You Don't Even Know Me... (Bennoda)

Chapter Nine

Chester's POV

I savored the kiss for a few more seconds before gently pulling away. I wondered if he was feeling what I was, or if I was just out of my mind.

Not really sure what to do with myself, I just gave a small smile.

"That was...interesting," Mike said with relaxed eyes.

I was so focused on what I was feeling, I hadn't even considered Mike's sexuality. "H-have you ever done that before?"

He paused. "Sure. With girls."

I was worried. "So...you've never..?"

Mike laughed. "If you're asking, no, I've never kissed a guy before. But don't worry...it was nice." He replied kindly.

I sighed with relief and joined him in a laugh.

"So...how do you feel?" I asked.

"I feel good. I really meant what I said, Chaz. I really care about you, I'm really glad we met."

I tried to hide an embarrassed smile behind my hand.

"Me too, Mike."

I picked up the paper with the untitled demo. "So...what do we work on next?"

Mike sat back in his chair then picked up his cell phone. "Actually, I had a different thing in mind."

"Like what?"

"Well, you gotta meet the guys, man!

"Oh..." I started to feel anxious. "..okay, I guess."

Mike put his hand on my shoulder and gave a welcoming smile. "Chaz...don't be nervous. They won't bite; besides, I'll be right here."

I reciprocated his smile and watched as he got up to call the guys over.

~

General POV

The boys had decided to come over to Dave's house for school break. Brad and Joe had already graduated and decided to drop in, and Rob wanted to show off his "slick" new Corvette.

Dave and Brad sat on the floor playing Mortal Kombat on a television. Joe was sitting on the couch while Rob sat on the arm.

"I'm so gonna kick your ass, Brad you should just stop playing right now."

"Oh, yeah, " Brad smirks. "and why is that?"

"Well, it would save you the wasted time," Rob chimed in.

"...and don't forget the utter humiliation," Joe added.

"The 'utter humiliation'..." Dave said and stifled a laugh.

Brad half-jokingly stuck up his middle finger.

"You should bet on the winner," Joe suggested.

"Why do that," Rob laughed. "we know who's gonna win."

"Yeah, I guess you could just give me the money now. No one defeats the mighty Phoenix!!" Dave says over-dramatically.

Everyone when silent for a moment and concentrated on the screen, and after a few seconds, the battle ended and revealed Brad's player as the winner.

"FUUUCK!" Dave laughed hysterically and threw his arms up in the air.

Brad chuckled. "And you guys said I always lose."

"You got lucky," Rob laughed.

Joe pretended to look innocent. "I never said that, I knew you could do it, dude."

"Oh yeah, right!" Dave busted out laughing.

They all starting laughing and Rob pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his back pocket.

He lit one and took a puff. The group collectively groaned.

"Aw, come on, man..." Dave waved a hand in front of his face.

"Look, I'm just on edge, guys." Rob sneered.

"Yeah, but you smoke like, nearly a pack a day," Joe said.

"That's not true," he replied dismissively.

"No, he's right man, I've seen you smoke," Brad added.

Rob scoffed as if he wasn't paying them any attention and Dave's cell phone buzzed.

(1) New Text: Mike

"Oh, check this out, you guys," he shows everyone his phone to read a text that reads:

"guys come down to the studio, I've got someone you need to meet"

"Well, it looks like we're going down to the studio," Rob says as he blows a puff a smoke.

"Dude," Brad jokes, "if you blow that smoke in my face one more time, I'll cut those fingers off."

"Screw you," he laughs.

The guys turn off the television and grab their things, agreeing to carpool with Dave.

~~~~~