Stone

He took a deep breathe before entering the room. He had stood out for quite some time trying to gain the courage to do what he is about to do. Once inside, the occupants turn to look at him. He freezes mid-step and stares back with his mouth hanging open.

"Zack?"

His cousin was there in person and not in his room like he always is.

"Hello, Stone. It's been a while."

Stone wants to hug the living shit out of him, but doesn't know how he'll take it. When they were younger, Zack and Stone would hang out with each other and cause trouble for the staff. But, then the accident happened and Zack lost the ability to use his legs. Ever since, Zack was mad at the world and would ignore or lash out at everyone even his best friend and cousin, Stone. It got so bad for Stone that he started to make excuse so he wouldn't have to go to any family event involving his hurt cousin who would spit in his face and insult him out of anger. And poor Stone who didn't know what to do would go cry in a corner because his only playmate at the time wouldn't even look at him, much less comfort him. And now, here he was smiling at him as if nothing happened. Stone steeled his face and turn toward Micah, who was watching him intently.

"Micah, when you finish can you come find me so that I may speak with you about something."

His voice was strained and he knows that Micah would ask him about it later. Even now, Micah had a look of worry on his face. Stone just shook it off and waited for Micah to nodded his agreement. Once he did, Stone gave him a brief ghost of a smile and walked out the door without even glancing at the other man. If he did then he wouldn't have missed the regretful look that passed the disable man's face.

*****

Stone was pacing around his room. His anger and his nervousness clashing causing his mind to enter a chaotic state. He was angry at his cousin, but he was nervous for the talk with Micah. He couldn't stall it anymore. He needed to have this talk with him. Stone stopped pacing when a new question arose. Why did Zack even come out of his room? Stone thought that he'd be happy when his cousin would look at him with a smile again, but he wasn't. The resentment and grief was a shock to him. He thought he'd forgive Zack if he'd just look at him the same way he did before the accident. He suppose that twelve years is too long to hold out the hope of going back to normal. Somewhere along the line it turned into rage. Oh well, nothing he could about it now. All he could do was wait for Micah now and hope that Zack leaves him alone. Just as he thought this there was a knock on his door. He took a deep breath before opening the door.

"Um you wanted to speak to me."

Stone smiled at Micah's nervous rambling.

"Don't worry. Your job is safe. I just wanted to ask you a quick question. Feel free to say no if you don't feel like doing it. But I'm hoping you say yes. Anyways, I was wondering if perhaps you would consider possibly maybe -well I don't want you to feel obligated to say yes so again please feel free to say no"

Stone mentally cursed himself for rambling He looked over at Micah who seems to have lost his own nervousness and is now attempting to fight a smirk from making its way on to his face. the key word there is "attempting" meaning that he wasn't very successful in his battle. Stone narrowed his eyes.

"Are you laughing at me?"

"Wha? No!"

Micah let a giggle slip out and Stone could feel his heart flutter at the sound.

"That giggle was cute so I'll let it go."

Micah looks down and Stone could swear he saw a blush creep up his cheeks. Stone took a deep breath and shook off all other thoughts besides what he needs to ask before he goes crazy.

"Look, Micah. I was being extremely serious when I asked you out on a dinner date, but you said no. So I figured it was too soon to ask that, but now that we've gotten to know each other a little more I was hoping that you would change your mind about your answer. So um what do you say? Would you go out to dinner with me?"

Stone didn't dare look at Micah for fear of seeing rejection.

"Yes."

Stone let out a puff of air that he didn't even know he was holding.

"What?"

He looked at Micah in shock. Micah only smiled at him.

"I said yes. You're a really nice guy, Stone, and yes at first I thought you were a dick for what you said about me. But, lately you've been really friendly and show that you care about me so I'll give it a shot. Though, I am worried about what your family will say about this."

Stone didn't care what his family would say. He was a grown man who worked hard to earn his own money and can afford to live on his own if the need was great. In fact, the only reason he stayed was because his grandma, mother and sister begged him too.

"I don't care what they say. I can make my own decisions since I am an adult."

Micah gave him a heart stopping smile and giggled again. Stone was sure that he was going to have to get his heart checked out since it was certainly beating way too fast to be considered normal.

"Okay, well I'm going to assume you need my number since we need to work out the details and I can't be using my work time to come and talk to you so just give me your phone. I'll put my number in. And you do the same."

Stone traded cellphones with Micah and did was instructed. He even gave himself a funny name. Then, he gave the cellphone back to Micah and smiled.

"Now, I wish I could stay and talk some more, but I got to assist Gio with some stuff. I'll text you later to figure out the details."

Stone nodded and took a stepped toward Micah. Micah opened the door before looking at him in confusion, but said nothing as Stone lean forward and kissed his cheek. Stone smiled at the blush that covered Micah's entire face. Micah quickly said goodbye and rushed out the door. Stone couldn't help but laugh at his cuteness. Both men too caught up in their own bliss to notice the shadowy figure that saw the entire interaction with disgust.

