Chapter Text
Mikleo wrinkled his nose at the sound of the door chime. The sound meant a customer entered the bookstore, disturbing his peace. They were likely to hem and haw before settling on a decision, or badger him with inane questions, keeping him past the now-imminent closing time. He slunk behind the register to fuss on his cell phone, hoping the invader would leave without a word. He had plans to consummate, after all.
No such luck.
“Excuse me,” said the man.
“How can I help you,” mumbled Mikleo without looking up.
“I know it's late, I won't keep you. But I'm looking for a particular book.” He paused. “It's a first edition of the Celestial Record.”
“Row F, along the back wall,” said Mikleo, quick enough to be nearly an interruption.
The man chuckled. “No,” he said, softer yet. “This copy has handwritten notes in the margins, from two young men full of theories and wild dreams.”
Mikleo quirked an eyebrow. He looked up slowly, his face quickly turning to surprise.
The young man looking back at him had a kind, genuine smile. His soft, messy chestnut hair framed his tan face, blessed with green eyes so vibrant you'd swear they were contacts.
Mikleo’s jaw fell slack. He knelt behind the counter briefly to reach into his own personal book bag, rummaging for a moment before pulling out a tattered, first edition of the Celestial Record.
“Is this what you're looking for?”
“Yeah,” said the man, searching Mikleo’s face curiously. “I found you.”
Mikleo chuckled. “I'm not the one that left, Sorey.”
Sorey grinned brighter. “My mom’s work needed her in Elysia. So, I'm back.”
“You've got some nerve, showing up after so many years,” said Mikleo. He closed his eyes and shook his head, unable to quell the growing smile on his face. “Welcome back.”
“It’s good to see you.” He paused. “Me and my mom just got moved in, it's a townhouse real close to my old one. I stopped by your place as soon as I could,” said Sorey. “Your uncle told me where to find you. I'm glad I caught you before closing.”
“Yeah,” he chuckled. “Sorry. I thought you were a last minute pain in the ass customer.” Mikleo hit a few buttons on the register to shut it down. “I've actually got plans tonight,” he said quietly, fiddling with the bracelet on his left wrist. “An appointment. For an anniversary of sorts.”
Mikleo caught Sorey glancing at his bracelet, likely taking in the bright, rainbow design.
“Then we can hang out another time and catch up,” said Sorey.
“Actually,” Mikleo paused. It had been six or seven years since he had last seen Sorey. He had no idea what manner of man he had become, what beliefs and prejudices he may hold. Back then they didn’t worry about the birds and the bees. The Sorey he remembered was a kind, thoughtful boy that albeit stubborn, had a strong moral compass and compassion to spare. He debated internally for another moment before speaking again.
“I wouldn't mind the company.”
“Oh?” said Sorey. “Really?”
“Yeah,” said Mikleo. “It would be nice to catch up with you.”
Sorey smiled. “I'd love to go with you.” He paused, scratching his head. “But wouldn't that be imposing on you and your, uh, boyfriend?”
Mikleo slung his book bag over his shoulder. “What boyfriend?”
“Oh! Uh,” stammered Sorey, pushing his pointer fingers together. “I just assumed when you said anniversary, I mean, I didn't think you would be single.”
Mikleo processed his statement for a moment. It seemed Sorey understood the bracelet’s meaning after all. Mikleo had jitters of his own, trying not to make a fool of himself in front of someone that had once been so fundamentally important to him. Sorey was trying. And he was cute.
He settled for quirking a judgmental eyebrow.
“I was going to catch an Uber there,” he said.
“I have a car,” said Sorey. “I can drive. I mean, that is if you're okay with getting in a car with a total stranger.”
“I spent the best years of my life with you,” said Mikleo softly. “You're no stranger.”
Sorey grinned. He held out his fist.
Mikleo looked at Sorey’s outstretched wrist incredulously for a moment before pressing his own against it. Their private handshake, a symbol of their childhood bond, proof that the man before him couldn't be anyone but Sorey.
His bright, charming demeanor made spending time with him sound like the most fulfilling idea in the world. And he could really use a friend like Sorey in his life.
“Okay!” Sorey paused. “So, uhm, where are we going, anyway?”
“Tattoo parlor,” said Mikleo, hiding a blush. “It's not far. I'll navigate you.”
Mikleo flopped on his bed, grabbing his cell and fired off a few text messages in rapid succession.
“ROSE”
“Jfgjfzbhzffz”
Within moments, Rose responded.
“-_-”
“What”
Mikleo attached two pictures to the conversation. The first was of his new tattoo, a semi colon on the inside of his wrist taken in low light. The second was of Mikleo cheek to cheek with a cute brunet.
“New tat looks real good,” came the response. “Who’s the hottie?”
“Did I ever tell you about Sorey?” texted Mikleo.
“Your old neighbor? Only like a hundred times,” Rose responded. “Is that him?”
“His mom moved back. He’s going to college here.”
“You guys look so happy!” texted Rose. “Is he finishing high school with you too?”
“Nah, he’s going to do some kind of online homeschool classes.” Mikleo rolled over on his bed, opening the picture of himself and Sorey again, setting it as his phone wallpaper. They both did look happy. It was pleasant, in a strange foreign way that shouldn't have been.
“Oh cool,” texted Rose. “Is he single?”
“ROSE,” texted Mikleo.
“Did you guys make out?”
“ROSE,” he responded, “He grew up in a conservative household.” He wrinkled his nose. “There’s no way he would ever.”
“So did you,” responded Rose. “Look how you turned out.”
Mikleo grumbled. “He’s straight. He mentioned having ex-girlfriends.”
“You’ve got ex-girlfriends too,” texted Rose.
“You’re not helping.”
“Just giving you a little hope,” texted Rose. “You guys look really happy.”
“I have to sleep,” he texted. “Thanks for being there for me.”
“Anytime,” was her response. “Good night. Ilu”
“Love you too,” he texted. “Sleep well.”