Devil's Effect

LAS

Mike rounded the bed to his side and gingerly climbed on. He saw the little wrinkle between Chester's eyes as his subconscious registered the movement, but he didn't wake up. Without jostling Chester's leg he scooted in close, breathing in Chester's scent of the beach and peaches, feeling the familiar scent in his soul. That was all it took for him to put his arm around Chester's waist and nuzzle his face to the space between Chester's shoulder and his neck. Mike didn't even think twice.

"Mmmm," Chester mumbled at the feel of warmth against his bare skin. His mind was still caught between asleep and awake, but it registered that someone was close. Someone safe. Chester turned his head, leaving more open skin for the taking as he started to wake up. He could feel the weight of something across his waist.

The slight hum was all the encouragement Mike needed. He lifted his head and pressed his lips to Chester's neck, feeling his pulse under his lips. He placed a few more kisses along the line of his neck before he got to his ear and whispered, "Ches. Wake up. It's me."

Mike's voice resonated in Chester's mind, and his eyes opened a little. It was early, and the morning sunshine wasn't completely filling the room yet. He turned his head back towards Mike's direction, and a breath hitched in his throat. "Hey," he said, trying to piece together what was happening. "What, what are you doing here?" he asked, even as he let his nose gently scrape over Mike's jawline, and soft beard.

"I wanted to see you," Mike whispered, kissing the side of Chester's face. "I wanted to see if you were okay. I saw you last night. At Mel's." He pulled Chester a little closer to him. "I guess you didn't see me," he added, a note of disappointment evident in his tone. He probably didn't notice because he was having a good time. And he's about to wake up and push my ass on to the floor. This was stupid.

"Last night?" Chester repeated, as his mind really started to become aware. Thoughts of the night before zipped across his memory. "I didn't see you at Mel's," he protested lightly, before leaning back so he could see Mike's eyes. "Were you there? I was...out with someone," he added, dropping his voice.

"I know. Jay said you were with Petey Sly. I wasn't there too long while you were, I was getting dessert when you sat down. Or when he sat you down," Mike amended. "I was so jealous it hurt. And then Jay and I argued about it, and, I don't know. Ches, you're already dating? Did you sleep with that guy? His hair is awful!" Mike hissed, as though that were the worst crime he could think of.

It was a lot of information all at once, and Chester stayed quiet as he tried to figure it out. The mention of Jason's name brought a sinking feeling to his stomach, even as Mike seemed concerned. Upset. He was jealous. Why? And there was nothing to be jealous of. He was there with Jason. He's everywhere with Jason...is it just because it was Petey? "I'm sorry you guys argued," he said first. "And he wanted it to be a date, but I didn't. I didn't sleep with him." Chester shut his eyes. It stung that Mike would ask him something like that. "I don't really know him that well."

Mike spread his fingers open over Chester's stomach. "I know it's not my business, Ches, but I couldn't stop watching you. I wanted to go over there and tell him to go home, that you didn't like him, but, I know I can't do that anymore. I don't want you to be with someone like that. I, I don't know what I'm saying, Ches. I miss you so much, and seeing you with that guy, it sucked." He nuzzled his face back next to Chester's neck. "I just wanted to hold you. I lied and told Noah you texted me so he would let me in."

Chester covered Mike's hand that was on his stomach. "You shouldn't lie, Mike. To anyone." He curled his fingers around Mike's hand. "I miss you, too," he whispered, tilting his head to place a soft kiss under Mike's chin. He wasn't sure if this was going to be like the last time Mike had come over or not, but this already felt more intimate. Maybe it was his lack of clothes, or maybe it was because it was early in the morning, or maybe it was because Mike had come over just to see him. He wasn't relaying a message or saying goodbye or bringing over some forgotten item from the loft.