Chapter Text
It was two in the morning. Patrick was silently cursing to himself about Chicago's shitty weather. It was beautiful and sunny just that morning and now it was pouring rain.
“Just my fucking luck.. Stuck walking in this shit so late at night.” He mumbled, he had given up running ten minutes ago. The rain wasn’t going to stop any time soon and he was definitely not athletic enough to run home. All he cared about in that exact moment was not getting his CD player broken, hiding it under his shirt so it wouldn’t get as wet. It looked suspicious, really. Walking in the rain in the middle of the night hiding something in his shirt, but he wasn’t doing anything bad in the first place. All he wanted was to go for a walk and get some inspiration for a song, but of course, the world had to make it difficult for him.
He always goes to a small place under a bridge nearby when he’s stuck on lyrics. Although “nearby” was actually a twenty minute walk and also happened to be in a not-so-safe neighborhood. The grass under the bridge is overgrown and the walls are completely covered in graffiti, he’s thought about writing something down there one day, to leave his mark. He won’t though, not because he doesn’t want to get caught but because he can never remember to grab a marker. He found the place one day when he was just wondering, nobody was there, or anywhere nearby honestly, so he claimed it as his own. There was a small bench that he used to sit on but one day he came and it was completely torn apart and broken. So now he just sits in the grass and hopes his jeans don’t stain.
After 15 more minutes of getting soaked with cold rain he finally makes it home. Although he hadn’t thought this far. He was drenched with water and had originally left through his window. He always struggles to get back in but being wet doesn’t make it any easier, and he still has his CD player to protect after all. So after successfully throwing it through his window onto his bed he tried to get in. It took 20 minutes of him falling into mud and slipping before finally crawling through and falling onto his bedroom floor. He groaned quietly as he looked at the puddle of water and mud underneath him, knowing he’ll have to clean it up immediately, but first he needed to get out of those wet clothes.
“Augh…” He groans a little and he peels his jeans off. “Skinny jeans and water do not mix well.” He mumbled again to himself before changing into the first tee-shirt he saw and a new pair of boxers. Finally getting to lay down and relax, he’ll deal with the mud in the morning.
♫⋆｡♪ ₊˚♬ ﾟ.
The rain event had happened on Saturday, it was now Monday and Patrick was sleepily getting ready for the morning. Patrick wasn’t necessarily a bad kid, but his mom usually left for work before he left for school, so skipping a day was normal for him. He spent the first 10 minutes of his morning deciding whether he should go or not. He eventually decided on yes, only due to the fact that he didn’t want another detention. It doesn’t take him long to get ready, he basically wears the same thing every day. A band tee, skinny blue jeans, and a hat. Not forgetting his black converse shoes, which are basically falling apart. Before finally leaving he grabs a jacket and his backpack, then he’s out of the door.
The school day goes by fast, he finishes his work as quickly as he can just so he can listen to music and doodle, which most teachers hate. Although it’s the one thing he doesn’t mind about school, he gets to be alone for the most part and keep the things he loves with him. He doesn’t go all day being alone though. He has a few classes with his friend, Joe, who he met in middle school. They first became friends by arguing about who had better music taste, that fight has yet to end. Whenever Patrick isn’t walking or writing songs, he’s hanging out with Joe. Patrick’s grateful that Joe is as into music as he is, because as much as he loves being alone, it’s nice to have someone to talk to about it.
“Hey!” Joe basically shouts from behind Patrick as he was walking. “Coming over tonight? Got that new album you were talking about, haven’t even listened yet.”
“Maybe. Thinking about going for another walk tonight, no rain this time.” Patrick replied, barely looking back at him as he walked closer.
“Dude you could walk any other night- come over!” He basically whines as he leans onto Patrick attempting to give him puppy-dog eyes.
“Whatever- I’ll come at 5? But I'm leaving before 7. Lots of work.. you know.” He finally looks at him, watching a small smirk appear on his face before he nodded.
“Fine, whatever- I’ll see you later man!” He pats the side of Patrick’s shoulder before practically skipping away, which causes Patrick to chuckle a little.
He ended up staying at Joe's house until 9. He knew he could still walk to his spot if he really walked too but it annoyed him knowing he had to sneak now to do it. Although it was never an issue having to sneak out since his bedroom is on the first floor, minus the time it rained. He finally waved goodbye to Joe, and his mom as she made him dinner, and walked back to his house. He hums quietly, wishing he had his music with him, but it was only a five minute walk so he’d be alright.
♫⋆｡♪ ₊˚♬ ﾟ.
It was around one in the morning when Patrick finally left. He had decided that this time he would bring his bag, to carry his CD player and a small notebook so he could actually write. He carefully climbed out of his window and pulled the screen down slightly, before walking onto the sidewalk happily.
“Finally.. wanted to do this all day” he said softly under his breath before humming happily. After about 20 minutes he finally made his way to that special spot under the bridge. He was so happy to finally be there, that he hadn’t even noticed the guy sitting in his spot. Patrick paused, his humming from before immediately stopping as he examined the boy in front of him. The boy looked a bit older than him, maybe 20? He had dark hair from what he could see with the moonlight, and his hair was in his eyes slightly. That’s when he noticed his dark eyes, eyeliner? He was also dressed in dark clothes, a dark red jacket and studded belt, black skinny jeans. He was staring for so long he didn’t even realize the man was looking back at him now, just as confused as he was.
