By Woolhat's Traveling Mood
"I know exactly what you're going through, my girl moans about it all the time! Davy smiled reassuringly.
"Girls? Micky corrected him.
"It's just because youre so close, you notice when other people are trying to muscle in on your patch. Davy explained, patting Micky's shoulder.
"I just don't want to make him feel like I don't trust him, you know? Micky looked unsure as he gazed back towards the pad, "I love him, the bastard, but why does he have to be so irresistible? I only started feeling this way since we got more gigs, the girls just seem to be throwing themselves at him."
"Not more than usual! Davy laughed, "Only one or two - I have loads to tackle with,"
"Bighead! Micky retorted playfully.
Davy gave him a playful punch in the shoulder. "I used to think it was jealousy. Micky began again, "I thought I was jealous because he was getting all the attention and I wasn't, but I realized that wasn't it. He was getting all the attention and not from me. For once I was jealous of the girls, not him! Micky tried to come to terms with his feelings.
"My Carol says exactly the same - cant stand all those girls after me! Davy grinned, climbing to his feet. Micky smiled and followed him back to the pad.
Peter sat at the kitchen table, chomping happily on an apple. "Hey guys," He beamed,
"Where's Mike? Micky immediately asked, gazing round avidly.
"Went to the record store to talk to the manager about promotion for us, he'll be back soon."
Micky looked disgruntled and sat moodily on the couch. "He better be at the record store! He murmured under his breath. Micky didn't move for another half an hour waiting for Mike to return.
The Texan strode in happily through the door and spotted Micky. "Hey Mick! He laughed, perching beside the downtrodden drummer.
"Hey. Micky whispered offhand, angry at Mike for taking so long, "Where were you?" he gave Mike slightly evil eyes.
"At the record store," Mike smiled, oblivious and produced a leaflet from his back pocket. "Hes printed tons of these! He's putting 'em up all over. Were on the way up fellas!" he handed round the leaflet which donned their name and images. Micky looked, uninterested, and Mike could feel the negative energy he was giving off. Davy knew that Micky was pretty well pissed off and dragged
Peter out of the back door, giving the excuse that he needed to buy some stuff from the store and leaving the two lovers alone.
There was silence as Micky's expression didn't change and he sat with his arms folded. Mike gave him a worried look and slouched down in the couch, taking up Micky's hand. Micky immediately pulled it away and kept looking straight ahead. "What's wrong? What have I done? Mike gave his innocent eyes and tried to get Micky's attention.
"Nothing."
"Nothing? Mick."
"I said nothing ok? Jeez."
"Sorry,"
Micky bowed his head slightly, ashamed at just yelling at Mike when he had really done nothing wrong. "Look Mike, it's not you...well it is you...not you exactly. Shit how can I say this?"
"Just say it - I'll understand."
"I just...I don't like the way everyone seems to be after you recently - all the girls...I..."
"I understand,"
"You do?"
"Yeah, coz I feel the same way. It's hard to go out with someone so gorgeous as you," He nuzzled Micky's neck and closed his eyes sleepily.
"Hell Mike. I'm sorry man, I didn't realize. Micky began, but was silenced by a kiss. Mike stroked his hand along Micky's cheek and forced the kiss on further, feeling Micky mellow in his arms. Micky wrapped his arms around Mike's waist and squeezed, never wanting to let go. He hated the nagging voice in his head telling him that he was being as gullible as a schoolgirl, he wanted to trust Mike
completely, but he couldn't get rid of that voice. Mike pulled back and looked deep into Micky's eyes. Micky let out a content sigh and pressed his head against Mike's chest, feeling the roughness of his shirt against the smoothness of his skin underneath. He felt Mike run his hand under his jumper and tease at his skin, making Micky moan with anxiousness. "I'm so sorry Mike. He melted, pulling his lover down into a deep kiss.
