Archive of Our Own

“Ray, you’re gonna be the death of me”, Gerard whined. “You keep scaring the shit out of me.” 

Ray took off his mask, ruffling his curly hair, which probably looked ridiculous after being crushed underneath the mask and drenched in sweat for hours. 

“You’re still alive, aren't you ?” 

As a response, Gerard threw a pen at him. Ray caught it easily, then the second one that Gerard thought he had thrown more sneakily. 

“Nope,” Ray sighs, popping the “P”. “You’re not going to get me today either, Gee. Maybe tomorrow.” 

“Tomorrow never comes.” 

“Exactly.” 

Ray let himself fall on his bed. It was kinda gross considering he was just coming back from a patrol, his suit all sticky from the sweat, the fumes, and just New York’s air in general. But he was also too tired to care. It was almost three in the morning, and Ray had to wake up for work tomorrow. He’d take a shower in the morning. Thankfully, Gerard couldn't call him out on his hygiene, because Ray would just call it hypocrisy if he did. 

Despite their occasional shared lack of hygiene, Ray and Gerard were good roommates. It was because before that, they were already the best of friends. They had been for quite some years now. All the way back, since high school, they’d done a ton of shit together. They’d played, cried, made graffiti on walls, drunk and even swung over New York City’s streets together. Once. After that one time, Gee had puked and said that he’d never do it again. That was fine by Ray. Not that extra weight was a problem, but the logistics of holding a person while swinging weren't his favorite to spend time figuring out. Unless in case of emergency, he’d rather not do it for leisure. 

“Mikey called, by the way. Around ten.” 

Suddenly, Ray was up again. He started to take off the top of his suit, apparently motivated to go wash himself now. 

“You don't want to know what he said ?” 

Ray totally did, if he was being honest. Anything concerning Mikey, he wanted to know. But he did his best (which still wasn't much) to pretend he was only half interested. 

“I was guessing you’d tell me anyway.” 

“Not if you don't want to hear it.” Ray stopped in the bathroom’s doorframe. Gerard knew how to rile him up all too well. 

“Okay, you're right, I want to know what Mikey said.” 

“He complained about being too popular, to which I said he wasn't complaining last year. Then he deflected and harassed me so I'd harass you so you’d call him back.”

“He called me ?” 

“If I didn't know your phone was smashed, I'd have beaten you into next year for ghosting my brother. Vigilante privileges, I guess. You're lucky to be you, Toro.” 

“I guess I am lucky to be me, Way,” he deadpanned, closing the bathroom’s door behind him. 

Ray undressed fully, then got inside the small shower. He looked down, counting the bruises and cuts on his body. It wasn't like they’d be here the next morning (perks of enhanced healing), but it had become routine to check, at that point. 

He let himself relax into the hot water, feeling it everywhere : scalp, face, torso, legs… then his mind drifted off to one of its favorite subjects : Mikey. Who had apparently called Gerard and asked after him. Nevermind the part after the younger Way, still having a procession of suitors, Ray focused on the news concerning him. Which was great, but also not that much because he had broken his phone two days prior. Not just broken, actually, he had accidentally smashed it into a wall. A broken screen didn't stop anyone from still calling back, but explaining that your phone was smashed to pieces beyond possibility of repair was a bit more tedious when the person you had to explain it to didn't know about your “extracurricular activities”. 

One day, Ray promised himself, he'd tell Mikey. He’d tell him both his secrets. 

______ 

In their small apartment, Gerard was scratching his temper, frustrated. Ray’s shower faded into background noise, and he was trying not to think about the fact that he needed one himself. In front of him, his laptop opened on a blank Word page was taunting him. Finally, he gave in, closed Word (sorry, application letter) and opened Twitter. He didn't even have to type his favorite hashtag, it was already in the website’s search history. Gerard scrolls on that hero spotting tag, trying to find recent updates. 

Ray constantly told Gerard he was glad to have his best friend in the know, but he remained pretty evasive about his vigilante activities. So, Gerard just regularly stalked him on social media through the intermediary of other stalkers to know what he’s been up to. After all, he’s Ray’s man in the chair, isn't it ? Even if Ray refuted it, Gerard knew he totally was. 

That night, Gerard didn't find much. Just pictures of a masked Ray swinging, and a selfie he apparently took time to take with a little boy. Because Ray was kind like that. 

Gerard’s phone was taunting him as well. Each time he sees Mikey, he’s dying inside to tell him everything. But he couldn't betray Ray, not with such an important secret. It wasn't even the only one of Ray’s secrets he was keeping from Mikey. It got a bit tricky sometimes, pretending to be clueless, regarding either subject. But at least, Ray's huge crush on Mikey wasn't something he had to keep to himself and himself alone. Frank knew, too. So, most of their quartet knew, except for Mikey himself. 

Gerard still remembered when Ray had told him. Or rather, when he had confessed it out of the blue. The three of them had met up for a drink, they ended up getting stoned at Ray and Gerard’s place. It was almost a year ago already, during their second year of college (and Frank and Mikey’s first). Gerard had been in the bathroom, and when he came back, Frank had rolled another joint. Gerard came out, and snatched it out of his hand. 

“Hey ! Wait for your turn, dude !” 

“You just lit it up and you’re already halfway through, you psycho ! Your turn is over already.” 

Then, as Frank was trying to get the joint back from Gerard, Ray had said it. 

“Gee, I'm in love with your brother.” 

Both of them had frozen in place, doubting for a second if it was real or if they had hallucinated it. 

“You’re WHAT ?” Frank had asked, a little too loud. 

“I got a crush on Mikey,” Ray had doubled down, not meeting any of their eyes. 

“What ? Maaan, I can't believe you-” 

“No.” Gerard cut off Frank. “ That’s not what you said first.” 

There was a silence, then Ray groaned, burying his head in his knees. “I know,” he whined. 

“Then say it. It's my little brother, so you better mean it.” 

Ray stammered, then finally confessed again : “I’m in love with Mikey, guys. I think I've been for a while .” 

Gerard didn't say anything for a moment, just looked at Ray knowingly. Ray’s gaze caught his, then he shook his head. Oh. Gerard thought he was about to confess his other secret to Frank. But that night, Ray hadn't said anything more, so Gerard didn't either. 

Mikey's first year of college was… busy, to say the least. Let’s just say it had earned him the nickname Mr. Half-of-New York, to stay away from X-Rated territory. 

Ray, too busy with classes, the guitar lessons he gave, and his nightly activities, had barely had time to be depressed about Mikey being so popular, but Gerard could see he was fuming with jealousy the couple times they hung out together, the three or the four of them. Each time Mikey would mention someone, Ray would smile and pretend to be interested, but Gerard noticed his smile was always off during those moments. Mikey would keep it Safe For Work, because, gross, Gerard didn't want to hear details, but even mentions of a date or just a night spent together with someone (with a non-graphic description, of course) had Ray looking like a sad puppy afterwards. 

Right now, Gerard was wondering what Mikey wanted out of Ray. Worst thing was, since Ray's phone was broken, he couldn't look over his roommate’s shoulder to read their conversation when Ray would eventually text back. 

But maybe— 

“Gee, can I borrow your phone in a minute?” 

There it was. The two of them had to be soulmates, considering how they were always on the same wavelength. 

“Sure,” he said. “Don't know if Mikey’s still up, though. It was ten when he called.” 

“He’ll be up.” 

Gerard’s eyebrow rose, looking curiously at Ray, who was drying his hair off. Ray took a second to notice, and then his face went red, his eyes widened, and he tried to explain himself. 

“He said- Last week he said he had a party today so I'm assuming-” 

“And you think he’ll answer his phone at a party ?” 

Ray shrugged. “It doesn't hurt to try.” 

Gerard sighed, giving him his phone. Ray called Mikey, and went to sit on his bed. Obviously, Gerard followed, nosy as ever. 

It rang once, twice, thrice… a fourth time, and then it hit voicemail. Ray put the phone down, defeated. Then, as Gerard went to grab it, it rang. Mikey’s contact information lit up the screen, and suddenly, Ray grabbed it again and put it to his ear. Gerard got closer, trying to listen in . 

“Yo, Gee ?,” he heard his brother’s muffled voice. There seemed to be people in the background. Mikey was probably still at the party. 

“Hi, Mikes ! Uh, it's Ray.” 

“Ray ? Oh, I'm so happy ! (The background noise faded, Mikey having apparently stepped away.) Are you okay ? You didn't answer my text, and now you're calling from Gee’s phone…” 

“Yeah, right, sorry! I just… I dropped my phone. On the subway's tracks.” That was a stupid lie, but Mikey seemed to buy it. 

“Oh, that sucks, dude ! Well, will you be able to get a new one ?” 

“Hm, I guess I'll have to find a couple more students and ask Jeremy to give me more shifts at the store next month. It’s going to be complicated for a bit, but I guess people will just have to reach me through Gee, L.O.L. By the way, Gee said you called ?” 

“Right. I guess you didn't get my texts,” Mikey chuckled. He didn't slur, but Gerard knew enough about his brother to recognize his drunk chuckles. Mikey wasn't wasted yet, but close enough. “Wanted to ask if you were free… tomorrow. Welp, I guess it’s today, now. By the way, why are you still up ?” 

“I uh…” Ray stammered, panicking. “Late lessons with a new client, and then I was at a study group. And, sure, I'm free today. But won't you be tired, though?” 

“I’ll be fine, Toro,” Mikey laughed. “Gosh, you sound like a responsible adult. I think I’m going to head back anyway.” 

Gerard couldn't resist anymore. He snatched his phone from Ray's hand, who strangely, didn't react, and asked Mikey. 

“Do you have someone to drive you back ? Where are you? Is Frank home ?” 

“Geez, Gee ! Y-You were listening in again weren't you ? I hate you guys. I'm fine, okay ? Trick’s here, he’ll drive me back.” 

“Okay,” Gerard sighed, relieved. “Tell me when you're home. Love ya, Mike's.” 

“Yeah, whatever. Love ya, Gee.” 

Then he hung up. 

“That fucker,” Gerard hissed, going back to his own bed. “Love him, but I don't get what you see in him.” 

“Well he’s your brother Gee, I sure hope you don't get it,” Ray reasoned, getting underneath his covers. 

“You're right. I’m so tired I'm just saying shit. Well, see ya tomorrow, Toro. I'll let you know what Mikey tells me.” 

He reached over to the light socket and switched it off, letting himself drift off to sleep. 

______ 

Ray was nervous. He was in front of the coffee shop Mikey told him to meet him at, but without a phone or a watch, he could neither check the time or get updated about Mikey’s whereabouts. Ray knew he could easily build himself a new phone. He had composed all of the techy parts of his suit, and his webshooters, after all. But as usual, all that he lacked were parts. And they were costly. If it had just been a broken screen, he probably would have repaired it himself, but the phone his state had been in after that fight… Yeah, he would just have to suck it up, save money, and get a new one. 

He wondered what the younger Way wanted to talk about. Ray hoped it wasn't about a girl, or a boy, or anyone for that matter— Thankfully, Mikey seemed to have grown tired of people since the beginning of his second year. He still refused to settle down or proudly declare himself celibate like his brother (yes, Gerard was quirky like this), but he wasn't fighting to keep his title of Mr Half of NYC either. Maybe it was about the holidays in a month, about what to get Gerard and Frank for Christmas. Maybe it was about music or something. Or classes. Or- Or- 

“Hey!” 

Ray looked up to see Mikey coming towards him, all smiles. His powers had given him a sort of sixth sense which acted in such a way that he was very rarely startled, but Mikey had stopped triggering it a while ago. Even when Gerard threw things at him, the back of his neck would tickle, keeping him alert. But Mikey could elbow him, throw pillows at him when they were joking around, and neither his brain nor his supernatural senses registered it as any form of threat. 

If it came from Mikey, Ray was happy to still be able to be surprised. 

“You're early, Toro.” 

“Am I ? Ha, I don't want to mess this up. It’s tricky with no phone or watch.” 

Mikey walked in the coffee shop, and Ray followed. They sat in a recluse booth at the fond of the shop, then the younger man started to fiddle with his wrist. 

“Have mine.” 

“What ? Mikes, I can't—” 

“You can't rely on Gerard each time you need the time. Being without a phone must already be tricky, but no time ? Hell, I can't let my best friend live like this. You'll just give it back when you get a phone, okay ?” 

Ray hoped to God he wasn't beet red at that moment. 

“But what if- What if I break it or something?” 

“Well, I'd be impressed if you manage to make a watch drop on the train’s tracks.” 

There’s a thousand ways I could accidentally break it by tonight, Ray wanted to say, but he couldn't. He accepted the gift, although nervous. He knew Mikey had had this watch for years. It felt weirdly intimate to sport it on his own wrist. 

His hand lingered on the watch for a couple seconds, until he reminded himself to get out of it. 

“So, what did you want to see me for ?” 

Ray would be lying if he said he wasn't excited to hang out with Mikey alone. It had been a while since they had the occasion to be just the two of them. 

