably the other boy’s father, had a thick grey mustache, tanned skin, grey streaks in his combed back hair stood serious. As the younger boy looked around Mikey’s age, tall, tanned, slightly muscular, jet black hair in a comb-over, and wore a pretentious smile. It took a few seconds before the realization hit Mikey like a truck.
They weren't just typical party guests, it was his soon to be father in law and his fiance, Christopher Gutierrez.
“Ah, apologies for not introducing them sooner! These are Gutierrezes. Armando Gutierrez, CEO of Indigo Airlines and his son Christopher. He’s our Canary’s fiance! How amazing is that?” Donna crowed at the three of them.
Frankie and Gerard exchanged pleasantries before Mikey was urged to do so. Though it was hard because it feels like his vocal chords are tied in knots but he had no choice but to suck it up and play his part. “Uhm. Hello, it’s very nice to meet you both, thank you for coming to celebrate with us tonight. I’m Mikey Way, though I’m sure you already knew that from my mother.” Mikey bowed his head ever so slightly as he curtseyed.
Christopher and his father briefly smiled at each other before the younger man took Mikey’s hand and kissed it, “Christopher Gutierrez, pleasure to meet you and be your fiance.”
Mikey was seething on the inside, he didn’t want this man anywhere near him or for him to kiss his hand. He didn’t want this touch, and certainly didn’t want this union. Yet, he knew it was fruitless, this was his fate, a golden canary caged for display for a collector,
Christopher.
–
Shortly after Mikey made his departure, Pete couldn’t help but notice a little ‘ding’ noise that followed. It was now his turn to hop over, weary of the thorny rose bush from before. When the knight descended over the wall, he saw Mikey’s headpiece on the ground. Pete grabbed and examined it up close, a part of him wanted to keep it for memories of Mikey but he restrained those thoughts.
‘Mikey’s not that far, surely if I find him quickly, I’ll be able to give it back.’ Pete thought as he carried the possession and made his way through the pavilion to the main estate.
One thing for sure Pete had no idea his night was going to end up like this, he was so anxious for what? It’s been smooth sailing and it's for the first time in days, he realizes the time spent with Mikey eased his nerves, which he was grateful for. He didn’t know what exactly he felt towards Mikey, could he just like his company? But why specifically, Mikey? Why did the kiss on the cheek make his heart race? It was a kind gesture! It didn’t make sense to his head as he debated this question with himself in his head. It isn't until the loud music of the ballroom erupts in his ears to snap out his thoughts. He suddenly becomes weary of the elite, family of the Ways, friends and overall the amount of people here. That’s when he spots his own friends gathering in a corner. He had been so caught up with his whole side quest with Mikey and the whole champagne incident, he didn’t even think to call them on his flip phone. He figured that he could spare a brief few minutes to talk with his friends.
“Hey, it's the lucky man of the night!” Brendon wolf whistled as he had an arm around Ryan’s waist as the other hand was holding a glass of champagne.
Andy, Joe, and Ryan made a series of sly remarks about the bachelor as Pete rolled his eyes.
“Have you guys been here this entire time?” Pete questioned.
Patrick took a brief sip of his champagne before answering, “After we bandaged up Andy, we wandered for a bit, partook in a couple rounds of gambling then settled around here and ran into these two love birds.”
“I thought we made it clear we weren’t supposed to draw attention to ourselves?” Pete shook his head in disbelief.
“Dude, relax! Literally everyone is drugged out and or drunk, they’re not gonna use their right state of judgment nor remember” Joe quipped.
They were right, Pete was making a fuss over nothing. Plus the whole point was to have a good time. “How are you holding up, Hurley?” Pete asks.
“Oh I’m fine! Thanks to Patty and Joseph here! I just need a teensy support when I walk hence why I’m still holding onto Joe.” Andy smiled carefreely.
“Alright, enough about us, how about you tell us about the whole Ashlee thing~ Did it go according to plan?” Ryan redirected.
Now everyone was curious how it went and was demanding for Pete to tell over a series of "C'mon tell us!”
Pete shook his head in amusement, chuckling to himself before responding, “Well, truth be told I’m not chasing over Ashlee anymore. I mean why should I? She made it clear she doesn’t have feelings for me and to be quite honest, I didn’t know her either! I’ve come to that realization and I’ve made peace with it.”
Everyone looked at each other confused, don’t get them wrong, they’re happy for their friend for no longer obsessively fixating over Ashlee. It was just the fact it was so sudden.
“Who are you, and what have you done with Pete?” Brendon asked.
“Joe, you owe me twenty bucks. Cough it up!” Patrick spoke with a shit eating grin.
“This is so rigged” Joe sighed as he handed Patrick the crumpled twenty dollar from his pocket.
Pete was also confused at first on how he came to terms with it but realized that she wasn’t going to change her mind but was grateful for it.
“You guys betted on me? Ouch??” Pete was gagged.
“Does that mean… Is there another person?” Andy clocked.
The chaos in their circle ended abruptly, all eyes shifted onto Pete, waiting for an answer.
“N-No! It’s not like that!” Pete blushed as he momentarily looked away from his group of friends. “Look, I got cold feet earlier. I just didn’t tell you guys and the more I thought about it, I completely over romanticized our interactions. Plus I think I more so idealized her in my head when I didn’t even know the girl!” Pete honestly spoke. “Just know, I’m done chasing Ashlee. Now I have to go find my friend Mikey. He dropped this earlier and I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t have wanted to lose this. Dial me up when it’s time to bounce.” Pete laid down his objectives quickly before making his escape from his friend’s prying eyes.
