Pass the Microphone

Overtime

I don't own Five Nights at Freddy's. Scott Cawthon does.

Summary: "Thank you so much for inspiring me to push myself to be a better person." - A one-shot series dedicated to Microphone (Phone Guy/Mike Schmidt).

One-shot Summary: Mike's been taking lots of extra hours lately; Phone Guy's starting to get worried about his health.

Pairings: Just Microphone (Phone Guy/Mike)

Warnings: swearing, allusions to male/male sex

Happy Valentine's Day, everybody!

…

That early morning, Phone Guy was awoken when he felt the weight beside him disappear. It took him a few moments of disoriented confusion before he collected his glasses from the bedside table. The blond slipped them on, then looked over his shoulder.

Mike stood beside the bed, pulling on his purple work shirt, his back to his lover. Phone Guy watched as he buttoned up the shirt, then collected his trousers from the floor and pulled them on, tucking his shirt in and buckling up his belt. Tricky to do with one hand, though Mike was making it work beautifully. Phone Guy blinked twice, then looked at the alarm clock on his bedside table. Half-past six. In the morning. What was Mike doing? His shift didn't start for another five hours or so. "Mike…?"

The brunet flinched and whipped around to him, tie in hand, "Hey, what're you doin' awake? It's early, baby, you should go back to sleep."

Phone Guy rubbed his eye tiredly, "I-I was gonna ask you the same thing…"

Mike motioned to his outfit, looking amused at his lover, "Ain't it obvious? I'm goin' to work."

"But…your shift doesn't start for hours…"

Mike gave a shrug as he went to put on his tie, "I know, but ya know how it is. Boss calls in an' tells ya to work some more hours, ya gotta do it, am I right?"

"Charlie told you to work more hours?"

"Mm-hm."

Well, that didn't seem right at all. Charlie hated Mike; was glad to see him go at the end of the day. It didn't quite make sense that Charlie would have him work even longer; prolong their goodbyes. Phone Guy frowned, appropriately confused, and Mike smiled, "I'm getting paid for it, no worries."

"That's not…A-Are you sure he said that?"

"Yup. Hey, don't worry about it, baby, I'll just be gone longer than usual."

"Hm…" Phone Guy's brow furrowed. Mike worked into the evenings usually; often came home around half-past eight. "So…when will you be home tonight?"

"Same time as usual."

Phone Guy blinked twice, jolting lightly in surprise. Wait, wait, wait. If Mike was just getting ready, that most likely meant he was taking the seven o'clock shift. And if he worked until eight… "M-Mike, that's thirteen hours! Y-You can't work thirteen hours!"

"Can't?" Mike scoffed out a chuckle, "Babe, I think we both know I can."

"N-No, I mean - you shouldn't! T-That's way too long! Tell Charlie you won't do it, he has no right to make you work so long!"

"Got every right, babe." Mike sat on the edge of the bed and picked his prosthetic up from the desk, sliding his stump into the metallic cylinder and doing up the ties with his teeth. "He's the boss."

"Well, y-yeah, but -"

"Besides, I don't mind. Just a few more hours than usual. No biggie." He tied up his tie, now easier with two hands, and stood up. He gestured to himself, turning back to Phone Guy, "Do I look okay?"

"I - you look fine, Mike, but I still don't think -"

"Ah, don't sweat it, Phones." Mike walked around the bed to get to his side, leaning down to kiss Phone Guy's lips gently, "I can handle it, no worries."

"B-But it's the weekend -"

"Don't worry." Mike repeated, kissing Phone Guy gently again, then hugged him with one arm. "Get some sleep, huh? It's a Saturday, should be sleeping in."

Phone Guy hesitated before holding Mike close, hands on the man's back, "So should you…"

Mike chuckled and stepped back, "I'll sleep when I'm dead." He said, much too casually, then went to go, "See you tonight, babe."

And, just like that, he was gone.

