Chapter 4:

A half hour later, the movie ends, and the theater room begins to empty out. "Uh, thanks, Mike..." Jeremy says as he buckles into the passenger seat. "You think that's all? I haven't given you my gift yet!" "Oh, um, you didn't have to, uh, get me anything-" "Psh! Jeremy, come on. It's way too early for today to end! It's not even 9:00 yet." "O-oh..."

"Do have anything in mind you would like to do?" Mike asks, smiling that cocky smile of his. You have no idea what i want to do right now...Jeremy thinks, then blushes. "Um...perhaps...get some dinner?" "I got that covered already." "Y-you did?!" "Yup," Mike grins, then pulls into a driveway to a nice-looking house. The house is small, painted a faded blue with white trimming.

"I'm cooking for you," Mike says, getting out. Mike...cooking for me?! Jeremy is surprised, but pleased. For years, he's been eating cheap canned food and microwavable dinners, with the occasional home-cooked meal he makes for Mrs. Pyter and himself.

Jeremy follow Mike inside the house, which is very warm and comfortable. He takes off his jacket and hangs it on the coat hanger. "This way," Mike says, walking towards an open doorway. It must be the kitchen. Jeremy steps inside the room. Mike pulls out a chair that sits in front of a small table in the center of the medium-sized kitchen. "Sit." Jeremy obeys, and watches as Mike pulls out various pots and pans, along with spices and vegetables.

"I can help if you-" "No! It's your birthday and i want this to be special. How do you like you steak? Rare? Medium?" Mrs. Pyter likes her steak rare, and he does, too. "Rare, please." "Cool." Jeremy watches as Mike moves fluidly around the room, chopping up vegetables smoothly and placing them in the pan with the steak. The smells of cooking spices and vegetables scent the air. As the steak cooks, Mike closes the curtains and pulls out candles.

"What are you doing?" Jeremy asks as he lights the candles and places them on the table and around the room before turning off the lights. "I've noticed how stressed and worried you are, so i figured I'll create a safe and comfortable enviroment to help you relax. Candles help." "Oh..." Jeremy says softly, watching a flame dance and move beautifully. It surprises him how much Mike has been paying attention to him lately, and how much he cares for him. It's very nice, actually...

The steaks are finished, and Mike plates them, adding some asparagus on the side. He places Jeremy's plate in front of him before setting his own plate down. Mike goes to the fridge and pulls out a bottle of red wine, tied with a handsome red bow. He pops it open, then pours them both a glass. "Might as well have one drink, right?" Mike smiles kindly at Jeremy.

Their eyes meet, and Jeremy quickly looks away, blushing a deep red. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Mike smile out of amusement before sitting down. "Let's eat. Tell me if you like it." Jeremy cuts into his steak, slicing off a small piece. It tastes amazing. The flavor bursts on his tongue. Never has he tasted anything this good before, and knowing Mike prepared it just for him...it tasted even better.

"I-It's really good," Jeremy says, blushing. "I knew you'd like it," Mike says, sipping his wine. Jeremy decides to try it too. It's bittersweet, and feels thick but light on his tongue. Bubbly. Jeremy likes it, and sips more.

After eating, Mike clears away the plates, setting them in the sink and rinsing them off. "Thank you, Mike." Jeremy smiles, grateful for the meal. He stands up, pushing in his chair. "Tonight was wonderful," "That's not it, Jeremy." "Huh?" "Close your eyes," Mike says, smiling warmly. Jeremy is unsure, but he does as told.

A minute passes. "Mike?" "Okay, open your eyes." Slowly, Jeremy opens them. Mike stands in front of him, beaming, holding a slice of white cake with a single candle alight on top. "Make a wish, Jeremy." It's been so long since Jeremy has had a birthday party, much less, a cake. Jeremy blows out the candle.

Mike chuckles. "Come on, let's go in the living room." "It's getting late, Mike..." Jeremy says, glancing at the clock. It's 10:30 now. "So? Relax, Jer. We don't have to work on weekends, and it's your birthday." "My dad-" "I'm sure you're dad will be fine with this. Besides, i just want to talk." Mike sits one end of the couch, holding his glass of wine. Jeremy hesitates, then sits on the other end, placing the plate of cake on the coffee table.

"So," Mike says, getting comfortable. "I've noticed how strange you've been acting lately." Uh oh..."Especially around me. Did i, uh, do something?" Jeremy shakes his head, avoiding Mike's gaze. "No..." "Is something going on at home?" Jeremy stays silent. What's going on? Mike wonders. "Are you having financial issues? Got in a fight with your father?" Jeremy shakes his head again, and turns away from Mike. It is then that Mike realizes he's shaking.

Concerned, Mike sets his wine down and moves closer to the smaller man. "Jeremy, what's-" He sees a tear drop fall onto Jeremy's pants, staining it darker. "Jeremy, i can help you...Please, just tell me what's wrong..." Mike says, gently touching one of the younger man's shoulders. Jeremy suddenly twists around, facing Mike. Their eyes meet for a split second, then, suddenly, Jeremy lunges forward. Their lips meet, and Jeremy clutches Mike's cheeks, holding him in place.

They both blush furiously. Mike feels the pressure on his lips as Jeremy smashes his against him. It feels like fireworks and poprocks are flashing in Mike's mind. Jeremy pulls away too soon, retracts his hands, and leans back, not meeting Mike's gaze. "That's what's wrong..." He says softly, then quickly gets up, heading for the door, hot tears streaming down his face.

Mike is in a daze, surprised by Jeremy's brave movement. Jeremy...likes him? That was what was bothering him? Did Jeremy figure out that he liked him too? Mike snaps out of his daze when the door slams shut. Mike nearly falls off the couch as he gets up to go after Jeremy. The night air is chilly and smacks against Mike's body when he opens the door.

"Jeremy!" He shouts. He sees him walking fast down the sidewalk, shoving his arm through his suit jacket. "Jeremy! Wait!" He calls, but Jeremy doesn't stop. Mike runs after him, slows when he reaches him. "Jeremy," He touches his shoulder, making him stop. Jeremy refuses to look at him. "I'm sorry, Mike..." He whispers. Mike steps in front of his, placing his other hand on the other shoulder. He smiles. "What for?" He asks, then tips Jeremy's face up. They stare at each other in silence, then Mike leans forward, and kisses Jeremy softly.

After a few minutes, Mike pulls away and smiles again. "Jer, you're such a dork. You worry too much." Mike laughs as he ruffles the boy's hair. Jeremy smiles back. "Now," Mike says, turning his tone to a slighter more serious one. "Would it be okay to ask if you would like to spend the night? Or would you rather have me take you home?"

Jeremy looks up at Mike, surprised, then smiles a smile that Mike has never seen before. It's so bright and cheerful, it makes Mike heart melt. "If it is alright with you," Jeremy whispers, gently taking Mike's hand, then looking up at Mike with gleaming eyes. "I would like to spend the night."