The next day, Pete caught himself thinking about Patrick as he went about his daily routine. He was in the middle of making his after workout smoothie when his phone rang. Reaching across the counter, he grabbed the phone and answered without looking at who it was.  

"Hello," Pete said before popping a piece of mango into his mouth. 

"Hey, Pete. It's Patrick." Pete went to gasp in surprise at Patrick's voice and felt the mango slip down his throat. He pulled the phone away from his face and started coughing to get the mango dislodged from his throat. After getting it out, he took a second to catch his breath before putting the phone back to his ear. 

"Hey Pat.." He pulled away to prevent coughing into the receiver. 

"Pat? Is that because you're coughing or a new nickname?" Patrick asked teasingly when Pete put the phone against his ear again. Pete cleared his throat quick.

"Sorry it was a cough. I wouldn't make that your nickname."

"What would your nickname be for me then?" Patrick asked curiously. Pete thought for a moment. 

"I'm not sure. Patty? But makes me think of the hand game Patty Cake, so probably Pattycake." Patrick chuckled through the phone and hummed in approval. 

"So, is eight alright for our date tonight?"

"Yeah that's fine," Pete answered. He surprised himself at how quickly he responded. He wasn't one to be so eager for dates. It only led to a meaningless night with someone in his bed. 

"Great. I'll pick you up later then." They said their goodbyes before hanging up. Pete watched in phone in confusion. What was it about this man that got him to agree so fast. He shifted uncomfortably, not liking how easily he let his guard for someone he just met. 

"You'll be fine." Pete looked up and saw Ryan leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. Pete had long gotten used to see Ryan's wings pressed against his body. What he didn't like were the white feathers he found lying around everywhere. Brendon's wings didn't let out nearly as many feathers.  

"What are you talking about?" Pete busied himself with his smoothie. 

"I know what you're doing." Ryan came over and sat at one of the stools at the island. "Why don't you give Patrick a chance? You might be surprised about what could happen."

"What could happen? I have another boy toy? Another person to waste my time on for a little while? Or do you think I'd have what you have?" Pete studied Ryan's face, knowing his intent for this conversation. "Newsflash, I don't want anyone. I like being alone."

"You and I both know what you think when Brendon and I are together."

"That's you two. You make it look so easy and I'm just.." Pete's tough demeanor dropped for a second. He shook away the thoughts. "It's not for me." His face once again going hard. 

"You can't be afraid to get hurt. Just give it a chance."

"Is that what happened with you and Brendon?" Ryan smiled as he thought of Brendon. 

"In a way, yeah." Pete looked around, surprised that Brendon wasn't glued to Ryan's side. 

"Where is the devil anyway?"

"Oh he's..." Ryan stopped, his smile disappearing instantly. He hesitated before carefully choosing his next words. "He's taking care of some business." Pete eyed Ryan as the man refused to make eye contacted. Before he could ask anything else, Brendon walked in. 

"Hey Petey boy." He went to Ryan and kissed his lips softly. "Hello beautiful." Ryan looked up at Brendon, desperation written all over his face. Pete watched Ryan's wings sink low when Brendon shook his head. He knew if he asked what was wrong, his question would be strategically dodged. He opted for something to brighten the mood.

"So what exactly should I wear to the date tonight?" Ryan's mood flipped like a switch. He jumped up and snatch Pete's hand, dragging him to the bedroom. He shifted through Pete's closet, throwing random things at Pete for him to try on. 

"Fancy or casual?" Pete's face made Ryan sigh and clarify. "Where's he taking you?' Pete thought for a second before shrugging. All he knew was the time. "Alright, so we'll just try.." He pulled out a shirt, tossing it at Pete. "Try that on."  

Pete sighed and began playing Ryan's dress up doll. Every now and then, Brendon shouted his opinion on how Pete looked from his spot on the bed. After countless outfits, Ryan had decided on grey skinny jeans, a black short sleeve button up shirt, and boots. Ryan took a step back and smiled as Brendon let out a whistle. Pete tried hiding a smile, not wanting to show he didn't completely hate this experience. 

