Chapter Text
Ian woke up to the soft pitter patter of rain hitting the roof and sliding down the window. Another wonderful Chicago day. He rolled over to see his boyfriend was already up.He stretched his arms above his head then fell back lazily against his pillows.
“Hey you’re up.” He turned to see his boyfriend Craig standing in the doorway staring at him with a wide smile, his brown hair freshly slicked back, and hazel eyes magnified by his wire rimmed glasses. He liked Craig. They would be together 2 years this October which was the longest relationship he’d been in. It’s not that he was a serial dater, he just didn’t date. His life revolved around his store and his friends. Dating never crossed his mind until he met Craig.
.
“I made you breakfast. It’s a kale and chia seed smoothie.” Craig handed him the blended concoction.
He bunched his nose and shook his head passing it back “No thanks. It smells like grass..”
Craig closed his hand around the glass pushing it back towards him. “Trust me. You’ll love it.” His boyfriend kissed his cheek then headed over to the door. “Going to be late for a meeting, got to run. See you for dinner?”
“Yep. I already made reservations. Angelos 8pm” he replied as he tested out the witches brew.
Craig waved to him then he heard the closing of the front door.
Finally.
He jumped up from the bed and walked into the kitchen rinsing the smoothie down the sink. Nasty. It wasn’t even blended all the way. There were clumps of kale and protein powder falling out in small puke green globs. He likes smoothies and all but that was a little too much for his taste, at least add some fruit or something. Craig was a health nut. In fact he had a column in the Chicago Tribune dedicated to health and fitness. Craig was kind and funny but a little self absorbed. Let’s be real, he was very self absorbed. He had a habit of looking down on people who didn’t share his outlook on life and fitness.
He met Craig at the gym down the street from his apartment. Craig was doing a workshop on maintaining a healthy weight and the importance of portion control which was something he’d been fond of since moving out on his own. He would take a nice fresh cobb salad over a greasy burger anyday. It had been years since he had a french fry.
He walked over to the window and peered out checking to be sure his boyfriend was gone. He wasn’t sure why he felt the need to be so elusive, he wasn’t doing anything wrong. Not really. It was just chatting. Maybe it was because he felt a connection when he read the messages on his phone that he’d never felt with anyone before, including Craig.
He didn’t do it on purpose. When he downloaded the messenger app it was to talk to fellow nerds about comics. How was he supposed to know that hiding in the corners of the internet he would find what could only be described as his soul mate? All he wanted was someone to talk shop with. Craig wasn’t a fan of comics. He didn’t rag on them but he couldn’t sit there and discuss the latest X-men either, which was upsetting because that’s all he wanted to do. He loved comics. He owned a comic book store called Comics & Characters.
He unlocked his screen and his lips turned up into a toothy grin when he saw the bright red 1 above his messenger app. He clicked on the message then walked over to his closet to pick out something to wear.
B0$$B0y_420: I like when the skies all dark and cloudy. It seems like you can get a better sense of self when you’re not followed around by a big ass ball of sunshine. Don’t get me wrong, I can get down with a beautiful day as much as the next guy but somethin about an overcast sky just puts me in a happy place.
Ian buttoned his flannel, grabbed his keys from the table and locked the door behind him. He zipped up his jacket and headed down to the garage phone in hand, his fingers hastily buzzing over the keyboard.
**
ComicB00kL0v3r: I get it. I love the way the air smells after it rains. Nothin like it. They try and mimic it with candles and air freshener but nothin compares to that first breath of fresh air after several hours of hard rain. I think my favorite thing is how the sun reflects on the leaves of the trees after, like a thousand tiny crystals.
Mickey stared out the window absently tapping the corner of his phone on the table. It really was beautiful. He already was a fan of the darker skies but now he was noticing the raindrops as they slid down the window. Something he would have ignored if a certain someone hadn’t mentioned the beauty in the rain. He usually didn’t have the time or the urge to stop and smell the roses but that was something he found himself doing more and more these days.
The grand opening of his store was in two weeks and today he’s doing the final walkthrough. It’s about time. He’d been waiting on this moment for over a year since he decided to move back to Chicago from New York. With a little help from his Grandfather and his father he was able to open the first location of hopefully many in Chicago. He was the owner and founder of Milkovich Graphics and Gifts . His store sold everything from video games and gaming supplies to graphic novels and comic books. He also carried novelty supplies like journals, stationery, art and gift sets. It was pretty sweet.
His business exploded in New York because of his unique atmosphere incorporating a coffee shop into his store. That small difference took his shop from a suite in a strip mall to a multimillion dollar company. It took 10 years but now he was back home and intended to do the same, opening stores throughout Chicago. Turning the MIlkovich name which used to be associated with crime into a legacy.
