Evening at Chip'n'Dan's (some days pre-Halloween)

[Cres]

Colorado looked up when Ace spoke to him. He smiled a little at the question. True, he had very little reason to trust Ace, since he didn't really know the boy personally, but he trusted Chip not to make the same mistake twice. And then, having now met Ace for himself and seeing him, he couldn't believe he would be like Flash. He knew that Ace had plenty of money of his own and Chip had described him as an athlete. Athletes generally didn't use drugs, either.

Colorado nodded, smiling a little wider.

"For one thing, I don't think Chip would be stupid enough to repeat his mistakes," he said, "and second, I do have eyes, you know." He winked. "I can tell you really love him. The way you look at him..." Collie shrugged. "It seems genuine to me, anyway. And I remember the way Flash used to look at him. There was always that certain shiftiness about it, you could tell he wasn't serious."

Colorado turned a little on the couch now, facing Ace and looking at the younger male directly in the eyes.

"I trust you, Ace," he said, "but I want you to promise something to me. It's very important. Because while all I will do if you break the promise is to go cry in a corner, I'm pretty sure Dan will come after you with a shotgun, and I'm frankly not sure if I'm exaggerating." He searched the blonde's green eyes for a moment as if to make sure he was taking it seriously. "I want you to promise that if your feelings for Chip ever change... if you ever find you don't love him, or that there's anyone else you want rather than him, you break it off honestly. He doesn't deserve to be the second. Because I can tell from him that to him, you're the first."

[Kat]

Ace smiled and nodded, glad that his feelings for Chip were obvious to his friends. "Don't worry. Dan frightens me just a little, so Chip's heart is safe with me." He winked at Colorado before suddenly leaning forward and hugging him. "I'm happy he has you guys, even if Dan is being an ass at the moment." He sat back again but remained close to the other male. "It's nice to have people who care about you and worry." He thought briefly about everyone he had that cared about him in the same way. He was actually waiting for the day when Chip would get to meet Sascha, quite certain his friend would likely lecture Chip for at least an hour on the importance of keeping himself happy, and on what would happen to him if he ever failed in that task. It was a shame his family lived so far away, but maybe the next time he and his mother went back for a visit he'd bring Chip along.

"But I promise, Chip is my number one and even though I can't foresee anything changing that, I'll be honest with him if it ever does. And maybe I'll call you first so you can make sure your schedule is clear." He winked at Colorado again before looking toward the kitchen, wondering how Chip was doing with their supper. He could smell it and was feeling quite hungry.

[Cres]

Colorado's seriousness melted into a smile when Ace pulled him in for a hug, and he wrapped his own arms round the boy as well, giving him a friendly hug as well. He laughed and took Ace by the hands, almost like a little girl might take hold of her best friend.

"You'll fit into the crew just fine, blondie," he said and reached up, planting a kiss on Ace's forehead as though he were a little brother. "You know, I haven't yet heard exactly how you two met. I understand it was at the school, but I didn't hear the essentials, so let's hear it: did he pick you up or did you pick him?"

Colorado was curious to hear the answer, but it was just then that Chip poked his head from the kitchen again, or more correctly, looked at them again over the kitchen table. []

"Almost done!" he called out. "Anyone wanna give me a hand in setting the table?"

Colorado grinned over his shoulder to Chip.

"What's my reward?"

Chip smirked.

"You'll actually get to eat?"

Colorado laughed and started to get up from the couch.


[[here's the layout, by the way, in case you wanted to look at it fallsapart.proboards39.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=1118522338&page=1. The Extra room will be where Collie sleeps - and I'm ditching the fireplace.]]

[Kat]

Ace had been about to tell Colorado about their meeting, but then Chip called them for supper. So he got up as well and followed Colorado over to the kitchen, stopping to wrap his arms around Chip and give him a kiss before looking at the food. "It's about time, I'm starving! I was just about to start gnawing on Collie's arm, so the timing is good." He grinned and grabbed the plates and cutlery, taking them over to the table and laying them out.

"Now to answer your question, Collie, we did meet at school. I suppose you could say on that first day that I was a bit of a strong flirt, stringing poor Chip along and threatening his position as the newest member of staff." He grinned and glanced at both men before focusing on Colorado, "but don't worry. The principal absolutely adores me and worships the ground I walk on, so nothing would have happened to our computer guy. I tortured him later in the morning after walking into the cafeteria and seeing him chatting with one of my best friends, Chase, by of course draping myself all over Chase. It was pretty mean, now that I look back on it. But it only served to further spark your interest, didn't it?" Ace looked back at Chip and grinned, happy with how far they'd come since that first day.