“Hm, well… (Seeing Mikey hesitate was rare) I just wanted to see you. I mean, just you. I feel like you’re not around much anymore, you know ?” 

Ray’s heart could explode. Mikey, Mikey fucking Way, his best friend Mikey just wanted to see him. Because he missed him. 

“I mean, Frank’s a great roommate, and my best friend, and Gee’s my brother, obviously, but I feel like I see you a lot less since you started college. Sure, we hang out together, but I guess I just wanted it to be you and me today.” 

Call 9.1.1.. Tell the Daily Bugle their sworn enemy retired. Ray would drop everything and spend all of his time with Mikey for the rest of his days. 

“And I know it’s not been easy for you. I mean, with your brothers going away, and your uncle— I just … I don't want you to pull away. I'm still here. I’m still your friend.” 

“Best friend,” Ray corrected, earning a beautiful smile from Mikey. 

“Best friend, right. So if there’s anything going on, I want you to feel like you can talk to me. I know Gee’s your— I know you have Gee, but I'm here as well.” 

He felt like a shitty friend. He really wanted to tell Mikey (as well as Frank, and his aunt), but telling it to anyone was a terrifying prospect. Having people potentially be endangered with the knowledge of his identity, making them endure the constant worry of his well-being… Too scary, too dangerous, too heartbreaking. He already hated Gee knowing, but he hadn't had much of a choice, considering he had been here when Ray had been bitten and had accompanied him through every step of the scary magical changes in his body. 

Having his best friend and roommate worry every night already gave him nausea, so how could he inflict such worry on even more of his loved ones ? 

“I know, Mikes,” he smiled, putting his hand over Mikey’s. He didn't pull back, didn't flinch, just looked at Ray’s hand. Good. Cute, even… 

After the coffee, they went for a walk, and ended up hitting up their favorite vintage clothes and comics shops. The two boys parted ways around three in the afternoon, and Ray spent the rest of the afternoon beaming. He worked from four to seven at the record shop, then he gave two lessons. Both his students (a middle-school aged boy and a gothic old lady) asked him why he was so happy. 

“Oh, just a good day,” Ray would say, readjusting his fingers over the frets. 

After his lessons, he went back to his studio apartment for dinner with Gerard, then got ready to head out for patrol. 

Ray took off Mikey's watch, putting it carefully on his dresser. 

“Is that Mikey's watch ?” 

“Yeah, he uh, lend it until I get a new phone.”. 

“I see.” 

Ray raised an eyebrow, expecting Gerard to elaborate, based on his suspicious tone. But his roommate only shook his head in response. 

“Well, I'm out,” he concluded, putting on a black sweater to cover the exposed top half of his suit. “If nothing happens, I should be back by one or two.” 

______ 

Ray had two passions. Playing guitar, and swinging over New York. When doing either of them, he felt free, almost like he was flying (well, he was close enough to be flying with his webs). 

In both those situations, he was removed from the real world, just in his own little bubble where no one could tell him what to do. He was invincible. 

And he loved the love he got, too. Whether it was the cheering of a crowd after a good show, or the warm smile of a lady he saved from robbers, Ray liked to make people happy—to make their day better. Or just making sure that they got to live another day at all. 

That was how he felt right now after saving a young man from thugs holding him at gunpoint. 

“Thank you! Thank you!” 

Ray gave him a peace sign before swinging away, a large smile hidden underneath his mask. 

His next task was rescuing people out of a minor car crash, and then helping manage the damages of a broken fire hydrant drenching everyone around. 

Afterwards, he went to a couple clubs he knew, watching over a couple drunk girls and other young adults to make sure they got home safe. He wished everyone could go out and have fun without fearing for their lives. 

It was a nice night, with enough motions that he didn't feel useless, and not too much crime either, so he didn't get depressed about the state of the world. 

He circled around the streets, going from rooftop to rooftop. It seemed to be another peaceful night. 

After more swinging, more watching, and a stop at his favorite taco truck, Ray asks the cook for the time and decides to call it a night. 

He swung back to his neighborhood, then tried to find the alley in which he had stripped earlier. Thankfully, his clothes were still here, although smelly. At least, he thought, they weren't wet that time. 

The vigilante put on his sweatpants, his sneakers, his hoodie, then took off his mask and shoved it inside his pocket. 

Hood up, head down, the vigilante walked back to his apartment. The street was quiet, but his enhanced senses still picked up on a lot of things. For example, there was a party at the third floor apartment of the building on his right. Judging by the groans and exclamations he could make out, someone had probably spilled something, or puked. And, someone had probably dropped their coffee close by during the day, judging by the faint smell. Moreover, a truck was a street away and— 

Ray kept on walking as the truck drove past him eventually, making the hair at the back of his neck rise slightly. He recognized the lunch service of the old dining hall on campus. The logo had always stuck with him, for a reason. It was a black smiley face with their tongue out, with the slogan “Bet on us for Better Eating !” 

There were three dining halls on his campus, each with a different supplier, but this one was by far the least popular.  Still, it attracted enough people to stay open. 

The man didn't get why his senses had reacted to the truck. It didn't stick, however, so Ray didn't worry. It was very likely just a normal chill. He forgot he also had those sometimes. 

Always hyper-aware, or rather, super-aware, Ray sometimes forgot he was still mostly human. Despite everything, he was still just some guy. 

_______

“What, you got a date again?” 

“Can't a girl just go out by herself ?,” Mikey frowned, patting the pockets of his coat to make sure he had everything. 

“Whatever you say, man.” 

He rolled his eyes at Frank and left. 

To be fair, Mikey really wasn't going on a date. He just felt like being alone for a while, just wanted to walk around campus and get lost in his thoughts. 

Circling around the different buildings, Mikey crossed paths with a couple people he knew. Each time, he just gave them a hand sign and kept on walking, not feeling like stopping for small talk. As he walked further and eventually left campus, Mikey felt both calm and overwhelmed. He kept flinching when he felt his wrist was bare, and then remembered his watch was with Ray. 

It would have made him smile, if Ray didn't feel so distant lately. His first year of college, Mikey had been… unavailable, to be fair, always with someone different. But for the last nine months or so, he tried to hang out with his friends more and more. Of course, he saw plenty of Frank as they shared a dorm room, and had some brotherly time with Gerard, but Mikey felt like Ray kept pulling away from him. Maybe it had started since college, and he just hadn't noticed it then… But he just wished Ray would be upfront about it if he didn't want to hang out anymore. 

He said they were best friends when they last saw each other, so why was he so secretive ? Staying out late, randomly being unavailable, breaking his phone, losing his stuff… Ray was hiding something. 

And that probably wasn't the worst part. Ray could have his secrets. The worst was that Gerard probably knew. But Mikey didn't. 

Did they both think so little of him that they couldn't tell him ? Did they resent him ? Or was that secret something that they were trying to hide away from him specifically? Maybe Mikey was just being paranoid, but sometimes it sure felt like it. 

Before Mikey realized it, he was standing in front of the record shop Ray worked at. Damn you, Toro. 

Mikey wasn't a wuss, so he pushed the door open. If Ray was here, then he’d just … he’d say… he’d say “hi” or something. Best friends, right ? Why was he so nervous? 

The store had a couple people in, averagely crowded for a Wednesday. 

“Mikey ?” 

Wednesday. He knew Ray worked there on Wednesdays. Why did he lie to himself ? 

“Oh, hi Ray ! Forgot you were working on Wednesdays, but it’s nice to see you,” he lied, leaning on the counter to face Ray. 

Ray looked good. A little tired, but the average person probably wouldn't notice. He had his hair in a half ponytail, which was a rare sight, and was wearing the Anthrax shirt that Mikey had gifted him last year. 

“It’s nice to see you too,” Ray smiled warmly. Maybe he was honest about his affection towards Mikey after all. Did that make the lying worse ? “What brings you here today ?” 

“Hum, just need new picks for my bass.” 

“Well, you know where they are.” 

Something about Ray's smile was pissing Mikey off. It felt so real, so honest. Why couldn't he be honest all the way ? What was it that Gerard deserved to know and Mikey didn't? 

He walked to the end of the store, where the couple instruments and accessories were. There was a guy sitting on a stool, trying out a bass. He was good. He was— 

“Pete ?” 

So much for wanting to avoid small talk. Not that he disliked Pete, he just didn't feel like talking. 

“Mikeyway !,” he cheered, looking up. “ How are you doing, man ?” 

“I’m, uh, doing great. Came for new picks.” 

“Oh, great ! Toro called me in because he thought I might like this baby,” he said, referring to the dark red bass on his lap. “And boy, was he right. She’s made for me.” 

“Well, it fits you,” he nodded, meaning it. “When’s your next show ?” 

“Friday at the Blip! You should come, we're having an after-party at my place after. And you can bring your little friends and brother with you, they're cool. To the show and the party.”

Frank's the only “little one”, Mikey thought, but kept it to himself. 

“Sure, I'll be there,” he said, not intending to invite anyone along. He didn't know how he felt about hanging out with both Ray and Gerard yet. 

He grabbed a pack of picks, then walked back to the register. Ray checked him out, and Mikey noticed he was wearing his watch. He left the store feeling more peaceful.

Classes came and went, and Friday was there already. After a long debate, Mikey had decided to invite his friends to Pete’s show, but didn't mention the after-party. 

Gee declined, apparently having deadlines to meet. Frank also declined, for reasons unknown.

That resulted in Mikey and Ray standing side by side in the crowd, squeezed together while trying not to drop their beers or step on someone’s feet. They were in their element. 

The host came and introduced Pete’s band, then let them take over the stage. 

Pete, Andy, Joe and Patrick took over the stage. Mikey was admirative, but he also felt a pinch of jealousy. 

As if reading his mind, Ray whispered into his ear : “One day, that's going to be us up there, Way.” 

Mikey felt his face flush. Ray was too close. Or maybe he had drunk too fast. Mikey looked down at his cup, but it was still three-quarters full. 

“The girls would go crazy for you, Toro,” he managed to say. 

“You think ?,” Ray asked, looking back at the stage. 

“Yeah. I do. Everyone would go crazy for you.” 

Mikey sneaked a glance at Ray. He was looking ahead, smiling, a slight blush on his cheeks. He looked handsome in the dimmed light. Mikey meant it, Ray would make a fierce rockstar. 

The show started, and Mikey struggled all the way through. The excited crowd kept pushing him around, and Ray’s touchy-feely nature made it that he would grab Mikey by the waist or the arm and keep him close. It was normal, they were best friends and trying to keep each other close in a tumultuous crowd, but he still couldn’t stop the heat growing from his lower stomach. 

At some point, Mikey couldn't take it anymore. He shoved his empty glass in Ray’s hand, and muttered a vague excuse about needing to go to the bathroom before running away. 

Mikey locked the stall, then leaned on the door, almost panting. He had one beer, barely enough to make him feel buzzed, so why did he feel so hot ? Was he sick? Had he been roofied ? No, it couldn't be, he would have noticed a difference in the taste. 

He had to face it. Ray was the one getting him hot. And that was a problem. As soon as the show ended, Mikey would get away and find himself a hookup to get Ray out of his head. He couldn't— it wasn't right to want Ray. 

His dick was half hard, his whole body heated up, but he couldn't do much about it in that half open bathroom stall. Mikey just waited it out, then splashed some water in his face before making his way back to Ray through the sea of people. 

“You okay ?,” asked Ray. 

“Yeah, yeah,” he dismissed, not daring to meet him in the eyes. 

On stage, Pete and his band were hypnotizing. Mikey wasn't interested in Pete— not anymore, but he sure admired the guy. Daring to put himself out there, form a band, go on stage ? Mikey wished he could do it. Be up there, seeing the faces drenched in sweat swaying along to the rhythm, hearing voices sing along to the music. 

After the show, Mikey stayed in front of the venue for a smoke while waiting for Pete, and Ray stuck around. 

“They were great,” Ray smiled, arms crossed, back against the wall. “Man, we should really start a band.” 

“We ?” 

“Doesn't Gee sing? And obviously, you’d play the bass and Frank the guitar.” 

“We’d need a drummer.” 

“I could drum. I know how to.” 

“A band with you in it, but not on guitar ? That’d just be a waste, Toro.” 

“You really think so ?” 

“Yeah,” he exhaled the smoke. He saw Ray open his mouth, about to say something, but then someone called out to them. 

“Mikeyway ! Toro ! Good to see you.” 

They turned around to see Pete and his friends. They had their equipment with them, ready to leave. 

“So, you coming along?” 

“ You're having a party ?,” Ray asked. 

“Yeah at my place ! Mikey didn't tell you?” 

Mikey cringed internally. 

“Oh yeah, he did, I just forgot,” Ray laughed, and Mikey was confused. Was he covering for him, or had Mikey told him and also forgot he did ? “Yeah, I have to pass tonight, sorry.” 

