Categories > Celebrities > Fall Out Boy > I’m Two Quarters and a Heart Down
Two Weeks Later
“Hey.” I answered my phone.
“Hey. I didn’t wake you, did I?” Pete asked.
“No. No you didn’t wake me. I haven’t gone to bed yet.” I told him.
“Why are you still up?”
“I’m painting.” I looked at the clock and was surprised to see it was almost 3 in the morning.
“Who’re you listening to tonight?” He asked me. I had once told him that I always listen to music when I’m painting. Since then he always asks who I’m listening to.
“Paolo Nutini, New Shoes. He’s really good, you should give him a listen.” I answered with the artist and album. Then I asked him, “What about you? What’s keeping you up tonight Peter Rabbit?”
He sighed and answered, “Got a million thoughts running through my head again.”
This wasn’t a new conversation for us. It had been a little over two weeks since I had found Pete on my doorstep. We had talked every day since that day we spent together. Most nights he called me before he went to sleep. I seemed to have a calming effect on him and it helped him get some rest. We usually talked all day between texts and phone calls. But at night, if he couldn’t sleep, he’d call to talk. I was always up.
“Are they positive or negative?”
“Both.”
“Do you want to talk about any of them? Good or bad?”
He didn’t answer right away. He was thinking over what he was going to tell me. “The one on my mind the most is, how much I want to see you again.”
I felt a small flutter in my midsection when he said that. I wanted to see him again too. “Then come and see me.” I told him.
“Would you like me to?” He sounded surprised.
“Yes, very much. Andy’s coming to see Ash right after your last show. Why don’t you come with him?”
Pete was quiet for a few moments before he said, “I didn't know he was going to see her. Are you sure? That’s only a few days from now.”
“Yes, I’m sure. I want to see you again too.”
As I had gotten to know Pete in the last two weeks, I had really started to like him. He was kind, intelligent, loving, loyal, funny, goofy, emotional, protective, and not at all the asshole most people think he is. He was the first person since Jack that I had really opened up to. We had spent many long hours talking and getting to know each other.
“Sky, I like you. I mean, I think… Umm... I think we... I mean… oh Hells, I’m fucking this up.” He muttered.
I gave a low, throaty laugh, “You’re not fucking this up. I like you too Pete. And I’ll be honest, I feel like we might have something here. I’d really like to see where it goes. What do you think?” I said into my phone.
“Yeah... I’d like that.” he paused for a moment while he thought things over, “I’d like to come and see you. I’ll figure something out if I can’t get on the same flight as Andy. I’ll rent a car if I have to.”
“I can’t wait to see you. How long can you stay?”
“Mom will kill me if I’m not home for Thanksgiving.” I could hear the smile in his voice.
“I think Andy’s leaving the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Would that work for you?” I asked him.
“Yeah, yeah I should be able to stay until then.” He said, then he confessed “Um...I’m... ah... I find myself very attracted to you.”
“I’m attracted to you too.” I told him.
“I’ll be there in three days.” He said in a dark and husky voice.
Three days later Ash and I were waiting at baggage claim for Andy, Pete and Hemmy. The guys were taking a redeye flight from Texas to D.C. From what Pete had told me when we talked the day before, they were going to get off stage after the last show, grab their bags and the dog, then head to the airport. Their flight left from Dallas/Ft. Worth at 2:30 AM mountain time. They were due to land at 7:30 AM eastern time. I doubted they would have gotten any sleep.
Ash was beside herself waiting for Andy to show up. They had also been talking daily and she was head over heels for him. She has dated in the years I've lived with her, but she’s never been this smitten before.
I spied the boys coming our way. “There they are.” I said to Ash, nodding in their direction.
“Where? Oh, there he is!” She took off running toward him. Andy saw her, dropped his bags and held his arms open for her. Ash rushed into them and hugged him fiercely.
I was a bit slower making my way to Pete. He saw me coming and his grin split his face. I couldn’t help but return his smile with one of my own. He didn’t stop to wait for me, he and Hemmy kept walking until we met. That’s when he dropped his bags and pulled me into a hug.
He buried his face in my shoulder and my hair and held me tight. “I’m so fucking glad to see you.” He said.