As Pete made his departure, Brendon bit his lip trying to think, “Mikey? That name seems familiar but I can’t put my finger on it.” It hit him like a freight train the second Pete was out of his field of vision, his face turning pale as a ghost, “Pete, wait! Don’t return it!” Brendon quickly ran after his best friend.
–
To be honest he just wanted to get the heat off him and he doesn’t really quite understand how he feels about Mikey. Plus, this was supposed to be Pete’s night off of psychological torture that is called love, to be interrogating his feelings. Additionally, he was on the clock and needed to get this to Mikey before any of them could leave. Pete combed the crowd, keeping an eye out for a dirty blonde who was wearing white. It wasn’t too long when he saw a familiar angel in front of the staircase. He was talking to some guy, and for some reason it made Pete feel weird inside. Yet, he brushed it off and instead, he focused on the fact he got to see Mikey one more time before the end of the night while also fulfilling his main objection:return his headpiece.
…
Mikey was completely bored by this guy, talk about arrogance. He was a pretentious classist prick who claimed he was a misunderstood nice guy, when in reality he was a grade A asshole who had no regard for others feelings and believed people who weren’t rich were the pests of society. He had zoned out this conversation ten minutes ago but Christopher didn’t even realize it because he just loves to hear himself talk. Thankfully a maid came to his rescue.
“And then, I told this incompetent–”
“Young master, Christopher, your father would like to speak with you in private. I’ll escort you to where he is.” She instructed politely.
“One moment, darling. I’ll be back!” Christopher kissed his hand again.
Mikey waited for the both of them to fully turn away so he could show his disgust.
The dirty blonde wiped his hand on an unknowing lady’s boa who was passing on by. He did not want any particle of Chris on him at all. As he stood by himself, he couldn’t help but wonder about Pete. His thoughts about him were like a rabbit hole, once they began there was no way out. Despite the fact, he barely met him tonight, there was something about him that made his heart race. All Mikey really had was celebrity crushes and that one girl from church when he was a little but Pete was different.
‘Would he take me to the movies as a first date?’
‘Does Pete prefer savory or sweet?’
‘I wonder what type of music Pete listens to?’
‘Will I ever see him ever again?’
Were the just a few of the many thoughts that Mikey wondered as he fidgeted with the skirt part of his dress. Mikey really underestimated how wildly easy it was to develop feelings for someone in less than an hour but he digresses.
He sighed, “I have to stop. It’s not like Pete’s just gonna magically show up! God, I’m so pathet–”
“MIKEY!”
The angel immediately looked up, not even bothering completing the sentence he was saying under his breath. To his delight, it wasn’t just anybody calling his name it was, his knight in shining armor!
“Pete…? Pete!” Mikey called his name wide-eyed and dazed before meeting Pete halfway with the biggest smile on his face.
He couldn’t believe Pete had found him, he had figured that their brief kiss in the garden would be the last time he would see the other. That didn’t matter now, Pete was five inches apart in front of him with the most stupidly handsome face he ever laid eyes on. Mikey could’ve sworn the highlights on his eyes looked like hearts. Pete could make out the small subtle freckles that barely made their presence known on Mikey's face. Even his hazel eyes that Pete couldn’t quite make out earlier, he could feel and see their enchanting appeal. All while the soft glow from the chandelier focussing on them made it seem time had slowed down and everyone around them had faded into inexistence.
“Hey, I uhh—” Pete nervously looked down at his shoes before finding the courage to start talking again. “I came to return this to you! Figured, you didn’t want to leave it behind” Pete nervously smiled as he handed Mikey his headpiece.
The angel was softly chuckling at the latter's newfound nervous jitters, he found it endearing, “Thank you, my dear knight. Say, would you do me the honors and place it on me?” Mikey flashed his doe eyes at the raven haired man.
Pete’s blush deepened by a shade, “I would love to!” He made sure to place it on the dirty blonde’s crown without messing up his hair. When he finished, it was like he was seeing an honest to God angel. Pete mindlessly reached to grab Mikey’s shoulder before—
“MIKEY! What are you doing?!”
A tall Edwardian vampire with black hair practically ran up to them and pulled Mikey away from Pete’s grasp. Making the knight feel aback as his hand hung in the air still reaching for the angel’s shoulder. Before Pete could truly process what just happened he feels a tug on his free hand, which promptly makes him face the perpetrator, that being none other than being Brendon.
“Dude! Are you seriously trying to get killed?! You said to not draw attention to ourselves and you, my friend, are holding a big red LED light sign that says ‘I’m Pete Wentz!’ Thank God, I got here in time!” Brendon scolded the knight, completely out of breath.
“What are you even talking about?!” Pete squinted as not even six feet from them, Mikey was getting a similar scolding.
“--Mikey, when you said you made a friend, I was happy, but HOLY FUCK! Have you lost your damn mind?! Dad has eyes everywhere and you were being reckless in plain sight! You’re so lucky that I was around.”
Mikey frowned, “I haven’t lost anything besides my youth, time and soul in this god forsaken hell hole of a house! So enlighten me! What's the matter huh?!”
“He's Wentz, Michael James Way!”
“He’s a Way, Pete!”
The two froze in their tracks, time was slowing down for a whole different reason, not out of love, but sheer shock and terror.
❦︎