Mikey knew he was a hypocrite for this, but he felt a hinge of disappointment at Ray turning down the invite. 

“Mikey, I think it’s your phone.” 

He snapped back to reality, suddenly aware of the ringing in his pocket. He took the call and was immediately assaulted by Frank’s panicked voice. 

“Mikey, don't come home tonight.” 

“ Frank, I swear, if you burned something again, I’ll—”

“No, no, no it’s not this, I promise. I just— okay, I haven't been fully transparent. I skipped the show cuz I had a date, and now they’re coming over, so…” 

“Frank. You’re grown. It’s ridiculous that you’d act shy about having a date. I’ll crash at Gee’s. Text me when I can come back tomorrow.” 

“At Gee’s ?” he asked, his voice sounding strangely strangled. “Okay, yeah sure. I’ll text you.” 

Frank hung up. Weird. 

“Can I sleep at yours tonight? Frank got someone over, apparently.” 

“Does he ? Well sure, me and Gee would always be happy to have you over. I’ll leave the front door open for you, and you know the passcode to the building. Or, you can just reach me through Gee.” 

“Thank you Ray,” he awkwardly patted his arm as he left, joining Patrick's car.

“See you tonight!” 

_________

Ray watched the blue car with Mikey in it leave before walking back to his own apartment. He was originally planning on just taking off his clothes in a dark alley and patrolling, but he had to take a detour home to warn Gerard about Mikey's arrival and make sure the door would be open on the rare chance that Gerard was asleep. 

In ten minutes, he was home, turning the key in and entering the dark studio. The dark studio… which should have been lit . It wasn't even midnight, Gerard should be at his desk drawing or writing. Ray tiptoed to his bed, only to find it empty. Where the hell was Gerard? His sixth-sense wasn't going off, and there weren't any signs of intrusion or struggle. Still, he felt uneasy. Gerard was somewhere, and he had no means of contacting him (nor Frank, nor Mikey, nor anyone who might know something about his whereabouts). Ray passed around the small space, then went over to the kitchen area for a drink. There, he finally noticed it. A note on the fridge, unmistakably written by Gerard . “Out, probably for the night, don't wait for me xo” and a drawing of a cat blowing kisses. So, with Frank having someone over, Gerard going out for the night, and Mikey going to a party, it seemed everyone was getting lucky except for him. 

The lonely vigilante sighed, then took off his civilian clothes and put on his mask. He usually didn't come out directly from his apartment in full costume, but his neighborhood was pretty quiet, and New York City in general felt calm those last few days. (Also, he felt really fucking lazy.)

Sure enough, he got out of the apartment unnoticed, then crawled over the facade to the top of the building. He jumped from rooftop to rooftop, keeping his webs for more crowded neighborhoods where people would see him, not wanting to bring attention to himself when he was still close to his home. 

The patrol was short-lived. He stopped a robbery, saved a girl from a date-rape, then webbed up a few wobbly-looking construction sites ladder. No villain, no organized crime. Ray wished he could celebrate, have a party and scream victory, but he knew that meant something— someone was plotting. Soon enough, hell would break out, the media would accuse him of causing more harm than good, and his friends and aunt would keep on asking why he was never there. He’d miss class and work and have even less sleep, yeah, no thanks. It always worked like that, always had for the four years he had been a vigilante. Ray knew something was being prepared, so he just had to find it, right? 

Except this was New York City, one of the largest in the world, and he had absolutely zero lead, only a hunch from pattern recognition. As he swung away from Central Park, he wished for a sign, anything, just a hint from heaven, and that was when he saw it. 

A truck. Not any truck, no, the same one as last weekend. He could tell because the truck had a black stain on the back that resembled a guitar. A stupid thing to notice, but maybe it was fate. Why would a delivery company for a college make shipments in the middle of the night ? On the weekend, nonetheless? Shipments were usually on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, even from the least frequented dining hall. Ray could just be over thinking, maybe the trucker was going home or supplying a different place, but something about the situation tickled him. Swinging from a distance, he followed the truck, going in familiar directions. The truck was so going to his university. 

He kept on following it, his heart beating in his chest from excitement. Really, if he was right about that, it would be great. 

The truck took turn after turn, as as the streets got less crowded, Ray made sure to be less noticeable. Despite the bright colors of his suit, it actually blended well in the dark. 

The vehicle indeed pulled up on campus, going into the suppliers parking lot. Ray swung to the dining hall’s rooftop, lying down and just looking over the border of the roof to see what was going on. 

The driver got out. He was a tall, hairy, muscular man. All things considered, he looked pretty average for a trucker. But the thing that caught Ray’s intention was that at his hip, he had a gun. 

Now- this way America. Plenty of people carried guns around. But as a supplier for college food, wearing a gun and making deliveries at odd hours was definitely out of the ordinary. 

Someone else got out of the building Ray was on top of. They were facing away from him, but he could tell from behind that it was a bald man. He too, had a gun in her back pocket. He was pushing a forklift, and drove it around the truck to load mysterious boxes on it. They looked pretty normal— they had the Better Eating symbol and the name of the university scribbled in marker, but they all had a red cross drawn on top of them, for some reason. Once they finished unloading the truck, the driver got back inside his vehicle and turned on the ignition. The woman stopped him, telling him something before he went. Ray caught a glimpse of his face : pale skin, sharp features, mid-thirties. He had never seen him before, but he’d keep an eye out. Despite his hearing, he couldn't make out much of their conversation due to the roaring of the motor. He heard something about a next shipment, and tests going well, but that was it. 

The truck turned around and drove away. He couldn't exactly break into the storage unit right now, especially since he knew there was at least one person awake and present, but he could follow the truck back to wherever it came from, and hope it’d lead him to bigger clues. 

The truck took the same road back, and Ray felt pretty confident in his ability to follow it. That was until the truck went through a residential area on the outskirts of the city, one he recognized as where Pete lived. Ray spotted them from afar. In front of a house— Pete’s house, drunk party goers were on the road, hanging out casually. The truck honked, and most of them hurried to the side walk, but someone fell down face first into the concrete. Fucking Pete Wentz. 

Ray had no choice but to swing right into the action. He shot out a web to a street lamp, propulsing himself over Pete and catching him before the truck could hit him. To be fair, the driver did try to slow down and veer away from Pete, and stopped. The driver got out, looking frantic, but he locked eyes with Ray through the lenses of his mask and turned away. Fuck. He was going to lose him. 

Ray jumped onto the floor, holding Pete with his left arm. Immediately, all the guests crowded around them, asking about Pete or for a selfie. 

“Fuck… my head.” 

“You gotta go easier on the booze, P- mister.” 

“Yeah, yeah. Wait. What ?” Pete’s eyes widened, as if he had just realized who he was talking to. “ You’re, you just-” 

“Saved you, yeah. It’s kind of my job.” 

“Oh my God, Mikey’s gonna flip when I tell him! Trick, where's Mikey ? He’s such a big fan !” 

Ray felt himself flush under the mask. Mikey had never talked about his admiration towards Ray’s hero persona. He was flattered, but also a little hurt. Why would Mikey talk about it with Pete and not him? 

“Pete, Mikey already left like, twenty minutes ago. Going back to his brother's place or something.” 

“Damn, right. Hey, Mr Spider, can we take a selfie ? To celebrate you saving my life and all ?” 

Ray shrugged. He took the selfie and waved everyone goodbye, reminding them to stay safe and drink water. God, he was such a dad. Then, as he swung away, Patrick's word sunk in. “Mikey already left, like, twenty minutes ago. Going back to his brother's place or something. ” His brother's place. Gee’s place. Which was also Ray’s . Who was supposed to be home. 

Fuck. Ray abruptly went the opposite direction. He’d have to stalk the truck another day. He was busted for tonight anyways. 

Mikey leaving twenty minutes ago, assuming he had taken an uber home, meant he would probably be home in ten. Ray swung and ran as fast as he could, not bothering to take any detours. If a car could get there in thirty minutes, then Ray could do it in fifteen by webs. Except he only had ten to get there. What would Mikey think if he found the apartment empty. Gerard had left a note for Ray, but Ray had left nothing for Mikey. 

After one of the most stressful swinging sessions of his life, Ray finally landed next to the window of his studio apartment. He shot a quick glance inside, then at the street, and pried the window open once he was sure no one was around. Ray breathed out. He had it home right before Mikey. 

He reached for the zipper at the back of his suit, but his neck tingled. Hard. Mikey was behind that door and about to open it. The glass eyed boy usually didn't trigger his sixth-sense, but Ray was glad he did at that moment. Damn, he had barely been fast enough. Now, he didn't have many options : the bathroom was next to the entryway, and Mikey would definitely see him still in his suit. Ray just clung to the ceiling, praying Mikey’s habit to never switch on any light had stuck. 

He crawled around the small studio as silently as possible, going over the kitchen area, the most isolated. Sure enough, Mikey didn't switch on any lights. Ray watched as he drunkenly stumbled in, looking confused and tired. 

“Ray…?” Mikey called out quietly, looking at the empty bed. “Ray, where did you go…” 

Ray felt horrible, but he couldn't just jump and show himself still dressed in blue and red spandex. He wished he could help Mikey out of his sweater and boots, give him water and tuck him in for the night. 

Instead, he had to watch from afar, leaving Mikey to believe he had disappeared. 

“I hate… this. You suck, Toro.”

Ray would have panicked if he couldn't see that Mikey was talking to his bed, and not him. His heart squeezed. Why did he feel that way about him ? 

“Fuck you,” Mikey kept on mumbling aloud, taking off his boots. “All of you. Why the hell is no one there?” 

The younger man let himself fall down on the bed. Ray’s bed. Not Gerard, that he usually slept in. 

“Fuck,” he heard him breath out. 

Ray’s heart skipped a beat. The silence felt like a thousand explosions going off at the same time. For once, Ray was focused on the lack of sound, rather than everything else his enhanced hearing could pick up. He didn't dare crawl closer, but he wanted to hear Mikey— to know his grievances. 

Ray tried to shift his position, just to get a better angle. God, he felt like a voyeur. He’d have to stay like that until Mikey finally fell asleep. 

Mikey had settled under the covers, and buried his face into one of Ray's many pillows. It was cute, and he'd probably take more time to admire the view if he didn't know the state Mikey was in— drunk, tired, lonely. 

After a couple minutes, a sound cut through the silence. Then another. Human sounds. From Mikey. 

From where he was watching, Ray still couldn't distinguish everything perfectly, but Mikey seemed to be shaking lightly while emitting something that resembled sobs. Oh, how Ray wished he could comfort him. He just wanted to hug Mikey, reassure him, wipe his tears away and— 

“...fuck, fuck, Ray…” 

Well. That definitely wasn't a sob. 

It was dark, and Mikey was covered, but Ray was now pretty sure his friend was jerking off. In his bed. While hugging his pillow. 

Oh, God. It took Ray all of his self control not to fall down from the ceiling. Now he really was a voyeur. God, God, God, he couldn't just stand and watch ? Or rather, lie there and listen. Same difference. He was prying on Mikey without his knowledge, his consent… 

He was the worst person on earth for getting hard right now. The absolute worst. What would his friends think if they knew how disgusting he was ? No— he was in the suit. If Mikey were to see him now, he’d think New York’s hero was a stalker, a trespasser, and a pervert all at the same time. He wasn't sure which one was worse. 

Mikey’s whimpers mixed with the ruffling of the sheets kept echoing through the room and Ray’s mind. He had to do something, didn't he ? He couldn't just stay still and wait it out ? 

But realistically, that was all the options he had. If he made something drop to make Mikey stop, the man would look in his direction. If he used his webs to make something move near the bed’s area, Mikey would probably notice the webs. Crawling out by the window meant going over the beds, and leaving through the main door meant opening it and thus revealing his presence. Maybe, just maybe, he could try and get into the bathroom. Ray looked in front of him, and the bathroom's door was opened. If he was quiet enough, and hoping that Mikey was… distracted enough, he could get inside without a sound and give his friend the privacy he deserved. 

Ray slowly moved towards the bathroom’s door. Realistically, he knew Mikey wouldn't hear him. He was stealthy, he had managed to get past trained guards more times than he could count. As perceptive as Mikey was, the guy was just a college student, not a six foot over equipped henchman. 

Christ, his dick kept rubbing on the cup underneath his suit. 

Trying to stop himself from exhaling, Ray kept on going forward. Slowly, but surely, he reached the bathroom door. Carefully, he extended his arm, sticking the tip of his fingers to the top corner of the door to open it further. Thankfully, it didn't creak. Ray grabbed the doorframe, unsticking his feet from the ceiling and using his core strength to lower himself back to the floor. He couldn't close the door, obviously, but he shut it as much as possible, all while still silently praying Mikey wouldn't hear a sound. 

Once inside the bathroom, Ray breathed out hard into his elbow so as to not make a noise. He felt overwhelmed, hot, embarrassed, panicked and aroused all at the same time. 