Phone Guy listened as Mike moved around downstairs, no doubt collecting his shoes and some coffee, then heard the front door open and close. The blond sat there in silence for a few minutes, brow furrowed worriedly. Charlie couldn't have asked Mike to work more hours. Couldn't have. He hated Mike, there was no chance he'd want to see him more than he already did. And paying him extra? This certainly was suspicious. Thirteen whole hours of working at Fazbear's, as a day guard, no less. The night guard position was incredibly dangerous, but the day guard position was no less stressful. Phone Guy knew that from experience. Surrounded by screaming children, having the smell of bad pizza flood your senses, every chance of some kid puking on the floor or breaking something. Not to mention Mike would be in the same room as his worst enemies for thirteen whole hours.

God. Phone Guy just wanted to run down there and get his boyfriend himself.

The blond sighed through his nose and laid down. Perhaps he could talk to Charlie later; set him straight. Tell him there was no way in hell he'd let Mike work a thirteen hour shift at Freddy's anymore. A nine hour shift was bad enough. For now, though, he needed sleep. Phone Guy put his glasses on the nightstand and closed his eyes, already missing Mike's presence in his home.

…

As a teacher, Phone Guy had to get up pretty early. The sun was still just on the verge of rising when Phone Guy's alarm clock went off and he practically jumped out of bed. Very much a morning person, Phone Guy didn't entirely mind. Would've liked a bit of a lie in, but he couldn't complain. That was what weekends were for.

When his alarm clock began beeping that Thursday morning, Phone Guy almost immediately reached over and slapped the button, switching it off. Sat up and stretched, put his glasses on, noticed the absence of snoring boyfriends -

Huh?

Phone Guy turned. Mike's place in bed was empty once again. The blond frowned and listened out for any noises in the house. Maybe Mike just went to the toilet. Quick potty break before going back to sleep. Seemed logical. Why else would he be awake at half-past five in the morning? Phone Guy listened for the sound of flushing; it didn't come.

Instead, he heard clinking cutlery coming from downstairs.

The blond's frown deepened and he shoved the covers off of himself, hopping out of bed and making his way out. Descended the stairs slowly, still keeping an ear out, then walked into the kitchen, only to find Mike buttering some toast that had just popped out of the toaster. Phone Guy stood there stupidly, staring at him, until Mike caught sight of him out of the corner of his eye. The man gave a little jolt, then smiled good-heartedly, one hand going to his chest, "Christ, baby, ya scared me." Phone Guy didn't reply. "Made you some coffee, an' I'm making extra toast, if you want any."

Phone Guy opened his mouth, closed it stupidly, then nodded, "…Thank you."

"Welcome." Mike laid his buttered slice of toast on top of the pile, then picked up his plate and made his way into the living room. Phone Guy watched him go, waited a moment, then followed. Mike set his plate on the table, sat at one of the chairs, then took a slice for himself and munched on it. The blond stared until Mike turned to look at him, "…What?"

"…W-What're you doing awake?"

"Hm?"

"It's twenty-to-six, Mike, y-you shouldn't -"

"Shit! Is that the time?" Mike jumped out of his chair, hurrying to grab his shoes. "Fuck, I'm gonna be late!"

"Late? Your shift doesn't start for another hour or so."

"Nah, I'm workin' six o'clock today."

Phone Guy's frown was back, "What?"

"Yup. Soon as the night guard's gone, I'm in." Mike pulled his shoes on quickly, toast hanging out of his mouth.

"I - Mike, no! That's way too early!"

"Don't sweat it, babe, I can handle it." He got up, ripping the toast from his mouth and planting a buttery kiss on Phone Guy's cheek, "Love you, bye!" He exclaimed, running out of the house.

Phone Guy stood there, at a loss of words, for minutes, idly wiping the butter from his cheek with one thumb. He couldn't believe this. A six am shift? That was even earlier than Saturday's shift! Charlie couldn't possibly be asking Mike to do all this. What was the purpose? Mike was a day guard, his job was to watch the kids. Why would he be going in so early? Help set up, Phone Guy supposed, but then…

Jesus, if the night guard hadn't made it that night, then Mike would see it. No, no, Phone Guy didn't want that. Not for his Mike. Mike couldn't see that. Phone Guy had seen it all before and God he was not letting his Mike be another accomplice in all this.

That did it. He was talking to Charlie as soon as possible.

