Devil's Effect

The First Proposal

Chester moved around the efficiency kitchen, humming softly. He was finally free from his crutches, and even though he was still saddled with an updated walking boot, it wasn't that bad. He'd already been wearing it for two weeks, and had figured out quickly that he could do just about anything. He only had one more week and then he'd be out of it for good. Thoughts of all his skinny jeans that he hadn't been able to wear over the last month popped into his head. There were so many outfits that had been neglected thanks to his injury. But it's almost over. The moment this thing is off for good, I'm throwing Sexy Boy onto the bed, and climbing on top. And then I'm putting on my favorite jeans.

The thought made him grin as he opened the oven to check on the bacon and hash brown patties. Cooking things together wasn't his favorite option, since they both needed different temperatures, but time wasn't his friend. Mike needed to get off to work, and Chester would be leaving in an hour with Ryan to head up to Oxnard for the day to work with Score on a shoot that wouldn't include anything past his knees.

The bacon needs another couple of minutes, he decided before he headed for the refrigerator to grab some sliced cheese for the hash brown patties. He heard some movement overhead, and he glanced up. He'd made enough for Amir and Noah, too, and he was actually looking forward to sitting down at the small table with everyone and having a meal.

He glanced at the time. His boyfriend would be out of the bedroom, dressed for work and starving any minute. He took the cheese back to the oven, and pulled the sheet pan with the hash browns out to plop half a slice on each one. He was already calculating the minutes, knowing he had just enough time to whip up some scrambled eggs to be ready right when everything else would be done. He gave a quick look to the cabinets. His good skillet - his favorite for making eggs in - was still packed away in the many boxes in his closet, so for now, Amir's so-so skillet would have to do.

Mike stepped out of the bedroom with a huge smile on his face. "Do you know how much I love you when you make me bacon?" he called to Chester as he crossed the room, shoving his arms into his flannel. "Take how much I love you, and multiply it by a million, and that's how much." He took a deep breath and stopped just outside of Chester's workspace to watch, being sure to stay out of the way. Typically being in the kitchen made his boyfriend happy, but once Mike got a good look at Chester's face, he could tell there was something wrong. He was almost certain that scowl had to do with the skillet Chester was putting on the stove. "You okay, babe?"

"I'm fine," Chester answered as he stopped and turned around. Eggs could wait a few seconds. He opened his arms, and Mike stepped right into them. They embraced, like they hadn't seen each other in days, not minutes. "I'm just ready to have my own kitchen again," Chester mumbled close to Mike's ear. "And I love making bacon for you," he added with a smile. "No matter where we are."

Mike kissed Chester's cheek and stepped back to let him work. "I know. Having your stuff all boxed up is hard." He watched Chester nod, then get back to work, cracking eggs and tossing the shells in the garbage. Even if they weren't in their own place, it was comforting to watch his boyfriend cook.

Upstairs, Amir could smell the bacon as well, and lay in bed thinking about breakfast while waiting for Noah to come out of the bathroom. It's nice that Chaz cooks. I hate cooking. And there's only so many breakfast tacos I can eat. He glanced in Noah's direction, but the bathroom door was still closed. But Mike's here again. That's the fourth night this week. At some point the two of them are going to have to admit they're back together for good and go find somewhere to live. There's no point to them being in two separate places. It's clear Chaz has completely forgiven Mike.

He rolled his eyes and stared up at the ductwork above the bed. He wasn't sure when, but Noah had stuck little glow in the dark stars on the exposed metal directly above their pillows, and he couldn't help but smile. He's so cute. It doesn't take much to make him happy. The door to the bathroom opened and Noah stepped out, dressed and ready for the day. Amir turned over on his side and patted the bed next to him. "Come here, Peaches. You've got some explaining to do." He pointed to the ceiling and lifted one eyebrow.