Devil's Effect

Avoiding Reality Part 1

"Sooo, everything's just... normal." Mike held Chester's eyes. He wanted to add to that, to say before I screwed it all up but he didn't. Dragging all of that into the forefront right now would not put either of them in the mindset they needed to be in for the rest of the evening. Mike wanted to forget the reality of the situation and pretend it was a month ago, before he'd made a chain of direction altering decisions. "Got it. It will be easy." He flashed Chester a smile and then kissed him, short and sweet. "Are we ready now?"

"Yeah. I think that's it. I've told him all about you, about where you work and everything, so he'll probably ask you questions. I hope that's okay," Chester asked, as he carefully swung his legs off the side of the bed and reached for his crutches.

"It's fine." Mike offered his assistance but Chester had it under control. He kept his eyes down and away from Amir as they made their way through the apartment and to Mike's car, where he held the door for Chester and then tossed the crutches in the back. "So, you're navigating, you said you know where we're going," he said when he started the car, looking over at Chester in the passenger seat.

"Yup. I've been there before." Chester already had his phone out, pulling up Google Maps. "I know roundabout where it is, but I'll get us directions. You'll like it. They have the best meatball sandwiches." He got the name of the restaurant pulled up, and a moment later his phone was giving them directions as Mike drove. "Forrest is weird. One day he brings us things like we're going to eat tonight, with all the meat and cheese and awesomeness going on, and then the next day it's like...salad and tofu." He stuck his tongue.

Mike took his eyes off the road long enough to scowl. "Tofu. That's just wrong." He focused back on the drive as Chester agreed, and in a few more turns, a lot of traffic, and more conversation about the atrocities of tofu, they were at the sandwich place. "This looks... interesting," Mike offered, looking at the hole-in-the-wall place.

"It looks scary, but it's actually kinda cool inside. Almost romantic. They bring you breadsticks and there's candles on the tables. Come on," Chester suggested as he reached over to squeeze Mike's bicep. "It will be good." He waited till he saw Mike nod, and then they both got out, Mike rushing to get around to Chester's side of the car to help him. "Thanks," Chester whispered as he got steady on his crutches and Mike locked the car. "Forrest is probably already inside."

He led the way, and when he tried to open the single glass door, Mike beat him to that, too, holding it open for him. Chester was quick to whisper another thank you before they stepped in. Immediately they were hit with the smells of Italian food - onions, tomatoes, garlic, and cheese. There were round tables scattered throughout the smaller space, each one with a red and white checkered tablecloth and a small pot belly candle. "It's kinda like that scene in Lady and the Tramp," Chester said with a soft chuckle before he nodded towards Forrest, who was up front at the counter, hanging back and waiting.

Mike grinned. "Are you offering to share spaghetti with me, Ches?" He lightly touched Chester's back. "After you, babe." Mike watched Chester carefully while they got to the front counter, checking to be sure he didn't lose his balance or trip. It was obvious Chester was capable on the crutches, but his protective nature was still in full force. They stopped in front of Chester's boss, and before Chester could say more than "hello," Mike was extending his hand politely.

Forrest was quick to accept his handshake. "It's nice to finally meet you in person, Mike," he said, quickly scanning Chester's boyfriend up and down. He didn't miss the casual outfit - jeans, t-shirt and a flannel - and he noticed even quicker that Chester was wearing something very similar. The outfit seemed off for his usually very fashion conscious model, but Forrest passed it off without issue the moment he glanced Chester's way and saw the crutches he was steadying himself with. "I hear so much about you from Chester, but it's good to see you for myself."