…

And that he did.

Phone Guy stopped by Freddy Fazbear's Pizza in the late afternoon, after school was out and he'd finished his paperwork. He parked up just outside, wearing the frown of a man on a mission, and stepped out of his car. Due to the deal he and Charlie had made last year, he technically wasn't allowed on Fazbear's grounds, but he didn't care. Mike struggled with stress and emotional strain enough as it was, he wasn't having his impressionable boyfriend see the mangled corpse of another employee. Absolutely not. He wouldn't want anyone to see that, but especially not his Mike.

He entered the restaurant briskly, feeling a wave of nostalgia hit him. He hadn't been here in ages…Gosh, nothing had changed. Freddy and gang were all up on stage, as it should be. Kids were running around and screaming and chowing down on greasy pizza.

Phone Guy's eyes searched the crowd, looking for the man in question. Hank was mopping the floor near the backroom's door and Phone Guy considered going over, but he couldn't risk being seen by Mike. For some reason, it seemed crucial that he wasn't seen. Didn't want Mike to think he was interfering at all.

Come to think of it…where was Mike? Phone Guy couldn't see him in the crowd at all and Mike was supposed to be watching the kids. On break, perhaps?

"What the fuck do you think you're doing here?"

Phone Guy jolted and turned, only to see a very agitated Charlie standing behind him, hands on his hips and deadly scowl on his face. The blond swallowed thickly, trying to appear confident and pleased to see him, "Ah, Charlie! Uh - just the man I wanted to see!"

"Wish I could say the same thing." Charlie snarled, "We had a fucking deal, Cawthon! You're not to step foot in this restaurant ever again."

"Ah - right. I know that. B-But I just want a word."

"I got a word for ya," Charlie grabbed Phone Guy by the lapel of his trench coat, earning himself a yelp from the man, "Out!" He dragged him to the doors, pushing one open and throwing Phone Guy out. The blond went stumbling before ultimately tumbling to the pavement, landing painfully on his arse.

Phone Guy's brow creased as he looked up at Charlie, gasping when he realised Charlie was shutting the door on him. Unable to get up in time, Phone Guy settled for crawling to Charlie's leg and grabbing at him, "W-Wait, Charlie! Please! I-I just want a word!"

"And I gave you one. Now, fuck off. We agreed you'd stay out."

"I know! But it's urgent! Please, I promise I'll leave as soon as we're done!"

Charlie growled angrily, rolling his eyes to the heavens, "Fine. For fuck's sake, get up. You look like you're about to suck me off." Phone Guy frowned and scrambled to his feet, brushing himself off. "What do you want?"

"I-I want you to take Mike off the six o'clock shift."

Charlie raised a brow, leaning against the doorframe, "Why?"

"B-Because! He's so tired during the day, he's not getting enough sleep!"

"Not my problem."

"He's working fourteen hours, Charlie! T-That's cruel! P-Please, he's exhausted. He needs less hours. More time to rest. Relax." Plus, this is getting in the way of our sex life. Phone Guy blushed, embarrassed that that had even entered his mind.

Charlie didn't notice, "Don't care."

"Charlie, please. I know Mike acts tough sometimes, b-but he's -"

"Listen, Cawthon," Charlie snapped, "you wanna whine about that little bastard being tired? Take it up with the fucker himself - Schmidt's the one who asked for extra hours, I didn't fucking make him."

Phone Guy's face fell, the shock settling in. Mike had asked for such early hours? But…But why? He was always complaining about working at Freddy's! Why would he ask for more hours? This was so confusing; one mystery after another. Phone Guy just had no explanation for any of them. "W-Where is Mike? I didn't see him in there…"

Charlie shrugged, "Beats me. He said he had to go an' do something elsewhere. Better fucking hurry up." He checked his watch, "Been gone a while."

"W-Well…it's time for his break, he probably stopped to get lunch -"

"He ain't got any breaks."

Phone Guy's jaw dropped, feeling anger (actual anger) flare up inside of him. Mike was working without breaks?! No, no, no! He would not allow Charlie to do something so cruel! "No breaks?! Charlie, how could you?! T-That's slavery!"