[Cres]

Chip smiled when Ace gave him a short hug and a kiss. It felt nice, so... home-like. He could easily imagine living like this somewhere, just the two of them, occasionally visited by their friends, maybe cooking in turns, eating breakfast together... it was nice. He'd rarely dreamed about settling down before, and was just slightly shocked to realise that he was thinking it seriously now. Continuing to mix the sauce with quick, accustomed moves so it wouldn't go ruined, he thought he'd definitely talk with Ace eventually about moving in together somewhere. It was a little early for the time being... but perhaps later. Perhaps Christmas. Then they would have been together for several months and it wouldn't come as quite a shock. Yes, Christmas.

Colorado helped Ace set the table, grinning at the story. When Chip glanced at Ace with a smirk for a reply, Collie laughed.

"I knew it!" Colorado said. "If the great Chip Tirano is to fall it has to be for someone who teases him mercilessly." His eyes glimmered with laughter.

Chip chuckled as he set the pan with the sauce on the table and then went on to take care of the pasta.

"Yes, I've always had a certain weakness for pretty boys who tease me," he said jovially, then looked at Collie pointedly. "I guess that's why I like you, too."

Colorado made an innocent face, then laughed as he sat down at the table.

"I tease you? Ha! Don't listen to him, I don't tease him at all compared to what he's done to me." Colorado looked at Ace. "I've never had very strong nerves, you know, and when we were kids all Chip ever did was try them." He slapped Chip lightly on the arm when the other man came to bring the pasta to the table and said, with an accusing voice: "It's a wonder that I didn't have a nervous breakdown!"

Chip laughed and kissed Collie on the forehead.

"You liked it. Admit it."

"No." Colorado was pouting. Chip smirked and suddenly wrapped his arms around his friend, pressing a kiss on his neck.

"Admit it."

"No, Chip, stop it." Colorado was uselessly hitting Chip on the shoulders - uselessly both because he wasn't doing it nearly hard enough and because he was far too fragile compared to Chip to be able to do any real damage anyway. "Stop it! No!"

But Chip was continuing kissing him, knowing that Colorado would eventually react to it but that he didn't really like it happening.

"Admit it!"

Colorado fought back a few moments more until he finally gasped: "All right all right, fine! I like it!"

Chip grinned and let go, ruffling Colorado's hair and thus making several strands of his hair come loose from the ponytail. Colorado instantly protested and put his hands up on his head, trying to restore the ponytail.

Chuckling, Chip returned to the oven to take out the roast.


[[we can now jump to the evening whenever you like, if we don't want to play through the whole dinner and evening. Whichever way is fine with me.]]

[Kat]

(Aww! Chip wants to move in together, that's so cute, Ace squealed just a little when he read that; so I'm just skipping to a little while after they finished with supper, sitting around talking, getting ready to go to bed soon:)

Ace walked back over to the couch after re-filling his glass of water, placing it on the table before sinking down onto the couch beside Chip and kissing his cheek. Instead of snuggling against him though, Ace laid down across the remainder of the couch and put his feet in Chip's lap. "I think, because you love me so much, that you should give me a foot massage." He grinned at Chip before looking over at Colorado. "I don't know if he told you, but I plan on playing soccer professionally, so my feet are very important to me. He needs to take care of them." There was a mischievous sparkle in his eyes as he looked back at Chip, pressing his feet into Chip's lap. Even though he knew he was being a horrible tease, he couldn't help but make sure a few times his foot pressed in between Chip's legs. He was in a bit of a playful mood after the excellent night they'd had. He'd decided he was going to spend the night, and even though Colorado would be here as well, he felt up to having a bit of fun with Chip. Maybe it was hearing the story about Flash and knowing how devoted Chip had the possibility of being that had done its' part in chipping away at his hesitation. Whatever the reason, he wanted to take advantage of it while he was feeling it.

[Cres]

Colorado had conquered the sack chair and was leaning his elbows on the table, his chin on his crossed arms, looking at Chip and Ace with a smile. When Ace set his feet into Chip's lap Colorado grinned.

"Ohh, soccer, eh? We used to play a little in high school, Dan and Chip and I. Though mostly it was Dan's thing, really. Personally, I've never seen the point of running around the field after a ball, trying to get it past other guys, but I hear it's a big deal over in Europe." Colorado's eyes glimmered with curiosity. "Does this mean you're planning to move to Europe after graduation to play?"

