BONDED

Chapter 8

Michael slept early that night, though not as early as the night before. Sleep had hit him hard once he fell on Maurice's soft mattress. It wasn't the same as lying on a cloud but it was close enough.

Tory in the other room, had fought with Maurice over the TV remote shortly after Michael had gone to bed. He wanted to watch a sci-fi show while Maurice wanted to watch a romcom. In the end, Tory lost. He watched the show with Maurice for about 30 minutes before leaving her to go sleep.

Tory had already decided to spend the night at Maurice's as he headed for the bedroom. He got there to see Michael lying diagonally on the bed with his mouth opened.

Tory helped Michael under the blanket and placed his head on a pillow. He then got under the sheets and slept beside him.

Tory wondered what Michael was dreaming about as he stared at his profile. Was he dreaming about Dan? Tory wondered as he drifted off to sleep.

Maurice's on the other end, was still glued to the TV, long after Tory had left.

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Michael opened his eyes to Dan's face hovering over him. He had expected to only hear his voice, but there he sat, crossed legged on the cloud, looking at him.

"How long have I been here?" Michael asked as he attempted to sit up.

"For a while now." Dan replied with a smile. "I didn't want to wake you."

With both hands on Michael's shoulders, Dan stopped Michael's upward motion, gently pushing him down the cloud. "Go back to sleep."

"You need a break from me. it's been long overdue." He continued.

"But" Michael retorted.

Dan shook his head no, but lost his balance and found himself face to face with Michael, separated by barely an inch.

He looked down at Michael's lips, lips that he had wanted to kiss the last time they had been together, and back into his eyes.

Michael's eyes had a mixture of desire and passion. The Want To lingered in Michael's eyes which pulled Dan in. Their lips barely grazing. But before Michael could pucker his lips to receive him, Dan had awkwardly pulled away.

Oh so close. Michael thought as he smiled at Dan's awkward movements.

Dan caught Michael's eyes but quickly averted his eyes.
"Good night." was all Dan could say as he stared into the nothingness that surrounded them.

Adorable. Michael thought as he giggled. Yesterday had been a meter, today was an inch, who knows what tomorrow would be?
"Goodnight, Dan." Michael said, smiling ear to ear as he closed his eyes.

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Michael woke up early that Monday morning feeling very energized. It seemed sleeping in the dreamland was what he needed. Also the fact that Dan had nearly kissed him again, was another reason to be perky as he hopped out of Maurice's bed and went about doing his morning routine in his own apartment. Brushing his teeth, taking a bath, eating breakfast. You know that sort of thing.

Michael's week went more smoothly than most of his weeks. Dreading his job and its commute were not the main thing on his mind as he rejoiced in the fact that he got to see Dan every night. How it had happened? He had no idea but he was going to relish in the moment. Maybe Maurice was right and he should just let things play out.

Michael wanted to, but at the same time, he needed to know if he had any future with Dan or not. He needed to know who Dan was. Whether he was spirit that needed to move on into the afterlife or whether he was a real man who would eventually wake up from this nightmare and be together with him. Michael needed to know. Maybe he should listen to Tory too.