Flicker

Second Thoughts

Mikey

Andy never realised how few belongings he owned, not until we moved him out about thirty minutes ago.

Currently, we're walking down the sidewalk, a box in my arms, Andy carrying his guitar, a small bag of clothes, and the few things he wanted to take. I can feel the excitement spark from his body almost, the big smile on his face speaking volumes.

He hadn't even mentioned to the landlord that he was moving; he left the key in the door with a note on it. Neither of us had really wanted to go back to tell them anyways, so we'd left early, Andy taking me to work with him and playing for me until I'd had to leave for my own job.

We approach the building, heading inside and up to the fourth floor. Andy rushes a little bit, and even with his extra things, beats me up the stairs by a wide margin.

"You're getting slow, Mike," he teases with a grin. His eyes are bright, brighter than I've ever seen them, and something in me shifts a little. Rears its ugly head.

"Hey, I sit in an office all day. You spend your days outside. I think that's answer enough," I reply with a smile.

He frowns, and eyes me a little, but doesn't say anything.

We approach the flat, knocking. Jack greets us almost immediately, as if he had been expecting us which, I remind myself, is likely. He seemed to be just as excited as Andy is, if not then even more so.

"Hey guys! It's great to see you!" He takes our jackets again, then helps Andy take his things in.

Jack goes to take the box from my arms, but I shake my head. "I've got it mate, thanks though," I say, nice enough.

He holds the door open for me and Andy, and the three of us trail to his room, and we dump his things onto the bed. Andy stands his guitar up under the window, still in its case, and looks out the window. I move over to join him, and he rests his head on my shoulder. With an arm around his waist, he cuddles into my side a little.

"Can I get either of you a tea? Coffee? Hot chocolate?" Jack offers.

I turn my head, and I see he's not even fazed by our affection towards each other. Instinctively, I tighten my grip on him.

"I'll have a coffee please, Jack," I say with a smile.

He nods in acknowledgement. "Andy?"

"Hot chocolate please," my boyfriend asks.

"I'll be back in a bit," Jack chuckles, moreso when Andy presses a kiss to my cheek, "I'll definitely be back in a while."

And then it's just the two of us. It's silence for a while, and I know Andy's taking in the new sounds. Staring out the window. But it's a nice silence.

"I think I'm gonna really like it here, you know?" Andy says softly, turns his head so his chin is on my shoulder.

I turn to face him. "Yeah?" I say quietly. I can't help the bitterness that seeps into my voice, and I know Andy's picked up on it.

"I just want you happy Andy. And you always deserved better than what you had before and... I think you'll do well here," I say. Andy smiles.

"I love you, Mike," he whispers in my ear.

I shiver a little, and then the door opens.

"I return bearing gifts!" Jack shouts, carrying a tray of drinks.

"Ooh my hot chocolate!" Andy says excitedly, and immediately runs over to grab it.

My side stings from the cold, and suddenly I feel myself get tugged. Back years and years. I see my ex girlfriend, the one who always ditched me for her friends, the one who never made time to see me.