Devil's Effect

Avoiding Reality Part 1

Mike laughed and tossed Chester the t-shirt. "Whatever works, I guess. I'm gonna have to put a belt on you." He watched Chester pull the shirt over his head, and then he stood up to go retrieve the boot that had been left by the table the night before. He couldn't wait to see Chester in his flannel. "I'll let you do this part the way you like it while I throw on some clothes, and then we have to go if we're going to have time to eat." Just as he said the word eat his stomach rumbled. "Apparently I have to eat soon. My body is demanding pancakes."

Chester took the boot, and got it situated on his foot, while keeping an eye on Mike. It was almost a shock to see his ex-boyfriend walking around the downstairs of the loft in broad daylight, naked. It was something Mike had never been a fan of, and it was pulling on more of Chester's attention than he realized. He watched as Mike shuffled around piles of clothes, and haphazardly chose what he was going to wear - jeans, t-shirt, flannel. It was in that moment that Chester looked down at himself. Now I know what it's like to dress like Mike. He smiled at himself and then even more at Mike. It hadn't been lost on him. Mike had chosen to take care of him first, before he took care of the modesty he held so close. He even took the time to match my clothes.

Mike patted down the front of his gray t-shirt and fixed the cuff of his gray and white checkered flannel shirt. "Okay, it's time for the crowning glory. The moment of victory. Chester Bennington in a flannel shirt." He leaned over and scooped up the chosen shirt and then offered Chester his hand. "I'd like to do the honors, if you don't mind."

"Fine, Sexy Boy. Do as you must," Chester relented, sticking both his arms out. "I'm just thinking of it as a jacket." He allowed himself to be moved around, as Mike dragged one arm into the flannel, and then the other. He scooted around in front of Chester and straightened it out, and messed with the collar. "I don't ever see you doing half of this," Chester pointed out as Mike fiddled with one of the buttons.

"Doing what? Making sure it looks right?" Mike cocked an eyebrow and looked at Chester. "I just want you to be comfortable, Ches." He dropped his eyes to Chester's bare feet and frowned. "You need socks. I don't have any cute socks," he fretted.

"I actually only need one sock," Chester told him. "And whatever you have is great, Mike. I'm being a baby. I'm sorry." He reached for Mike's hand and squeezed it. "I don't care what I'm wearing, I'm ready for us to go get pancakes and talk some more before you have to go to work."

Mike rolled his eyes and turned to fish around for a singular sock. "You care, don't you even try to act like you don't." He produced a simple white sock and twisted his lips to the side in displeasure. "Sorry, this is all I have. But, I have to say... you look really sexy in my clothes." He offered Chester a smile and the sock all together, scanning his eyes over Chester's body. The jeans were too loose in the hips and thighs, the flannel shirt soft and simple, but that didn't take away from the fact that Chester looked absolutely adorable sitting in front of him. Adorable and somehow sexy at the same time.

Chester already had the one sock on before he waved for Mike to sit next to him on the couch. He put his hand on Mike's thigh, squeezing it gently. "I do mean it," he offered softly. "This isn't an outfit I'd pick out, but I'm grateful you're loaning it to me." He leaned over and pressed his lips to Mike's cheek. "Thank you."

Mike took the opportunity, turning to bring their lips together in a slow, sweet kiss. He really wished he didn't have to go to work. "You're welcome," he whispered when the kiss broke and they were left looking into each other's eyes. "We better get going before I lean you back on this couch and kiss all over you, because that's really what I want to do right now."

Chester's hand went to Mike's jawline as he plopped another kiss to his lips, slow and wet, before he pulled back. "Okay. I know you have to go to work. I'll be good. Promise." He pressed his thumb under Mike's chin, rubbing it back and forth. "I think I want peanut butter pancakes."