Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

You woke up softly, the orange light in your window let you know that the day was nearly over. Without thinking much you prepared a bath.

After the night you met Mike, you purposely chose a hotel room with a bath tub. Picked your phone and took it with you in the tub. Choosing a song to set the mood, you absentmindedly typed Mike’s name in the search bar and was surprised by the countless songs presented to you.

You decided against choosing one. Tomorrow you would hear him live, and it was going to be a surprise. You chose some pepped up jazz. And Opened your message app.

5 messages from Adam, that were promptly archived.

2 messages from your sister: “Hello, stranger! Hope everything is ok” and “You been quiet lately” That one demanding more attention than you were planing to grant now.

2 messages from Mike “I hope I made myself clear on how much I wanted to stay…” it brought a smile to your face. And “Just fyi, the hotel tomorrow is the palace”. You read the message again. And again. “The Palace….” You replied “THE” “Palace?” in two separate messages. “The Palace, by the beach, The Palace?”. And answering specifically the first message “Loud and clear… ;)”

You placed the phone by the floor and submerged in water. Taking some time to stay quiet under there. Meditatively releasing bubbles of air through your lips, until you finally came back to surface.

Just in time to hear your phone buzzing with a message.

“Good…” Mike replied to your loud and clear.

“Yes! That Palace” “Whatcha doing?”

You sent a picture of your feet rested in the rim of the bath tub. A smiling devil face was the reply

“What are you dressing tomorrow?” You were trying to get a feel of what to wear.

“I’m gonna dress like a mob boss”

“Nice”

So, you found out he was not going to be of any help. You had an idea of what to wear. Actually you had just one dress in mind. But… it needed something else.

“Hey sis!” You sent the message you have been dreading “I need to buy some shoes… Come with me and we have coffee?”

“Sure!” The answer didn’t took long “Want me to pick you up, I’m near by”

“NO!” You laughed without humor, dreading the talk to come “I’ll tell you where to meet me.“

***

You picked this dress all rolled up in a ball and tossed in your bag, right before Mike pinned you against the wall in the previous day. You had no idea it would come in hand so soon. The lady that tide up your hotel room saw it splayed in the bed and advised you to send to them so they could iron it. You were forever thankful!

One could not go wrong with a black dress. The light fabric hugged your figure without being too tight. It fell till right below your knees. The back open til below your waist. You considered sending a picture of you wearing it to Mike, but decided against it. Wanted it to be a surprise. And if he said something about the dress, you probably wouldn’t have an alternative anyway.

“HE DID WHAT?” Your sister couldn’t help to say it, while you casually stated the reason you left home, while holding up two choices of heels so she could chose. “Did you murdered him? You need help hiding the body?”

“No, no… He’s still alive” you said putting one shoe in each foot so she could see you wearing it.

“WHY???”

“I don’t wanna go to jail… I have a party tomorrow. Right or left?”

“You better get drunk and fuck a hot guy!” The store attendant wasn’t even pretending not to pay attention anymore.

Hellen continued “Left, they make your legs look longer”

Now, looking at yourself ready in the mirror, you agreed with her. A few splashes of perfume just as Mike knocked on the door. He sent a message saying was on his way. And maybe the front desk mistake him from a guest, since he went up with you in the previous day. Point is, you were catch by surprise when opened the door and he delivered exactly what he said: Mob boss.

Mike had his hair combed slick back and a thin frame dark glasses matching his golden watch. A smooth black suit with a dark burgundy shirt underneath the jacket.

- Take a look at that… - he said slowly removing his glasses - could you? - he moved his fingers in circle.

You took a turn so he could see your entire outfit. When you were back to face him, he had both his hands over his heart.

- I can’t even step inside your room, or else we’re not leaving.

You laughed and close the door behind you, getting your clutch with one hand, and taking his extended hand in the other. He pulled you closer, splaying his hands in your uncovered back

- Would I ruin your make up if I kiss you?

- Not at all… - Even with your permission, he kissed you softly.

- I have to tell you something I forgot.

- Oh my God…

- There are some people going with us. Backing vocals, our sound guy, the manager that arranged it all… It’s quite a big car.