"Before you go accusin' me, you asshole," Charlie snapped, "Schmidt requested no breaks if I pay him for the time."

"W-What…? B-But…why?"

"The more he works, the more he gets paid."

"But -"

"For fuck's sake, Cawthon, you want answers, you go to Schmidt. I dunno what that fucker's doing and I don't really care." Charlie stepped back inside the restaurant, "Don't you dare fucking come back, you son of a bitch. I haven't forgotten our deal and you shouldn't either." With that, he slammed the door in Phone Guy's face. With the amount of strength he used, it was a wonder both doors didn't shatter.

Phone Guy stood there, completely blank for a good minute or so, thinking things over thoroughly. Mike was asking for extra hours? Mike was asking for no breaks? This just…it didn't make sense. Why would Mike do such a thing? For what purpose would he need extra hours and no breaks for? Phone Guy bit his lip. This was really starting to worry him now. Mike couldn't handle that much work! He couldn't!

The blond gave a small whimper of helplessness, "…Mike…"

…

"Maybe he's cheating on ya."

Phone Guy jolted, looking wide-eyed to the friend on his left, and Jeremy leaned forward to scold him, "Fr-Fr-Fritz!"

"What?" Fritz shrugged, holding his own pint of beer in one hand, "It's possible. Spending all that time out, not telling you why - that's first class cheating right there."

Phone Guy's brow furrowed worriedly. Mike, cheating on him? H-He wouldn't! Not his Mike. Mike was loyal to him, had been since before they'd even met! He couldn't possibly be cheating on him!…Could he?

No, no, Phone Guy wouldn't think like that. Not his Mike. His Mike was the most loyal man he knew. The blond looked to Fritz, "N-No, he's just…He's not."

"O-O-Of course h-he's n-no-not." Jeremy agreed, nursing his glass of cider. "M-Mike wou-wou-wouldn't do that. N-Not to you." He frowned across at his friend again, "S-So, stop being a dick, Fritz."

"Hey, c'mon, I'm just thinking of every possibility here!" Fritz shrugged again, sipping at his beer before leaning on the bartop, "So, he's working a lot. So what?"

"S-So what?" Phone Guy repeated, looking frantic, "Fritz, he's exhausted! All the time! So sluggish, a-and he just doesn't do anything when he gets home!"

"You mean you don't get any action anymore." Fritz replied, deadpanned, and made a ring with the finger and thumb of one hand, poking the index finger of his other hand through.

Phone Guy blushed bright red, averting his eyes, and Jeremy frowned, "Fr-Fritz! Gross!"

"I-I mean," Phone Guy asserted himself, frowning now. Couldn't Fritz focus on the important things here? "H-He's running himself ragged a-and I won't stand for it anymore. T-This has been going on for weeks now!"

"Ha-Ha-Have you tr-tried a-asking him why?" Jeremy offered up.

Phone Guy deflated, "No…Well, I mean, I've tried, but…he's so tired, I don't want to bother him at all, a-and in the morning, he's rushing around." His shoulders drooped even more as he idly played with his glass of orange juice, "I-I feel like we haven't talked for ages…"

Jeremy's brow furrowed as he reached up and rubbed Phone Guy's shoulder comfortingly, while Fritz just muttered, "Yeah, he's cheating on you."

The redhead shot a glare at his friend, earning himself a casual shrug, while Phone Guy honestly started to consider this. Mike was being so passionate about working all these hours, yet he wasn't there when Phone Guy had gone to talk to Charlie. If he was so serious about it…why skip out on working even more? 'The more he works, the more he gets paid'. If it was the money Mike was so desperate for, then there's no way he'd just leave during a shift like that; not if he was being paid for his time so diligently. Unless…he had somewhere important to be. Like…somebody's house?

Phone Guy shook his head defiantly. No, no, no, not his Mike. Mike wouldn't do that; he was positive. After all they'd been through together, after how scared Mike had been about his feelings for the man, he wouldn't just throw that all away! He wouldn't! Phone Guy didn't believe it. His Mike simply wouldn't.