*********

Stone was currently looking through his closet and acting worse than his sister when she has to go to one of her photoshoots. He had thrown all of his clothes on the floor trying to find the perfect outfit for this dinner with Micah. He felt that he had to find some way to impress Micah since Micah isn't someone to be impressed by money so if not with money, he'll try with his looks. He also wants to make up for his insult because he still feels bad about it so he wants this date to be perfect. He sighs and picks up a random white long-sleeved shirt along with a grey sweater and some kind of dark colored jeans with grey vans. Then, he makes his way into his bathroom so he can take a shower and get ready.

While he waits for the water to hit the right temperature Stone takes of his clothes. Once it is correct, he jumps in and begins to wash his hair. He thinks of Micah and what he might be doing during this time as Stone begins to wash his body. He also thinks of what Micah might wear. He hopes Micah wears something to show of that yummy bubble butt of his. Or maybe a nice color to bring out Micah's brilliant blue eyes that seem to hold nothing but awe and wonder. Stone thinks about his lips that he always seems to have the urge to kiss, but can never actually do without scaring Micah. Those pale pink plump lips, that always seems to be a highlight in some of his most intimate dreams, look so soft and kissable. He thinks about Micah's almost smooth creamy skin that he wants to ravish. He wants to tainted with his mouth and leave hickeys all over the place so people will know that he's taken. He finds it adorable that Micah has a dimple in his chin. Stone lets out a round of curses when he gets a bit of shampoo in his eyes which successfully jars him out from his very naughty thoughts. He quickly rinses out his eye and finishes his shower before he steps out. He checks his phone before grabbing his towel. He has thirty minutes to get dressed and buy a bouquet of flowers for Micah. A little cliche but he's sure Micah would love it and that is why he's doing it. He wants to make sure Micah is thoroughly impressed and wants to be with him.

He grabs his outfit and quickly changes before he styles his hair into a just got out of bed look. Then, he makes sure he has everything with him, like his wallet, cellphone and his car keys. He doesn't want Nick to drive them since he wants to do this on his own. He wants to do everything on his own and so far he's done a good job. He called and made the reservations, he ordered the flowers, he even made sure that his schedule for work didn't interfere with today. He once again checks the time before heading out toward the front door. On the way, he's stopped by his mom.

"Where are you going?"

"I won't be home so don't wait up for me, mother."

"Why won't you be home? Who are you going to see? Is it Vincent? You know I don't want you hanging out with him unless it for business. Are you going out with Charlotte again? I hope you ar-"

"Mother! That is enough. I'm 25 years old. I believe I have earn the right to go out whenever I want. I don't see you talking to Alexia whenever she goes out. Now if you'll excuse me mother I'm running a bit behind schedule for a prior engagement."

His mom has become a nuisance lately. She's always on him, just waiting for something to happen and he doesn't know why. She asks him so many questions that he now tries to ignore her. He doesn't know what to do. He loves his mom, but she's transforming into a controlling, manipulative, and alcoholic person that he no longer recognizes. She was about to say something else, but Stone just walked past her and out the door.

*****

After speeding toward the flower shop and picking up the flower, Stone pulls up to Micah's house. He checks the time to see he has a minute till it is time. He stays in his car and takes a deep breathe before opening the door and stepping outside. He looks around the rundown neighborhood and feels a pang of guilt in his heart. He's lived in his grandmother's mansion all his life living a good life and he's taken it for granted. Meanwhile, Micah lives here and loves it. Micah always talks about living with his father in the house that his father grew up in. As well as himself. Stone doesn't even thinking about any of that. To him, home was just somewhere he went to sleep and eat. He never thought of it as anything else. Stone walks up to the door and knocks on it. He hears someone running toward the door while yelling "I'll get it!" The door opens just as someone else screams "Wait, Gabe!" Stone stared into giant chocolate doe eyes that belong to what looked like a 9 year old little boy.

"Hi! I'm Gabe! WHo are you?"

"I'm sorry am I at the wrong house? I'm looking for Micah Torres."

"You're at the right place! I'm here with my sister, Rachel. She said she was helping Mi-"

"Gabe! I told you to wait for me. You know you're not allowed to open the front door. Oh, Hi Stone!"

"Evening Rachel. How are you?"

"I'm good, but I bet you don't really care. You're here for Micah."

Stone couldn't help but smirk at her.

"Well, I wouldn't say I don't care. I'm just far more interested in all things to do with Micah."

Rachel squeals, but then gets serious.

"Look, Stone. I know you're a good person and all, but you've always had female relationships so I'm a little cautious with what you're intentions with my best friend are."

"Understandable Rach, but I can't answer you. All I know is that I really like Micah and I want to get to know him and see where this goes."

Rachel looks at Stone and sees the complete seriousness in his eyes so she just nods her head and lets him know that Micah's father will be doing the same with him. She also tells him that Micah is almost ready. Gabriel is upstairs in his room with him helping him out.

Stone nods and enters Micah's house. Rachel leads him to the living room where a man, Micah's father Stone assumes, is sitting on the couch. He looks up at Stone and motions for him to sit o the couch as well. Stone gives him a confident smile...well tries to. Micah's father looks scary. Before he sits, Stone could only think, Here we go.

*******

It's date time! Well, next chapter. On top is what Stone is wearing to this date. What do you think is going to happen? Any comments, questions, concerns? Please feel free to:

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Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. Also, please check out my other stories!

~Crystal