Backdoor Boy

4

"Hey, where are you going?"

Mikey clenched his fist. He sighed. He had been trying to leave the house without Gerard noticing, and it had been working for a few days. He should have known it couldn't have lasted.

"Coffee shop," Mikey said nonchalantly.

"Oh, sweet," Gerard said. "I actually haven't been in a while, I'll go with you."

"I-I'm actually meeting Pete there." Mikey crossed his fingers behind his back.

Gerard looked at him for a second, then nodded. "Oh," he said. "Okay. Then never mind." He started back up the steps, then stopped and turned to Mikey. "Wait, does this mean you guys are doing better?"

Mikey shrugged. "We're trying," he said.

Gerard nodded again. "Alright. See you later, then."

Mikey left quickly. It was a nice summer day, with still air and warm sun beating down on him. He stuck his hands into his pockets and looked around, letting himself enjoy his surroundings.

As he turned the corner, the sunlight reflected off of the metal siding. He squinted as he made his way through the door. His stool, as usual, was empty. He hopped onto it, looking around for Ray.

Ray stood at the other end of the counter, talking to a customer. One of the other employees that Mikey had seen once or twice in the past was making a coffee behind Ray. It was rare to see more than one person behind the counter, but Mikey didn't think much of it.

Ray laughed heartily, ending the conversation with the customer. He glanced along the counter and did a double take at Mikey. He made his way over, a grin on his face.

"Hey, you."

Mikey grinned. "Hey, you."

"The usual?"

"Yes, please."

Ray patted the counter in front of Mikey. "Coming right up," he said. He walked over to the coffeemakers where the other employee was, playfully bumping her hip as he did so. Mikey tilted his head slightly, confused.

The girl looked up at Ray and grinned. It was almost like the two were flirting with each other. Mikey watched this go on while they both made their drinks.

Ray eventually finished Mikey's drink and came over again, setting the white mug in front of him. Mikey looked down to see his design. Today, it was a simple smiley face.

Mikey grinned and looped his finger through the small handle. "Thank you," he said. "So, um, who's that? Your girlfriend?"

Ray chuckled, rolling his eyes. "That would be Sophia," he said. "Also known as my beard."

Mikey's eyes widened slightly. "Y-Your beard?" he asked. "Why do you need a beard?"

Ray raised an eyebrow at Mikey. "What, are you jealous or something?"

Mikey blushed and lifted the mug to his lips. "No," he said slowly. "Hey, I asked my question first!"

Ray laughed. "Well, see, I come from a catholic family," he explained. "So being gay is one of the worst things I could say I was. So I have Sophia. In reality, she's just my best friend."

"Was she the one that hosted that party?"

"Nah, that was my other best friend."

Mikey nodded. "Got it," he said.

Ray leaned over the counter, putting his lips close to Mikey's ear. "I dunno," Ray said, slowing his voice, "It's kind of a good thing."

Mikey blushed hard. "Why's that?" he asked.