Catalyst

Chapter 1 pt. 5

Enervate. To deprive of force or strength. To destroy the vigor... Weaken. This is how Michael felt as he lay upon his bed, lost in his own perpetual thought process. Being a victim of his own mental faculties. This is a normal occurrence and besides, he has a lot to ponder. I wonder if they miss me...

Lately, he found himself thinking about his parents often. It's been a few years since the dispute. Years since he had heard anything from them. Spoken to his little brother. Maybe he could make the first move and make contact, but he was too ashamed. Not because he felt wrong for being who he was. It was due to the feeling of being powerless. Powerless to make them see the value of his choices. Some would think that maybe he would be better off living without them. How can someone think that? Deep down he knew he could never do that. Michael's love is the pure definition of boundless and regardless of what he had said that night. In spite of what they had said that day. He could not stop his admiration for his family.

If only I had power. For Michael, the lack of authority he had over his own life seems to be the issue to most of his problems. Every choice he made had to be in the favor of those above him in status otherwise he would always bear the consequences of being the less common denominator. Plus... Often those decisions, of the higher forces, were hardly in his favor. If he had merits that were above those who believe that they could choose his path then he could impose his own ideals as he sees fit. I'll do better than what others have done to me. Just gotta keep moving forward.

Facing the clock, he noticed it was a little past noon. Good thing I don't have class today.

The scuffling around in the next room begins to slow as his lucidness increases. New roommate. He had nearly forgotten that one was supposed to be moving in. Although he was aware about a transfer student coming in to replace his old roommate, he was unsure on what day they would be arriving. God, I need a drink.

With great reluctance he raised himself from the silk sheets that entwined him and proceeded to the closet to find a shirt to wear so he could go out and meet the newbie. Unfortunately he could not seem to find a clean one. Gotta do laundry soon. Grabbing a standard black tank top he made his way to the bathroom to make sure he looked presentable.

His blonde hair is a bit tousled, but it did not look too mediocre. Baby face is free from blemishes. Freshly shaved. His body is still lean... Still fit,,, Although he went through the same checklist daily, in his mind he knew he was excessive when it came to his looks. No matter how often he worked out or received compliments, he would always see an area he needed to improve. Most would probably say he was hot... I'm not there yet. No, he had to push harder cause where he stood now is not his limit. If it was...

Placing a fake smile on he took his gaze from the taunting mirror so he could finally go greet his guest in the main room. Only to find the guy standing in front of his door preparing to knock.

Wearing an obviously oversized faux fur overcoat with white pants the cocoa skin guy before him gave off an aura of pure innocence. Maybe that calming effect is because of how his almond eyes darted from left to right as he tried to avert his line of sight, almost as if he was timid. Although Michael wouldn't place him in his hot or sexy categories, he would definitely pass in the cute department.

"Hi, uhm... I'm moving in, across the way, and wanted to give you this." It was here that he noticed that the man was holding a black box containing a bottle of tequila. Hands shaking, he held up the box for Michael to take. He wasn't expecting such a nice gesture from his new roommate nor did he expect to receive a gift that he much needed right now.

"What's your name?"

"Rue..." He responded.

"Do you drink?" He asked, holding up the bottle.

Rue looked at the bottle as if contemplating his next move. Almost as if conflicted by what he should do in that moment, but when his gaze landed on Michael's... He gave a small grin.

"Sure."

"Perfect." Michael immediately grabbed two shot glasses from the kitchen while Rue sat on the sofa, placing a laptop back into his bag.

"Do you prefer mix or..."

"Straight please. No chaser needed." Well damn.

"Crazy. I personally am going to need a sprite." And he is probably going to need some water at least. After grabbing everything he needed he made his way to sit next to his new roommate.

"Here, got you this just in case," he said, handing Rue a bottle of water.

"Thanks."

"Since we are here, you should know a few things about me," Michael stated, pouring them both a shot. To Michael, it is only fair that he at least warn him about his sexual orientation before it becomes an issue later. Especially since he was nowhere near being located in the closet.

"You make porn?" I beg your pardon? Nearly choking on his shot he gave Rue a look of complete astonishment.

"Wrong? I see." Rue said, pouring Michael a fresh one. "You're a drug dealer?"

Okay he has to be fucking with me.

"Why would you assume either of those things?"

"You're making it seem like a big deal," he started, taking his first shot. "So, if I had to guess then I'd say you're some magical creature who's trying to hide his secret identity so the government can't find ya."

Michael shook his head in disbelief and amusement. "If I was, then why would I disclose such information."

"Cause you're clever. The truth is often the hardest to accept. You're hoping I'll just think you're crazy."

It did not take long, but the tiniest speck of nervousness he had completely absolved. He may be shy, but Rue knew how to take control of the atmosphere. Taking a closer look, Michael noticed he has not stopped smiling since their first encounter. Almost like the expression was a natural default setting.

"I'm nothing so glamorous as that."

"Then what?"

"I'm gay." 

 Rue just stared for a moment. "And..."

"That's it."

Now he had a look of confusion. "I don't get why that would be important."

"I may have guests over and I may get into certain activities. I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable." And if you don't like it then you can find another roommate. It would not be the first time he lost one due to this so he was kinda prepared to lose another one. Not like I didn't mind my own room.

"It's not my business..."

"What?" Michaels is completely clueless on what his next words would be, but what he did not expect...

"It's not my business who you decide to engage with. You should respect yourself a bit more."

"I was just giving you a heads up."

"Thanks for that, but still don't feel obligated to announce that. You are not responsible for the ignorance of others. Life is for living. Not appealing."

Michael did not know what to think about the person sitting next to him. Although he appeared timid, he spoke freely and with confidence. "Maybe so... How about yourself?"

"I respect myself," Rue grinned as he took another shot.

"My guess is not straight." If he was then he would have boldly stated it.

"Who knows. Guess we gotta wait and see." 

 Or

"How about a drinking game?"

"You'll lose,"

Really now? Guess we will see. "Mind if I invite a few people?"