Jet Black Heart\\M.C.

+8+

+Mikey+

Mikey twirls his spaghetti, forcing a smile as his parents praise Hannah for her new job and she tells them all about what she'll be doing. He is happy for her, he really is. It's a relief he won't have to worry about her too much financially with her getting a job and he plans to send whatever he can while away, also still coming home to work in those two weeks off. But why the fuck did she call Ashton and thank him?

Was it a 'thank you for your congratulations' thank you? It had to be. Right? He stabs a meatball as he feels sick, wondering if she called Ashton for help getting a job, too. She couldn't ask Mikey? Couldn't trust him? Well, shit, he called Ashton, too, when he needed help. He stabs his meatball harder, feeling like a fucking hypocrite when he hears that name again.

"And then Ashton told her about me and she called me that night," Hannah continues her story to his parents, her face glowing with happiness and he feels his jaw clench.

"That was kind of him," Karen says, smiling at Hannah and she nods.

"It really was. A sweet gesture for sure," Hannah adds and Mikey drops his fork, getting everyones attention as he stands up.

"Bathroom," he tries to say cooly when they all gawk at him and he disappears down the hall.

He takes deep breaths as he leans on the bathroom counter, feeling sick to his stomach and trying to rationalize in his head to calm his agitation. She didnt seek him out. Not for a job anyway... Ashton just helped her out because they're friends and he takes care of his friends. Plus she's Mikey's girlfriend, of course he would extend a favor to help her out, thats who he is. That's who he fucking is.

Mikey fixes his hair in the mirror before opening the door, his room coming into view and he sighs. Only a few months ago his life was so less complicated. He didn't resent Ashton and he was taking any bite offered to get them a gig. He wonders inside and looks around in the dark, the room now foreign and strange.

"It's not the same without you. But I'm happy for you," He hears his dad behind him, his shadow taking over what's left of the light spilling into the room.

"Thanks," Mikey turns around to smile at his dad, only half forced.

"Your life is about to change. Are you ready for it?" He asks, surprising Mikey.

"Yes," Mikey nods, meeting his dads eyes.

"And where does she fit into that?" Daryl asks, both of them knowing he means Hannah.

"I want her in all of it," he says quietly but solidly.

"Are you sure? You're only 18," he shrugs with a teasing tone, making Mikey smile.

"I'm pretty sure," Mikey nods.

"I know you are," he smiles at Mikey. "She's going to need you though, Mike. Make sure you're there to the best of your ability. And we'll be here for her too."

Mikey's eyes water as he steps to his dad and hugs him, "thank you," he whispers.

"No wukkas, Mate. She's a lucky girl to have you. You know that right?"

Mikey nods, squeezing his father tight, needing to hear those words and reassurance. He is enough for her, she has even told him that, and he needs to get over his jealousy to be there for her. He needs to be open and understanding with her, especially in the time to come when he will be away and her legalities begin. They all need to be ready for anything at any given time.

The ride back home is quiet, Mikey feeling guilty about his previous agitation to her, but unsure how to explain it. He fights with the idea of letting it go completely, but feeling like he needs to address it. Just tell her how it hurts his feelings. That's okay to do. It's necessary. Right?