“Uhhh.. who are you?” the man says, his voice was kind of rough, if Patrick was being honest.
“I- uh- im so sorry! nobody is ever here- i- i can leave-“ he panicked a little, not that he usually cared about people like that but, it was late at night and a terrible neighborhood.
“No- no man you're fine- whatever- do you normally come here? if i’m in your spot i can totally leave.” the man looked up at him, genuinely concerned, which made Patrick relax a little, looking back at him.
“Uh.. well yeah but.. i’ll go somewhere else- you were here first-“ The man looks at him again, quiet as he looks him up and down slowly before speaking again.
“What are you doing out so late? you definitely shouldn’t be here at this time- especially if you look like that- no offense.” Patrick immediately paused again, confused by the last comment but shrugged it off.
“I don’t know- I just felt like it, needed creativity I guess.”
This makes the man’s eyes light up. “Creativity for what?” Patrick looks at him before narrowing his eyes.
“I don’t think I should tell you- I don't even know your name.” The man didn’t hesitate, almost cutting Patrick off.
“Pete. and you?”
“Patrick. and I write stuff. music. if that’s what you wanted to know so bad.” If he had thought Pete’s smile couldn’t get wider, it definitely just did.
“Me too!! That's why I'm here!! Would you wanna sit with me? maybe?” Pete asked, still looking up at him, but definitely much more confident then when he first looked.
“I come here most nights.. found the place a couple years back and kinda claimed it as my own. y'know?” Patrick has ended up sitting next to him, hugging his backpack to his chest as he looks at Pete, his face still hard to see from the dark.
“Man, this place is awesome.. wish i found it sooner, i live real close, surprised i didn’t.” This caught Patrick’s attention a little, humming slightly.
“How close do you live? Would I have seen you around before?”
“Couple blocks away from here, I don't go out much other than band practice so- probably not.” Pete said quietly, almost embarrassed as he talks, he’s not sure why he’s talking so much to this guy.
“You’re in a band? That's so cool!! Are you guys popular?” Patrick’s interest had peaked the second he said band, a dorky smile on his face.
“Nah, not really. We mostly play small shows.. nothing big.” He looks up at Patrick again, who looked so excited, completely different from his awkward presence earlier.
“Still awesome! What do you play?”
“Bass. boring, I know.” Patrick hummed in response to that then giggled a little.
“I think that’s dope! I play a little of everything.. drums, guitar, whatever i can get my hands on.” Pete just looks at him now, amazed, he may have just found some musical genius or something.
♫⋆｡♪ ₊˚♬ ﾟ.
They end up talking until five. Patrick didn’t even notice how late it was until the sun had started to come up. The second the light started to hit he got up, he still had school that morning after all. Pete was confused as he got up so suddenly, looking up at him. “Sorry! i really gotta go- it’s a twenty minute walk and i have school- i don’t have my phone but.. we could meet here again tomorrow if you’d like to talk again? same time..?” Patrick offered, looking down at him, finally getting a good look at his face as the sun hit it, and wow he was hot. “That'd be perfect. get home safe, i’ll totally see you tomorrow!” Pete smiled at him immediately, also finally getting to see Patrick in the light and wow he was pretty.
♫⋆｡♪ ₊˚♬ ﾟ.
By the time Patrick makes it home he’s out of breath, he had to almost run home since he knew his mom would be awake at six. The whole experience has thrown him off if he was being honest. He didn’t write a single bit while he was there, let alone listen to his music. And unlike how he is with Joe, they agreed on every single band they liked and disliked. Not to mention Pete was definitely his type. He’s ignoring that last part though, that's not what he needed to think about right now. He finally made it into his bed and looked at the clock on his desk. 5:56. Perfect. He made it home just in time and he doesn’t leave for school until 7 so maybe he could get an hour of sleep.
“I'm telling you! It was so weird! I haven’t ever seen anyone there for years and then suddenly he’s just.. there- and he likes everything I like!” Patrick rambles on, Joe just looks at him, totally unamused. “He’s probably like a kidnapper or something- you're seriously going to go again?” Patrick scoffs a little at this, rolling his eyes. “He’s not a kidnapper- he’s a dork. Plus why would he want to kidnap me- Whatever! I'm just saying- he was totally awesome!” He looks at Joe again, smiling wide. “Whatever you say man.” Joe shrugged looking down at his phone now.
By the time Patrick makes it home that night he’s basically shaking with excitement. He left dinner early and showered fast, then the rest of the time he had was spent picking the perfect CDs to bring and show Pete. He told him the night before he’d show a bit of his collection. Then suddenly he pauses. What if Pete doesn’t even come? What if he disappears and he doesn’t actually see him again? His heart sunk at the thought. It’s not like he really knows him but, god, he really really wants to. He decided to take his chances anyways, if he’s not there he can always write again. Maybe the experience could even help get him some lyrics.
