summer boy ~ tal fishman ✓

~57~

I didn't sleep that well today either. Mouse was moving quite a lot in his sleep and awoke a few times in the middle of the night. Not quietly, because where would be the fun in that? He started meowing really loudly until I kept petting him to sleep again. That way, along with himself, I wouldn't get that much sleep today so he'd take me down with him. His evil plan worked.

Mouse woke me up at 9 AM, so I gave up on falling asleep again and now I'm sitting downstairs with a cup of tea. I already ate my breakfast and put clothes on. I'm just waiting for the clock to show that it's 11 AM so I can head over to Michael's place.

I ring his doorbell. No-one opens the door. Is he still asleep? Seriously? He invites me, basically begs me to come over, and then isn't ready himself? I put my hands in the sleeves of my sweater, which is way too warm for today, I've realized I've been stupid, and try to cool myself off. The sweater is just too cute not to wear. I know it sounds dumb but otherwise, I'll never wear it. I'm on the verge of leaving when a sleepy Michael opens the door. He sees me and his eyes widen.

'Is it already 11? Oh no, come in! I'll be back in just a bit with proper clothes instead of my pajamas. Sit down on the couch or something, I shall return as quick as a lightning bolt.' 'Are we going to do fancy today? It's too early for that stuff even though I'm as wise as an owl.' Cringe at myself. Why did I do that? Oh well. Michael rolls his eyes and runs up the stairs to put on some decent clothes.

'So what did you want to tell me that urgently last night?' Michael seems to get nervous. 'Well, at the time it seemed like a better idea, but um... nevermind.' I just laughed for probably a few minutes longer than normal, which earned me a weird look from him. 'You do know I'm not going to leave until you tell me, right? I haven't gotten dressed and out of the house for nothing.'

Michael chuckles. 'Well, I... um... I sort of have this crush on Meredith and want you to match us. I know it's stupid and not logical why you would ask your ex to hook you up with her best friend but I really like her and I'm sorry about that and I don't want to hurt your feelings so please don't do it if you're uncomfortable but please do and-' 'Chill Michael. Chill. I'll think about how I'll match you two. If you promise me to try not to hurt her. Well, not try. Just don't hurt her.' 'I'd gladly promise that', he replies with a huge grin on his face. It's kind of cute.

My phone decides to ring at that exact moment. And of course, it's Mer. She has probably placed a mic on me so she can hear everything I talk about because this is too accurate for it being a coincidence. She definitely bugged me. I ask Michael if I can pick up because it's really rude not to ask. He says it's ok so I pick up.

'Babe, can you hang out today? I'm bored', she says. No hey, how are you doing, oh I'm fine, just straight to the point. I smile at her. Then this plan pops into my head. I smirk. I'm so evil. 'Oh, I'm so so sorry! I promised Tal I'd go over to his place later today. But I'll have to go via my own house first', I pretend to mutter to myself. Michael looks kind of confused.

'Where are you now then?' Mer asks. I knew she'd be curious! Part A of the plan has succeeded. 'Well, I'm at Michael's now to pick up some batteries for Tal's camera', I smoothly lied. That was kind of convincing. Really convincing, wow. What do you mean poet? I should become a professional liar! Well, it's probably not so legal. Too bad.

'Oh, okay.' 'Wait, Mer, don't hang up! I thought Michael just said he was really bored as well, why don't you hang out with him? Here, I'll hand him to you, go plan something', I say and press the phone into Michael's hand, who looks kind of alarmed because of the sudden action but is trying to play it cool. Which in his case means pacing around the room with a hand in his neck and trying not to stutter too much.

A few minutes of talking later, he hands me my phone back. 'I don't know whether I hate or love you right now.' 'I think I wouldn't say you love me that loud, for all you know there is some kind of jealous boyfriend hidden in the bushes around here.' Michael chuckles.