…But, then where had he been, if not somebody's house? Maybe they had a meeting place and he went there. A café, maybe. Or the park. Or a restaurant. Or -

No, no, no, no, no, no, stop it! Stop it right now! He's not cheating on you, he wouldn't! He's not off with someone else! Definitely not someone worthy of his time, not someone better than you, not someone his own age -

Oh, ouch. That one hurt.

Panic filled Phone Guy's chest. Oh, fuck, what if that was it? He was off with someone his own age; younger than Phone Guy. This whole age difference between he and Mike had always been a problem, in his mind, so…fuck, this thought wasn't leaving him.

"W-Well, anyway," Jeremy spoke up, "V-Valentine's Day is c-co-coming up, so…y-you can just sp-spe-spend the day together. G-Get back on track, y'know?" Phone Guy didn't reply, grip on his glass tightening. "M-Mr. Caw-Cawthon?"

Phone Guy's head snapped his way, eyes wide, then he cleared his throat and let go of his glass, "I-I…I-I'm not feeling very well…" He turned and stood up from his barstool, hands immediately seeking refuge in his pockets, "Uh - g-goodnight, you two."

Fritz and Jeremy watched him leave the pub, then the redhead turned to Fritz, "N-Nice go-going, Fritz!"

"What?! I said it was a possibility!" Fritz exclaimed. There was a moment, then he scooted over onto Phone Guy's seat and grinned at the younger man, "Now, about Valentine's Day…"

"Fuck off."

…

Not my Mike…Not my Mike…H-He wouldn't…He just wouldn't…

Phone Guy drove home in silence, hands clutching the steering wheel tightly, eyes never leaving the road, though not quite focusing on it. Fritz's words had gotten to him, attached themselves to his brain, and Phone Guy suddenly felt so scared. Never been so terrified.

What if…What if Mike was cheating on him? God, Phone Guy wouldn't know how to handle that! The only reason he'd been able to handle his divorce with Diane was because he'd already fallen out of love with her (not that she knew that) and even that had been painful. To be betrayed in such a way by someone he was in love with…God, that would hurt. So bad. Would he yell at Mike? Cry? He was getting choked up at the mere thought of it, so he had no doubt in his mind he'd shed a few tears if it turned out his boyfriend was cheating on him.

Scratch that, he'd sob.

Phone Guy pulled up outside of his house, barely managing to let go of the wheel; his fingers so firmly locked. The blond climbed out of his vehicle, mind blank as he shut the door and locked it, making his way up to the house. The light in the living room was on, visible via the window, and Phone Guy swallowed the lump in his throat.

Mike was sleeping on the couch when Phone Guy got inside. The blond stood there, staring at his sleeping form for a few moments, completely numb. Mike looked so peaceful, lounging on the couch like that. He hadn't even taken off his shoes.

Phone Guy sighed through his nose and did that for him, setting them down beside the couch. He stayed there, crouched on the floor, as Mike snored away, a small stain of drool forming under his cheek. Phone Guy whimpered worriedly, "…Michael…"

…

When Phone Guy woke up the next Monday, he was surprised, shocked and ultimately relieved - because Mike was sleeping next to him. He almost cried. Phone Guy's face could've split in half, simply due to that smile, and he couldn't quite contain his excitement as he leaned over and practically laid down on top of Mike. Mike groaned as he was awakened, tilting his head to see Phone Guy leaning against him, and he frowned, "Ph'n's…t' hell…?"

"S-Sorry…" Phone Guy chuckled good-naturedly, "Uh - a-aren't you going to get up? For work?" For a moment, Phone Guy worried he might've jeopardized himself. What if Mike accidentally slept in? What if he was about to rush out of bed? Oh, Phone Guy hoped not.

Fortunately for him, Mike shook his head tiredly, "N' w'kin' day shif' t'day…Ch'lie said so…"

Oh, Phone Guy could've just exploded with joy then and there! So, Charlie had listened! Mike wasn't going to work anymore horrible shifts, no more fourteen hours with no breaks! Oh, thank God! His Mike would be at home all day; they could spend time together!

…Oh. Hang on.