- Haha Like a school trip? - you mocked to mask a bit of your nervousness

- Like that… But maybe a more immature crowd

Of course you knew it wouldn’t be just the two of you in this. But you were expecting to meet people at the hotel. You made a good job appearing calm.

- Let’s meet the gang! - You both walked down the hall with arms around each other’s waist

- Are you… - you could say by his smile, he was about to tease you - wearing anything under this dress? - You gasped and clutched imaginary pearls

- Of course I am… - He smiled, kinda relieved you were into this game

- Maybe ask me again later…

He looked at you with arched eyebrows. This was the most excruciatingly long foreplay ever.

It really was a big car. A big black van, with tinted glasses. When you both approached a guy from the front passenger seat jumped down and open the sliding door for you. Extending his hand to help you up.

- Ma’am - He was quite a young fella! Maybe early twenties - Mike told us to be on our best behavior

- I just told you not to be a dick! - Mike said

- But that’s half my personality…- He sounded defeated. - I’m Mickey, by the way!

He was a thin tall guy, very white, barely any facial hair. Inside the car, there were two beautiful black girls. Both wearing similar black dresses, and wide smiles. You couldn’t help but feel a bit more welcome seen their reaction to you. Mike boarded the car right behind you.

- These are Lynn and Eddy.

- Hey! How are you?

- And our driver is Greg - Mike patted the guy’s shoulder - My manager until further notice.

Greg was wearing a Coppola hat and waved at you through the mirror and started the car ready to go. With the car in motion, Mickey loosed the belt and twisted himself to you both.

- So… - he had a smile from ear to ear - You’re the lady that made Mike late yesterday, huh??

- I’m so sorry for that… - before you could continue everyone in the car protested

- They had a field day with that! - Mike confessed

- Everybody here already got chewed out by Mike for being late! - Mickey explained - Thank you for letting us get our revenge!

- I’m just very particular with our schedules… - Mike tried to ease things on him

- So is this an old guy thing? -The van erupted in laughter

- If no one’s gonna say it I will! - Mickey announced - I liked her!

You squeezed Mike’s arm as to assure him you were joking. He leaned in and gave you peck on the lips. You could not stop noticing Mickey with his head supported by his hands, looking dreamily and smiling at you both. He was set on making Mike as embarrassed as possible.

- So… How did you guys meet? - Mickey asked almost singing

- Mike almost ran me over with his bike

- Damn it, Mike! - Lynn said from behind you both

- Such a gentleman, our boss!

- Mickey, - Greg said something for the first time - get your ass back in the seat we’re almost there!

Mickey finally faced the front of the car for the first time during the ride. But he did not shut up. Greg was answering monosyllabic, but not mad. Something told you this was the modus operandi of both of them. Soon you were parking an internal garage of the hotel. Greg disembarked and talked to a guy in a suit. The same guy reached for the door and opened.

- Hello everyone… Mr. Patton. - he nodded specifically to Mike. The guy continued - There’s a room where you guys can prepare. The rest of the band is in contiguous apartment, instruments already set. - He went on like enumerating a list that was prepared. - Party, is on the rooftop. I’ll be by the door to help any of you.

- Thanks, man - Mike reached and shook his hand.

You observed all this exchange so foreigner to you. And at the same time, appearing so routine to Mike. He climbed out the van first. Helped you down, and right after helped Lynn and Eddy. All that while holding the door to prevent Mickey to leave the car. He let go when Mickey was halfway trying to climb out through the window.

- Does this - you said to Lynn pointing at them both - Happens a lot?

- Honey, - she put one incredibly well manicured hand at your shoulder - All! The Fucking! Time!

- They try very hard to drive us insane… - Eddy pondered and completed - They are very effective at it!

Everyone walked through the corridors. The guy that wellcomed the van was walking a little at front, Mike and Greg side by side of him. You and the girls fell a few steps behind them. You were talking and mutually complimenting all the black dress choices. The first elevator ride would take you guys to the room everyone was to get ready. The second would take everyone to the rooftop with a view to the entire beach. At the room, some people were already waiting. Mike and Greg talked to all of them. The girls went to the make up station.