I pulled back and smiled at him, “I’m glad to see you too.” I looked him over and then asked, “Did you get any sleep? You look exhausted.”
“No, didn’t sleep at all on the plane. Too tired and too excited about coming here.”
“Well, let’s get the rest of your bags and get you both back to our place. Would you like food or sleep first?”
“Food, shower, then sleep.” He answered.
“We can do that.” I said with a smile as I relieved him of his carry on bag. He took my free hand and didn’t let go.
By this time Andy and Ash had joined us. I greeted Andy and Ash said her hellos to Pete and the dog. The five of us got the other bags the boys had with them and we headed out to the car. Ash, Andy, and the dog got into the back, Pete sat up front with me. This was Cloud’s car so only I was allowed to drive it. I had asked him to switch cars for the morning since he had an SUV and the extra space was needed for the luggage.
When I pulled into my driveway behind my house I saw Heather’s car parked there. She’s Cloud’s girlfriend. I adore her and hope that one day she will be my sister in law. Ash and I lead the very tired boys in through the back door, right into the kitchen. Heather and Cloud were there cooking. Since Cloud is a chef, that wasn’t too surprising.
“Hi! Welcome back guys.” Cloud greeted Pete and Andy.
“Thanks. It’s good to see you again, Cloud.” Andy answered.
“Let me introduce you to my sweetie. Heather, this is Andy and Pete, friends of the girls. Pete, Andy, this is Heather, my girlfriend.”
“Friends of the girls, right. I know who they are, Cloud. I listen to Fall Out Boy.” Heather said to my brother. Then she turned to them and with her warm and welcoming smile said, “It’s a real pleasure to meet you both. I hope you’re hungry. We figured you didn't get to eat on the plane, so we’re making you breakfast. And yes, vegan for you and Andy, Ash.” She said before Ash could ask.
“Nice to meet you too.” Andy replied.
“Very nice to meet you. And yes, I’m starving.” Pete answered her.
“Thank you both for thinking of that.” I said to the two of them.
“Anytime Sissy.” Could said, using my nickname. “But, it’s not ready just yet. Should be another 15-20 minutes. The cinnamon rolls are still in the oven. You should have time to get settled in and then come back down to eat. Might even have time for a shower if you want to grab one.”
“Would you mind if I went first?” Andy asked Pete.
“No, I’ll take one after we eat. But I’m ready to put my stuff down.” He said as he looked at me. I got the point and ushered all of us out of the kitchen and into the hallway.
Ash and Andy separated from us on the second floor and went to her room. Pete and I headed up one more flight of steps to mine.
My room is the biggest in the house. It’s the full top floor. It had been renovated a few years before we rented it. The owners turned the unused attic space into a master suite. I had a full en suite. Having a private bath was nice. But, I didn’t have a door. You just walked into my room from the stairs.
Pete noticed this and asked about it. “No door?”
“No. But no one ever comes up here without asking. Don’t worry, we’ll have all the privacy we want.”
When you first entered my space you were in the studio section. I used half of the space for my studio. I had my easel set up where the light from the windows was the best. My supplies took up a lot of space, but I had them organized so they were neat and tidy on the shelves that lined the walls. In that same area, but on the opposite side, I had my desk setup. My computer and files were set up there. I’m self employed so I have to have an office of some kind.
Where the bathroom and closet had been built was in the back left of the space along the longer wall. I used that as the dividing point between bedroom and studio. I extended the separation on the other side with the bookshelves, leaving a wide opening between the two spaces. Because this was an attic, the ceiling wasn’t as high as the rest of the home. It gave the room a cozy feeling.
“Come on, you can put your bags over here.” I said as we reached the top of the stairs.
We got a few steps into my room before he stopped us. “Wait, there’s something I want to do first.”
I turned to him, “What’s that?”
He smiled a very shy, but sexy smile at me. He reached out and cupped my cheek, running his thumb over my cheek bone. His eyes never left mine as he leaned in and said “This” right before he kissed me. It was one of the best kisses of my life. I knew that I wouldn’t be kissing anyone else for a very long time, if ever again.