He hurriedly yanked his mask off, stripped out of his suit, then sat on the toilet’s closed lid and brought his boxers down to his feet. He couldn't watch anymore, but he could still hear, and no matter how hard he tried to concentrate on the sound of the neighbors’ TV, all that echoed into his ears were Mikey’s muffled moans and whimpers. 

Ray grabbed his dick, in the probably most shameful motion of his life. But he couldn't hold it in anymore— Mikey was in his bed, jerking while sniffing on his pillow, for God's sake. He didn't even have to spit in his hand, just pass his palm over his tip and use the scandalous amount of precum as lube. Each stroke felt like both a punishment and a reward. With his hand over his mouth, he still couldn't help the sounds that came out of him. He hoped Mikey’s own sounds would cover his. Ray felt like he was on the verge of tears, the situation so arousing and disturbing at the same time. Here he was, hidden in his own bathroom, listening in on the sound of his crush drunkenly masturbating in his bed. It was so… wrong, so wrong! Yet Ray couldn't stop. He didn't want to stop at all. It felt so good, hearing Mikey pant and moan and knowing he was doing it under Ray’s covers, on Ray’s bed, breathing in Ray’s pillow. It had to mean something, something good, something great even . Mikey liked Ray in some sort, or at the very least was attracted to him. That thought alone would have been enough to fuel an orgasm from Ray, but now he even had physical, hearable, material to jerk off to. The pleasure was unmatched; he had never imagined he would ever feel that good from his own hand. 

And then, came the finale. Mikey had been pleasing himself for longer than Ray had been, so it wasn't surprising that he’d approach his climax. Ray heard his breaths shorten, his moans get louder, and his strokes get quicker, and until, he moaned aloud— 

“Ray, fuck!” 

That did it for him. Biting on his palm to stop himself from groaning, Ray stroked himself through his own orgasm, trying to aim at his own stomach so as to not spill cum everywhere. 

He looked down at his stomach, taking in the white and red droplets on his skin. Shit. He had bitten himself too hard. Thankfully, his healing factor would take care of it in a minute, but in the meantime, blood was dripping down. Ray licked it, trying to stop the mess, but he couldn't do much more. He grabbed some toilet paper and started wiping himself. He couldn't turn on the faucet or open a pack of wipes due to the sound it would make, so the toilet paper was smearing the cum and blood more than it was cleaning it. Kinda gross. 

“Fuck, fuck, fuck !” 

Ray froze. This time, Mikey hadn't cried out in pleasure, but in panic. He heard him hurry out of the bed and run around, then froze. If Mikey also wanted to clean himself off and came here, Ray was utterly fucked. He was sitting on the toilet with a hand holding his dick, the other one bloodied and trying to wipe his stomach, and his suit was discarded on the floor, totally visible if Mikey were to enter. That’s it, he thought. Mikey’s going to find me like this, and I'll just have to kill myself. 

Maybe, just maybe, fate was on Ray’s side that night. Mikey didn't slam the bathroom door open and scream. Instead, he rushed to the kitchen and, judging by the sounds, poured water on some paper towel to clean himself off. 

“What the hell is wrong with you, you freak,” Ray heard him mutter. And there had to be something wrong with Ray as well, because he kind of found it endearing that Mikey would talk to himself. (Also, the fact that Mikey felt like a perverted freak as well made him feel a tad less worse about himself.) 

He remained on the toilet for a while, praying to all the Gods he knew that Mikey wouldn't come to the bathroom. And, luckily enough, he didn't. This really was a lucky night, in its own messed up way. He paid close attention to Mikey's movement, and figured out when he got back in the bed, then when his breathing evened itself out fifteen minutes later. 

Ray waited ten more minutes to make sure Mikey really was asleep, and then, he finally opened the faucet and let the water flow to properly wipe himself. afterwards, he rolled his mask and suit in a ball. He usually just hid it under his own mattress, because it was sufficient, but he obviously couldn't do it now. Ray thought about it hard, then had the beautiful idea to shove it at the bottom of his and Gerard's already full laundry barrel. Man, he really should run a washing cycle or two. 

Tip-toeing his way through the apartment, Ray settled into Gerard’s bed. He looked over to the left side of the room, admiring Mikey sleeping soundly in his bed. Tomorrow would be a mess, when he’d eventually have to lie to Mikey about his whereabouts, but for now, Ray just closed his eyes and let himself drift off to sleep. 

The next day, Ray was woken up by the rays of sun hitting his face. He panicked for a second, afraid to have missed his alarm, then remembered he didn't have an alarm because he had no phone, and that thankfully he wasn't working today. 

The next thing he remembered was that he had slept in Gerard's bed because Mikey was in his. Wait. Mikey? Ray sat up suddenly, looking around for Mikey. Alas, his favorite glasses-wearing boy didn't seem to be around. Ray's bed had been unmade, the sheets left at the bottom of the bed. Ray stood up to find a sticky note on his bare mattress. Mikey’s handwriting somehow felt as passive aggressive as the message written on it “Sorry I took your bed. Hope you slept well in Gerard's.” Full punctuation and no abbreviation or nicknames, even for Gee… damn, Ray had messed up. How was he going to explain this ? He wished he could call Mikey, but of course, he didn't have a phone to do so, and Gee hadn't come home yet. 

It looked like Ray’s lucky streak had come to an end. 

To make things worse, he realized he was still in boxers. It was November, but the studio was warm and it was totally possible that Ray had discarded his covers at some point and that Mikey had seen him half naked. Fuck.

Considering the events of the night, it seemed Mikey wouldn't mind getting an eyeful of Ray. But considering the other events of the night, Mikey was very probably confused and mad at him for leaving him alone at his apartment without as much as a note to make up an excuse. 

Ray threw on some sweat pants and an old hoodie, determined to make something of himself today. He shoved the sheets (he was a bit disappointed to not be able to sleep in sheets that had Mikey’s smell on them, but he figured they were probably stained in dried cum) into the already overflowing laundry basket, and thought “Might as well”, so he undid Gerard's bed. Then, he made his way to the communal laundromat. He hid his suit with the bed sheets in one washing machine, then started another cycle next to it with all of their black clothes, which was actually, all of their clothes. Pacing around the small studio, he noticed a mug with fresh coffee stains left in the sink. His heart squeezed. Despite everything, Mikey had still chosen to have his morning coffee at his place before leaving. 

He went back up to his apartment, intending on getting some work done while the clothes were being washed. 

He read over an assignment he had to turn in next week, corrected a few things, and felt pretty happy that he had written it in advance. Balancing university, a job and nightly vigilante activities was far from easy. That’s why he was still grateful for Gerard knowing, despite everything. At least, he didn't have to lie and hide from everyone. He had his special someone who didn't mind him coming back through a window at four in the morning, who covered for him when he had to intervene in the middle of the day, and who reminded him about his assignments. It also helped that Gerard wasn't in college anymore : their shared apartment was off campus, which drew less attention, and as a freelance artist, Gerard was almost always available. Well, he’d be available if Ray still had a phone. 

Speaking of, Gerard's sudden absence was weird. He had left a note and he was grown, so it wasn't really any of Ray’s business, but he felt like there was something to be uncovered there. 

Actually, what he should uncover right now was the issue with Better Eating. A quick search on his computer informed him that they were a sub-company of Better Living, the tech giant. Of fucking course, Ray thought. He was appalled at himself for not making the connection earlier. Better Eating mostly supplied lunches for typical desk-job companies, and it seemed their college was a recent addition to their lists of clients. Apparently, the old dining hall used to be supplied by the same company as the others, but Better Eating had signed a contract with the University to try to test “optimized nutritional meals for students” and try to revitalize that dining hall. 

Nothing obviously evil by itself, but definitely weird. No one had told them about the dining hall being experimental, and the university sure hadn't tried to promote it and boost its frequentation. Why would they pretend to look out for students’ alimentation in the press if they didn't continue that job inside the university itself ? Either it was sloppy, lazy lack of effort from the University (very possible !) or they deliberately didn't want to draw too much attention to Better Eating’s meal. Ray felt like he was looking too much into it, like nothing indicated anything shady was going on, but then, how to explain the deliveries at odd-hours and the guns ? There were so many possibilities, and he couldn't discard any. 

Ray stood up from the desk and went to the toilet. Going back there made him remember last night, and feel really embarrassed. 

He found Mikey's watch that he had left by the sink, and put it on. It felt heavy, like all his guilt was carried by the small clock. 

The vigilante would have preferred to put on his suit before going out, but it was in the washing machine a few floors below. He went down to the laundromat, put most of the sheets and clothes in a drier, then went back upstairs to hang his suit inside the apartment. He closed the blind, not wanting to take any risks of the suit being seen, then left, determined to find out more. 

As he walked towards the campus, Ray kept cursing himself for still not having replaced his phone. He had no means of contacting anyone, nothing to sneak a quick picture or record interesting conversations. Sure, he had a camera at home, but it wasn't discreet at all, and he had no recorder. It wasn't like Ray was expecting to immediately find incriminating evidence in broad daylight, but being prepared for anything was always better. 

_____

Gerard practically ran out of Frank’s dorm room after Mikey had called to say he was coming back. He didn't particularly want to hide things from his brother, but he also didn't want to discuss his and Frank's relationship right now, if you could even call it a relationship. It was just a hook up, right ? A hook up between friends. It happened. And it didn't need to be Mikey or Ray’s business. Especially Mikey’s who got overprotective too easily. Gerard was an adult, he was 23 and grown enough to take care of himself. 

Gerard got out of the dorm and decided to take the long way home, not wanting to cross Mikey who was coming back from… well, from his place, based on what Frank said. The brothers had switched places, how comical. 

He wondered how it went for Ray and Mikey, if Ray had had the occasion to go patrolling or if he had to make up a lame excuse to explain his absence to Mikey. Maybe he stayed home. That was unlikely, and Gerard would feel like shit if him leaving had prevented Ray from having a cover. But last night, he had been tipsy and feeling himself, and hadn't really cared about all that. 

As he kept on walking, Gerard went past the old dining hall. He wasn't a student, but this one was open to the public, right ? He could use a coffee and some toast. 

He decided he didn't have any time to lose, and going there for a minute would lower even further his chances of crossing Mikey, so he entered the red brick building. Based on what he had heard, Gerard had expected this dining hall to look way more run down and decrepit. It was surprisingly decent, although a bit sad looking for some reason he couldn't explain. Maybe it was the color of the walls, not quite white, but not quite yellow either. Maybe it was the fact that the building was lacking a few windows to let natural light in. 

The artist took a coffee and some plain toast, as he had dreamed, then looked around for a table. There really were few people here, so most tables were empty. Actually, only three were occupied. One had a group of three girls with respectively, neon green, neon pink, and neon blue hair, one a lonely blonde guy who looked just a tad too young for college, and the third one had a tall guy with curly hair on it. 

Wait. 

Gerard knew that hair. And that body. 

“Ray ?” 

Ray didn't look a bit startled, as usual. Like he had been expecting Gerard. 

“Sit down,” Ray said, barely looking up from his laptop. As in, Gerard's laptop. 

“What are you doing here ? Where’s Mikey ?” Gerard shout-whispered. 

“I don't know, where were you,” Ray shot back, raising a brow. That shut him up. “ I’m… looking for something.” 

“Looking for what ?” It seemed serious. Was Ray here on vigilante business? 

“M’not sure yet. Just… clues. Are you going to eat that ?” he asked, pointing at the drink and bread. 

“Mmh, yeah ?”

“Don't. We’re taking it to the lab.” 

Gerard cringed. He knew Ray regularly broke into the labs to make web fluid or fix some part of his suit, but he didn't feel like participating in that himself. He didn't have spider powers to climb to ceilings and crawl discreetly like Ray did. 

“You’re taking it to the lab. I’m going home and making safe coffee.” 

Ray shrugged, offered Gerard his laptop back, and they went their separate ways. 

Gerard was pissed. First, Mikey’s call to say he was going home whether Frank liked it or not had gotten him outside before he could take some coffee, and now Ray had taken the cup he had paid for to the lab ?? What the hell. He almost stomped the rest of the way to his apartment. 

Once inside, he found the blinds shut, the beds unmade, and Ray’s suit hung from the curtain rod. Laundry day, great. 

It wasn't like Gerard hated cleanliness, he just… wasn't a fan. Most detergent irritated his skin. He hoped Ray had used what they had left of the good one. 

He turned on the coffee maker before even taking off his coat and shoes. Only once it was on, he undressed, and threw himself onto the bare mattress. 

