The Hideout // Petekey AU

vi.

Mikey.

I woke up and decided that I needed to go to The Hideout; I couldn't go much longer without caffeine, as it was literally killing me, and I really wanted to talk to Pete without making a fool of myself. I pulled myself out of bed, getting ready to the tune of The Smith's, allowing Morrissey's soft voice to guide my morning. I made sure to grab my worn leather journal as I pulled on my jacket and left my apartment, locking my door behind me.

The short walk from my apartment- which was slightly off campus- to the small shop, which was directly on campus, felt hours long; in reality, it was probably a five minute journey.

Alright Mikey you got this, I told myself I stood outside the shop, letting my hand grasp the handle firmly before taking a breath and entering, the smell of freshly ground coffee beans hit me immediately soothing my nerves. I headed for the counter, but instead of being greeted by a friendly face I was an onlooker to a violent display of Pete beating the actual shit out of a coffee bean grinder. I sat amused and after his fourth hit I decided to make myself known. I cleared my throat and watched as he froze and turned to face me, his cheeks were rose tinted as he put down his raised arm to greet me.

"Uh, good morning, welcome to The Hideout. Would you like your usual?" He asked. I gave him a small smile as I felt a sudden surge of confidence.

"Actually, I think I'll try something new today. Do you have any recommendations?" Pete lit up.

"I make a mean americano." I smiled widely.

"Then I'll take one mean americano, please." He grinned at me as I handed him my payment, which he gladly accepted and returned with change.

"I'll bring it up to the loft in just a few minutes."

"Thanks, Pete." As I was about to turn and head for my usual spot something inside me clicked. "Actually, I think I'll sit downstairs today." he looked at me with surprise, but quickly gave me one of his cute smiles and nodded which I returned. I turned and made my way to the worn leather couch, which I'd noticed Pete occupy on the few rare occasions that he wasn't working. I pulled out my old notebook having a sudden urge to write. As I watched Pete move behind the counter a happy feeling settled over my body.

I looked up to be greeted by a warm smile belonging to a boy holding a warm drink.

"Here you go; one mean americano. I threw in an apple scone, i don't know if you like apple or not, but they're my favorite and I thought you'd wanna try it." I watched Pete set down the drink and small plate holding the pastry.

"Thanks Pete, I'm sure I'll love it." He smiled when I said this and I felt a shiver roll down my spine. I pulled the mug towards my mouth and took a sip of the new drink. It was warm and heavenly. I instantly felt the caffeine make it's way into my bloodstream, awakening me from my haze. "Mmnmm, Petethisissogood" I looked to see a satisfied smirk on his face.

"I told you I had skills."

"Honey, I never doubted you." I froze as the pet name just slipped out, it wasn't weird to call someone that right? It's just a normal nickname right? I quickly took a bite of the apple flavored pastry , which also turned out to be amazing, "Holy shit Pete this is amazing."

"What can I say I know my pastries... and my drinks," he let out a small laugh, "well anyway I probably need to get back to the counter, but if you need anything you know where to find me." He said with a wink.

"I'll let you know." I watched as he turned and walked back to the counter, totally not checking him out while he did. I turned back to my notebook, and decided to pull out my laptop instead so I could try to catch up on the things I failed to pay attention to in class.