“Oh, my. I’m glad you didn’t do that in the airport.” I said when he pulled back from the kiss. I know I was smiling like a fool.
“I wanted to kiss you as soon as I saw you. But not in public.” He replied, and then kissed me again.
A few minutes and a few kisses later, I finally showed Pete where he could put his bags and where the bathroom was so he could use it. I could hear the water running in the shower downstairs. Once we got Pete settled, we headed back down to the kitchen for some food. Ash and a freshly showered Andy joined us just a few minutes later.
Cloud had gone above and beyond with the breakfast he prepared. He had made fresh, from scratch cinnamon rolls, sausage links, both regular and vegan, eggs for Pete and I, and a tofu dish for Ash and Andy that smelled sweet and spicy, and looked tasty. He also had fresh fruit cut up and juice and coffee.
“Sissy, Pete, this is for you.” Cloud said as he put down plates in front of us. “Ash, Andy, this is for you.” He said as he dished up their breakfast.
“Thanks Little Brother.” I answered using my nickname for him.
“Oh my god, this smells amazing.” Andy said as he started to eat.
“Aren’t you and Heather going to join us?” I asked him.
“No. I’m taking your brother with me and we’re leaving you guys alone for the day. I’ll bring him back tomorrow. I’m sure you guys are going to want a quiet house and time to just rest.” Heather told us.
“You don’t have to do that.” I protested.
“We know, but we want to.” Cloud answered. “Okay, so, I’ve left dinners in the fridge for you as well. Directions on how to finish them are right here,” he said pointing to a piece of paper on the counter. “We’re gonna head out now. Enjoy the food guys. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Oh, and Pete, as long as you’re ok with it, we’re taking both dogs with us. If not, we’ll just take Roy.” Heather said and then called both dogs over.
“You don’t have to take him.” Pete answered.
“If he comes with us you’ll have a full day uninterrupted with Sissy.” Cloud said.
“Okay, he can go with you.” Pete said. Cloud, Heather, Roy, and Hemmy left after that.
“Sissy?” Pete asked after Heather and Cloud left.
I shrugged one shoulder. “That’s what he’s called me his whole life. It’s what our mom calls us. Sissy and Brother.” I answered.
“Until I actually met Sky, I thought Sissy was really her name. That’s just what he calls her.” Ash confirmed.
“I don’t mind it.”
“I think it’s kinda sweet.” Pete said.
“I do too. Most of his friends only call me Sissy because they’ve never heard me called anything else.”
We ate the delicious breakfast Cloud and Heather made for us. Going against my normal habits, I left all the dishes in the sink and took Pete back up to my room.
“Go take a shower.” I told him. “There are clean towels in the cabinet and help yourself to any of the toiletries. You should be able to find whatever you need.” I had already made sure that there was soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream and anything else I thought he would need, in there for him.
Pete went to shower and I started getting the room ready for us to sleep. I turned down the bed, turned off the lights and pulled all the curtains to make the room as dark as possible. I pulled off my jeans and sweater, stripping down to just my panties, then I pulled on a tank top. I ran a brush through my hair pulling it back and did a quick braid so it hung down my back. I climbed into my side of the bed and waited for Pete to finish his shower. He came out of the bathroom a little while later clean and dressed only in his boxer-briefs. He looked like he was about to fall asleep standing.
I patted his side and said “Come here. Let’s get some sleep.”
He smiled sleepily at me and crawled into the bed. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this tired.”
I turned off the lamp on the bedside table and rolled over to face him. I opened my arms to him and he moved into them, letting me wrap my arms around him and pull him close. He was on his side facing me so we were face to face. He leaned his forehead against mine and kissed me lightly. Then he nuzzled down into my neck. He wrapped his arms and one leg around me holding me as close and as tight as he could. I buried my face in his hair and smelled my shampoo on him. He smelled like roses.
“I would really like to take advantage of being in bed with you, but I don’t think I can.” he said as he yawned.
“We have all the time in the world for that. Just relax and rest now.” I moved one hand up and started to run my fingers through his hair. He closed his eyes, groaning softly as I rubbed the back of his neck and head. I felt him relax and melt into my arms as he fell asleep. It didn’t take long for me to fall asleep too.
