Hey Bartender, Hit Me

Chapter 7

"Michael, I said I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it. Nothing even happened."

The next morning, Luke and Michael were helping restock all the items they kept at the tables downstairs, even though Michael himself was "too angry to do anything" at the moment. One of the openers wasn't able to make it until later, so Michael decided they should go early and help set up. Michael was sitting at the bar, arms crossed, watching Luke. He was still upset about the Ashton thing from last night, even though Luke had assured him it was nothing.

Luke grabbed the salt shaker and brought it over to the refill container.

"Michael, talk to me. We have to communicate."

"Fine, you want me to talk?" He yelled. Thankfully the bar was empty. Harry had run over to the store to get more napkins and straws, so no one else was there. "What am I supposed to think, Luke? I walk inside my own house and see my boyfriend falling all over my best friend. What do you think that looks like to me?"

Luke blinked back tears of frustration. They'd been over this so many times, why couldn't Michael just believe him? He should trust him.

"You have to trust me, Michael, nothing happened. I honestly just tripped. I was sending him away."

"Likely story." Michael scoffed, but it seemed half hearted. He was starting to believe him now. Luke sighed in relief.

"It's true. And you were the one who told him to stay with me at dinner and walk me home after. I was trying to get him to leave the whole time. I don't need a babysitter, Michael, I'm okay by myself."

"I didn't tell him to stay with you," Michael said absently, looking at his phone. It seemed like now he was over it.

"He said you did, and then he followed me all the way home." Luke moved so he was standing in front of Michael now. "I appreciate your concern, but I'm able to handle myself. I don't need someone to look after me all the time."

Michael put his phone down and pulled Luke close to him.

"I just worry about you, Lukey. A cute, innocent, twink like you could get swept up very easily. I just want you to be safe." He started kissing Luke's neck and Luke forgot what he was angry about.

"I'm not a twink," he protested, pouting. 

"You totally are, baby." he pressed a sweet kiss to Luke's nose.

"So we're good?" He asked, not liking how breathless he sounded. Michael could work him up so easily, it was crazy how in love he was. Even though they argued sometimes, he still loved him. Everyone fought with their partner, that was a part of life.

"Of course. I could never stay mad at you, Lu." Michael cooed and kissed Luke's nose. "Now how about we make up behind the bar."

"Harry will be back soon,"

"He'll get over it."

***

After an eventful morning, Luke was glad his Michael was back. Playful glances across the bar, smiles, and winks were just the normal thing all day. He couldn't be happier.

The bar opened around 4 and he and Michael went upstairs to make sure things were running smoothly.

"Luke, did you get the files of the new expense reports?" The current bartender Nabulungi asked. She was from Uganda and recently moved to New York to flee a horrible situation. She used to work downstairs, but she had done such a good job that Michael promoted her. Luke was glad Michael was being so kind to her. The story about her village was just so sad.