Still Alive

Day 60

Sorry for disappearing, I got major writing block and wasn't sure where i wanted to take the story... hopefully that doesn't show in this chapter! Thank you for your patience. <3

By this time Piers had gotten back into the swing of things at work and his new arm had been treating him quite well. At the rate he was going he was expected to get back on the field before the year ended, but for now it was just boring paperwork. On the bright side he and Chris had managed to take their lunch breaks at the same time. This was something the two of them always looked forward to.

Piers was sitting at his computer going over past reports when he felt a large presence hang over him. Without even looking up he greeted Chris with a friendly hello. When he didn't get the same greeting back he looked up to see Chris with a serious expression on his face.

"What's going on?" Piers asked fearing it was something to do with any of the teams out on dangerous jobs.

Chris sensed this unease and got straight to the point, "It's about you. I've called a meeting to discuss your future with the BSAA." Chris knew he probably looked more stern then he meant to but it was the only way he knew how to hide his nerves. Chris had already talked with the fellow higher ups and they all decided Piers was due for a promotion and all the red tape was 90% sorted, the only thing in Piers' way was Piers himself.

Chris had been offered a position with more power that would mostly consist of making the teams that went overseas as well as getting in touch with the international branches of the BSAA. He decided to only accept this position if Piers would be his replacement as captain. He wanted this for Piers and he hoped Piers would want this for himself. All of these thoughts raced in his mind as he led Piers to the meeting room in silence.

Chris held the door open for Piers revealing only two other people who introduced themselves as another founder of the BSAA and a company lawyer. Chris motioned for Piers to sit as he closed the door and began discussing why he called the meeting. Piers listened as Chris explained the promotion he'd been offered and how he wants Piers to be his replacement. He had heard Chris mention how he'd want Piers to be his successor before but he still never thought the day would actually come. He remained silent and listened as the two founders explained what his new job would entail. When they finished, the three men awaited Piers' reply. He remained speechless for a moment while he considered all of his options.

"If you need to take a few days to decide I understand-" Chris began to say before he was cut off by Piers who answered the hefty question with an eager yes. The heavy pressure in the room lifted and a collective sigh could be heard from the higher ups as Piers and the lawyer began going through the paperwork. Piers read what he needed to and signed as needed and before the work day ended Piers was all set up for his promotion. Given the nature of his recent surgery and the timing of when Chris would start his new position Piers' job wouldn't actually change until the middle of January, but it was still exciting. Chris led Piers back to his desk with a supportive hand on his shoulder. When Piers got back in his seat Chris congratulated him and promised to have a steak dinner on the table when Piers got home.

Piers' smile grew as he returned the congratulations to Chris and said, "Then I'll pick up a wine that's worth two promotions." They snuck in a quick peck on the lips before they each got back to their work.

Piers' excitement had the rest of the day feeling two times slower but he still managed to finish everything he needed to. He stopped by a small grocery store on his way home and picked up a bottle of wine he thought Chris would like.

He entered Chris' home bottle in hand and was greeted by the smell of steak and potatoes. When he entered the kitchen he admired how domestic and peaceful Chris looked, setting his kitchen table for two. He made his presence known and went to a cupboard and pulled out two wine glasses before he and Chris sat at the table.

The two talked about the future as they ate and Chris felt the warmth in him die down a little as Piers said, "and I'll finally be getting out of your hair. I'm almost back to 100% so I can go back home to my place."

Chris didn't let his pain show as he kept the conversation moving, "Oh yeah I guess it is time for you to get back to your own life." Piers felt a little hurt at Chris' willingness to let him go but that just solidified the fact that it was time for him to stop forcing himself into Chris' day to day. Neither seemed to notice the conversation slow after that and neither seemed to care that this would be Piers' last night of living with Chris. However a new kind of sadness had entered into each of them and it was the loss of the family they had found within each other. They both knew that they weren't breaking up so they felt silly for being so hurt. This led to them deciding to bottle the feeling up and not speak about how much they wanted to continue the life they had built the last few weeks.

For the first time in a long time Chris woke up to an empty cold house.