Phone Guy reached across Mike to get to the phone on the man's nightstand, quickly punching in a number he knew by heart. It took a moment or so before he was coughing and wheezing, "Uh - hello, hello. Um - t-this is - ack - Dr. Cawthon. I - ack - c-can't come into work today - gosh, I-I just feel terrible…Mm-hm…I will. Th-Thank you. H-Have a - ack - n-nice day." He put the phone down, immediately latching onto Mike and snuggling him, burying his smiling face in the back of his hair.

There was a moment before Mike chuckled, "…Liar…"

…

Phone Guy just couldn't wipe that smile off of his face for the entire day. He and Mike were inseparable for every second the two were at home. Phone Guy put off doing any paperwork he may have had, assuring Mike he'd do it tomorrow, and Mike found just enough energy to get out of bed and onto the couch with Phone Guy. The brunet still lounged around, but Phone Guy understood fine and well why. It was Mike's first chance to lay down and rest in ages; he was exhausted. All those missing hours of sleep. Still, he did his best to spend time with his boyfriend; Phone Guy appreciated that.

However, all good things came to an end, and Phone Guy's 'perfect' day wasn't so perfect after all.

Concern crept up on him when Mike disappeared upstairs during one of the movies they were watching. Mike seemed to be really enjoying it; he didn't think Schmidt would want to miss any. Phone Guy was about to call for him when Mike came back downstairs, wearing his purple and black uniform. Phone Guy's heart dropped. It was far too late; Freddy's would've closed by now. So…then that meant… "Mike, no."

Mike turned and looked at him blankly, "Hm?"

"Mike, I said no. Y-You can't!" Phone Guy scrambled to his feet, bowl of popcorn flying off and creating a mighty mess on the floor.

Mike fixed a black cap onto his head as Phone Guy spoke; a security guard cap. One that wasn't part of a day guard's uniform. "Woah, easy there, babe. You're makin' a mess. Heh, an' you always say I'm messy…"

"Mike, stop. I-I can't let you do this!" Phone Guy rushed over, immediately encasing Mike in his arms. "I-I'll call in for you! I'll tell Charlie no, don't worry!"

"Woah, woah, baby, what's gotten into ya?!"

"You're not working the night shift, Mike! Not again!"

Mike tensed up in Phone Guy's arms, realising he couldn't play dumb anymore. The brunet sighed, hands going to Phone Guy's back as he returned his hug, "…I've got to, baby. I told Charlie I would an' I need the cash."

No, no, don't tell him Mike had requested the night shift! "W-Whatever it is you need to buy, I-I'll buy it for you!"

"No way, Phones! You ain't wastin' your money on me."

"S-So, you expect me to sit back and let you work the night shift instead?!" Phone Guy snapped, pushing Mike back by the shoulders to scowl at him. His outburst shocked the both of them; the look on Mike's face made Phone Guy's scowl drop. He stared at him, teary-eyed, "Please. Please, don't, Mike. I-I can't…Please."

"Hey, hey…" Mike cupped Phone Guy's face in one hand, "Don't you worry, babe, don't you worry. I've done all this before. When they were all set to twenty, even! I handled that just fine."

"Y-You ran out of power…"

"Well, I won't tonight." Mike leaned up and kissed Phone Guy softly, "I promise, Phones, I'll come home. Once my shift is over." He gave him a tender smile, "Besides, it's only Monday! They're alright on a Monday!"

Phone Guy sniffled and hugged Mike tightly, unwilling to let him go. Mike, however, managed to wriggle out of his grasp.

Phone Guy didn't sleep at all that night.

…

Mike worked the night shift all five nights of that week, then he was back on day shift for the weekend. Which meant two hours of sleep between his last night shift and his first day shift. By now, Phone Guy was scared. Not just as the prospect of Mike cheating on him, but for Mike's health altogether. Drinking that much coffee couldn't be good for one person. Sure, Phone Guy lived on the stuff, but that didn't mean it was healthy.