“Seriously Mickey! Why are you still sitting there?” He turned to see his boyfriend Blake running around frantically.
“What else am I supposed to be doin?” He clicked open the app on his phone re reading the last message. It was so poetic and abstract, like whoever was behind the keyboard.
“Where are my keys? Oh my fucking god!”
He rolled his eyes and reached forward grabbing the keychain from the table. “Keep sayin you should get a fuckin lanyard for those, maybe then you wouldn’t lose them all the fuckin time.”
“I’m just nervous. I don’t need a lanyard.” Blake walked over to him and he quickly clicked off his screen then turned to accept a kiss. “My book is being released today and I’m hoping we can get a tour set up for this year.” Blake opened the front door and grabbed his thermos from the end table. “Wish me luck.”
“Good luck.” He smiled and waved goodbye to his boyfriend. He felt a cold nose against his leg and looked down to see Baxter staring at him with big pathetic eyes. He reached down and pet his smooth fur eliciting a loud whimper from the German Shepherd. Baxter ran over to the front door and pawed at it, loud whimpers filled the apartment. “All right dude, hold the fuck on.” He looked around for his shoes then grabbed Baxter’s leash and jacket. “Time to go potty aint it. Who's a good boy?”
**
B0$$B0y_420: Baxter almost caught a squirrel. His ass chased the fuckin thing around the courtyard but the little shit got away. One of these days he won't be so lucky.
ComicB00kL0v3r: Jesus! Poor squirrel.. What could it possibly have done to deserve such a violent death sentence?
B0$$B0y_420: He teases him through the fuckin window. All night I sit at the table workin and watch him talk shit. Then Baxters dumb ass barks and barks until the little fucker runs away. The thing I wonder is how he knows which squirrel it is you know?
Ian laughed picturing the face off between Baxter and the mischievous squirrel.
ComicB00kL0v3r: Maybe he’s psychic.
“Ok, that it.” His friend Janine walked over to him with arms folded and a raised brow then leaned against the counter. “You’ve been grinning like the Cheshire cat all week Ian, I demand details. Spill.”
“I have not!” He walked behind the counter and opened the register. “It’s nothing really.”
“It’s not nothing. That’s the look of love. You are so in love!”
“Jesus Janine.. love really?” He wrote down the dollar amounts as he counted the register. “I’m not in love.”
“Then what is it then?”
“Nothing. Can’t a guy be in a good mood?”
Janine pursed her lips “Fine. Be that way. I’m just going to stand here until you tell me.”
“But we open in 10 minutes.”
“Sucks for you cause I’m not moving.” Janine swept her blonde hair behind her neck then leaned over the counter eyes glued on him.
He took in a deep breath, feeling his heart swell as a smile crossed his lips. He folded his arms and leaned over the counter meeting his friend. “Is it cheating if you’re involved with someone online?”
Janine laughed.“You dog! Have you had sex?”
Ian held up his hands in defense “What? No.. i..it’s not like that at all.”
“You mean you haven’t sexted? There’s been no what are you wearing or...dick pics?”
“Oh my god really Janine?” He scoffed and closed the register door grabbing his clipboard. “No we haven't sexted, he’s not like that. He’s sweet and charming.”
“Charming? You’re not in a romantic comedy Ian, nobodies charming these days.”
“He is.”
**
Mickey walked around the store with his best friend and advisor Scott. “I don't know man, I just can’t get this guy off my mind.” He leaned against the wall and pulled out his phone, re reading the same message from this morning. “He’s smart, funny, and the way he talks about shit...it’s fuckin enchantin.”
“Enchanting?” Scott laughed and took a sip of his coffee. “He’s enchanting? Does he live in a tower and have an evil stepmother too?”
“Fuck off.” He slipped his phone back in his pocket. “What can I say man, the guys gets to me.” He walked over to the window and stared out at the busy street watching the people passing by. “Where’s Danny aint he supposed to be here by now to install the lights?”
“He should be here but he got another DUI last night. Megan called me an hour ago, says she’s working on finding a bondsman.”
“Again? Fuckin moron. How many times I tell him, you can’t pass out drunk in your fuckin car.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “So no lights today, fuckin great, how bout the shelves? We got them done down here all that’s left is the upstairs.”
“Yea...about the shelves.” Scotts averted his eyes so he raised his brow.
“Go on..”
“The oak we’ve been using is on backorder so Terry is looking around for another supplier.”