Micky knew that the strain of his job and trying to keep up with the band wouldn't be easy, and he knew that he was taking all his stress out on Mike. Since they had been together their characters seemed to have completely changed. Mike was constantly mellow and was pleased easily just by being in the same room as Micky. Micky, however, found himself constantly yelling at his lover, wanting everything from him, and never accepting excuses.
He sighed as he dragged himself through the door. The pad was dark and he groaned at how late it was. There was no sign of life anywhere and he knew Mike had probably gone to bed. He was just rubbing his aching neck when he suddenly heard voices coming from the bedroom he shared with the Texan. Micky scowled as he cautiously and silently climbed the stairs. He heard a woman giggle and he felt his blood boil. "I was right after all. Micky growled under his breath as he neared the door. He heard another woman giggle and a conversation but couldn't make out much. Then he heard Mike laugh and that was his breaking point. He drew up all his courage and kicked the door open, glaring into the darkness within. As he stepped forward he stalled at the peaceful scene before him.
"Hey babe," Mike smiled warmly, turning the television down.
"Ok, where are they? Micky narrowed his eyes,
"Who? Mike asked playfully, assuming Micky wasn't being serious,
"Those whores! I heard you! Mike now knew that Micky wasn't joking. He sat up on his bed and looked at him quizzically.
"There's no one here, Mick. I was watching Bewitched on TV - it's so bad it's funny. Peter and Davy went away for the weekend, remember? I wasn't feeling too good, so I brought the TV up here. You don't mind do you?"
"You expect me to believe that?! Micky spat, turning the light on and rampaging around the room. Mike watched him with a bewildered expression on his face, before finally grabbing hold of his lover's wrist.
"Mick. He whispered, feeling a deep sadness well up inside him. Micky stopped and could see in Mike's eyes the hurt he was causing. He gave up his search and slumped to the floor miserably.
"Mike. He tried to speak, but could feel the tears in his eyes and a lump grow in his throat. He couldn't hold them back as he sat on the floor and looked at the TV, Mike was being honest again.
He continued avoiding eye contact and then felt a sudden warmth beside him and Mike's arms around him. "What's caused all this? Mike whispered, kissing Micky's earlobe. Micky let out a sob and clutched onto Mike's arms, shuddering under his growing tears.
"I didn't mean to Mike...honest, please don't leave me!"
Mike took hold of Micky's face and held him still so that they could make eye contact. "Do you really think you mean that little to me? That I would end everything for a misunderstanding?"
"I just don't understand. You really forgive me? I've been such a jerk..."
"Don't worry, I'll live. Mike smiled, hugging Micky tighter.
The two sat in silence for a few moments and Micky simmered down, trying to regain his cool. He felt like such an idiot and he knew even though Mike hadn't shown it, he was deeply hurt. There was the tell tale signs in his voice and eyes. Micky nestled closer and was shocked when Mike pulled back slightly.
"Mick. Whats really wrong? Mike murmured into his lover's curls, "It can't be just me." Micky was silent and Mike knew that he was mulling over a suitable answer.
"Nothing," Micky lied and Mike huffed slightly, releasing Micky and getting back up onto his bed. Micky sat bewildered on the floor and knew he had blown it again. He stood up and found that Mike had turned his back on him and was acting like he was trying to sleep. "Mike. I... Micky began,
"Just leave it ok?! Mike yelled, not bothering to look around.
"Mike...please...let me explain."
"What's there to explain? It's obvious you're not happy with things as they are. I'm not stupid Mick, I know you don't trust me one bit. All you do is have a go at me, night and day and then just clam up."
Micky let the tears flow freely now as he confronted the truth. Then he gasped when he heard Mike's final words before the Texan stormed out of the room, "Maybe we should just end it now."
~~~
Micky hated being ignored. For once they had the pad to themselves for an entire weekend and Mike hadn't even spoken to him since that Friday night. The afternoon sun played happily on Micky's back as he stretched out on the veranda, trying to get rid of his worries with sleep. Mike had gone out and Micky felt like a part of him had left with him. How could he have been so stupid? Why had he single-handedly destroyed the best relationship he had ever had? Micky spent the whole day inside, not daring to venture out in case he met Mike and he would have to go through the whole ordeal all over again. Why didn't he just tell Mike the truth? Why didn't he trust him?