Gerard sighed and took his phone, finding he had some unread messages from both Frank and Mikey. Stupidly, he had expected an update from Ray, before remembering about his phone situation. 

frankie (12:02pm) : made it home ok ? 

frankie (12:12pm) : mikey came home weird and when I asked abt it he redirected the convo to my “date” last night,,, 

frankie (12:13pm) : didnt tell him tho. yk i don't kiss n tell ;;;;) 

frankie (12:20pm) : pls txt me when ur home g :(( 

me (12:34pm) : I'm home. I ran into Ray on the way here at the old dining hall

me (12:35pm) : Thx for last night :) Make up some excuse to kick Mikes out soon and we can do it again 

me (12:35pm) Or we can do it the other way round and I'll kick Ray out lmao

mikeymikes (11:23pm) : Im omw home. Why werent u home last night ??

mikeymikes (11:23pm) : Both u n Ray. U left a shitty note and he just appeared in ur bed in the morning w no explanation 

mikeymikes (11:24pm) : :/// 

me (12:37pm) : OMG I'm so sorry mikes !!! 

me (12:38pm) : I felt like going for a walk and drink and I ran into him outside so he stayed w me and I went home w some guy I met at the bar 

me (12:39pm) : Your bro still got it lol. 

Gerard got back up and poured himself a cup of hot coffee, sitting at his desk and opening up his laptop. He switched it on and a Word page was already open, as well as many web windows. Apparently, Ray was compiling information about Better Eating, the dining hall’s supplier. Weird. But then again, Gerard didn't know what Ray knew. Maybe he had found out the CEO was trying to turn himself into a lizard. Wouldn’t be the first time. 

mikeymikes (12:45pm) : Ok gross

mikeymikes (12:46pm) : Glad ur not dead tho. 

Frank had been right. Mikey felt off, even through text. Was he finally starting to see through his bullshit excuses? They always worked on Frank, but then again, Frank's life was so full of unexpected adventures that he was barely phased by Gerard's and Ray’s convoluted cover-up stories. 

Someday, they would have to tell them. Or rather, Ray would have to tell them. It was his secret, after all. 

Once his coffee was ingested, Gerard felt like being nice, so he decided to go down and check if his roommate had left anything in the laundromat. Sure enough, there was a dryer still running, with about one hour to go. Gerard set an alarm on his phone and went back up, determined to get some work done. 

He had about five commissions with deadlines ranging from before New Year’s to February, and he felt bad about procrastinating, because having work was a good thing and he should cherish it. 

In an hour, Gerard had managed to do pretty cool warm up sketches, and actually produce two satisfying drafts for his earliest deadline. He sent them, then, obeying the alarm, went down again to retrieve the laundry. 

He just dumped the pile of clothes on Ray's bed, then went back to work. Yeah, he felt nice, but not that nice to the point of putting the clothes away and remaking the beds. Deadlines were great when they could serve as an excuse to not do things. 

He went back to work, somehow got into a very productive mindspace and lost track of time. Maybe an hour had passed, maybe just ten minutes, when Ray came back to their small home, looking weirded out. 

“So ?” Gerard asked, not looking up from his drawing. 

“So,” Ray massaged his temple, “It’s really fucking weird. There were these little… conical ? Spiky cells stuck onto the coffee and bread components. Really microscopic stuff.” 

“So the evil dining halls… are putting thorns on toast?” 

“I’m still trying to figure that part out, okay ?” Ray snapped, clearly a bit frustrated. “They’re trying to make people ingest those things. So it must affect the blood or something like that. I just have to figure out what it does and why they do it.” 

Gerard hummed in approbation, then told Ray to go relax. Admittedly, he felt a bit guilty for having left the laundry to his obviously overwhelmed friend. Not to mention, Ray was working this afternoon. 

______

This time, Ray’s students asked him why he seemed so bothered. It made him wonder if he was always that easy to read. He helped his manager, John, close the store, and then finally asked. 

“Hey John ? You think it’d be possible for me to take more hours next week ?”

“Because of your phone, right?” Ray nodded. 

“ Welp, store’s closed next weekend, but I got something for you.” He rummaged through his bag, then pulled out an old Blackberry phone. It had the keyboard and everything. 

“I know it’s not great but, my wife found it and I thought it could help for the time you get more money. And I think you can come help out Wednesday night if you’re free.” 

Ray felt so moved by the gesture, he couldn't help but grab John into a hug. The older man patted his back affectionately, handing him the phone. 

“So now, I’ll be able to call you when I need you without bothering your roommate.” 

Ray went home happier than he had been going to work, his earlier worries about the case replaced by the joy of the gift. He really had struck gold with this job : he got to make money off his passion, meet all kinds of people, and had the best boss ever. 

On the way back, he felt generous, and decided to make a small dip in his savings to order from him and Gerard's favorite takeout place. 

When he came home with the bags of food, Gerard’s face lit up as well. The pair ate enthusiastically, all while Gerard gave Ray as many of their friends’ numbers as he had. 

Ray’s first text was to his boss, because he obviously had to thank him again. Then, after dinner, he decided to text Mikey. 

It felt weird, almost scary, like it was the first time. Apparently, Gee seemed to notice Ray’s hesitant fingers hoovering over the keyboard, as he playfully shoved him and said :

“If it's my brother you want to text, just do it. He doesn't bite. I mean, I think.” 

Ray pushed him off, and then his fingers finally pressed the buttons. 

me (10:03pm) : Hi Mikes :) Guess who 

MikeyW (10:03pm) : Ray ? 

Ray hadn't expected an instant response, but he was glad. He left the dinner table (which was actually just their desk) to lie in bed. If his roommate hadn't been here, he probably would've texted Mikey while rolling around and kicking his feet like a cliché teenage girl. 

me (10:04pm) : The one and only! My boss gave me his old Blackberry, he's the best 

MikeyW (10:05pm) : Sure is :) I’m thrilled 2 be able 2 text u again 

MikeyW (10:05pm) : We can shit talk Frank and G by text again 

me (10:06pm) : Lmao. Shit talking over text with you, my favorite activity 

me (10:06pm) : BTW, can I stop by on friday after class ? 

MikeyW (10:08pm) : Sure ! Frank will be out in the evening if u wanna hang out tgt

“Hey Gee ?”, he asked out loud. Gerard hummed, so Ray declared : “ I’ll go see Mikey Friday. Evening. Apparently Frank’s out again.” 

“Yeah, hm good. Will you stay the night there ?” 

Ray narrowed his eyes, looking away from the screen to stare at his roommate. Even without his sixth-sense, he could easily decipher Gee’s uncomfortable tone, and catch onto the weird question. Normally, Gee would have assumed Ray would try to avoid the sleepover in order to be able to patrol. But asking him if he would stay out was basically an invitation not to come back. Which meant the man was hiding something. 

“Got a hot date or something?,” he joked, but Gerard's cheeks flushed visibly. “Gee, don't tell me it’s—” 

“It’s Frank,” Gerard gritted his teeth while bringing a pillow up to his face to bury it there. “Don't tell Mikey.” 

“I won't. And I'll stay out.” 

me (10:12pm) : Can I spend the night? The store is closed this weekend.

MikeyW (10:014pm) : Sure thing. Dont die b4 our sleepover pls 

________

The week felt awfully long. Ray stopped by the lab everyday after his classes to try and observe the samples, but nothing changed. The only noticeable thing was that the bread didn't seem to be going stale. Still, nothing to be observed on a microscope. 

After his patrol, he made a discreet round on campus, trying to gather more information about the weird food. On Tuesday, he witnessed a new shipment, but nothing had changed from the last time. Different truck driver, but the same bald man receiving the same shipment, and the same guns at both their hips. Ray knew he’d have to go into Better Eating’s headquarters at some point, but intel about the building was pretty hard to gather, and he wanted to be prepared. He hoped that by next week, he’d finally be ready for a stealth mission. 

In the meantime, he just had to endure his classes, clock in and out of work, and mentally prepare himself for a sleepover at Mikey’s. The store being closed for the weekend, he went to work on Monday and Thursday in addition to his usual Wednesday shift, and even managed to give a lesson in between two classes on Thursday for extra cash. 

Ray had decided that he would skip patrol that night, as much as he hated it. Usually, he only took one or two days off at most, but it made him feel uneasy. As he packed his bag with clothes and his charger, he decided to shove his suit at the bottom of it, just in case. 

“Already packing?” Gerard asked, coffee mug in hand. “It’s not even 6.” 

“Yeah, hm. I’ll take a shower and go.” 

Ray felt nervous about spending the night with Mikey. He had been friendly by text, but their last encounter had been, well, weird. None of them had made any mention of that night, but Ray still felt the lingering tension and guilt. 

He showered quickly, took his bag a 

The door opened, revealing a confused Frank. 

“Hi man ! You’re early! I won't be leaving for a while. You don't mind me third wheeling?” 

Ray glared at him for the last comment as he stepped inside. 

“Always a pleasure to see you, Frank. Where are you headed anyways? Found yourself a boyfriend ?” Ray emphasized on the last word, trying to make Frank understand that he knew about him and Gerard. It seemed to work, as the shorter man immediately started avoiding his eyes and called out to his roommate. Ray heard the sound of the sink being turned on and off, then the bathroom door opening and Mikey joining them in the room. 

“Hi Ray !” Mikey greeted, looking cute as ever. “Gee won't be too lonely without you ?” Somehow, it sounded a bit accusatory. Did Mikey know about Frank and Gee ? 

“Nah, he's grown,” Ray shrugged. “And you know you’re my favorite Way,” he teased. 

Mikey rolled his eyes, but Ray saw he was smiling, and it made him feel warm. 

The three of them quickly settled on Mikey’s bed for a game of Mario Kart, easily won by Ray. After that, Frank said he had to get dressed, but Ray was pretty sure he was getting ready earlier than needed because he was a sore loser. Mikey and Ray kept on playing while vaguely entertaining the conversation with Frank about a bar downtown. 

“Ok, I'm out ! Don't break the bed !”

“We’re not gonna—” Ray started, but Frank had already slammed the door on his way out. Well. That was awkward. 

“We should get his mattress out of the way and break the slats of his bed, that’ll be funny.” 

“You're one evil young man, Mikey Way,” Ray said. But inside, he liked it. Mikey’s laid back demeanor often made people feel like he was too serious or uninvested, but Ray knew he had opinions about anything and everything and always a smart quip to make. Or, an evil one, like now. And like most of the time. 

They finished their tournament, Ray managing to remain first despite letting Mikey win the third race; and decided to stop the game to start cooking. 

Well, it wasn't as much cooking as it was putting pizza in the microwave, but still. They prepared dinner. It was still early, not even 7 yet, but they had snacks and convenience stores nearby if the hunger came back later.  

Mikey stood up and Ray followed, assuming he was heading to the kitchenette and wanting to help. However, the younger man only walked three steps before he brutally turned around to face Ray. 

“By the way, what's up with you, Toro ?” he asked accusingly. “Why… Why do you keep on lying?” 

“Lying ?” Ray choked out, as if it weren't the truth. “You think I'm lying to you?” 

He wasn't ready for this. It was obvious Mikey was about to confront him for his weird behavior, but coming clean, right here, right now ? Ray didn't want to. He couldn't do it. He had to push it back, like he had done for the past years, he had to lie to himself and promise that he’d be honest soon. But now ? He couldn't. 

“I know you are,” Mikey retorted. 

“I think I should go home,” he said, making a step towards his jacket. A stupid move, really. Cowardly, even. 

Mikey grabbed his wrist, stopping him. “No,” he said firmly. “You’re not going. Not this time.” 

“Mikey, I have to—” 

“To what ? Are you going to disappear on me again ? You're supposed to stay the night over . I just want to talk. I just want to… understand.” 

Ray felt like the world was spinning around him. He could shake Mikey’s hand away, he could run and not look back, he could try to make up yet another shitty excuse, but he didn't. If he ran away now, he’d have to keep running away forever. And Ray… he didn't want to run away from Mikey. He wished he could keep lying to himself and Mikey, promising a truth that was soon to come, but he knew that this wasn't a solution right now. If he turned away now, he’d have no right to turn back anytime. He’d lose Mikey. 

“You’re acting weird, Ray. You're actively hiding something from me and lying about it. Aren't we supposed to- Didn't you say we were best friends?!” 

“We are, Mikes. I just, it’s all so…” 

“Complicated ? Difficult to explain? I bet it is.” He let go of Ray's wrist to cross his arms, brows furrowed. “Say it, Ray. Tell me what the hell you and Gerard have been hiding from me.” 

“How do you know about— Gee’s not—” Ray choked. 

“Yeah, you think I’d never notice ? You choosing to go live off campus just to be with Gerard, both of you always lying to me ? When he makes up shitty lies to cover for you, when you look at each other with something I don't grasp, the knowing smiles you exchange ? I don't get why’d you put so much effort into leading me on while you’re fucking—” 

“What ?”, Ray snapped, realizing where Mikey was going. “Mikes, Gerard's—” he stopped himself before bringing up Frank. That would be Gerard’s own thing to confess. “Me and Gerard are not… We’ve never…” 

“Yeah, right,” he rolled his eyes. “Cat’s out the bag, Toro. You can stop pretending. I’m just your boyfriend's annoying little brother, and for some reason, you thought it’d be funny to string me along. I hate you both.” 

