A Thousand Suns

Chapter Six- Jornada del Muerto

Mike was setting up the dinner table, wearing a bright smile on his face. Chester had agreed to letting him make up for what's been happening. This was Mike's chance. He had it all planned out.

First, he'd bring Chester into the dining room, where they'd eat something nice while talking about nothing in particular. Then he'd ask Chester to join them just one more time and give him the necklace. Whether Chester decides to join him and everyone else is up to him. Mike couldn't force this on Chaz. He knew that, but either way he's gonna get the necklace. He's been wanting to give it to him for a long time now.

If Chester says 'yes', they'll celebrate by letting him press the button on the bomb defyer when they go to destroy this place, destroying one more place where someone's hurt him. If Chester says 'no', they'll still bomb the place, but Mike will press the button. Either way, this place has got to go with everyone else.

I'm terrible. Mike smiled to himself, running his pointer finger along the edge of the heart shaped necklace. He put it in his pocket then went back to setting up the table. Dave and Rob were gonna bring the food out while Joe set up the cube and Brad performed music on an acoustic guitar. It was be a nice night... Hopefully. That's only in Chester says 'yes'.

"Brad, you got your guitar ready, right?" Mike asked the man who was sitting on a stool in the corner of the room.

"Just a few more strings. I don't know how good I'll be, by the way. It's been a while since I played."

Mike frowned from hearing this. He remembered when Brad was trying to be a professional guitarist. The curly haired man would practice for hours on hours. Then Mike started trying to get revenge for Chester and dragged Brad with him, then everyone else. Joe lost his job as a dj, and Rob and Dave had to leave the band they were in to help Mike. Gosh, Mike even had plans. Him and Chester were planning on being famous singers, with Mike also rapping... But it never happened, and it will never happen. Not with all that's gone on in their lives. "I'm sorry." Mike mumbled.

"Huh?" Brad asked, not catching what Mike had said the first time.

Mike didn't want to repeat himself so he just smiled and said, "Nothing, I'm just nervous about what'll happen tonight."

"It'll be fine. You have Chester wrapped around your finger, Mike." Brad smiled back, trying to make Mike feel better.

"Not good enough though." Mike said, putting the last finishing touches on the dining table. He walked out of the dining room, leaving Brad alone to finish tuning up his guitar.

Mike went into the living room where Chester was waiting with Rob. "I've come to get you, my lovely little Chester." Mike announced with a big smile on his face.

"You aren't gonna do anything stupid, are you?" Chester asked him seriously, the way Mike didn't think he was joking like they usually do.

"I won't. I promise." Mike lied, and Chester knew it too, but he was the one letting Mike make everything up to him. A little chance to redeem himself so their relationship doesn't suffer to the point of extension.

Mike looked at Rob and said, "You can go get the food put on the plates for us now. Dave's pouring the drinks."

Rob nodded then left for the kitchen.

"Do they just do what you tell them to?" Chester asked once Rob was out of their sight.

"Most of the time. There are times where they're put in charge, put it's usually me and Brad who give out directions." Mike explained. He looked over at Chester and saw that the older man looked upset. "Chazy, it's okay. I don't hurt them. They're still my friends at the end of the day, just like you're still my boyfriend no matter how many times we argue." Mike went to put his hands on Chester's shoulders, but Chester moved before he could make contact. Mike's face fell quickly from seeing that.