That night Micky waited up for Mike, determined to put an end to all the secrecy and openly tell Mike his problems. It was well past one in the morning when Mike returned, slightly drunk and very moody. He glared at Micky who was waiting expectantly on the couch and tried to make his way upstairs, failing hopelessly. He growled miserably at the whole situation and gave up, deciding to sleep in Peter and Davy's downstairs bedroom. Micky followed him, knowing it was a dangerous thing to do, but knew deep down that he had to do it.
Mike sat on Davy's bed, removing his shoes when Micky shuffled in. Mike refused to look at him and pretended that he didn't even notice he was there. Micky needed a more direct approach and sat down next to Mike on the bed. Slowly he leant over and brushed his lips across Mike's cheek lovingly and was pleased when that had at least gained him eye contact. Mike wiped his cheek with the back of his hand in a cold-hearted manner and scowled at Micky. The drummer swallowed hard and tried to make Mike understand without having to speak. That didn't work and Micky wearily opened his mouth. "Don't get mad, just hear me out. I...I'm sorry for how I've treated you for the last month or so. I've been an asshole and you've put up with it...and I love you for that. I'm sorry I've been taking it out on you, but...why's it so hard? He looked at Mike's face and behind the scowl he saw a growing compassion. "Mike...I've never told you how much I love you, but...I do, and...I gotta tell you the truth...why I've been such a bastard to you. It's not just you...it's this job."
Mike saw how Micky was struggling under pressure and returned his expression to his kind and gentle face that had been well used over the past month. He took Micky's hand, openly urging him to carry on. "You see. Micky began again, he looked at Mike's weary eyes and couldn't help but open his mouth and release yet another lie, "I'm just not used to the responsibility. Thats why I'm a bit...touchy."
"Why didn't you tell me Mick?"
"I didn't want to worry you - that worked like a charm, didn't it? Micky whispered sarcastically.
"You should have told me...and you have been a bit of a bastard," Mike spoke truthfully, "But I think I can forgive you. He finished, pushing Micky gently down on the bed. He kissed Micky deeply, exploring with his tongue and feeling a surge of energy blast through him. He immediately began unbuttoning Micky's shirt and tossed it aside, devouring Micky's chest with kisses. Micky pulled Mike back up for another kiss and, for the first time in ages, gave his gorgeous little smile. Mike knew he was doing a good job and worked his way down Micky's chest, giving little bites and sweet kisses. Soon he felt Micky's trousers in his way and he happily yet slowly undid them, making Micky yearn for contact. Micky was already very aroused and he squirmed as Mike touched him gently, sending shock waves through his system. Micky had almost forgotten how good it all felt - almost. He ran his fingers through Mike's hair as the Texan began removing his lover's underwear. Then there was Micky for all to see and Mike relished in the sight. He teased Micky with the tip of his finger and caressed slightly, feeling himself become more and more aroused with every moment. Micky slid down underneath him and began on the shirt buttons, tugging them open and pulling a couple off. He forced the shirt off of Mike's shoulders and then began to wriggle down to Mike's waist before he was stopped by a firm hand, which pulled him back up for a strong yet passionate kiss. Mike let him go again and he continued down to Mike's belt buckle, where he had it undone in two seconds flat. He smiled to himself as he began to unzip Mike's jeans and pulled them down over his hips and onto the floor.
Before he could get any further Mike pulled away and sat up. Micky looked at him woefully, still laying helplessly on the bed. Mike gave him a look that only meant one thing and Micky obliged, anxiously awaiting what was to come. Mike bent Micky over and ran a long finger along his lover's back. Micky felt the detail of that finger, the roughness left from years of guitar playing and it's strong yet supple nature. He shivered as Mike ran his finger down over his ass and gently pushed it in. Micky gasped slightly, becoming accustomed to the feel after all the time since the last time he had made love with Mike. Mike was persistent and Micky felt himself being stretched by yet another finger. He didn't want to look, he never did, and he liked to just feel the sensation and the anxiety of what was going to happen. He felt the coldness of the lube against his skin and it made him suck in his breath.