“Mikey,” Ray said, his voice oddly calm. He stepped forward, and grabbed Mikey by the shoulder, lowering his head ever so slightly to be face to face with him. “I don't love Gerard. You’re mistaken. We're not dating. That’s not what we’re keeping away from you and Frank.” 

Mikey tried to remain impassible, but Ray could see the small wrinkle of confusion in between his eyebrows. Welp, that’s it, he thought. Now or never. 

“Mikey, I’m sorry I didn't tell you. I’m sorry Gerard didn't tell you either. He got roped in accidentally, and I didn't want any other person knowing. Even my aunt, even my brothers— No one knows. No one can know. Do you understand ?” 

His friend's eyes widened, the confusion getting more and more visible. Ray saw how concern replaced the anger, and he felt horrible for inflicting this upon Mikey.

“That look on your face,” he dared to stroke Mikey’s cheek gently with the back of his hand. “ That’s why I couldn't say anything. I couldn't have you worrying about me. It’s not about me not trusting you, it’s about… keeping you safe. All of you. ” 

Mikey opened his mouth, then closed it, and opened it again. 

“Ray, now I’m worrying. What the hell is up with you ?” 

Ray looked at him, really looked at him. The sun bleached lighter strands of hair framing his face, the moles on his pale skin, the different colors in his eyes. And his lips. Mikey’s thin, rosy lips. Ray breathed in, and, with all the courage he had, he kissed them. 

Mikey took a second to react, but eventually, he kissed Ray back. It felt a thousand times better than all the things he imagined, a million times better than all of his late night fantasies. The kiss was intense but chaste, lips pressed together, but mouth closed. Ray was still holding firmly onto Mikey’s shoulder, not trusting himself to put his hands anywhere else. Mikey did. Arms now uncrossed, he grabbed Ray’s shirt by the collar, deepening the kiss for a second before breaking it. 

“What the hell, Ray ?” 

“Mikey. I’m not in a gang, or whatever fucked up shit you might imagine . And I’m not with Gerard either. Or anyone ! because it’s you I want to be with. And I'm not leading you on, because I'm actually into you. You’re the only one for me, the only one I want, but, I couldn't tell you because, because—” Ray felt himself choking back tears. He brought his head down, and sobbed his confession in the crook of Mikey’s neck. 

“I’m Spider-Man, Mikey.” 

Mikey did his best to not gasp, but Ray heard him suck his breath anyways. He wrapped his skinny arms around Ray, comforting him into his shoulder. They stayed there for a while, both shaken and quiet. 

“Why didn't you… tell me before?” 

“That I'm Spider-Man? Or that I'm in love with you ? Both are the same anyways. I was afraid I'd ruin our friendship with my feelings, because you didn't want to settle down with anyone, and best case scenario, we’d be dating and I'd have to lie constantly. And telling you that I was— that I'm him, it was scary. It’d compromise your safety. It’d be dangerous. And you being in danger because of me it’s… so much worse than getting rejected.” 

“But then… why did Gerard…” 

Mikey didn't sound angry anymore. He didn't sound particularly worried either. He just sounded sad. 

“He was there. When it happened. I mean, basically I got bitten by a spider in high school and he was there and I kept texting him as the symptoms came and-” 

“And did he know you liked me ?” 

“Does he know I love you? Hm, yeah,” Ray blushed. “Him and Frank have known for a while. Frank doesn't know about the other thing, though.” 

“I need to sit down,” Mikey declared, breaking the embrace. Still, he took Ray’s hand and guided him to his bed, where they sat side by side. 

Mikey was looking ahead, not saying anything. His brows were furrowed, but he didn't look mad, more like … conflicted. He kept moving his lips, as he wanted to say something, but couldn't. 

“Friday, when I came back to your place after the show. You were… out ? As Spider-Man?” 

Oh God. Ray felt his face flush hot. Was there any coming back from this ? Mikey had reciprocated his feelings, but he still had all the freedom to berate and kick Ray out for being a pervert. 

“I was… Hm, I didn't come to the party because I had to patrol, but then I had to save Pete and I heard you were coming home, so—” 

“Oh my god, I forgot about Pete meeting you. What happened?”

“He face planted on the curb and was about to get driven over by a truck. And he said… he said you were a big fan. Is that true, Mikey Way ?” Ray teased him, gently nudging the younger boy with his elbow. Thankfully, Mikey chuckled. 

“Yeah. I guess I am a fan. I’d say I'm your biggest fan.” 

“Why didn't you say ? I mean, we've never discussed Spider-Man matters together but…” 

Mikey put his face in his hands. 

“He…You started out in high school, and when you first appeared I thought it was the coolest thing ever, but you and Gerard always seemed non-chalant about it for some reason? And I know you guys don't shy away from nerdy stuff, so I thought you disliked the guy and kept my mouth shut because I didn't want potential confirmation that you disliked my favorite hero.” 

Ray laughed. A genuine, full on laugh. How long would they have kept lying to each other if the lies had continued ? His laugh sounded happy, but it was bitter in a way. It tasted like a chocolate with liquor in it : sweet, but not all throughout. The vigilante shifted, going to lie down fully on Mikey’s bed. Mikey also shifted, but instead of lying by Ray’s side like he expected, he climbed on top of him. 

Mikey's crotch was against him, already getting him hot and bothered. His hands were on either side of Ray's head, and Mikey was lowering his head to look at him. 

“You look beautiful from down there,” Ray let out. 

“Hey, fuck you, Toro. You're barely taller anyw—” 

“You’re just beautiful all over.” 

Mikey blushed, looking away for a moment. Ray prepared himself for the greatest disappointment of his life when Mikey pulled away, but he only straightened himself to discard his glasses, all the while still seated on Ray. Without his glasses, Ray could distinguish his eyes even more. He wished he could gaze into them forever. Do nothing but study every part of Mikey's body and mind for the rest of eternity. 

“Can I ask you something ? Why me ?” 

He reached out to graze Mikey's pale cheek. 

“Mikey. You're the most loyal, thoughtful person I know. You're kind, funny and witty and resourceful. You're perfectly nerdy and into the same bands as me, you’re beautiful and your voice is nice, you're -”

“Ray. I jerked off in your bed when I came over.” Mikey looked like he might die as he spat out his confession. 

“I… Uhm, I was there.” 

Mikey’s eyes widened in panic, and then he whined longly, crouching all the way down to hide his face into Ray’s shirt. Ray patted him on the back, not quite sure about the proper way to go about this. 

“I was already home when you entered, but in my suit. I hid in the bathroom and got off to you getting off. Not my proudest nut.” 

“You made me fucking hard during all of Pete's show, and I couldn't enjoy the party because I kept thinking about you and your stupidly strong arms. I just got there, got drunk and called an Uber home. ” 

“Perks of having super powers,” Ray smirked. “Eternally shredded.” 

As if to verify it, Mikey grabbed the bottom hem of his shirt and pulled it up. He nodded, staring at Ray's abs. 

“You do look strong.” 

“I can lift a car. Maybe a truck.” 

“So you could stop me anytime?” 

Mikey looked determined as he said those last words. Ray wasn't sure what he meant by that, but he nodded anyway. Whatever it was; whatever Mikey wanted, Ray would oblige. 

And sure enough, Mikey kept pulling Ray’s shirt up until it reached under his armpits. The man lying down took it upon himself to help his partner take the rest off. 

The bassist traced across his guitarist chest, long pale fingers gently grazing from Ray’s collarbone to under his navel. The touch made him shiver. It was an awkward thought to formulate, but this really was a dream coming true. 

As if a prince wanting to awaken his princess, Mikey bent down to kiss Ray. Immediately, but not too suddenly, Ray grabbed at his neck. He wanted to keep him there, to keep kissing as long as possible, to learn every little corner and nook of his mouth. This time, the kissing was hungry, eager. They were long past the need for chastity: they knew they wanted to have each other, and that they wanted to do it now. He opened his mouth, and Mikey got the hint in a second, going to lick Ray’s tongue with his own. It wasn't a battle, no, it was more like a dance : even though they had never danced together before, years of knowing and longing for the other made that they could easily create a rhythm that fitted them both. 

While Ray’s hands were grasping at Mikey’s neck and hair, Mikey’s resumed touching Ray all over. It felt as if he were scanning him, trying to feel every line and every curve that made up Ray’s body. It felt good. Anything Mikey was willing to give to him, Ray would take. A kiss, a stroke, a fist to the face… Ray would take it. 

Ray’s hands slowly let go of Mikey’s hair, opting to touch him all over as well. He tugged at his shirt, trying to send signals to his partner, still devouring his mouth from the top. Mikey broke the kiss, understanding Ray without a word, and took off his shirt. 

“Matter of fact, get your pants off now.”

“Yes, Mr Way,” Ray said. He hadn't imagined Mikey to be that assertive, but he sure wasn't complaining. Mikey rolled his eyes at his quip, but still smiled as he got off Ray to let him discard his pants. 

“Wait,” Mikey stopped him. “Stand up.” 

“Like, on the bed ?” 

“No, on the ceiling. On the floor, Ray.” 

“You know I could stand on the ceiling?” 

Mikey just looked at him like he was crazy. Then, a flick of realization flashed through his eyes. “Ohh, right.” 

Ray took his pants off, then, as a demonstration, just jumped and stuck the tips of his fingertips to the ceiling, hanging a good foot above the floor. Mikey looked at him in awe. 

“That's so cool. Also, I could totally tickle you to death right now.” 

Immediately, Ray retracted his microscopic claws, letting himself fall back to the floor, arm crossed to protect his armpits. 

“Please don't.” 

“ I won't.” 

He let his arms down, because he trusted Mikey. It was a bit weird being only in boxers while Mikey was fully clothed, but he could see the appeal. He guessed it also served as payback for last week's incident: this time, Mikey was the one to get a good look. 

Speaking of, Mikey got up from the bed and then, down on his knees in front of Ray. He looked up, Ray looked down to meet his gaze, and it was the most erotic thing he had ever seen. His partner still had all of his clothes on, but seeing him on his knees, clinging to Ray’s thighs, looking up to him through his eyelashes… He didn't think it was possible, but Ray felt the heat in between his legs intensify even more. 

Mikey shifted his face to rest against Ray’s erection, and he felt his dick twitch. 

“You’re beautiful too, Ray.” 

He suppressed a moan. Barely. 

It was a bit awkward, just standing there, almost naked and with no support for his shaking legs. Ray didn't know what to do with his hands, or his legs, or himself in general. He felt like he should wait for Mikey’s instructions, but the man also wasn't helping him. He was just kissing Ray’s thighs and crotch area, intensifying the shaking in his legs. 

“What ?” Mikey teased, grabbing Ray’s left leg by the back of his knee to keep him in place. “You can lift a truck, but you can't handle a few kisses ?” 

“Way, I swear to God—” 

“M’Kidding,”he said, pressing one last kiss on Ray’s waistband. “Go back on the bed.” 

Mikey stood up, not taking his eyes off of Ray, and clearly expecting him to do as he was told. On a whim, Ray decided he wasn't about to submit so easily. Well, he would eventually, but he wanted to fuck with Mikey a little before. He grabbed his partner by the waist with one arm, and threw him over his shoulder. Mikey gasped, surprised, then started hitting Ray’s back playfully. 

“Hey! Let me down! We get it, Spider-boy, you’re the strongest!” 

“As you wish !” 

Swiftly, but carefully, Ray threw Mikey back on the bed, who squawked as his back hit the mattress. He immediately slapped his hand on his mouth. His hair was ruffled, and his face flushed. He looked cute. Ray kissed him, Mikey reciprocated, and they were back to heatedly making out. 

Finally being on top, Ray used his leverage to keep breaking their lips apart and kiss Mikey everywhere else instead. His hands slid under his shirt, not undressing him, but caressing him all over and holding his waist while he kissed him all over his collarbone. 

“Let me…Let me take this off,” Mikey whispered, trying to wiggle out of Ray’s grasp. Ray could see he was overwhelmed, flustered by all the attention he was getting. 

“I might just come from seeing you naked.” 

“ You don't mean that,” Mikey retorted, pulling his shirt up. He was beautiful. He was made of long lines and milky white skin that Ray wanted to paint with bite marks all over. He was a literal dream come true; an angel with messy hair and bad eyesight. 

Mikey took off his pants, and Ray kept watching, holding his breath. He thought of that night, where he felt so bad for being a pervert. And now, he had Mikey Way undressing in front of him, out of his own volition, while knowing he was a bit of a freak. Honestly, a meteorite could crash right now and he’d die happy. Or rather, it could crash when they would be done and he’d die happy. 

Mikey stripped down to his underwear as well, and because Ray was nice, he laid back on the bed to let him get back on top. Mikey straddled him, and as Ray expected him to bend down for another kiss; he instead bent down, bit on Ray's collarbone, hard, and reached into his boxers to grab his dick. 

“Fuck !” 

