Since When Did You Become a Romantic?

Chapter 12: Hasta la Vista

He had been missing for a few hours but it still scares Gerard. He doesn't know if he'll find his brother dead in a ditch somewhere or worse... with Robert. He paces around the kitchen while Frank sits in the living room with tea. Brendon had already dragged Ryan along.

"Don't worry," Frank assures. "I'm sure he'll turn up."

Brendon pats his shoulder. "Yeah I'll call him again."

Ryan wanders around the tiny apartment feeling claustrophobic and without realizing he slips into Mikey's room. It's a mess. There's (probably) dirty clothes on the floor and it smelled like someone died. (foreshadowing???) Ryan sees a letter sticking out of the top of the drawer and because he's a walking talking disaster, he picks it up.

Hey bro, i didn't know how to say this but i'm leaving. i can't take this fucking life here anymore and i just need to get out. i don't want you to come for me that why i never told you. have a good life. you probably will now that i'm out of ur emo hair. okay hasta la vista. Mikey fuckin Way (incase you didn't know).

Ryan is confused. First off: why did this letter sound like a five year old with angry parents wrote this? Who is 'he'? Was he high when this was written? (the answer is yes). He jams the letter in his pocket and walks back into the living room.

When there's a knock at the door Gerard runs over and swings it open. "Mik-Pete?"

Pete walks in with dried tears on his face and Patrick following close behind. Gerard immediately gives him a hug even though he's a little confused. Why was Pete crying? He thinks. Gerard leads then into the living room and assembles a circle.

"Okay," he begins. "We need to find him as fast as possible. Patrick and Pete, search the building and stay here once you finish incase he comes back. Lindsey and Brendon and Ryan will check the airport. Lindsey will meet you there. Frank and I will check the hospital," he looks around. "Everyone good?"

After a chorus of nods and yeses everyone breaks. First stop: The Apartment. Pete and Patrick wander the halls and knock on people's doors, so far no one has answered. They stand in front of 13b and knock. A tiny elderly woman answers the door in what looks like pajamas. "Hi, Ma'am," Patrick smiles. She glares back. "We are looking for our friend, Mikey Way," Patrick explains.

"He lives in 15a. Have you seen him recently?" Pete chimes in.

"Is he that one with the fluffy hair?" She asks with her hands on her hips.

Patrick and Pete exchange looks.

"Because all I hear from that fool is about something called D&D. Now I don't know what the homosexuals are into these days but-,"

Pete cuts her off. "You must be thinking of his brother. Have you seen him?" He holds up a picture on his phone.

The woman squints. "Oh yeah, that child likes to moan and groan a lot."

"About what?" Patrick asks assuming it's not a euphemism.

"Hell if I know. Its at like three in the morning. I think it is something to do with D&D," she leans in and whispers. "Now boys, if you ever figure it out send the info my way, if ya know what I mean."

Patrick smiles painfully and with that they move on. Next 12a. A churchly dressed, I'm talking skirt and sweater over-the-shoulders, woman answers the door. The boys greet her and ask if she'd seen Mikey. At the mention of his name her cheerily smile drops to an angry scowl. "That..... man," she seethes.

Patrick and Pete exchange looks once again. "Something wrong?" Patrick asks.

She looks to him and has a sudden smile on her face. "No nothing wrong. Could you come in for some tea?" She asks nicely. The two know that she knows something so they agree. When they walk in it takes them a moment to take in their surroundings. The place looks like something out of a horror film. It has a 70's vibe complete with faded wallpaper and the smell of old book dust. Pete seems calmer than Patrick would like. He flops down on the couch and Patrick swears he sees a cloud of dust come off it. He sits nearly on top of Pete to avoid the dust. The woman disappears into the kitchen, leaving the two alone.