"Ok babe? Mike asked mischievously and was given a hyperactive nod. Micky waited in anticipation, when he suddenly felt an enormous pressure against him. He tried to control his breathing as Mike entered him, as gently as possible. Micky closed his eyes, feeling the moment as Mike began moving in and out, slow at first but getting faster and faster and faster. Then Micky felt it, that magic spot that was inside him and how it was being touched by Mike, but most of all, how good it felt. He let out a shrill moan, only urging Mike on faster and faster. Mike felt Micky tense up around him and he couldn't control himself anymore. He stroked Micky carefully, bringing him to the edge. Mike tried to breathe as he gave a few more deep thrusts, sending Micky over the edge. Micky gave a cry and came, quickly followed by Mike who collapsed on top of him in an exhausted heap. The two lay there for a few minutes, trying to catch their breath and were just too tired to move. Finally Mike rolled off of Micky and gathered him up in his arms, holding him ever so close. Micky closed his eyes and held Mike tight, knowing that he was still on probation, despite what Mike had just done to him.
Mike kissed Micky's sweaty forehead and smiled, before sitting up and inspecting his lover. "Does this mean you're gonna chill out? He asked and Micky nodded, before laying his head down again sleepily.
~~~
Micky knew that spending a night of passion with Mike wasn't going to solve anything - and it didn't. As soon as the others got back and the pressure mounted up, he found himself moody, cold, and spiteful. He knew it was happening and that's what scared him the most. Peter and Davy had stayed well clear of him and it was only Mike who seemed to always get trapped in the way, doomed like a rabbit in car headlights. Micky felt like he was falling into the abyss and even his lover and best friend couldn't save him.
Saturdays were Micky's one day for release and he spent most of them sleeping, often missing band practice. Mike had often contemplated waking him, but fear of being yelled at and embarrassed in front of the others persuaded him not to. He wasn't so much scared of Micky, he could knock him out with a single blow, but the words Micky used would cut deep and he knew he could only take so many confrontations before having to call it quits.
Micky left for work early on Monday morning, scurrying out of the pad before anyone else was even remotely awake. Often he pondered on quitting the job altogether, but he thought of the others and the financial troubles they had and that was enough to convince him to stay. Mike was unemployable. When being bossed around by someone else he would always be stroppy and would protest constantly until his employers had no choice but to fire him just to get some peace and quiet. Peter played dumb and was generally stoned, which didn't aid his chances of employment, and Davy had a job, but it was one of the lowest paid ones possible.
The bar where Micky worked was always deserted at this time of day, save the occasional alcoholic, ands Micky hated being the only employee working at that time. It was just him and the boss. He polished the tables as quickly as possible, maybe if he looked busy nothing will happen, he told himself. He could feel the boss's eyes burying in his back as he rushed around like a headless chicken. He heard the dreaded footsteps cross the carpet towards him and he swallowed hard, trying to drown them out. He could feel the man's breath on his neck as he leant over and inspected the table. "You missed a spot! The man hissed, running his finger along the tabletop.
"S...sorry. Micky whispered, quickly polishing the table a second time.
"You're slacking, which is probably to be expected of your type. The man spat, turning on his heels and leaning over the bar to fetch himself a drink. Micky tried to remain calm and he silently continued his work. "So... The man broke the silence, making Micky jump slightly, "I never did ask, which one are you then?"
Micky gave a quizzical look as he turned to face his employer, "What do you mean?"
"Well, are you the male, or the female?"
Micky rolled his eyes and threw the cloth on the floor. "I don't have to take this! He screamed, glaring the man in the eye.
