Pompeii ➳ muke

eight

The diner in which Wilde chooses is classic in style. Adorned in black and red booths, bar stools, and serving traditional burgers with milkshakes. It's simple enough, very welcoming, and Michael feels at ease as soon as he enters through the doorway.

They are seated in the back of the restaurant at a large, rounded booth and waste no time before scanning the laminated menus. Michael opts for a simple hamburger and fries, knowing he likely won't eat much anyway. For him, it's still early. His body is not accustomed to being functional at this time and in turn, his head aches and his stomach is sick.

Of course, he knows he can't deny a meal. Not anymore, at least, because then his band mates will worry about his well being. Michael used to have a problem with properly feeding himself. Most would call it an eating disorder, but Michael didn't like the sound of that. It made him sound sick and he was anything but that.

After the meal is finished and paid for, Michael decides to stay in the city awhile longer.

"You guys go ahead without me," he says, "I'm going for a walk, I'll catch a cab home."

Noah's brows raise in question, knowing that this behavior is uncommon for the singer, "Are you sure man? I could stick around with you. I don't have plans today."

The blond offers a smile in return, shaking his head slightly, "It's fine, enjoy your time off."

He turns on his heel and saunters off down the paved sidewalk. He's nearing the main part of town, his eyes cast downward and his shoes scuffing across the pavement. The thoughts in his mind are swirling, spinning and keeping him fully distracted from the world around him. Cars pass by in a blur of color, people bustle around in a sea of sound. 

Michael thinks of his mother and his sister, how much he wishes he could be a child again. To be growing up in his mother's home, under her careful supervision. He thinks of the band, of the shows that they have played, the places they have been. There is so much genuine love between the band, much like brothers. And he thinks of the blond haired, blue eyed beauty with the flower crown and captivating smile.

Michael is unsure as to why memories of the blond continue to resurface, but in a way, he doesn't mind. For once, the thoughts flooding his troubled mind are positive. He's happy.

And, as if it were a sign from the heavens, Michael passes by one of the many Starbucks shops and sees the familiar boy sat by the window. He's perched in a large, over stuffed chair, with a paperback book in his hands. With eyes concentrated on the ink scrawled across the pages, Luke is oblivious to Michael's presence.

Then, of course, Michael is left torn between two choices.

He could continue on walking as if he had never come across the boy and wonder what could have come of an afternoon spent together. Or, he could casually enter the shop and order a drink, casually stumble across Luke sat there and make an attempt at small talk.

He decides on the latter and enters the shop in a slow walk, attempting to appear relaxed even though his heart is on the verge of pounding straight out of his chest. At the counter, he orders a Banana Split Frappé and pays the due amount accordingly. With shaking hands, he carries the drink to the front of the building. He spots Luke there, casually sipping from his clear cup, and takes a deep, ragged breath.

"Luke," he says, the word seeming so foreign coming past his pink lips.

The blond glances up, recognising the other immediately.

Luke offers a small smile, "Oh, Michael, I didn't peg you for the hipster, coffee shop type."

Michael takes the comment as a joke and laughs a little, "I guess I'm not. I figured I would try something new for once."

The blond nods his head, staring up at Michael with curiosity playing in his eyes. A few moments of awkward silence pass between them before Luke speaks up.

"Would you like to sit down?" He offers, gesturing to the seat beside him.

And a smile breaks across Michael's face, pleased that Luke has actually invited him to sit, and quickly accepts the offer.