Devil's Effect

Surprise Invitations

Usually video game time with Ryan was full of hoots and hollers, big gestures and even the excited up and down from the couch as he and Chester would point at the television, cheers or swears or advice coming out of their mouths.

But this game was different. When they'd downloaded a copy of Little Nightmares, they'd been fascinated by the art design, and the storyline, but neither of them had expected for it to be creepy, almost scary. It was already dark outside, and they'd turned all the lights in the loft off, other than the one lamp by the bed in the corner, where their boyfriends were lying side by side, reading. "Don't go in there," Chester hissed, grabbing Ryan's arm as they sat on the couch. He pointed a shaky finger at the screen. "That fucked up looking guy is going to get you."

"I have to," Ryan whispered back as he maneuvered his on-screen character - a small child in a yellow raincoat - through the oversized rooms full of obstacles and demented looking villains. "There's no other way to go."

Chester clung a little closer to Ryan's arm as he watched. He'd never been creeped out by a video game before, but this one was doing the trick. "He's going to hear you," he whispered, like they were hiding from the freaky goon on the screen. "I can't watch." He hid his eyes against Ryan's bare arm, sucking in his warmth. He was ready to crawl on Ryan's lap if things got any weirder.

"You have to watch," Ryan laughed as he paused the game for a second to look over, trying to see Chester's hidden face. "If you don't watch, you can't pick up where I left off when it's your turn." He nuzzled his face to Chester's cheek as he cooed his name softly. He reached over, his hand going to Chester's thigh. He squeezed him through his black joggers before he returned his attention to the game. "I have the feeling I'm going to die soon."

"Because that creepy ass guy is going to hear you!" Chester turned his head, forcing himself to watch. Ryan was right. It would be his turn soon, and he needed to learn from the mistakes and successes made by his partner. He left his head on Ryan's shoulder, but feathered his fingers over his bare stomach. "I swear I'm not trying to tickle you."

"The hell you're not," Ryan laughed. "You're going to get us killed!"

Mike looked up. He was almost finished with his book, and his eyes were tired. He let it flop down on his uncovered stomach as he glanced over at the television on the wall, then at Ryan and Chester on the couch. They had been engrossed in the game since after dinner, and they didn't show any signs of stopping soon. He saw Chester's hand on Ryan's stomach, and the way Ryan was unaffected by Chester's touch as he navigated the game. "If you die, maybe we can all go to bed," he offered, rubbing his eyes.

Jason nudged Mike with his knee. "Leave them alone, they're having fun. And you hate playing, so at least you haven't been dragged into it this time."

"So true. Thank God for Ryan, so I don't have to embarrass myself trying to play. I have absolutely no skill when it comes to video games."

"You and me both." Jason had never liked video games, either, and he was at least able to recognize that Chaz being around to play with Ryan gave him more time to do other things he enjoyed. "Think of all the time we've gained to ourselves, just because they love those games so much."

Mike turned his head to look at Jason, his cheek resting against Jason's arm as he looked up and their eyes met. "We have gotten to read a lot," he murmured. He let his eyes linger on Jason's lips as they leaned into each other. Jason was clean smelling and warm, and Mike had to stop himself from snuggling in closer and seeking affection. He knew he should move or he'd be petting over Jason's arm in a minute and begging for kisses. Chester's medications and lack of sex drive was hard on them both.