Chasing Hearts (Robert Chase x Reader)

Chapter 10

Chapter 10
Sparks

Chapter song: Sparks by Coldplay

"...And that's why advancements in genetic markers are changing the game for early detection," the speaker concluded, prompting a wave of polite applause to ripple through the packed conference hall. The dimmed lights flickered on, illuminating rows of professionals murmuring amongst themselves.

"Well, that was groundbreaking," House muttered, leaning back with an exaggerated sigh. The glint in his eyes was unmistakable—boredom punctuated by his perpetual urge to stir up trouble. Wilson, sitting beside him, rolled his eyes but couldn't help the slight smile tugging at his lips.

Before anyone could respond, House's phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at the screen, and the half-smirk on his face fell away, replaced by an expression of mild irritation. Standing abruptly, he addressed the group.

"Listen up, kiddies," House said, cutting through the conversation like a blade. "Wilson and I have to head back—emergency consult. Try not to embarrass yourselves too badly while I'm gone." He was already moving toward the exit, Wilson following after him with an apologetic shrug and a quick, "Good luck, everyone."

The departure left a gap in the group's energy. Cameron glanced at Foreman, then at you, with a furrowed brow.

"Did anyone know he was leaving early?" she asked, more to herself than anyone else.

"Nope," Chase said, his gaze flicking from you to the thinning crowd. "But I'm not surprised."

As the convention wound down, the chaos of goodbyes and rushed packing filled the air. The echo of rolling suitcases and last-minute exchanges created a backdrop of hurried excitement. Cameron and Foreman approached you and Chase, shopping bags in hand and their luggage already with them.

"We're going to do some shopping before heading to the airport," Foreman announced. "Figured we'd make the most of the time we have left. You two coming?"

Chase shook his head slightly. "We'll meet you there. Still need to grab our things from the hotel."

Cameron nodded, giving you a brief smile before turning to follow Foreman out into the bustling corridor. "See you at the gate," she called over her shoulder.

The hall grew quieter as the crowd dispersed, leaving only the occasional straggler and the distant murmur of maintenance staff. You exchanged a glance with Chase, a flicker of anticipation passing between you as the weight of the upcoming journey settled in.

"We'd better get moving," he said, his voice steady but low enough that it seemed to blend into the now-muted atmosphere.

"Yeah," you replied, the word carrying the unspoken thought that neither of you knew just how much the rest of the day had in store.

The drive to the airport was marked by intermittent conversation and the occasional silence as the city's streets blurred past. When you arrived, the crowded terminal hummed with activity, the usual blend of business travelers, families, and vacationers weaving through security lines and gate announcements. The sky outside had darkened, clouds rolling in like a heavy curtain.

Checking the departure board, Chase's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing as he read the red lettering: Flight Delayed.

"Storm's moving in fast," he said, nodding at the gathering gloom outside.

You glanced at your phone and tried calling Cameron and Foreman, but the signal kept dropping, and each attempt met with a dead tone.

"No luck?" Chase asked.