Geeks - 18. BONUS CHAPTER: Green Eyed Monster

As January deepened into February, Mikeal found it easier and easier to forget about the drama over Christmas break and to ignore the lingering curiosity over the folder that remained safely stored in his drawer. It was a busy time. Both Mikeal and Adam had fresh course loads; Adam was still working part-time, and Mikeal found himself receiving far more attention from his parents than he had ever experienced before which was a pleasant, if unusual, change. It did, however, cut into his time with Adam.

Desperate to get some quality alone time that involved a little bit more than sharing a bed or quick sex, Mikeal decided that an intimate night in was definitely in order. So Mikeal found himself in Adam’s apartment standing over the stove, trying to fix the two of them a romantic dinner. He wore the Darth Vader apron that Adam’s parents had gotten him for Christmas. He had originally thought to be bold and wear nothing except the apron, but kept having vivid thoughts of Adam arriving with an unexpected visitor, like a coworker or God forbid, his parents or sister. So he settled for wearing the apron over his clothes and would get naked later that night.

He was just adding the finishing touches when he heard the door open and glanced up. Adam entered and saw him, then took in the scene, his smile widening.

“Wow,” he said, closing the door behind him and pulling off his gloves. “I was all jealous of whoever was fixing this fantastic smelling dinner and it comes from my own apartment. And it comes with the world’s sexiest boyfriend. How did I get so lucky?”

Mikeal chuckled a little and leaned over to kiss him. Adam kissed him back, murmuring appreciatively when Mikeal’s hand slid around his hip to squeeze his ass.

“So what is all this?” Adam asked, wrapping his arms around Mikeal’s waist and peering over his shoulder.

“Well, you had to work on Valentine’s Day and we never really got to have a romantic dinner,” Mikeal said. “So I decided to surprise you.”

“And how did you manage to sneak into my apartment, hmm?” Adam asked in a teasing tone of voice, his hands sliding down to Mikeal’s groin.

Mikeal set the spoon he was using to stir the mushrooms aside and pulled Adam’s hand away. “It’s not proper to have dessert before your dinner,” he playfully admonished, giving Adam another kiss. “I had your sister send me a spare that you kept at your parents' place.” Mikeal reached into his pocket and pulled out the key. “You can have it back if you want.”

Adam looked at the key, then closed Mikeal's fingers around it. “You keep it. You’ll have more use of it than anyone else.” He gave Mikeal a peck on the lips. “Anything I can do?”

“Get some glasses out and see if there is a wine you want to try with this,” Mikeal said, pocketing the key. He turned back to the pan and couldn’t help the happy smile that blossomed across his face. Adam had given him a key to his place. And had done it so casually, like it was the most natural thing in the world to allow Mikeal free access to the place where he lived. He felt almost giddy from the excited rush that thought gave him.

“What are we having?”

“Filet mignon.”

Adam let out a low whistle and pulled out a bottle of pinot noir. “You want some?”

“I’ll try it,” Mikeal said. “If you have some to spare.”

Adam grinned. His boyfriend was feeling adventurous. He poured them both a glass and then set them down on the coffee table in the living room. He fumbled in the closet until he found some candles and set those out too, lighting them and turning down the light so the room was suffused in a soft romantic glow.

“I’m going to go wash up,” he announced, leaving the room.

Mikeal carefully transferred the food off the stove and onto the plates. Filet mignon with a mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes, and a salad. Hard to mess up, in his opinion. He just set the plates down on the table, admiring Adam’s romantic touches when he heard a knock at the door.

Mikeal glanced at the door. Adam was probably still cleaning up. He opened the door and a tall, blond male stood on the other side. His hair was gelled to stylish peaks and sweeps and a slight shadow of a beard covered his jaw. He was handsome, Mikeal noticed, shifting uncomfortably back as the stranger’s bright blue eyes ran over him in friendly appraisal.

“I must have the wrong apartment,” the stranger said, smiling and appearing a little embarrassed.

“Are you looking for Adam?” Mikeal asked, figuring the stranger for a neighbor or classmate.

“And you are?” the stranger asked. Normally Mikeal would have bristled slightly at the audacity of a stranger asking his business, but the man only appeared curious.