That Monday - Valentine's Day - Phone Guy was once again left alone in the house after work, sitting in his armchair with Mike's present in his lap. He'd almost forgotten to get him anything, he was ashamed to admit, what with all this business over shifts and maybe cheating. He only hoped it was suitable; a fine way of showing Mike his affections. To be honest, Phone Guy wasn't crazy about Valentine's Day. Not since his divorce with Diane; he'd spent many Valentine's Days alone after that. The holiday just didn't feel so special to him anymore, but now he had Mike. He could at least make the effort of enjoying a holiday where he and Mike could celebrate their love for each other.

The blond jolted in his chair when he heard the front door open. Green eyes flew to the clock; it was half-past four. He frowned confusedly, eyes going to the doorway. That couldn't be…But who else had a key? "Mike?" He called out.

"Yeah, it's me, Phones." Mike's voice came from outside the room. Phone Guy blinked twice, sitting up as Mike entered the room, a bag clutched in his one, real hand. "Hey, baby."

"M-Mike…what're you doing here…?"

"Well, Jesus, Phones," Mike grinned, "can't I come home now?"

"W-Well…yeah, but…" He looked down at the present in his lap, hurriedly setting it down by his leg in an attempt to hide it. "Y-Your shift doesn't end yet…"

"I know. Charlie let me go early."

"H-He did…?"

"Well. No. But I went anyway, so fuck 'im." Mike approached Phone Guy. The blond took special notice of the bags under his eyes, wincing slightly, even as Mike continued to grin. "Here ya go, baby." He held out the bag.

Phone Guy looked at the bag, brow furrowing in confusion, "W-What…?"

"You remember what day it is, don't ya?"

"…Valentine's Day."

"Yeah." He gave the bag a little shake, "So, here ya go. From me to you. Sorry I didn't wrap it, I just didn't have time. Too excited. Jus' gotta see your face when ya see what I got ya!"

Phone Guy took the bag from him gently, cautiously bringing it in close. He gave a careful peek inside, then opened the bag and reached in, taking out the gift Mike had bought him. It was a book; the fifth volume in a set of detective novels Phone Guy had gotten addicted to recently. Clean, not battered at all; in perfect condition. Green eyes took in every detail, savouring the feel of the book in his hands, and he breathed, "…M-Mike, I…thank you…"

"Hey, c'mon, you ain't seen the best part! Open it up, babe! First page!"

Phone Guy did so; his breath was firmly stolen. Within, there on the page, a signature. The man's mouth opened and closed like a fish's as Mike chuckled, "Yup! Your awesome boyfriend got you a signed book from your favourite author! First edition, too!"

Phone Guy was flabbergasted; his words gone. First edition…? Signed…? God, how had Mike even…? "F-First…? O-Oh, gosh…M-Mike, I…"

"You can say it!" Mike said smugly, hands on his hips, "I'm awesome."

"I…I-I can't accept this…"

Mike's grin dropped, as did his hands, "What? Why not?"

"I-It must've cost…s-so much…"

"Well, sure it did, why'd ya think I took all those extra hours?"

And the penny dropped. Phone Guy's heart stopped.

Mike had taken on those hours…for him. To pay for a first edition, signed book for Phone Guy. He'd exhausted himself, practically made himself ill, reduced himself to a lounging ball of drooling laziness…for him. Phone Guy slapped a hand to his mouth, tears flooding his eyes. He couldn't believe it. He'd actually began thinking Mike was cheating on him, actually began to panic over such a thing, and it wasn't anything like that. He felt a strange mixture of shame, flattery and general emotion of one who had just received the best gift he could've gotten.

"Phones? Don't you like it?" Phone Guy lifted his head to look at Mike with watery green eyes. The brunet immediately went to him, "Oh, baby, don't do that…Gosh, I'll take it back…"

Phone Guy shook his head, "N-No, it's perfect, I…oh, Mike, thank you. I-I can't…Oh, God…" He sniffled, wiping at one eye, before turning to Mike and hugging him the best he could while sitting down. Mike returned his embrace, smiling widely, until Phone Guy muttered, "M-Mike, I…I'm so sorry…"

"Sorry?" Mike broke the hug, leaning back to look at him, "What for?"

"I…I thought…N-No, I didn't think, but Fritz said you might be…"

"Might be what?"

