The Hideout // Petekey AU

viii.

Mikey.

"Wanna talk about it Mikes?" I looked up to see Pete's warm eyes and him holding two cups of coffee. Something pulled at my heartstrings, does he actually care about me? I nodded. I spent the next few hours releasing every emotion i hadn't let myself get out, as everyone normally came to me to let things out, i never got to worry about myself.

Time passed as every thought flood out, Pete providing a small nod here and there not trying to interrupt me. Once I felt myself losing steam, unable to rant about my brother and Bert any longer I allowed Pete to interject.

"I understand completely. I've had some experience with this kind of thing. I'm sorry you both are going through this, Mikes." my heart fluttered.

"I like when you call me Mikes. Not a lot of people do, it's nice." I saw Pete blush, but then I realised exactly what Pete had said. He's had experience with these situations?

"Wait, you said you knew someone like that?"

He nodded, releasing a small sigh. "I don't have much family other than my mom. It was always just us... and one of her boyfriends of the time. We've never had a lot of money, so she would date these dirtbags who treated her like shit and didn't have any reservations about spending. They'd help pay for my school books and food, and because of that my mom never wanted to end it, despite the fact that they were complete scumbags."

I ran my fingers around the brim of my mug as I listened intently. "I'm sorry, Pete."

He shrugged, "It's alright. She knows better now, I think. She hasn't dated one of them in a while, and having me send money to her helps. It takes a toll on my finances, but it's worth her not subjecting herself to that."

I nodded and tried to lighten the conversation topic, "Right. That's sweet of you, sending her money. I'm sure the school is flexible... what's your major?"

Pete scratched the back of his neck "Oh, uh, I don't actually attend classes yet. It'll be music, once I make enough." he paused, trying to smile "it's nice to work on campus though. I have some friends who give me access to the music room, so I can practice with their basses and keep learning off the books." Pete plays bass?

"You play bass?" He nodded.

"I do too, and I actually major in music," I pulled out my black notebook that I never showed anyone, but I feel comfortable with Pete. "I'm always writing songs."

His eyes widened as he analyzed my small journal, leaving me sitting by nervously chewing my nail, scared of judgement. The small book was filled with scribbled lyrics, chord progressions, melodies, sheet music, and random doodles.

"Mikey... these are amazing," his face was awestruck, "these lyrics are beautiful."

I smiled and looked downward as I felt the heat rise through my cheeks. "They're alright, I guess. I do it more because I love it than anything else."

"I know exactly what you mean. I can't wait until I take classes and can start actually reading this sheet music," He laughed, "then I'll be unstoppable."

"You never learned how?"I asked in a genuine tone.

"No, I taught myself chords on a bass from a local music shop. Those were easy enough to copy, I never really attempted the sheet music." I had an idea pop into my head.

"Maybe... I mean, uh... what if I taught you?"He looked surprised.

"Wait, seriously?" I shrugged looking down.

"Yeah, I mean, you don't have to... well obviously, you can do whatever you want so if you don't want to I understand,"

"No no, Mikey, I would love that," He blurted out, "that's insanely nice of you. I can't pay that much, but-" I shook my head rapidly.