Ray couldn't help but shout from the sudden sensations. It was… a lot, but in a good way. Mikey could bite as hard as he wanted and it would barely leave marks, but it still stung, and of course, the dick grab wasn't unpleasant. Mikey started to jerk him off as he kept biting on Ray's collarbone, sucking and licking all the way up to the back of his ear. 

“You can— You can bite even harder,” he managed, breathing heavily. “You fucking vampire.” 

“Hell yeah,” Mikey smirked, Ray's skin still in between his teeth. 

As if to prove his point, Mikey bit into Ray’s shoulder once again. His teeth were sharp, his bite was hungry, and his hands tight around Ray's biceps and dick. Maybe he really was a vampire, after all. Ray wouldn't mind. It was good, it was so good, he couldn't help but moan out loud. He wanted it forever, all of this and even more. He wanted Mikey to swallow him whole, to use him as he pleased until the end of times. 

“Want you to— Want you to fuck me,” Ray confessed, panting. 

“Yeah ?” 

“Yeah. Need it.” 

Mikey pulled back, letting go of Ray and his dick, which fell back onto his stomach sadly. He licked his hand, wet with Ray’s precum, while looking him in the eyes. Then, Mikey pointed two fingers at Ray's mouth, urging him to suck. Obviously, Ray obliged. He sucked on the fingers, tasting himself and Mikey’s spit on them. Mikey pushed them a little forward, and, as Ray kept sucking, he started to fuck his mouth with the digits. 

As suddenly as he started thrusting, Mikey pulled his fingers out, seemingly satisfied. Still, he opened the drawer of his bedside table to pull out a lube bottle and coat his fingers in it. 

“Lie down, baby.” 

He did. He felt completely helpless, utterly powerless in front of Mikey, and somehow he liked that. Ray knew he was stronger than Mikey — he had been even before his powers— that he could easily take the control back, force him into submission, or even break his arm without a sweat, but he just didn't want to. He wanted to submit, to feel weaker, to feel human. 

Mikey teased his entrance with slick, cold fingers, then pushed one inside. Ray moaned, trying to grab a pillow to bury his face into. After only a couple thrust, Mikey inserted a second finger. They weren't that thick, nothing to stretch out Ray or anything, but fuck, they were long and felt so good. Mikey’s thrusts were rhythmic, and so were Ray’s groans. God, he wanted Mikey so bad, he wanted him inside himself, to feel him inside and out. 

“Think you can take a third one ?” 

“I can take what— whatever you give me, baby.” 

Mikey smirked, brought up Ray’s knee to kiss it, and then back at it with three fingers. Still holding onto the pillow, Ray looked past it, admiring Mikey stroking himself while fingering him. 

“You have no idea how much I wanted to see this, Mikes.” 

“ To the point of jerking off in the bathroom like a perv ?” 

Ray felt his face go red with embarrassment, even while knowing Mikey was teasing. 

“I’m— I’m so fucking sorry Mikes.” 

“Don’t be,” he said, pulling all of his fingers out. “ Might be the hottest thing that happened to me. Condoms ?” 

“Hum, we’re at your place, I don't know.” 

“Oh, yeah right, shit. You make me lose my mind, Toro.” 

Their eyes met, and both of them stayed silent for a second, before bursting out in a small fit of giggles. 

“God, I'm so stupid,” Mikey said, standing up to get the condoms. “ Be right back.” 

He disappeared for a second in the bathroom, then came back looking triumphant with the black box. 

“Fucking Frank keeps going through them, but I got like five left. Not that— not that we have to use all five of them.” 

“Who the hell does Frank fuck with ?” 

“The hell I know,” Mikey shrugged. “As long as I'm not there when he does, I don't care.” 

Mikey put the box on the nightstand, then got on his knees in between Ray's leg, black condom wrapper in his hands. He opened it, put the condom on himself, added lube once again; then adjusted his position, the tip of his dick resting right against Ray’s entrance. 

“This okay ?” 

“More than okay. Come on, Mikes, just fuck me alr—” 

Ray cut himself off with a moan as Mikey pushed inside. Fuck, fuck, fuck, it felt good. Mikey’s dick was long, filling him perfectly and giving his ass the perfect amount of stretch. They stayed like that for a minute, not moving, just basking in the feelings and getting accustomed to each other. 

Both of them were breathing heavily, Mikey holding himself up with his hands on the mattress, and Ray’s wrapped around Mikey’s arms. 

“Can I move ?” 

“You better.” 

Sex with Mikey felt more than good on a physical level, it was also comfortable. Ray could feel comfortable joking around with him, talking back, and letting Mikey take the lead. After all, they knew each other inside and out (now more literally than ever), and as best friends, they trusted each other completely. 

Mikey started rolling his hips, burying himself even deeper inside Ray, then pulling back to go in again. The light burn, the friction of Mikey’s stomach against Ray’s leaking cock, his face, his small grunts… Jesus Christ, Ray didn't know what to say. He just called out to Mikey's name, somewhere in between a prayer and a moan, somewhere between holy and obscene. 

Mikey leaned forward to kiss his neck, continuing to thrust back and forth slowly but steadily. After a minute or so, Ray gave him a nod, silently instructing the younger man to go faster. He grabbed Ray by the side of his hips, holding him into place to fuck him harder. 

Ray's eyes were fluttering, forcing him to look at Mikey from in between his lashes. Fuck, he was so beautiful. His arms were extended to grab Ray, pale hands against slightly tanner skin; his body looked so delicate despite the force with which he was plowing into Ray, and his face… Mikey looked concentrated, as if he was trying to do something well, something he didn't want to mess up. His brows were just a little furrowed, his face a cute rosy color, and he was biting on his lip. Ray grabbed his left wrist and pulled him forward to make him lean over him, their faces now only a few inches apart. 

“Kiss me, Mikes. Come while kissing me.” 

The younger man let out a non descriptible sound before obeying, promptly crashing his mouth onto Ray’s and resuming the fucking. Now that Mikey was practically lying on top of hil, Ray could muzzle his face into his neck, alternating between fast light kisses and passionate biting. The way Mikey crumbled a little when he bit him, the little whimpers he let out, all of that helped Ray get closer and closer to the edge. Mikey's pace quickened, but lost a bit in rhythm: it seemed he was close to his own release as well. 

“M’close, Ray,” he whined. “So close.” 

“Stay in,” Ray commanded. “Cum inside me.” 

Mikey groaned, and bit into Ray’s collarbone, hard. Ray felt him cling harder, sink his teeth further and his hips fluttered. Mikey groaned, clenching his jaw even further, and Ray felt his canine rip across his skin as he came and apparently tried to stop biting. He kept thrusting through his orgasm, getting a hold of Ray’s dick in between them to make him finish as well. It only took a couple of strokes for Ray to be spent as well, the release having probably been one of the most intense of his life. 

Here they were now, panting, a bit of blood and cum dripping along Ray’s torso and stomach; Mikey’s hand covered in cum and his chest in sweat. 

“Oh, shit, I’m sorry !” his eyes widened, looking at Ray’s shoulder. “God, I shouldn't have—” 

“Hey, hey, it’s okay, Mikey,” Ray reassured, grabbing his wrist. “ I heal fast. As in, really fast. That’s just a scratch, not even a bite. It’ll be gone in a minute.” 

Mikey stared at him for a minute, apparently keen on observing his healing process, then gently pulled out and tied the used condom to throw it out. Still naked, he came back to bed with a wet cloth and started gently cleaning Ray. 

“Ok, that was awesome. You gotta tell me everything about your powers, ‘kay ? Even the weird stuff. Especially the weird stuff. Do you lay eggs ?” 

“M’not a female, Mikey. No, I don't lay eggs.” He stayed silent for a second, then added : “I do have fangs and spinnerets, though.” 

Mikey stopped wiping the cum away. “Fangs ? Are you venomous ?” He asked, putting a hand to the red marks Ray had left. 

“I can retract them. You're okay.” 

He discarded the dirty cloth on the floor and laid down next to the older man in his bed. Mikey took Ray’s hand in his, turning to face him. 

“I thought you had devices to shoot your webs. I saw them. In pictures.” 

Rat chuckled, then turned to face Mikey as well. “You really are a fan, aren't you? (Mikey turned red) They’re here to help me aim, or make special web shapes. But yeah, the webs themselves do come out of me…” 

“That’s so cool. What else can you do?” 

“Well, I'm faster, stronger obviously, and way more flexible. The bite fixed my eyesight, and I heal way too fast.”

“Sign me in ! Got any magical spider left ?”

“No, it's dead,” Ray smiled gently. “And besides,” he stroked Mikey’s cheeks, “It’d be a shame if I never got to see you with your glasses anymore. I want to see both. And, you wouldn't be able to get drunk anymore.” 

“Okay, keep it. Bite Gee instead, maybe. Do you think your venom could transmit the powers ?”

“Transmit the powers…Well, I guess it’s how the spider did it in the first place, but if it could go on like a chain… Fuck !” 

Ray jumped up, startling Mikey. That had to be it ! 

“Mikey, get your clothes back on and we’re going to the lab.”

“What ?”

“I’ll explain on the way !” he hurriedly threw Mikey’s clothes at him and sped to put his back on. Once his partner was ready, he practically ran outside of the building with him. 

On their way to the university’s science building, Mikey struggled to keep up with Ray’s fast paced walking. He kept having to jog a little to catch up, bombarding him with questions about their current destination and Ray's objectives. 

The vigilante answered as best as he could, detailing how his investigation had started and what he had found so far, the weird agenda Better Eating seemed to pursue and the strange components they added to their coffee. 

They reached the campus in ten minutes, instead of the near twenty it usually took. The sky was glowing orange and pink, the air was getting slightly colder, Mikey was slightly out of breath, and Ray felt a bit guilty for rushing him, right after sex on top of that. 

“Are the labs open ?” Mikey panted. “I’ve never been there, actually.” 

“Really?” 

“ Yeah, well… English major, what would I do here ?” 

“Fair enough. Well, the one I use should have been closed an hour ago or so. Don't say anything, don't look suspicious, just follow my lead.” 

Mikey nodded silently, and kept on following Ray through the science building’s dimly lit corridors. The atmosphere of the college at night felt eerie. 

Ray felt nervous as they approached the labs. His hearing didn't pick up on anything, so it seemed they were empty. He turned the key double he had, pushed the door open, and sure, it was empty. A couple stations still had work on them, either paper protocols or full on ongoing experiments, but no one was here. Ray’s sixth-sense confirmed it. 

He instructed Mikey to put on protection, then went to retrieve his samples from the fridge. 

“I needed a coat and glasses for… handling toast ?,” Mikey raised an eyebrow. 

“That and venom. And super-mutating agents.” 

Mikey’s face went pale, and his expression blank. Ray patted his shoulder before putting on a coat, glasses and gloves as well. He knew his own venom wouldn't be an issue, and if he was right, neither would be the weird molecules in the toast, but it was better to be safe than sorry. He even debated making Mikey wear an inhalator. 

Once dressed up and his favorite station ready, Ray got to work. He took two beakers, and concentrated in order to make his fangs grow. He was looking down at the beaker while doing it, but could see Mikey from in between his lashes, sitting on a nearby stool and looking captivated. 

“Like what you see ?,” He licked his lips, trying not to bite on them with his own teeth. 

“You’re the fucking vampire, dude. Wow.” 

Ray shrugged, laughing lightly. He opened his mouth further and put the beaker behind his top teeth, like he would a glass of water, then bit down on it gently to make the venom come out. Black liquid seeped to the bottom of the beaker, thick and glossy. It was a bit freaky, Ray felt like he was in some sort of gothic horror novel with a sci-fi twist. The reverse of his actual life, in a way. 

He maintained his teeth over the inside of the beaker as he looked for paper towels to clean his teeth. He disposed of the paper in a ziploc bag, thinking about the best way to dispose of it afterwards. 

With the second beaker, he did something deeply unsanitary. Ray used one of his fangs to rip over his thumb and draw blood. Red drops fell in the glassware, and this time, Mikey looked horrified. 

“Ray, what the hell ?” 

“Please, just trust me.” 

Mikey gripped the fabric over his thigh, and Ray could tell he was clenching his teeth. Sure, this had to look insane, but he was sure he was on the right track. 

“Ok, come see this,” he instructed Mikey, switching on the microscope. Ray put the slides he had made last week and adjusted the lenses, then instructed his friend to look. 

“Take your glasses off, and turn this screw until the image is clear.”

Mikey nodded, then took off his glasses and bowed to look into the microscope. 

“Are those… Okay, what the hell is this ?” 

“Bread,” Ray smirked. “Modified bread.” 

“Yeah, I can tell ! Are those black… spiky… thingies supposed to be here ?” 

“No, they’re not. You can switch out the slides and look into the coffee, it’s the same.” 

While Mikey switched out the glass slides to repeat the experiment (Ray was surprised he followed proper microscope usage), he prepared two new glass slides, one with a drop of blood, and the other with his venom. 