“I’m Adam’s boyfriend,” Mikeal said. “Adam’s in the bathroom. Do you want to wait for him?”

The other man’s gaze darted past Mikeal’s shoulder, took in the low lighting and candles.

“No,” the man said, stepping away. “Like I said, I must have the wrong apartment.”

With that, the stranger turned and strolled down the hallway until he was out of sight. Mikeal watched him go, curious as ever. Despite the man’s protestations that he was at the wrong apartment, he had seemed confident when Mikeal opened the door.

Mikeal shrugged and shut the door, then locked it. He wanted privacy. He would tell Adam about it later.

They ate by the soft glow of candlelight, drinking wine, and Mikeal enjoyed the slow draw of sexual tension as the evening went on. Mikeal actually had a dessert ready, but barely had time to clear off the coffee table before Adam was all over him, kissing the back of his neck and unzipping his pants right there in the kitchen. Mikeal laughed and let Adam lead him to the bed, both undressing as they went, and soon Mikeal found himself in his favorite place, naked in the sheets with Adam, exploring his boyfriend's mouth with his tongue.

After several hours of reacquainting their bodies to each other, they cuddled, exhausted, then cleaned up, and Mikeal discovered that he had accidentally left bruises over Adam’s flanks, from where he had gripped him during his orgasm. Adam didn’t seem to mind, but Mikeal gently kissed them anyway.

“So, I actually have some good news,” Adam said. Mikeal looked up from where he was stroking the smooth line of Adam’s stomach.

“Yeah?”

“You remember that play I auditioned for?”

Mikeal remembered. On several occasions he had helped Adam memorize lines during breaks in his shift at work or while studying in his apartment. “I remember.”

“I got a part!”

Mikeal grinned and rolled on top of him, kissing him deeply. “That’s great, baby. Is it the role you wanted?”

“I auditioned for several. This role is actually bigger than the one I was aiming for.”

“What is the role?”

“Banquo.”

Mikeal, who knew very little about Macbeth, tried to convey excitement. “That’s so fantastic. I’m so proud of you.” He kissed Adam again, then got up. “I think this deserves a treat. Hold on.”

Adam sat up as Mikeal scampered out of bed, only to return a minute later with a large brownie in a bowl with some raspberry syrup and vanilla ice cream. Adam chuckled and helped Mikeal finish it off before pulling his boyfriend back into the sheets.

Mikeal had nearly forgotten about the strange visitor that had shown up, then claimed the wrong apartment and left. He was glad that he had taken advantage of a romantic evening when he had the chance however, because Adam was busier than ever with play rehearsals on top of his already hectic schedule. Mikeal tried to be patient and content himself with sharing Adam’s breaks at the cafe and helping Adam memorize his lines, but found himself spending plenty of time studying alone or with Julie and Ash.

He refused to complain, though. He wanted to be a supportive boyfriend, not a clingy one, and if Adam could handle Mikeal’s wintertime meltdown, then he could handle Adam taking some time to learn a Shakespeare play. From talking to Adam, Mikeal thought that his interest lay more in the technical aspects of theater than being on stage, but Adam still took opportunities to act and perform and appeared to enjoy them. Mikeal considered such prospects nightmarish, but Adam seemed to be having fun.

In the spirit of support, Mikeal got opening night tickets for himself, Ash and Julie. He didn’t tell Adam that he was coming and, surprisingly, Adam didn’t invite him. Mikeal shrugged it off to his increasingly busy schedule and decided that once the play was over, they were spending a weekend in, even if Mikeal had to tie him to the bed to make it happen.

* * *

Adam smiled and reached out for the hands of his castmates, raising them up, then bowing low. He couldn’t see much beyond the stage lights, and the applause in his ears was a muted thunder, but he knew from peeking out beforehand that the theater was packed. And he had also seen his boyfriend and entourage in the audience. It had given him a special type of thrill, doing his first Shakespeare play, his first major role, and what he personally considered a great performance with his boyfriend there to see it.

Adam turned and followed the rest of his castmates backstage, everyone clapping each other on the back and offering congratulations. He made his way into the crowded dressing area, stripping off his costume and removing his makeup. Adam made it to the small lobby of the university theater, which was still crowded with patrons, and glanced around briefly, trying to see if he could find Mikeal within the press of bodies, when a hand landed on his shoulder.