"Then why are you still here? The man was smug. Micky stopped and thought of storming out, then and there, but he couldn't, for the sake of the others. He picked up his cloth and got back to work. "Always get hysterical, you queers always do. The boss mumbled coldly, knowing how it cut Micky, "Handbags at ten paces." He continued musing mercilessly for a while as Micky eyed up every exit, feeling his temperature rise with anger. "Not picky either, I mean you lot sleep with anyone Thats true isn't it? I mean, your boyfriend must be blind to go out with you! Disgusting, if you ask me."
Micky's eyes began to well with tears of anger, but he didn't turn to confront his boss and soon enough the man got bored and left. The taunting was over - for now.
Micky sighed and wiped his eyes. He thought of the whole reason why he was going through all this. Could he really be staying just for the money? Or was he staying to prove himself? But to who? The boss? Or Mike? How could he tell his lover that he was getting bullied, it sounded so petty.
CHAPTER TWO
"Micky! Stop! Mike cried, as Micky bit down on a piece of flesh just above the Texan's hip. Mike tried to think why he was in this position to begin with. He tugged at his bound hands above his head and tried to kick Micky off of him. He remembered going to sleep before Micky got home, and the next he remembered, he was being tied to the bed. Micky looked up at him and ran his fingers playfully through Mike's hair before digging them mercilessly into Mike's shoulder. Mike squirmed again, trying desperately to rid himself of the pain in his side. "This has gone past a joke! Mike threatened, wincing slightly.
Micky was angry and it had built up in his head until there was no way to avoid it. Mike was a sitting target to get his own back, and it was a lot better than just shouting. He clawed his way around Mike's bare chest, grinning at the odd cry of pain he helped create. Mike put all his energy into the pillowcase that had tied him to the bedpost.
Although normally he wouldn't have been so eager to fight Micky off, he knew that this wasn't what either of them truly wanted, and he had to find out what was wrong with his lover. He wriggled his wrists experimentally and fumbled with his long fingers until the cloth that bound him finally began to give. He gave one hard tug and it came lose in his hands. Micky looked up just in time to watch Mike's arms lunging towards him, sending him flying off of the bed.
Mike rubbed his side and looked at his hand, gasping at the blood on it. He stood and stepped over Micky, heading to the bathroom to bathe his wounds. In the mirror he found that he had a trail of black and blue marks marching up and down his chest, and a large gaping wound by his hip. He continued looking, when he saw the door open in the mirror's reflection and Micky walked in sheepishly.
Mike continued staring, awaiting yet another excuse from his partner. "More stress? Mike growled coldly, nursing his side with some cold water.
"I don't know what to say. Micky murmured, choking on the words.
"Well, you could try another lame excuse, you're good at those. Mike scowled
"Please Mike, don't do this."
"Do what?! Mike cried, "It's you whos just attacked me and drank my blood, who yells at me all the time, who hasn't shown one ounce of consideration or love for two months! Christ Mick, sometimes I think we should just give up the ghost...you've changed."
The Texan stood silently for a few moments, letting his anger evaporate into nothing and slowly turned to face Micky. The drummer was huddled on the floor, tears streaming down his face. Mike knew that he had been too harsh and he felt a deep guilt as he knelt down and stroked a stray curl from Micky's face. He reached behind him and produced a handful of toilet tissue, which he used to dry Micky's eyes. This simple and understanding gesture only made Micky cry even more and he clutched at Mike's arms. "Please. Mike began, licking his bottom lip nervously, "Tell me why you're always so upset. I won't yell at you, promise,"
~~~
Micky slept well that night, for the first time in ages. He cuddled in Mike's arms, feeling security he hadn't felt since he was a child. He buried his nose, unconsciously, in Mike's chest and breathed deep, enjoying the familiar fragrance. Dawn came too quickly and Micky yawned as he stretched out and unraveled his muscles. Mike was nowhere to be seen and he immediately panicked. What if he had gone to the bar? He fretted.
"Are you gonna sleep all day? Mike called from the bathroom, beckoning Micky to share a shower with him.