He gently tapped Mikey’s shoulder to take his spot. Carefully, the scientist switched out the slides and put the venom one under the lens. He looked inside and, sure enough, his venom was mostly made of those black spiky cells. And if he was right… The blood cells also had the spikes clinging to them. 

“That’s …. your blood ?” Mikey asked when Ray let him look. He sounded a bit freaked out, like he didn't really want to believe it. “Have you been poisoned by them ?” 

“No. It’s the other way around. They’re trying to poison other people into being like me. They want to— They want to make more super-humans.” 

The silence felt heavy. Both men were looking at each other intensely. Mikey seemed worried, like he was finally understanding the stakes and scale of Ray's operations as Spider-Man. Meanwhile, Ray was giving him his most determined stare. He wanted to show Mikey that he could manage. He didn't want to fall in the downward spiral of worry and lack of trust. Now was his chance to establish a new link between them, a new bond in which they’d be totally honest with each other. And in which, at least at the beginning, Mikey would have to blindly trust Ray. He broke the silence this way. 

“Do you trust me ?” Mikey nodded. 

“No, really,” Ray insisted. “ Do you trust me with your life ? With all of your body ?” 

“ I— I do,” Mikey slowly nodded. He sounded hesitant, but honest. Like he wanted to commit but was scared to. Ray couldn't blame him. “I trust you with my life and all of my body.” 

Ray took a step forward, then another, until he was in front of Mikey, standing in between his legs. He extended an arm to grab a tube test nearby, then, as Mikey was seated, Ray lowered his head slightly to whisper into his ear. 

“Do you trust me to draw your blood?” 

“I trust you to draw my blood.” 

“Good. Hold onto me.” 

Ray wrapped his left hand around the back of Mikey's neck to keep him in place, and held the test tube in the other hand. The younger man was holding onto his left arm with trembling hands, but he didn't pull back when Ray got even closer. 

He breathed in and out slowly, conjuring his fangs, then brought his open mouth to the right side of Mikey's neck, making sure to put the test tube right under where he would bite. He felt Mikey shudder as the fangs grazed his pale skin, and he held onto his neck a little tighter. Mikey did the same, squeezing Ray’s arm just a bit harder. 

And then, Ray bit down. 

It was quick and easy, like a vaccine, making Mikey twitch and tense for a second, then it was over. He hoped it hadn't hurt him. Ray pulled his face back, making sure to catch the blood, then grabbed a paper towel to pat the small hole in Mikey’s neck. He couldn't help but give it a lick as he finished, then a kiss. 

“Pervert,” Mikey joked, sounding a little shaken. 

“You love it,” Ray turned around to make new slides. 

This time, he made three: one with Mikey’s blood left untouched, one with his blood and a drop of altered coffee, and the last one with his blood and Ray’s venom. 

“Okay,” he instructed Mikey. “You want to see your blood ?” 

“Hell yeah !” 

Mikey adjusted the microscope to his sight excitedly, and Ray stopped for a second. His heart was rushing, and he was feeling a heat grow inside him. Fuck. He was getting hard over Mikey's neck. From where he was, he could see the dark red dot on his otherwise white skin, taunting him, reminding him of how close they were just seconds ago. 

He felt stupid for getting worked up over such a little thing, especially when he and Mikey had just had sex not barely an hour prior. Well, sue him for being attracted to that very attractive guy. 

“Let me show you the others.” 

Ray showed Mikey the second and third slide, checking them himself each time, confirming his theory. The spiky cells were sticking onto Mikey’s blood cells, although not as efficiently as Ray’s blood. Furthermore, it seemed his venom was more efficient than the ones from the coffee, despite the fact that none of them were bringing amazing results.

“That’s… Ok, how fucked is that ? Like, on a scale from one to ten.” 

“If they have my DNA, eleven. If they have the spider’s DNA, ten.” 

“Oh.” 

“Yeah,” Ray grimaced. Then, something clicked. “I gotta break into the D.S.R..” 

“D.S.R. ?” 

“Hm, where I got bitten. Back in high school, we made a field trip there. It’s uh, the Department of Scientific Reconditioning.”

“The place where they do cancer research?” 

“That and genes-mutating spiders.” 

“And you’re going to… break in ? Just to be sure.” 

“We broke into the lab just now, didn't we ?” 

Mikey narrowed his eyes, obviously trying to find something to say, but gave up. Ray was glad. This was their chance to put their trust in each other to the test, wasn't it ? 

“Can we go home and eat now ? I’m starving.” 

_______

“ So you told him ?”

Gerard’s eyes swiped the room from Ray and Mikey, back and forth. He knew Ray would reveal his identity at some point, but he hadn't expected it to come that soon. And Ray— his best friend—hadn't even consulted him before telling Mikey— his brother. 

“It was a… spur of the moment kinda thing,” Ray explained with awkward hand movements. 

“I cornered him,” Mikey said, with a crossed-arms pose as serious as his tone. “I thought you and him were secretly dating. Or involved with the mafia.” 

“With the— What ?!” Gerard’s eyes widened. 

“Yeah, hum, anyways,” Ray diverted the conversation back to the more pressing topic. “We found out that Better Eating's trying to force mutate other people, like what happened to me. And I think we’ll find clues or even answers at the D.S.R.” 

The D.S.R…. Although it was in New Jersey, it was still a pretty big deal. It also meant that potentially, multiple societies were working together on this. Or that a secret order had infiltrated a bunch of corporations. But Gerard would rather doubt the companies themselves first. 

Ray explained their discoveries and his train of thoughts concerning both corporations, all while Mikey added enthusiastic details about Ray’s venom and their observations with the microscope. He seemed involved, not too freaked out, which was good, but scary. Gerard wasn't stupid, he could tell by the way they hovered around each other that something else had been confessed last night, and honestly, Mikey rushing into dangerous situations wasn't a far-fetched scenario, unfortunately. He trusted Ray to keep him safe, and he trusted Mikey to be somewhat sensible, but he wasn't responsible for any of them.

He wasn't about to tell Ray to back off and forbid him from dating his brother, no… He’d just have to tell them— both of them— to be careful. 

“What's your plan ?” Gerard simply asked. He knew that now, Ray’s mission was more important, and that if he wanted to watch over his brother and best friend, he had to help them. He was Ray’s man in the chair, after all. 

_______ 

Mikey paced around the rooftop anxiously once again. The job should be pretty simple, especially for Ray and Gerard, but it was so anxiety inducing. He had been there, he had seen and heard how easily and skillfully the two of them had designed the plan and got ready to operate by the next day. 

Gee had the easy, human part. He just had to be mostly himself and ask for a tour, make up some excuse about nostalgia or needing to make observations for a future comic. He wasn't that great a liar— hence Mikey figuring out something was up with Ray— but he should easily get his way. Mikey's brother was wearing a camera and a microphone, recording anything that could later be investigated or given as evidence, as well as giving Ray additional eyes inside the building. Mikey grazed the small earpiece he had on. He wondered who the guy that supplied Ray with all of his tech equipment was. He'd just have to ask afterwards, along with the million other questions he had. 

Mikey's job was just to make sure the rooftop was clear so Ray could escape by the end of his mission, and eventually, signal anything he could see inside the building (which was not much, as the light reflected on the glass facade made it impossible to see through). A pretty easy job on itself, but stressful as well. He was on a rooftop garden, there was a café and a bunch of people, so he wasn't that worried about looking suspicious. He just looked like any other student going out for a trendy café on the weekend. He was worried about his brother and friend inside. He now knew they were used to it (at least Ray was), that they had conducted plans like this since high school, but it still felt terrifying. Were they to get caught, Mikey was powerless to help them. He’d just have to stand there and not even be able to watch. Was that what it meant to be with a super-hero ? Or rather, what it’d be like ? 

He checked his phone and decided to text Gerard. 

me (2:02pm): Hey Gee, how's the visit going? 

He kept it vague, just in case. Maybe he was being too paranoid. They weren't spies or anything. 

Geese (2:06pm) : Great, actually! I missed this place, but it seems I still know how to get around. I’m learning so much ! How’s the café ? 

me (2:07pm) : Its gr8. The rooftop is clear and the view is nice. 

Geese (2:08pm): Ray’s almost finished with work, I think he’ll join you first ! 

Mikey felt silly for talking in code, but there also was a thrill creeping its way inside his head. Yeah, playing secret agent was kind of fun, at least when everything was going well. 

Like clockwork, Ray’s sweet voice suddenly echoed in Mikey's ear as soon as he had formulated that thought. He brought his phone up to his ear to pretend to be on a call and not look like a crazy man talking to the wind. 

“Me to Mikey . Rooftop clear ?” 

“ Clear,” Mikey nodded. “Do I go down ?” 

“ Yeah, take back the stairs you came up by,” Ray instructed. “Then once you're in the street, turn left and get into the first small alley. It’s creepy, sorry, but it’ll work.” 

“Ok, be there in five.” 

He tried not to sprint as he went towards the place Ray had instructed. His heart was pounding with a mix of excitement both from the idea of having accomplished the mission, and the idea of seeing the suit up-close. Ray being Spider-Man didn't reduce the love and interest he had for the hero persona, after all. 

Still, he walked fast as he went down the stairs and up to the alley. Yeah, it was creepy alright. At least, he knew that if someone tried some funny business in there, he’d have a hero swinging to his rescue right after. His hero ? Eventually, he’d have to make things clear with Ray about… whatever they were. 

His steps a little less confident now, Mikey got deeper into the alley. It was dark despite it being early, the tall buildings around blocking most of the sunlight. Eventually, he got to a dead-end, the end of the alley. He waited there a couple minutes, checking his phone to make sure Gerard was okay, then walking in circles. After an eternity, or maybe just two additional minutes, he heard a thud up coming for the top of one of the buildings. It had to be Ray. 

Indeed, Mikey looked up to see Ray climbing the wall down, landing beside him in a graceful jump. It felt weird, being that close to Spider-Man. And it felt even weirder knowing Ray was the one underneath the mask. He wanted to look at the suit from every angle, but he also wanted to know about the mission first. 

The vigilante waved a USB key around triumphantly. 

“There goes our proof ! I’m sending it to the police and other news outlets tonight, and then I’ll just have to make sure none of the responsibles get away. Gee's on his way. ” 

Mikey practically jumped in his arm, exhaling a breath he didn't know he was holding. He felt so relieved. It wasn't like he was particularly doubting Ray’s skills, but those worries were hard to stomach. Ray broke the embrace, looking at Mikey through the lenses of his mask. 

“We did it, Mikes,” he smiled (Mikey could not see it, but he heard it.) 

“Yeah, we did,” he grinned back. “I bet you were so cool.” 

“And I bet you were so cute on that rooftop.” 

The glasses-wearing man felt a the blood rush to his face in a mix of surprise and affection. No, really, he had to make things clear with Ray here and now. 

“So,” Mikey asked. “What are we ?” 

It felt stupid hearing those words come out of his mouth right here, right now, but the question had been burning him since their first kiss. 

“Hm,” Ray scratched his mask like he would his head. “ Well, we’re winners for once,” he joked.

“ Oh yeah. I just meant it like …” 

“What do you want to be?”

“Do you not… want to date?” Ray liked him a lot, didn't he ? Was he trying to be respectful, was he shy or just not interested in Mikey that way ? The younger man tried to hide the hurt in his voice as he explained. 

“Well, I’d date you, but if you’re not interested like that… I get it.” 

“What? No ! I mean, yes Mikey, I'm totally interested,” Ray panicked, taking his mask off and holding onto Mikey’s hands. He looked so cute with his panicked eyes and the rebellious strands of hair who had escaped his bun clinging to his face. “It’s just…I didn't want to ask you out here while I'm… hm, all sweaty and gross. And also, not in this shitty alley.” 

“Oh ! Oh. Yeah, you're right…” Now, Mikey felt even more stupid. Ray was trying to be romantic, and he had just ruined all by not being able to wait a couple days. 

“Hey, don't make that face,” Ray’s gloved hand stroked his cheek lovingly. “ It’s cute that you’re that eager. It’s just— I haven't dated since I started this and… I can only guess it’s a mess dating me. I told you yesterday, you're too precious to me. I want to do things the right way, but I'm also scared I'll ruin it all” 

“I can… I can do messy. And I can take care of myself. Also, it’s too late to go back, ain't it ?” He reached to squeeze Ray's gloved hands in return, chuckling lightly. They wanted each other, and it made him the happiest man alive. 

“You can do with me being out every night ? Bailing out on outings? Getting beat up every now and then ?” 

“That's Gee’s problem for now, that would be nothing new, and I trust you. Just don't die on me.” 

“ But I'd—” 

Mikey cut him off with a kiss. Ray was so self-conscious despite being a good man. 

“Shut up,” he chuckled as he pulled back. “ You said you wanted to do things right, so let’s just try it the right way, okay, Ray Toro? ” 

Ray smiled, and he knew it would all be worth it. 

“Okay, Mikey Way. Let’s try this. The right way.”