Adam, expecting Mikeal, smiled and pushed back his sweaty hair before turning. He barely had time to register another familiar face before he was caught up against the other man’s body, and John’s mouth caught his in a kiss. Adam froze for a moment, feeling almost like he was in a dream. He was high on the successful opening of his performance, and now his former lover was here, pressed up against him, smelling of the same cologne and kissing him in that familiar way that had always made Adam’s heart speed up in his chest. John used Adam’s surprise to press his advantage, deepening the kiss, winding the fingers of a possessive hand through his hair.

Adam felt a pull of sweet nostalgia so strong it left him dizzy, lifted his hands up to John’s chest, and pushed him away.

“What the—” Adam gasped out, still too surprised to be angry…but the anger was there, simmering under the shock.

“I wanted to congratulate you on an amazing performance,” John said. He grinned broadly at Adam.

“I wasn’t aware that you were all of a sudden a theater connoisseur,” Adam snapped. “And why the hell did you think it was okay to come back here and kiss me?”

“I missed you,” John said, shrugging casually. “I know that we decided to go our separate ways, but I miss you…sometimes. And I want you back.” His hand slid back to Adam’s hip.

Adam swatted his hand away. “Don’t touch me,” he said, anger giving ice to his words. “You made your feelings about me perfectly clear.”

“I thought that I didn’t want more with you,” John said, staring at Adam’s mouth. “But I was wrong.”

“Well, that’s too damn bad. I’m done with you. And besides, I have a boyfriend now.”

“That cute little Asian with the glasses?”

Adam gave John a startled glance and John grinned again. “I knew I had the right apartment the other night. He’s delectable, Adam.”

“Keep your hands off of him,” Adam nearly growled the words out.

“Can’t touch you, can’t touch your cutie.” John grinned, holding his empty hands up. “I feel like I’m in a museum. All these pretty things that I can’t touch.” John bent down and picked up a little bouquet of daisies and baby’s breath. “Anyway, I got these for you.”

Adam crossed his arms and glared at the flowers.

“C’mon now. Don’t be rude.”

Feeling like he was being horribly immature, Adam reluctantly reached out and took the bouquet. “Thanks,” he said grudgingly. “I’m glad you enjoyed the show, but that doesn’t change anything. Stay away from me and stay away from my boyfriend.”

“So mean not to share, Adam.”

“I mean it.” Adam spun on his heel and stalked away. Once he knew he was out of sight of John, he tossed the flowers and left the theater.

John’s unexpected presence had sapped a lot of the enjoyment of the evening for him. A year ago, an encounter like that would have elated him, and he would have happily let himself been drawn into John’s charismatic corona. But he was with Mikeal now. In love with Mikeal now. And anything else, anyone else, was just an unwelcome distraction.

When he entered the apartment though, he saw another familiar figure standing by the window.

Mikeal turned and gave him a weary smile.

“Hey, baby.”

“Hey.” Adam tossed his keys on the small table in the entrance and deposited his garment bag on the couch. He saw Mikeal fiddling with something in his hands and stepped further into the room. The main light was off, most of the illumination coming from the lights outside and the small lamp at his bedside. Something about Mikeal’s stance, his quietness and the fact that he had not come over to hug him had alarm bells going off inside Adam’s head. He instead approached Mikeal and saw that he was holding a small bouquet of white and red flowers. He reached out tentatively, resting his hands on Mikeal’s hips.

Mikeal lifted the flowers. “These are for you.”

“Thank you.” Adam said. He spun the flowers in his fingers, a much more welcome bouquet than John’s pitiful daisies.

“The florist told me that white carnations symbolize good luck and the red ones symbolize love.”

“They’re beautiful.” Adam lifted them up to inhale the fragrance, a welcome distraction. He could feel the distance between them, a wide gulf of things unsaid, and tried to remember the romantic encounter a few nights ago, when they were laughing and affectionate and unable to keep their hands off of each other. How had things gone so awry? Adam sighed and lowered the flowers. He knew. He knew, and he wasn’t helping either one of them by playing dumb.

“So you saw the show.”