♫⋆｡♪ ₊˚♬ ﾟ.
They were supposed to meet at one like yesterday, but Patrick was so excited he left at twelve. He walked happily, humming softly to whatever rock song was playing in his headphones and taps on his side a bit. He knew he was early so he thought maybe he’d have some time to listen while he waited. What he didn’t expect was to find Pete already sitting there, with headphones in as well.
“Oh, you’re early.” Was all Patrick could say as he sat down next to him. Pete immediately looks at him as he sits and smiles wide, taking out his headphones.
“You are too.” That makes Patrick laugh, because he wasn’t wrong.
“Yeah yeah- what are you listening to?” He looks at Pete, slightly pointing to his headphones.
“Some metal band I found. the CD was only $3 so I thought I’d give it a try.” Pete smiled, holding up the cover of the case.
“That looks dope! Can I listen?”
“Sure.” Pete didn’t hesitate to let him, immediately handing him the headphones.
They ended up talking about different albums for almost two hours. Patrick had shown him all of the stuff he had brought and they listened together. Eventually the conversation started to get a bit more personal. Learning more, watching the stars as they talked. Patrick had seriously only known him for a day and he felt so close to him. Safe almost. He yawned, the sun was still down but he hadn’t gotten much sleep since he was awake yesterday too.
“You could go home, you know, I don’t want to keep you awake. I'm not that mean.” Pete said, calmly.
“I might.. I still don’t have your number. Could you write it down for me? I have paper.” Patrick looks at him before digging in his bag and pulling out his small notebook, the one he originally brought for lyrics.
“Oh, definitely! It’d be much easier to talk when it’s not four in the morning.” Pete said, giggling slightly as he wrote his number down on the paper.
“Thank you. Expect a text from me!” Patrick said as he got up, flashing him a tired smile before quietly walking away.
♫⋆｡♪ ₊˚♬ ﾟ.
Patrick had been looking at the number all day. He wasn’t very sure when to text, not like it mattered. He decided he’d text when he got home from school, just sending a simple “hi it’s patrick.”
It didn’t take very long for him to get a response back.
“Finally! been waiting 4 u 2 text all day”
Patrick giggles a little looking at the screen. He definitely types much differently than him.
“Sorry, I've been stuck at school! :( how’s your day so far?”
Pete didn’t hesitate, instantly texting back.
“meh :/ had band practice. you should come watch us sometime. Maybe play something for us?”
The idea definitely made Patrick's heart jump. Although he couldn’t tell if it was an excited jump or an anxious jump.
“Maybe, that doesn’t sound meh though, I would kill to be in a band like you”
Patrick hums, finally not as nervous as he’s been all day, now that he’s actually talking to him.
“u totally can. u can play multiple instruments!!! bands would kill 4 u!”
He laughed a little just responding with an emoji rolling its eyes
“yeah yeah whatever”
Patrick had left his phone in his bed when he went to eat dinner, they hadn’t stopped talking since the first text, and he wanted to keep talking. Although his mom would be upset if he was texting during dinner, so he had to say goodbye for now.
When he had finally came back to his phone there was 5 messages from Pete
“so bored :/ eat faster!”
along with two gifs of cats. The other two messages were music suggestions, which Patrick was very happy to come back too. Even if Pete was a little clingy.
♫⋆｡♪ ₊˚♬ ﾟ.
A couple of weeks had passed, Patrick had only gotten closer and closer to Pete. They text almost every day and still meet at the spot under the bridge. Mostly on weekends, however, since Patrick has school. They hung out during the day too, just not as often. Patrick preferred to spend the nights with him instead anyways. Watching the stars and talking about music had become one of his favorite activities. Which was what they were currently doing.
“Hey, yknow.. my friend has this party next week.. everyone’s kind of allowed to bring someone- and i thought.. Who would be better to bring but you?” Pete said, turning to face Patrick as he smiled nervously. The question definitely threw him guard, but he wasn’t opposed to it. He’d never really been to a “real” party so.. maybe it’d be fun? Plus, he’d be with Pete so it’ll definitely be worth it.
“Sure. That sounds fun.. they won’t mind that i’m there?” He fidgets with his shirt slightly, looking at him.
“They don't care at all- it’ll basically just be us, trust me.” And that makes it easier, so Patrick nods, smiling like a dork since he was so excited.
That party was all Patrick had thought about all week. What would he wear? What would they do? Is he even going to like it? He groans quietly into his hands as he thinks, he has two hours before he needs to get ready. It was already 10, and for the first time ever, Pete was coming to pick him up instead of walking. He still had to sneak out, obviously, but he’d meet him down the street. He was so nervous. Patrick huffs as he finally gets up to dig in his closet, deciding to just wear the same thing he normally does. He didn’t want to look desperate by dressing fancy.
He was finally ready, sighing as he looked at himself in the mirror. Slightly making a face as he looked at his belly. Before he could think about it any more his phone buzzed.
“Down the street whenever ur ready!”
Patrick looked at himself one last time sighing, before grabbing his stuff and making his way down the street.
♫⋆｡♪ ₊˚♬ ﾟ.