"Are we done now?" Pete asked as he worked on the buttons of his shirt. 

"Turn," Ryan commanded. Pete rolled his eyes, but obeyed. "Yes, we are done." 

"You showered right?" Brendon asked as he pulled Ryan between his legs on the bed. Pete nodded and watched Ryan lean his head against Brendon's chest with arms wrapped around his waist. "You should keep the top unbuttoned." Pete needed three more to button up. 

"No, keep it buttoned." 

"But he looks sexier with it undone," Brendon suggested. "It'd be better completely unbuttoned, but I can compromise." Ryan slapped Brendon's leg. 

"We're not looking for sexy right now. We're looking for a second date." Pete visibly tensed. He knew what multiple dates could potentially lead to. "Pete, relax. It's nothing now, just going out with another person more than once. Nothing too serious." Pete nodded and released some tension in his shoulders. "Good. Now button them up."

Pete moved his hands to finish his shirt off. If he even thought he wanted a second date, he'd be sure to listen to Ryan. He'd always listen to Brendon, but Patrick was worth more than a one nightstand. A part of him freaked out over the way the man made him want to go against his norms.

"What do I do? Like for tonight." 

"Oh that's easy," Brendon chimed in. "Give him the good ol' Pete Wentz charm. You know sweet talk him, stick your tongue down his throat, smack his ass," he finished with a wide smile. 

"No! No," Ryan said sternly at Brendon. He pointed at Pete. "No tongue shoving and for the love of God, no ass smacking." Pete put his hands up in defense and chuckled. "This is a date, not a casual hookup." Brendon pouted. 

"Not even a little ass smacking?" Ryan shook his head. "But have you seen that man's ass?" Ryan shot him a glare. "I mean it's no where as nice as yours, but Pete's an ass man," he added innocently. Pete sat on the bed thinking of Patrick while Brendon tried sweet talking himself back onto Ryan's good side. 

"Come on baby, you know I only have eyes for you." Pete's mind flooded with Patrick. He wasn't trying to stop himself from realizing how attracted he was to Patrick. "Your ass is the only one I want to smack." Pete thoughts went to how Patrick looked in his pants. "It was just a suggestion."

"So no ass smacking like at all?" Ryan turned to Pete, eyes widen in surprise.

"No smacking." Pete pouted playfully. He saw Brendon mouthing from behind Ryan. 

"Smack his ass." Pete failed to hold back a laugh. Ryan smacked Brendon's head before leaning forward to smack Pete's head. 

"No smacking," Brendon teased. Both Pete and Brendon rubbed the side of their head where Ryan hit while they laughed. 

"And that wasn't very angel-like of you," Pete snickered. 

"Oh shut it," Ryan frowned at them. The sound of knocking at the front door shifted their attention to Pete's door. Pete turned to Ryan as his breathing quickened. "Relax. You'll be fine."

"And I suggest you open the door because there's no guaranteeing that Patrick will stay if we open it." Brendon nudged Pete. With a nod, Pete climbed off the bed and went to open the front door. 

Pete smiled when he saw Patrick standing in front of him. He was wearing black skinny jeans with a dark blue v-neck. He had on his fedora again and Pete was starting to adore how he looked with it on. Patrick took the time to check out Pete. 

"You look amazing." Pete looked down and kept a blush from growing. 

"Say it back," Pete had to stop himself from turning at Ryan's voice. He looked up again at Patrick.

"You look amazing too." Patrick gave him a heart stopping smile. 

"Thanks Pete. Shall we go?" With a nod, Pete closed his door and walked beside Patrick. He didn't know what to expect as they started down the sidewalk. Among the panicking nerves, Pete felt butterflies fluttering excitedly in his stomach. Maybe Ryan was right. He could give this a chance.