"Not just for economical purposes I suppose? Micky questioned him about the idea playfully as he sank in Mike's arms. Micky couldn't think of a moment when their lips weren't locked on each other's and he smiled as he dried his hair, the curls more unruly than ever. Mike lay down by Micky's side and closed his eyes dreamily, the truth easing his mind.
"Well? Micky asked of their current situation.
"You'll be late for work. Mike mumbled with his eyes closed. Micky sat, mouth wide and looked at his lover. How could he be so uncaring? Wasn't he going to do anything? Micky tried to smile but couldn't and gathered himself up to leave.
"Have a good day," Mike beamed as he left, receiving a scowl in return.
Micky tried not to cry when he thought of how he had been betrayed. He had told Mike why he was so upset, that he was being tortured slowly everyday by his boss with his cruel ridicules, and Mike hadn't even offered a solution. He crept through the door of the bar and found the manager waiting for him.
"You're late! The man growled, "You should spend your time on being organized and not flitting around sleeping with any Tom, Dick or Harry. Now get to work."
Micky did as he was told and woefully began cleaning the tables from the previous night's successful booze binge.
"Surely youre in danger of catching something? The boss asked, smirking. Micky sighed as the taunting began again, as it did every day. "Utterly revolting if you ask me - can't see any attraction." The man continued, rejoicing in Micky's shrinking confidence. "Can you honestly say you enjoy making love like animals?"
Just as Micky felt like he couldn't take anymore he heard a shrill reply to that question and knew it hadn't come from him.
"Yes," Mike smiled, coming out of the shadows.
"Who are you?! The man growled, standing defiantly in front of the intruder.
"Tom, Dick, and Harry. Mike spoke positively and strode over to Micky to place a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
The man let out an amused laugh as he eyed up the couple before him. "So you're the mysterious boyfriend, eh? The manager smiled, trying hard to believe his eyes, "You don't look like a queer! He grinned at Mike,
"I don't hit like one either. Mike beamed back, his right fist cracking down on the man's jaw. The man rolled around on the floor for a few minutes before leaping up to attack Mike. He didn't succeed and was sent flying over the bar, crashing down on the newly cleaned glasses.
"Had enough? Mike laughed playfully, standing over his victim with supreme superiority. The man tried to stop his head from spinning and staggered to his feet for a second time, blood pumping from his nose. "Now. I do believe you owe Micky an apology. Mike smirked, pulling the man up by his hair.
"Never! The man yelled and yelped as he felt a sharp pain hit him in his stomach. He thought for a moment, glancing at the large Texan fists that were poised in front of him. "Im...s...sorry. He stammered and was promptly dropped to the floor.
Mike brushed himself off and took Micky's hand, leading him away from the bar and the nightmare within it.
~~~
Peter held his stomach as it grumbled menacingly. "I hope Davy comes back from the store soon, I'm famished! He mumbled to Micky, who was lying on the couch.
"It wouldn't be this way if I still had my job. The drummer growled slightly.
"I'm glad you lost your job - you're more your old self." Peter smiled at him, and Micky's anger subsided. Just then Mike strode in and dumped two large boxes on the table.
"Dig in guys," He smiled, revealing two large pizzas. Micky leapt up and joined the others as they began to tuck in.
"Where did you get these from? He asked, trying to mask his suspicion as simple curiosity.
"The guy at the record store has just booked us for five gigs around the area, he gave us a bit of a deposit. Mike smiled, picking up a slice.
That night, Micky lay in Mike's arms and pondered over all the things that had happened to them, and how extra sensitive Mike had made him feel. Now he never did or said anything without thinking of how it will effect the others. He clutched at Mike's chest and began humming slightly, soothing the atmosphere and sending his lover off to sleep. Slowly he lay his head down and took up Mike's hand, trying to avoid the bandaged area that had occurred during the fight the day before. He closed his eyes and smiled to himself. "I love you Mike," He whispered to his sleeping companion as he slowly fell asleep.
Back
to Index