“Which one?”

Adam sighed. “What did you think Mikeal? That I was going to pull up stakes and run off with the first ex-boyfriend that crosses my path?”

“I saw you. I saw you kiss him.”

“No, Mikeal. You saw him kiss me. I had no idea he was even there.”

“But you didn’t stop him.”

“Yes, I did. I pushed him away.”

“But you weren’t upset. You didn’t yell or hit him or anything. You even took his flowers!”

“Seems like you saw quite a bit,” Adam responded, internally wincing when he heard how accusatory he sounded. His exhaustion was bone deep, a headache was pounding at the base of his skull, and he felt gummy and greasy from sweating underneath the lights and the residue of the makeup remover.

He pressed his fingertips over his eyelids. And none of this was Mikeal’s fault. He reminded himself. Not Mikeal’s fault that John had shown the worst timing to pull his little stunt, and not Mikeal’s fault that he had come to see Adam in his play, which was Mikeal showing his love and support.

“Are you accusing me of spying?” Mikeal asked. There was an edge to his voice, but whether it was tears, anger or incredulousness Adam was too exhausted to tell.

“Are you accusing me of cheating on you?” Adam shot back. “Because that is what it feels like."

“I just want to understand what I was seeing,” Mikeal said.

“You saw him kiss me, uninvited and non-consensually, and then I pushed him away. I didn’t scream or hit him because I don’t live in a soap opera. I don’t do that kind of thing. I told him that we were not getting back together, and that I have a boyfriend. Did he come by here before?”

Mikeal colored. “A stranger came by the other night, when I fixed you dinner. He said that he had the wrong apartment and left.”

I knew I had the right apartment the other night.

“And you didn’t tell me?” Adam snapped, annoyed. If he knew John was lurking around, he wouldn’t have been caught so off guard.

“I didn’t think it was important. He said himself he had the wrong place!”

Adam took a deep breath, held it, and counted to ten. “Okay, listen,” he said finally. “This is going nowhere. I, at least, need a few minutes so we can talk about what we need to talk about. If I go and take a quick shower and cool off, can I trust you to still be here when I get out?”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Mikeal said, crossing his arms.

“Okay.” Adam took a chance and approached Mikeal, then rubbed one of his arms. When Mikeal didn’t move away or shrug him off, Adam felt like he could press his advantage. He leaned in closer.

“Kiss?”

Mikeal turned to look at him and leaned in. The kiss was short and sweet. Although it was far from chaste, it didn’t linger, and Mikeal didn’t attempt to lengthen it. Only slightly reassured, Adam retreated to the shower.

Fifteen minutes later, he came out of the bathroom feeling calmer and more alert, and was relieved to see that Mikeal was true to his word and had stayed, helping himself to the leftovers in the fridge.

“Are you hungry?” Mikeal asked. “I saved some for you.”

Adam was hungry, but he wasn’t able to concentrate on food at the moment. He did feel that after battling stage fright, overzealous ex boyfriends, and his currently jealous lover, that he was justified in a glass of wine, so he poured a glass of the strongest he could find (Syrah, which his parents had introduced him to over Christmas break). He sat down across from Mikeal, who had finished eating and had put his dishes in the sink.

“Okay. So, you saw me get mauled by my ex, and you are not happy about it. Nor am I, and I made that fact very clear to John tonight. But you still came here, and I hope it is for a better reason than to just argue with me about it all night.”

Mikeal glanced up. “I was worried.”

“About what?”

“That he might…” Mikeal paused. “I just wanted to see you. And I wanted to make sure that when you got here, I was waiting for you and not him. I was upset when I saw the two of you and I almost left. Went back to Julie and the dorm. But that seemed a lot like giving up. I love you and this is probably one of the best things that has ever happened to me, and I decided that I would be damned before I just sat back and let him steal you away from me. You are too important to me, and I’m not giving you up without a fight. I love you, more than anything. And I’m not letting anyone take you from me.”

Adam took a deep drink of wine, taking some time to absorb the rush of pleasure that went through him. He stood up and rounded the table. Mikeal glanced up, uncertain eyes shining behind the lens of his glasses. Adam shoved the table aside with his hip and lowered himself into Mikeal’s lap, straddling the other boy.