“Another..” He kicked the trashcan by the entryway. “Another fuckin supplier! Awesome, fuckin sweet.” He shook his head and walked over to Scott and grabbed his shoulder. He fixed their eyes with a desperate stare. “We open in two weeks.”
“I know.”
“Two fuckin weeks Scotty!”
“I know. Don’t worry.” Scott reached out grabbing his shoulders and shaking him. “We got this shit man. You’re fucking Mickey Milkovich and soon this place will be the talk of the town just like New York.”
He nodded and let go stepping back and looking around the room. “Damn straight.” He straightened his jacket and felt his phone buzz. He pulled it from his pocket and sighed. “Ugh I’m late. Gotta meet Terry to go over some figures. Call me when you hear from Danny?”
“Sure thing Boss man.”
“That’s right..” He walked out the door brimming with a sense of pride. That’s why Scott was his best friend, not only did the guy stroke his ego when he needed it but he was his voice of reason whenever he started to revert back to his old ways. You can get anything done with threats and violence, but a successful business man uses his words and reputation. He was well known in New York and Scott was right, soon the city would be his.
**
ComicB00kL0v3r: Saw a ladybug today on the sidewalk. I thought it would be too cold but there she was. Or he.. wow. I wonder how many dude ladybugs fly around thinkin if you call me a lady one more fucking time lol..
Mickey rolled his eyes and smiled. Fuckin guy was too cute. Who thinks about shit like that? He heard someone clear their throat and turned on the couch to look at his Father and Grandfather. He slipped his phone back in his pocket. “Did you hear the news Dad? That gamin store on 59th, the one with all the D&D supplies, dice and shit” he licked his lips as smirk crept across his face. “Looks like they went out of business.”
Terry laughed and pulled a cigar from the box on the table. “That’s such a shame.” His Dad leaned back in the chair. “Poor bastard never stood a chance against you.”
His Grandfather nodded his head in agreement “You may be a queer but you’re a fuckin shark kid.”
Mickey rubbed at his nose. He hated when they used that word but at least he and his family were on speaking terms again. His Grandfather was even more old fashioned than Terry and that was saying something. They may be working together, but he still made a point to remind him how he felt. He didn’t care. They could go suck a dick. He single handedly took the family business from dealin drugs and guns to buyin up the competition and absorbing what they sold into his business model. He had nothing to do but grow. One day he hoped to be the largest and most well known in the gaming and comic world. One stop shoppin for everything.
His dad Terry, had the connections, he knew the market and how much people made around town. He was the key to understanding his competition. His Grandfather Charlie helped him manage his money. God forbid shit took a turn and he went outta business Charlie made sure he had money stashed here and there so he could keep up his lifestyle. At face value it was a family business but they knew and respected who was boss.
“Yea well sink or swim right? Fucker sank. Not like I didn’t give em a fair offer for the place first. They chose to go bankrupt so I say fuck em. Now we’re the only ones this side of town who sell gamin shit. He stood up from the couch and walked around leaning his back against it. He folded his arms across his chest. “We can keep the locals too. Gonna offer a class twice a week on drawin up characters.”
Charlie’s brows knitted and the man glanced over to his father then back at him. “We in the drawin business now? Thought you sold books? Or is this one of your artsy fartsy gay things?”
Mickey scoffed and let out a small laugh. He raised his brow at his Grandfather.. “Dungeons.And.Dragons.” Charlie still looked dumbfounded. “Holy fuck Gramps. You're supposed to be the smart one. Characters? Like role-playin and shit. People build characters and worlds for the game and we’re gonna offer a class for beginners. Like a tutorial..”
“Ohh. Ok. Sorry son, all that fantasy shit sounds like fairy business. Goes over my head.”
“You two better get educated, cause that fantasy shit is our bread and fuckin butter.” He walked back around and plopped on the couch. “Anyway, now that place is outta the way we only got two more to go.” He grabbed his smokes from the table lighting one up. “There's uh.. this little shack of a place that sells video games, or attempts too. They have a very limited selection so I think we can buy em out.” He took a drag of his cigarette and let it dangle in his teeth as he grabbed his phone from his pocket. “Then there’s that little place round the corner Characters & Comics or Comics & Characters doesn’t fuckin matter. ”
“Oh yea..” Terry smiled and puffed on his cigar. “Monica's store. That women was one of a kind. A real firecracker but that’s what made her so special, she had an outlook on life that was..unique.”
Mickey smiled setting down his phone and turning to look at his dad “You knew her?”
“Knew is a loose term. We talked now and again, danced a few times back in the day. Best lay of my life.” Terry laughed. “Had my eyes on her before I met your mom, but some college prick swooped in and married her. She passed about 10 yrs ago. Cancer. Her son runs the place now I think.”
