Backdoor Boy

5

Mikey looked up at the knock on his door. "Yeah?"

Gerard opened the door, poking his head through. "I'm going down to the coffee shop," he said. "You wanna come with?"

Mikey hesitated. On one hand, if he stayed, nothing would happen, but he wouldn't get to see Ray. On the other hand, if he went, Gerard might find out about him and Ray and tell Pete.

He contemplated for a few more seconds, ultimately deciding that if Pete learned about Ray, it would suck, but it would also make Mikey's life easier.

"Sure," Mikey said. "I'll go." He stood up and followed his brother out of the house and down the street to the coffeehouse. As they walked, Mikey kept glancing at Gerard. He thought that he'd been acting weird for a few days, and the events of the day before only encouraged him. "Hey, Gee?"

"Hm?"

"I-Is something up?"

Gerard blew a few strands of black hair out of his face. "What do you mean?"

"I mean... Like what happened yesterday."

Gerard turned his head so quickly that Mikey thought his neck would snap. "What?" he asked.

"When I got home," Mikey said. "And you were acting all weird."

Gerard turned to face forward once again. "I told you," he said simply, "I was busy."

"Doing what?"

"Mikey, some things aren't meant to be discussed," Gerard said. He cut his eyes at Mikey, telling him not to say anything more about it.

Mikey sighed and slipped his hands into his pockets. The rest of the walk was silence enveloped in the sounds of summer.

When they got to the shop, Gerard pushed open the door for Mikey. "Booth or bar?" he asked.

Mikey shrugged. He glanced around and found Ray standing behind the counter, just like usual. To Mikey's surprise, there was an older man with a graying mustache with him.

"Bar," Mikey said.

The two hopped onto stools, waiting for someone to come to them. In the end, it was Ray.

Ray smile at Mikey. When he saw Gerard, his face changed to be a bit more casual. "Hey," he said, "What can I get for you two?"

"I'll just have a black coffee, thanks," Gerard said.

Mikey froze for a moment as Ray looked to him. He was thankful when Ray just grinned and shook his head. "Don't worry," Ray said. "I already know."

Mikey smiled at him and he walked back to the coffee machines. The other man had made his way over there as well.

Gerard turned to Mikey. "Wow," he said, "I guess I really haven't been here in a while. Who's that?"

"His name's Ray," Mikey said cautiously. "H-He was actually at that party we went to. He worked in the kitchen until about a week ago. Now he's a waiter. He's pretty cool."

Gerard nodded. He squinted at his brother. "Since when do you actually talk to the waiters here?" he asked.

Mikey's ears went red. He shrugged. "He started the conversation," he said. "It just went well."

Gerard bobbed his head. "Wonder if he's into you."

Mikey's heart dropped. "W-What?!" he cried. "Why do you say that?!"

"Dude, relax. I'm just saying, it's not often that guys just start conversations with other guys. Why are you acting so weird?"

Mikey opened his mouth, but he was interrupted by Ray placing a drink in front of him. He looked up, but Ray shook his head ever so slightly. Mikey tilted his head. Ray just gave a small smile and turned away, his fingers lingering just inches from Mikey's. Ray made eye contact with the older man he was working with, tapped the counter, then stepped away from Mikey.