Devil's Effect

Avoiding Reality Part 1

The loft bedroom wasn't quite lit up with the full strength of the morning sun yet when Chester's eyes eased open. He saw the shadows of the furniture and the open doorway to the stairs before he shut it all out. He was warm, and he pressed himself back against the body behind him. It was a subconscious act, one he didn't fully realize he'd even done until his eyes popped back open. That's right. I'm in our room. Our old room. I wonder what time it is. He lifted his head to look at the nightstand before remembering there was no clock. Oh well. It can't be too late, it's not bright enough in here yet.

The decision to not get up was quick. He moved only slightly, pulling one of Mike's legs a little closer with his good foot, and snuggling deeper into his pillow with a yawn. He'd been sleeping alone for weeks, and waking up with the person he loved most in the world curled up to his back was his idea of the best way to greet the day. It's Monday. No work for me...he has to go though. We really need a clock in here. It was a drowsy thought as he laid still, waiting for sleep to come back for him.

Even in his sleep, Mike felt his leg being pulled and Chester's back against him. His entire being knew it was Chester whose body he was wrapped around. He'd slept all night through without really moving, and despite not wanting to wake up, he already felt more rested than he had in days. Mike pulled Chester against him a little tighter and brushed his lips over his lover's neck without even opening his eyes. "Morning," he whispered, trying to gauge what time it was by how light the room was. It seemed early, which was good. He had to take Chester all the way back to Amir's before he went to work at nine.

The sound of Mike's voice brought a smile to Chester's lips. "Morning," he answered back. "Did I wake you up? I was trying not to be too greedy with you, but your leg wasn't close enough." He twisted his head around, trying to see behind him.

"It's fine," Mike mumbled. "I don't want to sleep until it's time to go. We need to shower and I have to take you home. I wanted to have some time with you, too. It's going to be a long day until I can see you again." He kissed Chester's cheek but couldn't quite reach his lips the way they were arranged.

Chester reached his arm behind him, petting over Mike's bare skin - his chest, stomach, hip, a stray nipple - anything he could touch. "What do you feel like doing tonight? I can't go to work, so I'll be a sloth all day." He scrunched his face up for a second at the thought. He hated having nothing to do.

"I feel like staying in bed with you all day, but I have to go teach eight kids. It's a full day." Mike sighed. "They're fun, but not as fun as you." He rubbed his hand along Chester's side. "Tonight. Hmmm. I don't know, Ches. But you've got all day to figure it out." He meant for his words to sound teasing, but they just came out all sleepy and mumbly instead.

"You're leaving me in charge of the schedule?" Chester asked before he pulled away a little to roll onto his back. Mike's hand slid with him, and it was resting on his stomach as he looked his lover in the eyes. "That could be dangerous. I'll try not to come up with anything too wild. You poor thing, everytime I see you, you look exhausted." He reached over and trailed a finger down Mike's cheek.

Mike let his eyes drift shut again. "I haven't been sleeping well," he admitted. "Last night was the best night's sleep I've had in weeks. I'm pretty sure that's because of you." He spread his fingers over Chester's warm belly and stroked his skin softly, thinking. I hate not knowing where we stand. If I can just kiss him or not. I want to be able to kiss him if I want to, but that's what boyfriends do. I'm not allowed to just do what I want anymore. He makes me feel so good.

"I haven't been sleeping the best either," Chester said, his eyes closed as he enjoyed Mike's touch. "That feels good." Without looking, he returned the affection, his fingers drifting over pieces of Mike's belly that was right next to him. "I guess we miss each other, even in our sleep."