“Hm” he mused trying to picture his father dancing. “Sucks for him then don’t it.” He laughed wickedly and took another drag of his cigarette. “We done here? I’m fuckin starvin.”
“I think..” Terry was cut off by a knock on the door then the room was being flooded with different flower arrangements.
“Ugh” Mickey bunched up his face in disgust. “Still can’t believe you’re marryin that whore.”
Terry grabbed an arrangement and sniffed it. “That whore is the mother of your child Mikhailo.”
He smacked his hand down against the desk. “No fuckin shit. I might’ve been piss drunk when I fucked her, dont mean I blacked out for the last 8yrs. That’s my fuckin point. It’s fuckin weird.”
“She’s pregnant Mikhailo..”
”Yeah with his kid,” he pointed to Charlie. “Since when do you care so much bout family values. You’re the asshole who hooked us up in the first fuckin place. You fed me so many fuckin shots..”
“Watch your tone boy. There was a time I thought a good fuck might save you from your faggy fuckin lifestyle but I was wrong. Don't mean I’m gonna let good pussy go to waste.”
“She fucked him. She’s a whore!”
”That was before we hooked up. She’s gonna be your stepmom so watch uour fuckin mouth.”
He shivered and shook his head “What the fuck ever. Do what you’re gonna do, I'm gonna bounce before I puke on your fuckin bouquets.” He turned and walked briskly out of the office and down the stairs. Fuckin stupid people. He walked over to his car then headed to get some much needed food before he snapped on the wrong person. He still had business to attend to, best to keep himself in check. Hard to do when you’re hangry.
**
B0$$B0y_420: ever wonder why they created drive thrus? It’s supposed to speed shit up but it don’t fuckin work. I think when you’re in your car, not a care in the world, you take longer than if you were standin in line with someone tellin you to hurry the fuck up. I mean they have cars behind them but it’s not the fuckin same. You know what I mean?
Ian racked his head against his steering wheel. All he wanted was a panini and a salad. He should have just parked. It had been 10 minutes and he was still 2 cars behind the pick up window. He sat back in his seat and pulled out his phone. His anon chat buddy always seemed rushed yet still had the time to chat with him. He wondered what it would be like to live like that. He didn't like waiting 10 minutes for food but it wouldn’t ruin his day. The world was bigger than that.
ComicBookLov3r: Sometimes I think people move too fast. Everyone's too caught up in their own bullshit to notice the world moving around them. We are just one part in a giant machine. We put too much value on our own personal existence and forget to appreciate the little things that make up the big picture.
**
Mickey took a bite of his panini. Chicken Bacon Ranch...so good. He sat in his car with the window down and listened to the sound of the cars passing as he closed his eyes and chewed his food. He should be heading back to the store to follow up on Danny and worry over deadlines but instead he was trying to slow down take his mysterious friends advice about appreciating the little things. He wondered what he looked like. Had he seen him before? With a personality like that was he single? He opened his eyes and drew in a deep breathe because he should stay away from those thoughts. He had Blake. He was annoying, narcissistic and able to keep up with his attitude. C0micB00kL0v3r was too sweet for the mess that was his life. He seemed put together but really he was on a constant search for something, more money, power..who the fuck knows. He knew he would never be happy until he found it. He didn't have the same methodical view of life as the man behind the keyboard but that didn't mean he couldn’t pretend for a moment. Everyone needs a little fantasy.
**
Ian parked his car then walked inside his store to see Matty, Janine and Sheila all standing by the door. “What?” He looked over his coworkers in confusion. “I..is there something on my face?” He wiped at his face then scratched behind his neck. “Can you guys say something you’re freaking me out.”
“You walked right by it Ian.” Matty opened the door and he followed him outside and around the corner. “How did you not see it, the sign’s huge.”
He scoffed. “How did I not see..” he paused feeling his mouth go dry. There, in big black letters on the side of what he thought was going to be a baby gap or maybe an Anne Taylor, was none other than the book conglomerate that tore apart New York one shop at time. Milkovich Graphics & Gifts .
“We’re doomed” Janine leaned her head on his shoulder. “I might as well call my parents and tell them I’m moving back home.”
“You and me both. I should probably start signing up for day labor.”
“What?” Ian shrugged his friend off his shoulder. “You guys are insane.” He let his eyes trail over the giant building. “They have nothing to do with us. They’re big, impersonable and we know more about comics then all they’re sales people combined. I’m not worried.” He turned and started to walk away, stopping when he noticed his friends were still standing on the corner. “Come on you guys. We have a store to run.”