“Hey.” I answered my phone.
“Hey. I didn’t wake you, did I?” Pete asked.
“No. No you didn’t wake me. I haven’t gone to bed yet.” I told him.
“Why are you still up?”
“I’m painting.” I looked at the clock and was surprised to see it was almost 3 in the morning.
“Who’re you listening to tonight?” He asked me. I had once told him that I always listen to music when I’m painting. Since then he always asks who I’m listening to.
“Paolo Nutini, New Shoes. He’s really good, you should give him a listen.” I answered with the artist and album. Then I asked him, “What about you? What’s keeping you up tonight Peter Rabbit?”
He sighed and answered, “Got a million thoughts running through my head again.”
This wasn’t a new conversation for us. It had been a little over two weeks since I had found Pete on my doorstep. We had talked every day since that day we spent together. Most nights he called me before he went to sleep. I seemed to have a calming effect on him and it helped him get some rest. We usually talked all day between texts and phone calls. But at night, if he couldn’t sleep, he’d call to talk. I was always up.
“Are they positive or negative?”
“Both.”
“Do you want to talk about any of them? Good or bad?”
He didn’t answer right away. He was thinking over what he was going to tell me. “The one on my mind the most is, how much I want to see you again.”
I felt a small flutter in my midsection when he said that. I wanted to see him again too. “Then come and see me.” I told him.
“Would you like me to?” He sounded surprised.
“Yes, very much. Andy’s coming to see Ash right after your last show. Why don’t you come with him?”
Pete was quiet for a few moments before he said, “I didn't know he was going to see her. Are you sure? That’s only a few days from now.”
“Yes, I’m sure. I want to see you again too.”
As I had gotten to know Pete in the last two weeks, I had really started to like him. He was kind, intelligent, loving, loyal, funny, goofy, emotional, protective, and not at all the asshole most people think he is. He was the first person since Jack that I had really opened up to. We had spent many long hours talking and getting to know each other.
“Sky, I like you. I mean, I think… Umm... I think we... I mean… oh Hells, I’m fucking this up.” He muttered.
I gave a low, throaty laugh, “You’re not fucking this up. I like you too Pete. And I’ll be honest, I feel like we might have something here. I’d really like to see where it goes. What do you think?” I said into my phone.
“Yeah... I’d like that.” he paused for a moment while he thought things over, “I’d like to come and see you. I’ll figure something out if I can’t get on the same flight as Andy. I’ll rent a car if I have to.”
“I can’t wait to see you. How long can you stay?”
“Mom will kill me if I’m not home for Thanksgiving.” I could hear the smile in his voice.
“I think Andy’s leaving the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Would that work for you?” I asked him.
“Yeah, yeah I should be able to stay until then.” He said, then he confessed “Um...I’m... ah... I find myself very attracted to you.”
“I’m attracted to you too.” I told him.
“I’ll be there in three days.” He said in a dark and husky voice.
Three days later Ash and I were waiting at baggage claim for Andy, Pete and Hemmy. The guys were taking a redeye flight from Texas to D.C. From what Pete had told me when we talked the day before, they were going to get off stage after the last show, grab their bags and the dog, then head to the airport. Their flight left from Dallas/Ft. Worth at 2:30 AM mountain time. They were due to land at 7:30 AM eastern time. I doubted they would have gotten any sleep.
Ash was beside herself waiting for Andy to show up. They had also been talking daily and she was head over heels for him. She has dated in the years I've lived with her, but she’s never been this smitten before.
I spied the boys coming our way. “There they are.” I said to Ash, nodding in their direction.
“Where? Oh, there he is!” She took off running toward him. Andy saw her, dropped his bags and held his arms open for her. Ash rushed into them and hugged him fiercely.
I was a bit slower making my way to Pete. He saw me coming and his grin split his face. I couldn’t help but return his smile with one of my own. He didn’t stop to wait for me, he and Hemmy kept walking until we met. That’s when he dropped his bags and pulled me into a hug.
He buried his face in my shoulder and my hair and held me tight. “I’m so fucking glad to see you.” He said.