“You don’t have to worry about losing me. To John or anyone else.” Adam brought his hands up, gently touching Mikeal's face. The thought of losing Mikeal over this fiasco scared him more than he was comfortable admitting, and the relief he felt was so overwhelming it was almost giddy. He slid his thumbs across Mikeal’s cheeks, then slid one finger down to trace his lips, sighing in pleasure as Mikeal’s lips parted and drew the tip of his finger in, then grazed the pad with his teeth. He leaned forward to kiss him, and let his hands slide around Mikeal’s waist and up inside his shirt, stroking up the warm flesh of his lower back. Hearing Mikeal’s words, about how he was willing to fight for him, and not giving him up had filled him with not only relief but a sensual fire that was sending a slow burn of arousal through him. “And I never thought I would say this, but seeing you get all jealous is really sexy.”

Mikeal leaned forward and pressed a kiss against Adam's collarbone, then his neck and under his jaw, running his hand down Adam’s back, tripping over the folds of his terrycloth robe. “I’m not letting anyone take you away from me,” he murmured against the deep silk of Adam’s skin. His wandering hand found the curve of Adam’s hip and squeezed. “You’re mine.”

Adam’s rapidly hardening cock twitched appreciatively at the sound of Mikeal’s voice, heavy with passion and desire. He wasn't insecure, but he was used to being the one who reassured, who soothed away the insecurity and doubts and uncertainties, and Mikeal’s stand had been sexy, unexpected, and a surprising role reversal. And though he would rather die than admit it, it made him feel wanted, special, and sexy. And Mikeal, who up to now had never shown any possessiveness, not even the slightest bit of jealousy, was ready to fight for him after seeing nothing more than an unwanted kiss and a few words of conversation with another man. It sent a thrill through him.

He slid off Mikeal’s lap and took his hands, helping him to his feet. “Take me," he invited, pressing close so that Mikeal could feel the heat and hardness of his arousal. “Love me.”

Mikeal kissed him, stepping back towards the bed with the practiced ease of someone who was familiar with the space. His hands were already under Adam's robe, exploring his cock through the material of his underwear. When they got to the bed, Mikeal tugged the robe off and gently kissed Adam’s chest and stomach, guiding him so he was sitting on the edge of his bed. Mikeal kissed his way down his stomach, hesitating a little, then slid Adam’s underwear off, releasing his cock. He touched it, stroked it, exploring the familiar flesh with his fingers. The light, hesitant touches were driving Adam crazy, but he watched, enraptured. Mikeal lowered his hand and gently kissed the base of the shaft, where it met with Adam’s body, then glanced up at Adam, trailing a series of feather light kisses up to the tip. The skin was damp and soft against his lips. Mikeal licked slowly down the length of Adam's erection, taking in the taste, then his lips parted and he wrapped them around the head of Adam’s erection. Adam moaned and dropped his head back. Mikeal sucked lightly at the tip of Adam’s cock, swiping his tongue across it. He ran his hands over Adam’s thighs, pressing his fingers into the tight muscles as he slid them down to his knees, then back up to grip his hips. He opened his mouth a little wider and pulled Adam deeper in. Adam moaned louder, and thrust forward a little.

Mikeal’s breath caught as Adam’s erection grazed across the back of his throat. He pulled back quickly, taking a breath. He could still taste Adam inside his mouth a little bit, the unique flavor of him, and it fueled his desire. He ran his tongue up Adam’s cock again and swallowed, pulling Adam deeper into his mouth and began to suck. Adam moaned again, and Mikeal sucked harder. Then Adam’s hands were in his hair, gently pulling him away and towards his mouth for a kiss. Adam kissed him hungrily before he collapsed back onto the bed, pulling Mikeal down with him.

"Goddamn baby,” Adam gasped. "That was incredible."

Mikeal frowned. “But, you didn't…"

Adam smiled at him, kissing him again and gently brushing Mikeal's hair back from his sweaty face. “I know. But if you had kept on—” Adam rolled his hips up, pressing his aching cock against the material of Mikeal’s slacks. “I would have. And I want to wait. I want you to take me.”

Mikeal kissed him again. “I will.”

