Sides, a Chanlix Story

Chapter 23

Despite all the teasing and the mental breakdown, Chan had enjoyed the day, he was ready to be home though. While home wasn't always nurturing or healthy, it was still something that he could go back to everyday and expect everything to be the same. He enjoyed consistency in his life, and this past week had been anything but consistent. While walking Felix home they talked about random things, from the teachers at school they didn't particularly like, to what their favorite music was. When they reached the Lee's house Felix turned towards Chan.

“Thanks for looking for me, even when I avoided you all day.” He said with a slight smile.

“Of course.” Chan answered rubbing the back of his neck. “After all, you would have done the same for me.” Felix let out a small laugh. He turned around to go inside, but then he paused and turned back around.

“Can I-” he hesitated. “Could you... uh...” Chan snickered.

“Just say it. As long as you're not asking me to murder somebody, most likely I'll do it.” He said with the hint of a laugh in his voice. Felix tilted his head.

“So, you're saying you wouldn't murder somebody for me?” Felix asked, looking dead serious.

“Uh... I mean... I... Huh?” Chan stuttered trying to figure out how to answer that. Felix started laughing.

“Relax.” he said “I don't want you to go to jail. Especially for me. I just wanted a hug.”

“Oh.” Chan looked relieved. “Come here.” He held his arms open and Felix waddled into them, crouching slightly to make it so he could rest his chin comfortably on Chan's shoulder. They stayed like that for a while, enjoying each others warmth. Then Felix pulled away slightly, looking Chan in the eyes.

“Thanks.” He said shortly, but with a soft smile. Chan smiled back at him and pulled him back in again for a little bit more.

“Anytime.” He whispered. He patted the younger boys back and they pulled apart completely. Felix walked to the door of his house and opened the door. He turned around and waved once more at Chan who was standing at the end of his sidewalk waiting for him to go back in. Chan smiled and waved back, then he walked away towards his house. Felix smiled slightly at the retreating back before completely entering his house and shutting the door behind him.

Chan walked home in silence enjoying the cool spring night. It was late November and it was starting to get warm enough for people to be going around in t shirts instead of sweaters and long sleeves. Chan enjoyed this time of year, it wasn't too hot or too cold. And this meant that Christmas was just around the corner! He started humming jingle bells and walking with a bit more of a skip in his walk. When he reached his house he saw his Father's car sitting out front. The door was open with just the screen door protecting him from the inside. He walked up the sidewalk and went inside. His father and sister were sitting at the table on their phones. Victoria was smiling at her phone, most likely watching some sort of Tik Tok or funny YouTube video. His father on the other hand was frowning at his phone looking confused.

“I'm home.” Chan said hanging up his bag on his hook by the door.

“Oh, Chan.” His father said. “I forgot to text you. Could you go to the fried chicken place for us. Here's a fifty. Get a twelve piece chicken meal, mashed potatoes and corn for the sides, six biscuits, and a coke for me. Vic, what do you want to drink?” Victoria looked up briefly.

“Just get me an iced tea.” She said.

“Okay, an iced tea and then whatever you want.” Chan's father finished. Chan nodded hesitantly.

“Is...” he paused “Is it okay if I get changed first?” He asked quietly. His father thought for a second.

“Okay, just be quick, especially if you just worked out. You need some protein.” Chan shook his head in confusion.