Chip gave Ace a dry sort of a look when he placed his feet to his lap, but had to smile when the boy made sure to touch him in between his legs like that. He rather liked such teasing, and didn't care to deny it. He put his hands on Ace's feet and started massaging them; why not? And then, he felt nice about the whole evening. They were all getting along so well, and he liked how relaxed Ace seemed. It felt good all around. He was about to throw in a comeback to Ace when Colorado spoke up, and then he didn't bother anymore. He was actually surprised that he hadn't come to really ask that question himself. They hadn't really talked much about the future yet.

[Kat]

Ace smiled triumphantly when Chip indeed started rubbing his feet, quite happy. Being on his feet so much, they often hurt a little, which is why he took such good care of them. He listened as Colorado mentioned having played soccer in school, not really being able to see the other actually running around on the field. He wasn't surprised Dan had played, he was much more of the athletic type. When Colorado asked about him moving to Europe, he looked immediately at Chip, biting his lip a little.

"Well, yes. I can't really stay here and play, well I could, I suppose, but it's just not as big over here and I don't think the level of competition would be the same. Besides, I am European, and I miss my continent. That and my best friend and I, Sascha, who still lives in Sweden, have talked about going to Germany and starting out there, hopefully on the same team. I haven't really actually come out and said anything to anyone yet though, but I figure everyone should know by now, given my obsession with the sport." He really wished that he had broached the subject with Chip before and now he felt a little angry at himself for not. Had he been expecting Chip to ask? Why should he even have to? He wasn't the one who would be leaving, after all. But the biggest question on his mind was whether or not Chip would go with him. Would he be willing to put his life aside and follow Ace?

[Cres]

Chip saw Ace's look when Colorado took up moving to Europe, though he wasn't looking at the blonde. His eyes were on Ace's feet when he talked. Mostly Chip was just amazed that he hadn't asked; it was so obvious, after all. When Ace mentioned thinking about it and talking about it with Sascha, though, a bitter spark of jealousy panged him. Why had he talked with Sascha but not him? Or was this something that had happened before he'd even met Ace? Probably so. At least, Chip wanted to think so.

Still, he wondered a little that Ace hadn't said anything. He looked up and glanced over to the boy. The expression in the green eyes convinced him quickly that he hadn't been left out in purpose, however. He was sure he could see tension there, expectation. This made Chip feel rather nice, actually. If Ace was worried about his reaction to the news, it meant he really was serious with all of this as well. If he hadn't thought they had a future together, why worry about what would happen in a year?

It wasn't as though Chip really doubted Ace's motives or feelings - but it was hard for him to believe that all this happiness could really be happening. Sure, it was a rough road in many respects, with Ace's past hanging over them, and there were still things in Chip's own past, and more to the point, in his present, which might complicate things in the future, but at the end of the day they were happy together, as things were, right now, and there was no real reason why things couldn't work out in the future for them as well.

Especially since Chip had absolutely no problem with the idea of moving to Europe with his boyfriend.

"Germany, really? I would've preferred Holland," he said, a smile on his face. "They allow gay marriages there, you know." Chip gave a laugh and winked.

[[honestly though, I don't recall if Germany allows gay marriages as well. *shrug* We'll say they don't for the time being, to make Chip's comment make some sense, yeah? Oh, and speaking of which... this, uh, place where Meadowbrook's in... do they allow gay marriages? And what is it called, anyway? Ponyland? America? lol]]

[Kat]

When Chip made his comment, Ace didn't even really think about what he'd actually said. He just concentrated on what it meant. "You'd go with me?" He knew he probably seemed a little too worried about it, possibly even a little childish, as though he were almost asking Chip's permission. As he looked at Chip and thought more about it he suddenly realized what Chip had said. Marriage? Was he joking, or had it actually been on his mind? While Ace knew he definitely wanted to get married one day, he'd never given much thought to who he would marry. Would he marry a man? He did want kids, and he supposed to could always either adopt or find someone willing to bear a child for them, or something. That is, if the government wherever they chose to live allowed gay couples to adopt.

So he continued to sit and stare at Chip, waiting for his answer. As much as it would really hurt to leave everyone here behind, he had the feeling that if Chip came with him, it would make it a little more bearable.


*I'm not sure if we ever decided on a country name, but I figure they're somewhere in North America; and sadly both our government and the US governments are having stupid bouts of "eww gays can't marry, let's stop this sacrilege!" so we'll say it's just not as likely or open here*

[Cres]

[[okay cool. And no I'm pretty sure we never decided on the exact state, but I think I'd like to decide on that soon though. We probably should talk about it or something.]]