I pulled back and smiled at him, “I’m glad to see you too.” I looked him over and then asked, “Did you get any sleep? You look exhausted.”
“No, didn’t sleep at all on the plane. Too tired and too excited about coming here.”
“Well, let’s get the rest of your bags and get you both back to our place. Would you like food or sleep first?”
“Food, shower, then sleep.” He answered.
“We can do that.” I said with a smile as I relieved him of his carry on bag. He took my free hand and didn’t let go.
By this time Andy and Ash had joined us. I greeted Andy and Ash said her hellos to Pete and the dog. The five of us got the other bags the boys had with them and we headed out to the car. Ash, Andy, and the dog got into the back, Pete sat up front with me. This was Cloud’s car so only I was allowed to drive it. I had asked him to switch cars for the morning since he had an SUV and the extra space was needed for the luggage.
When I pulled into my driveway behind my house I saw Heather’s car parked there. She’s Cloud’s girlfriend. I adore her and hope that one day she will be my sister in law. Ash and I lead the very tired boys in through the back door, right into the kitchen. Heather and Cloud were there cooking. Since Cloud is a chef, that wasn’t too surprising.
“Hi! Welcome back guys.” Cloud greeted Pete and Andy.
“Thanks. It’s good to see you again, Cloud.” Andy answered.
“Let me introduce you to my sweetie. Heather, this is Andy and Pete, friends of the girls. Pete, Andy, this is Heather, my girlfriend.”
“Friends of the girls, right. I know who they are, Cloud. I listen to Fall Out Boy.” Heather said to my brother. Then she turned to them and with her warm and welcoming smile said, “It’s a real pleasure to meet you both. I hope you’re hungry. We figured you didn't get to eat on the plane, so we’re making you breakfast. And yes, vegan for you and Andy, Ash.” She said before Ash could ask.
“Nice to meet you too.” Andy replied.
“Very nice to meet you. And yes, I’m starving.” Pete answered her.
“Thank you both for thinking of that.” I said to the two of them.
“Anytime Sissy.” Could said, using my nickname. “But, it’s not ready just yet. Should be another 15-20 minutes. The cinnamon rolls are still in the oven. You should have time to get settled in and then come back down to eat. Might even have time for a shower if you want to grab one.”
“Would you mind if I went first?” Andy asked Pete.
“No, I’ll take one after we eat. But I’m ready to put my stuff down.” He said as he looked at me. I got the point and ushered all of us out of the kitchen and into the hallway.
Ash and Andy separated from us on the second floor and went to her room. Pete and I headed up one more flight of steps to mine.
My room is the biggest in the house. It’s the full top floor. It had been renovated a few years before we rented it. The owners turned the unused attic space into a master suite. I had a full en suite. Having a private bath was nice. But, I didn’t have a door. You just walked into my room from the stairs.
Pete noticed this and asked about it. “No door?”
“No. But no one ever comes up here without asking. Don’t worry, we’ll have all the privacy we want.”
When you first entered my space you were in the studio section. I used half of the space for my studio. I had my easel set up where the light from the windows was the best. My supplies took up a lot of space, but I had them organized so they were neat and tidy on the shelves that lined the walls. In that same area, but on the opposite side, I had my desk setup. My computer and files were set up there. I’m self employed so I have to have an office of some kind.
Where the bathroom and closet had been built was in the back left of the space along the longer wall. I used that as the dividing point between bedroom and studio. I extended the separation on the other side with the bookshelves, leaving a wide opening between the two spaces. Because this was an attic, the ceiling wasn’t as high as the rest of the home. It gave the room a cozy feeling.
“Come on, you can put your bags over here.” I said as we reached the top of the stairs.
We got a few steps into my room before he stopped us. “Wait, there’s something I want to do first.”
I turned to him, “What’s that?”
He smiled a very shy, but sexy smile at me. He reached out and cupped my cheek, running his thumb over my cheek bone. His eyes never left mine as he leaned in and said “This” right before he kissed me. It was one of the best kisses of my life. I knew that I wouldn’t be kissing anyone else for a very long time, if ever again.
“Oh, my. I’m glad you didn’t do that in the airport.” I said when he pulled back from the kiss. I know I was smiling like a fool.