- I need a setting spray!

You went to the window, the view was great. Suddenly you felt a hand in your back.

- Sorry, I kinda left you hanging… - You turned to him smiling

- Hey! You’re doing your job! - Your hands on his chest while he held you by the waist. - This is so different! I’m loving seeing this side of your work.

- Really? - he smiled. He fell relieved you weren’t feeling left out

- Yeah! Besides… - you turned your back at him - Look at this view! -He laughed and kissed your neck.

- I’m gonna start warming up my voice, everyone is getting ready. And I really won’t be able to be with you right now - You were ready to say it was ok, when he completed - Do you want to go to the rooftop and enjoy the party a bit?

- Oh… That’s an option?

- Sure it is! -You were so entrapped on following them, you forgot you didn’t have to be following everything around them.

- I do actually! See you soon?

- Of course! - He said and directed you with a hand on your back to the door.

On the other side, the body guard was awaiting.

- Edgard, - Mike casually throwed - Could you show my lady the way to the rooftop ?

“My… Lady…?” You thought.

- Sure thing, Mike!

You followed him over the other elevator, when the door opened he said:

- Just follow straight to this corridor, you’ll be there!

- Thanks, Edgard!

- Miss, - He said holding the elevator door- It’s open bar, just order whatever you want.

- Ooh, thanks!

The place was incredible! An all around view from the 40th floor. You saw where Mike would be performing soon, a small stage with all the instruments already set up. The bar was right across the stage. You approached and asked for a Cuba Libre. After went straight to the border. Took a selfie with the beach behind you and sent to your sister.

“Working on getting drunk”

“And the hot guy??” She answered almost immediately.

“On his way!”

She sent an string of emoji’s without any meaning in specific. Just her way of showing excitement for you.

It was a hot day, and the icy cuba libre in your hands felt so conforting and refreshing that it didn’t last long. As soon as you set the glass down, a waiter materialized himself to collect and offer you a glass of champagne. That you gladly took it. Everyone around you had a glass and waiters were all hands on deck to assure no one could second guess they ever had an empty glass in their hands.

You took your first champagne too fast. It made you realize you were perhaps a bit anxious. About seeing Mike perform, without knowing any of his songs. Without realizing, the second flute was full in your hand. Boy, those waiters were fast…

You saw Greg walking around the crowd. His head turning like he was looking for a familiar face. When he looked in your direction, you realized you were the familiar face.

- Hey, enjoying the party?

- Sure - you said - how’s the preparation?

- All good. Not much time now. - he looked at the clock - Mike told me to see if you wanted to say good luck before the show

- Of course! -you couldn’t help but to smile.

You downed the glass you promised yourself to drink slow. On your way back to the room, you had an idea, that maybe was the alcohol talking. You stopped a waitress

- Excuse me, where is the bathroom.

***

Edgard opened the door to you and said

- Mike, is on 10!

- Ok! - Mike answered from the bed where he was sitting He was all alone in the room. Everyone left for the rooftop.

- Hey… - you said feeling a bit of the buzz - So you wanted a good luck kiss?

- Couldn’t go without one… - He extended his arm to you and conducted you to his lap. You took his face between your hands and planted a firm kiss in his lips. You could feel his smile under yours.

- You taste like champagne… - He said

- I have something for you. - you said at once before you lost the courage - Close your eyes and show me your hand

- Ooh something for me - he said obliging to your request. You reached inside your purse and placed in his hand.

- Now open.

Mike open his eyes and faced the small piece of neatly folded lace in his palms.

- What… - He reached with his other hand and unfolded to find your panties now in his possession. He darted to your face

- Now I’m not wearing anything underneath…

- Oh you, Devil woman… - he pulled you closer grabbing by your waist - How much time - he said between kisses - did Edgard said? Half an hour?

- Noooo - you said laughing

- Oh good… One hour than…

You laughed and stood up.