Chip wasn't sure how to read Ace's expression. He hoped he hadn't freaked the boy out. He'd meant it mainly as a jab for now, but the truth was that eventually... he wouldn't necessarily mind it. After all, if things worked out between them... marriage would be the best thing, if it were possible. Of course, there were many obstacles on that road, but he preferred not to think about it for the time being.

Instead, he smiled gently to Ace and reached over to caress his cheek a little while the other hand continued to massage the boy's foot.

"Sure, Sunlight." He grinned and returned his both hands to the feet. "Why, I'm practically European myself, with this fancy Italian lineage of mine." He winked, then looked more serious again. "I'm a restless spirit, Ace. I've been moving from one town to another since I was born. I don't get attached to places. Only people. And I don't see why I wouldn't go away with someone I love, after all."

"What would your father say?" threw in Colorado at that moment, one eyebrow up. "He doesn't even know yet, does he?"

Chip grimaced.

"No," he said, then shrugged. "But he's bound to. Eventually. I've always known that. I just can't afford it just yet. When I'm doing better all on my own and can be sure I don't need him anymore... I'll tell him anyway. He'll cut me off but heck... if he can't accept me the way I am, I don't need him."

Chip's face was harsh as he spoke those words, and it was clear he had made up his mind on this a long time ago, and was not about to change his mind. Colorado nodded quietly, then cleared his throat a little and smiled, attempting to steer the conversation away from the obviously painful topic.

"And when you move in together somewhere in Europe I'll come visit every weekend and pester you to death," he said with a smirk. "And don't forget to invite me to the wedding."

Chip chuckled and glanced at Ace affectionately.

"You're rushing now a little," he said softly to Colorado. "I like to take it one day at a time. But if we'll ever get that far, you'll be sure to be among the first to know, Col."

[Kat]

Ace smiled as Chip explained how easily he'd pick up and move with him, not entirely sure why but feeling like hearing that from Chip had been an important step in their relationship. Maybe it was anxiety over his father leaving him that was still playing with him, making him fear that those important to him would leave too. But he had a feeling Chip would be instrumental in getting him over those feelings.

As Chip mentioned his father, it tugged on his heartstrings a little. To know that your family would shun you if you were honest with them, it had to be saddening. He knew his family wouldn't even bat an eye if he brought Chip home. If anything it would only increase their level of teasing and treating him like a child, and his grandfather would probably only increase his taunts. He couldn't help but smile as he thought about his family, extremely grateful right now for how open and accepting they were. He was excited to share them with Chip, especially since it seemed his own family would do nothing but shut him out.

When Colorado mentioned the wedding Ace grinned, pulling his feet back and kneeling on the couch so he could move closer to Chip. "Don't worry Collie, we'll be sure to save you the position of flower girl." Ace winked at Colorado before seating himself on Chip's lap, his legs spread out in the other direction and an arm around his shoulders. "So I guess, given your macho Italian attitude, I'll be stuck being the bride, huh?" He grinned before kissing Chip's neck.

[Cres]

Chip automatically wrapped his arms round Ace's waist when the blonde climbed onto his lap. He smirked at what he said, easily moving the thoughts about his family out of his mind. He had reconciled himself with losing Mario a long time ago. It didn't really bother him anymore. He suspected that should have at least bothered him, but it didn't.

"But you'll look so pretty in a long white gown," he said.

Colorado gave a laugh.

"And good luck trying to get Chip to wear a suit!" he said, obviously highly amused. "I have never seen him in a suit as long as I've known him!"

[Kat]

Ace smirked when Chip stated he'd look pretty in a gown, sticking his tongue out at him. When Colorado mentioned Chip not wanting to wear a suit, Ace stuck his lower lip out in a pout. "But you'd wear a suit for me, right? Because you love me?" He leaned his head against Chip's, their eyes directly in front of one another's.

[Cres]

Chip was about to say something, opened his mouth, then closed it again at the unfair assault from Ace's wonderful green eyes. At the end he pouted.

"That's not fair," he complained. "You know I can't say no to you."

Colorado was laughing so hard he nearly fell off the chair.

"There you have it, Chip!" he leered. "You're caught now!" He grinned. "Domesticated."

Chip stuck out his tongue at Colorado, but then laughed.

"Ah well, it tends to happen to old men like me," he said, winking at Ace - recalling all the times Ace had playfully called him an old man.