“I wanted to kiss you as soon as I saw you. But not in public.” He replied, and then kissed me again.
A few minutes and a few kisses later, I finally showed Pete where he could put his bags and where the bathroom was so he could use it. I could hear the water running in the shower downstairs. Once we got Pete settled, we headed back down to the kitchen for some food. Ash and a freshly showered Andy joined us just a few minutes later.
Cloud had gone above and beyond with the breakfast he prepared. He had made fresh, from scratch cinnamon rolls, sausage links, both regular and vegan, eggs for Pete and I, and a tofu dish for Ash and Andy that smelled sweet and spicy, and looked tasty. He also had fresh fruit cut up and juice and coffee.
“Sissy, Pete, this is for you.” Cloud said as he put down plates in front of us. “Ash, Andy, this is for you.” He said as he dished up their breakfast.
“Thanks Little Brother.” I answered using my nickname for him.
“Oh my god, this smells amazing.” Andy said as he started to eat.
“Aren’t you and Heather going to join us?” I asked him.
“No. I’m taking your brother with me and we’re leaving you guys alone for the day. I’ll bring him back tomorrow. I’m sure you guys are going to want a quiet house and time to just rest.” Heather told us.
“You don’t have to do that.” I protested.
“We know, but we want to.” Cloud answered. “Okay, so, I’ve left dinners in the fridge for you as well. Directions on how to finish them are right here,” he said pointing to a piece of paper on the counter. “We’re gonna head out now. Enjoy the food guys. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Oh, and Pete, as long as you’re ok with it, we’re taking both dogs with us. If not, we’ll just take Roy.” Heather said and then called both dogs over.
“You don’t have to take him.” Pete answered.
“If he comes with us you’ll have a full day uninterrupted with Sissy.” Cloud said.
“Okay, he can go with you.” Pete said. Cloud, Heather, Roy, and Hemmy left after that.
“Sissy?” Pete asked after Heather and Cloud left.
I shrugged one shoulder. “That’s what he’s called me his whole life. It’s what our mom calls us. Sissy and Brother.” I answered.
“Until I actually met Sky, I thought Sissy was really her name. That’s just what he calls her.” Ash confirmed.
“I don’t mind it.”
“I think it’s kinda sweet.” Pete said.
“I do too. Most of his friends only call me Sissy because they’ve never heard me called anything else.”
We ate the delicious breakfast Cloud and Heather made for us. Going against my normal habits, I left all the dishes in the sink and took Pete back up to my room.
“Go take a shower.” I told him. “There are clean towels in the cabinet and help yourself to any of the toiletries. You should be able to find whatever you need.” I had already made sure that there was soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream and anything else I thought he would need, in there for him.
Pete went to shower and I started getting the room ready for us to sleep. I turned down the bed, turned off the lights and pulled all the curtains to make the room as dark as possible. I pulled off my jeans and sweater, stripping down to just my panties, then I pulled on a tank top. I ran a brush through my hair pulling it back and did a quick braid so it hung down my back. I climbed into my side of the bed and waited for Pete to finish his shower. He came out of the bathroom a little while later clean and dressed only in his boxer-briefs. He looked like he was about to fall asleep standing.
I patted his side and said “Come here. Let’s get some sleep.”
He smiled sleepily at me and crawled into the bed. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this tired.”
I turned off the lamp on the bedside table and rolled over to face him. I opened my arms to him and he moved into them, letting me wrap my arms around him and pull him close. He was on his side facing me so we were face to face. He leaned his forehead against mine and kissed me lightly. Then he nuzzled down into my neck. He wrapped his arms and one leg around me holding me as close and as tight as he could. I buried my face in his hair and smelled my shampoo on him. He smelled like roses.
“I would really like to take advantage of being in bed with you, but I don’t think I can.” he said as he yawned.
“We have all the time in the world for that. Just relax and rest now.” I moved one hand up and started to run my fingers through his hair. He closed his eyes, groaning softly as I rubbed the back of his neck and head. I felt him relax and melt into my arms as he fell asleep. It didn’t take long for me to fall asleep too.
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