- This - he balled up the panties and placed in his pocket - Is coming with me to the stage…

- Good… - you said as he got up and pulled you closer by the waist

- You’re not escaping me today…

- Hey, - you said playfully - I’m not trying to…

- Good! Now go before I’m not able to let you!

You turned to leave, but not before Mike smacked you in the butt

- So - You turned to him right at the door - What can I expect from the show?

***

Hellooo Motherfuckeeeer, My loveeer

Ok, so that’s how he decided to start! Mike’s voice rumbled though the speakers. So raspy and mean, you had a hard time reconciling it with the same voice that laughed with you, and consoled you after arguing with Adam. Everyone seemed to like it! Some people just dancing, others spitting the same crude lyrics along with him. You could not deny, the rythm had a really hard punch, and was catchy.

I deserve a reward, cause I’m the best fuck that you ever had

Well, Mike sure had a way with lyrics! And stage presence. To you Mike seemed so calm, relaxed, controlled. In the stage he had an incredible amount of energy! So much stamina… You could not stop yourself from smiling considering the implication of all this energy. Maybe he had this much energy in other aspects of life as well…

- Are you enjoying the show? - Greg asked you You both were sitted at a table on the far side of the stage. And you were so hypnotized by the performance, you forgot he was there.

- Yes! - you said excited - He has quite some pipes!

- Make sure to tell him that…

I cannot stop give in, I’m thirty something

You wondered how long he had been singing he has thirty something… The girls were also killing it! Mickey was in the keyboards. Him and Mike interacted all the time. They seemed to be having so much fun!

Give the same to me then I’ll be closer

Now his voice was sounding more and more like the voice you knew. You could not stop imagining his voice rumbling in your skin while he moaned kissing you… You tighten your legs crossed, becoming incredibly aware that your underwear was on Mike’s Pocket. Mike announced the last song. A lot of people complaining. He asked people to follow with the hands in the air.

Man was born to love, but often he has sought like Icarus, to fly too high

It was a hot day, and Mike was dripping wet. The shirt clinging to his shape while he imprinted suffering through lyrics with some deep personal meaning. He was at the same level of the crowd now. Touching and shaking hands. Some hands reaching to grab him, and some with phones taking pictures. He seemed to be in his natural habitat. It was quite a sight.

He said goodbye! Thanked everyone for their attention and participation. Suddenly he was gone. Greg excused himself and went to the crowd. Talk to some people he met there, some he already knew. You were left alone. Pondering what you just witnessed. Mike was indeed a rock star, who’d thought that? Maybe everyone but you. Your phone vibrated with a message “Be right back with you” Mike sent.

You sobered up during the show. And seeming to realize that, a waiter appeared from the crowd and placed a champagne glass in front of you with a smile. You took the glass and walked to the border of the roof top. The sun was setting and was stunning. You finally could pace yourself drinking, while enjoying the last rays of sun.

Just as you finished your drink. You felt someone leaning at the border close to you.

- So - Mike shook his head, much like a happy wet dog - was it good for you? -You, a bit more dramatic than necessary, wiped all the water droplets from your face.

- Was great!

He had taken a shower, and changed his clothes. Was wearing all black now, much like yourself. He smelled great.

- Now you finally know at least some of my songs. - he came closer to you

- I do… I really liked them - you turned yourself to him

- Liked enough to go home with the guy from the band?

- Don’t the guy from the band needs to talk to everyone?

- Naah - Mike took a swig from whiskey you didn’t even noticed he had - I already told I’d leave after the gig. Besides… - He reached over to your waist and pulled you closer. You could feel the stubs of his beard in your face, not that he had much beard… His lips moved grazing your ear: - I left a guy on call. He get us out of here when I say go.

You smiled and squeezed his arm.

- So let’s go then…

He conducted you out of the party through a side exit. One hand on your back, other making the call that would take you both from there. As soon as you both reached the side walk, the driver was already there. Mike opened the door escorted you in.

- Hey man, - He started - Thanks for being on call. Drive us to my place ok?

He turned to you, hungrier eyes that you ever saw. Reached to the back of your head pulling you closer.

- Where was I… - He said right before diving into your lips like he was going to breath the air in your lungs…