The Hideout // Petekey AU

xii.

Mikey.

"So what are we going to do now, Way?"

I exhaled the breath I didn't realize I was holding, feeling a small frayed edge of fabric on the side of my jacket and began pulling at it. I frowned to myself.

"Every time I didn't have class I came into The Hideout. You probably noticed, Pete obviously did. I was completely withdrawn socially, barely speaking to my brother or my best friend. I just wanted to focus on what I came here for, and on myself instead of carrying everyone's problems on my shoulders." I paused for a moment to put another lit cigarette between my lips. "I just used The Hideout as an area to write in, mainly so I felt like I at least left the house to be somewhat of a productive person. I would notice Pete, but never outright or anything. Then one day, he let me stay past closing time just so I could finish some dumb sheet music without telling me until it was about one in the morning. I didn't go back for a few days after that because I just felt awkward like I had embarrassed myself somehow-"

"This is all great and sad and all, but I'm here about Pete, not your life story." Patrick cut me off. I blinked and looked at him. He really can be a prick.

"Ok then, I guess the whole story is, I liked...like Pete and he helped me with my brother which meant a lot to me. I was excited to start talking to him, but I saw you and him arguing about the whole date thing, and I guess I mistook it as you guys were a thing. So I got upset, met Bill, and for the record I initially told him I wasn't available in a sense. But I saw him at a friends party, got really drunk, and we fucked plain and simple. It was a one night stand, a mistake. I didn't even think Pete cared about me that way." Patrick looked at me for a moment.

"Who topped?" I almost choked on the random cup of coffee I had left outside a few days ago and now resumed drinking.

"Is this really important."

"If you want my help Michael, then it is crucial to our situation."

"Bill did." I didn't care to say any more on the topic of sexual positioning.

"Sweet, Lauren owes me five bucks now."

"Wait what the fuck-"

"Let's go get some food." Patrick .interrupted. I looked at him puzzled.

"Uhhh, can you tell me about the whole bet-"

"Donuts sound good. Come on, I know a place." He stood up quickly and walked through my apartment to enter the main hallway. I took one last long drag of my cigarette before getting up, grabbing my keys and wallet so I could follow him.

Patrick was already in his car with it started by the time I had exited the complex. I quickly crossed the small parking lot dotted with designated tenant and guest parking spots. I climbed into the passenger seat, not even bothering to question Patrick at this point. I buckled into the passenger seat of his small Prius that I felt really fit him. Patrick is totally a Prius kinda guy. I pulled my phone out, flipping it open to look at Pete's contact. My thumb hovered over the new message button for a moment before I flipped it shut and sighed. Patrick was weaving in and out of lanes leaving me to wonder if this was worth me dying. If Patrick's dumb donut cravings were worth a tombstone.

Eventually we reached our destination, parked, and walked through the glass doors of the shop. We merged into the very short line in front of the counter.

"I need to pee, can you order for us?" I stared at him with skeptical eyes. I swear to god he's on crack or some shit.

"Uh... okay, what do you want?"

"One of those chocolate donuts with buttercream frosting and coconut shavings, whatever the name is." As soon as he'd finished his sentence he was already going down a small hallway which I assumed ended with a bathroom. The person in front of me moved from the counter and I approached the counter.