"…Ch-Cheating on me…"

Mike's face went blank, eyes widening as he stared at him, completely shocked at the notion. There were a few, painful moments, in which Phone Guy worried Mike would yell at him, then Mike muttered, "Cheating…? Babe…you don't seriously think I would…"

"N-No! I don't! I-I told Fritz it was ridiculous! I-I just…I went to Freddy's the other week a-and you weren't there and Charlie didn't know where you were a-and I - I panicked and -"

"Hey, easy there," Mike stroked his hand gently, "Y'know where I was? Checkin' if that book was still in the store. The guy said he'd sell it off if I didn't collect it soon, so I just wanted to make sure it was still there for me."

"O-Oh, God, Mike, I'm so sorry…"

"Hey, c'mon, don't be silly. I'd be pretty suspicious of me too." He cracked a grin, lifting Phone Guy's hand to his lips to kiss the knuckles. Phone Guy sniffled and managed to smile at him, making Mike grin, "Now, where's my present? C'mon, don't think I didn't see it before…!"

Phone Guy blushed in embarrassment and reached over to pick it up, holding it out on his palm, "I-It's not anything special…"

"Hey, anything's special when it's from you, baby." Mike took it from him, ripping the wrapping paper away with a few quick swipes of his prosthetic hand. A medium-sized black box. "Oh, babes, you ain't proposin', are ya?" He teased.

"I - T-That's not even legal…"

"Pfft. I've done illegal stuff before." Mike pushed his prosthetic fingers under the lid, managing to flip it up carefully. His grin dropped, if only in surprise, as a brand new, gold watch sat on the small cushion inside the box. It shined brilliantly in the light, ticking away softly at the correct time. Mike blinked slowly, "Jesus…"

"I-Is it okay? I…Y-You said a while ago that you need a new watch, so…"

"Phones, it's…it's just perfect. Thank you so much…" He leaned over and pressed a firm kiss to Phone Guy's lips, one that the blond man returned sweetly. The men stayed locked in their kiss before Mike broke it as he pulled back, attention going back to his watch. Carefully, he lifted it out and, with a bit of assistance from his boyfriend, locked it around his right wrist.

"Oh," Phone Guy smiled, "v-very smart." He lifted Mike's right hand and entwined their fingers, stroking his thumb along Mike's hand gently, "M-Mike, I…no more extra shifts, okay? Not even for me. A-And no more night shifts! Not ever! D-Do you understand me, Mike? I-I don't want you t-to work that shift ever, ever again!"

Mike smiled good-naturedly, "Got it, Phones. I promise I won't, okay? I just…really wanted to get ya somethin' special. Saw that book in the shop and just had to get it for ya, but…I promise I won't pull a stunt like this again, okay?"

Phone Guy nodded and leaned over the chair's arm to bury his face in Mike's shoulder, holding his hand tightly, "I…I was really scared when you worked the night shift again…"

"Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

"I-It's alright…D-Don't worry about it…"

They stayed like that until Mike let out a loud yawn, which prompted Phone Guy to stand up. "C'mon," he started leading Mike to the doorway.

"Where we goin'?" Mike asked tiredly.

"Bed."

"Oh, babe, not today, I ain't got the energy…"

"N-Not that…!" Phone Guy blushed. God, did everyone think about that, first thing? Well, Phone Guy couldn't ask that. Such a hypocrite. "You're exhausted and you're going to sleep. I-I've been deprived of cuddles, Mike, a-and that simply won't do." Phone Guy joked, "B-Besides, I've got my book to read now."

"Heh. So long as ya don't start ignoring me to read it, like ya did with the others."

Oh, that was a problem. Phone Guy just got so addicted to reading sometimes, y'know? His house could light on fire and he wouldn't know it. "Heh. I'll try not to, promise."

For the rest of the day, Phone Guy was sitting up in bed, book open and eyes scanning the words quickly and thoroughly. Occasionally, he would stop to look down at the man tucked under his arm, head on his belly, snuggled up close at his side. Mike snored quietly, finally getting the good rest he'd been needing, and Phone Guy smiled tenderly down at him and kissed his head, fingers gently running through his brown hair.

Best Valentine's Day ever.