A few minutes later, Mikeal was naked on top of Adam, kissing him thoroughly as he slid lube slickened fingers into the warm heat of Adam’s body. Adam’s mouth was hungry under his, urgent almost, and his body accepted Mikeal’s probing fingers easily.

Mikeal indulged himself, kissing down Adam's neck and against his jaw before he slid on a condom and gently eased himself into his lover’s body. Adam let out a low throaty moan as Mikeal moved. “God, baby.”

Mikeal wrapped an arm around Adam and pressed another kiss against his shoulder. He started to move, a slow sensual movement, gentle, unhurried strokes. Adam let out a shaky sigh. Mikeal leisurely explored his body, kissing his neck, jaw, shoulders; his hands stroking, feeling. Mikeal was determined to touch every inch of him, to map every aspect of his body with his mouth and fingers. Mikeal wanted to touch everything he could, explore the familiar topography of Adam’s body, to revel in the fact that Adam was here, was his, was solid and real. That he didn’t lose him. That he was his. His. He moved his lips back up Adam’s neck, brushing them along the damp skin and bit down gently. Adam shuddered and rolled his hips. Mikeal smiled a little and kissed the spot gently. He slid his hand down, following the curve of his lover's abdomen until his hand found Adam's cock, squeezed it gently, then began to stroke. He was speeding up his thrusts now, increasing the intensity. Adam gripped him, gasping loudly, arching his head back so Mikeal’s mouth could feast on the long line of his throat.

"Mine," Mikeal murmured, moving back to claim Adam's mouth with his again.

"Yours," Adam returned. He was gripping Mikeal's shoulder hard, nails digging in, and Mikeal could tell he was close.

"I love you," Mikeal whispered against Adam's mouth, moving quicker now. "I love you, love you, love you." Adam was beautiful underneath him, his mouth dropping open and his eyes closing as the orgasm rolled through him. The sweet tight constrictions around his cock brought Mikeal over the brink with him, and then he was lowering himself down on shaky arms. He knew Adam craved close physical contact after sex, especially when Mikeal topped, so he rested his head next to Adam's, gently easing his body weight down on top of him and wrapping his arms around Adam. Adam returned the embrace, kissing Mikeal's neck. They laid like that for a while, then Mikeal carefully rolled off of him and pulled the blankets up over them.

Adam turned onto his side to look at him, and Mikeal linked their fingers.

“So, what did he want?” Mikeal finally asked.

“John?”

“Yes.”

Adam shifted a little, pulling his pillow more securely under his head. “I’m not sure. A place to stay, probably, or money. If he wanted anything else, he would have gone elsewhere.”

“You really don’t think he wants you back?” Mikeal sounded worried.

“I doubt it. He never really wanted me in the first place. I was a convenience to him, Mike, a fuck buddy. That’s all.” Adam shifted a little closer, so he could catch one of Mikeal’s legs in between his own and feel it there. “I don’t fall in love easily. You know that. And I can’t be with someone who doesn’t love me back. That’s why we will never get back together, even if I was single. But I don’t even want to be single. I want to be with you.”

Mikeal smiled. “I liked your play.”

Adam grinned. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. You were….good. Like a different person, almost.”

“Well, we perform three more nights. And then that is it,” Adam promised. “And I’ll take a break from plays after that.”

“Why?”

Adam shrugged. “Acting is fine, but it’s not what I’m really into. Between classes and work and all that, it’s just so much. I felt like I’ve hardly seen you these last few weeks at all. I mean…maybe if I had been around more you wouldn’t have worried so much about John.”

“I think I would have worried about some random guy kissing my boyfriend regardless,” Mikeal said teasingly.

“No, seriously.”

“I am serious,” Mikeal said, propping his head up on his hand. “If you don’t like to do the plays, then don’t do the plays. But don’t stop doing plays because of me. I don’t want you to stop doing things that you enjoy because of me. I want to support the things that you like to do.”

“You know what I would like to do right now?”

Mikeal raised his eyebrows. “What?”

Adam rolled up against him, pressing his face against Mikeal’s chest and wrapping his arms around his waist. “This.”

Mikeal chuckled and wrapped his own arms around Adam’s shoulders, puling him close and pressing a kiss into his hair. “Works for me.”