Chase laid in bed, staring up at the ceiling. Another weekend without his kids. Apparently Stacy and her "amazing new boyfriend" took them to Disneyland. He was happy his kids were having fun, he just didn't appreciate the fact Stacy rubbed in his face that her new boyfriend could afford these kind of things. Oh well. He rolled over onto his side, facing the rest of his room. It was late. Really late.
Everyone had retreated to their rooms for the night. Jackie was out doing... whatever it is he does for "Hero work". Henrik was still in his office. Because when wasn't he. Chase sighed, reaching over to his bedside table. He picked up a small chip and ran his thumb along the letters inscribed. One month. He's been alcohol free for one month. It was still torture, especially during the hard days where the only thing he wanted to do was drink himself to death and sob about how he missed Stacy, but he could confidently say he was improving. The urges aren't nearly as bad as they were a couple weeks ago.
Chase put the chip back and sat up. He shouldn't just lay here. Opening the bedside drawer, he pulled out a pre-rolled joint and a lighter. He could already hear Henrik's voice in his head, chastising him for smoking, especially weed. It was either this or alcohol. Baby steps. He'll get there eventually. Climbing out of bed, he scanned his room before spotting a black hoodie on the floor. He should probably put that on. Going outside in sub-zero temperatures in just a t-shirt, pants and socks is probably a really bad idea.
He slipped the hoodie and shoes on, before walking over to the thin glass double doors in the corner of his room. Unlocking and opening them, he left the prickling cold breeze flow into the room. He stepped out onto the balcony and lit the joint, pressing the opposite end to his lips. He breathed in, allowing the smoke to invade his lungs. He held it for a moment before breathing out, leaving behind a burnt, herbal flavour on his tongue.
" Chase?" He heard a thick accented voice say behind him, making him jolt and nearly drop the joint.
" Fuckin' hell Henrik, you scared the shit outta me." Chase said, looking at the other. Henrik lightly chuckled in response and stepped onto the balcony with him. " What's up?" He asked before taking another breath of smoke.
" I felt a breeze come from under your door as i walked past, i wanted to make sure you were alright." Henrik responded.
" Ah. I'm alright Hen, been takin' my meds 'nd shit."
" That's good to hear." Henrik said with a soft smile, looking out to the forest ahead. They stood in comfortable silence for a few minutes, before Chase silently offered Henrik the joint. It was mainly as a joke, which is why he was taken by surprise when Henrik actually took it. Chase watched as Henrik pressed it to his chapped lips and inhaled, the smoke leaving his mouth a few seconds later.
" Hard day?" Chase teased with a small chuckle, his eyes not leaving Henrik's lips. He could see flakes of skin peeling upwards, indents of where Henrik's teeth had bit down and chewed off the skin.
" You have no idea.." He groaned, passing the joint back. Chase took one more hit before dropping it into the ashtray that sat on the little table beside him.
" Who was it this time?" Chase asked with a slight tilt of his head.
" Dr Iplier getting on my ass about stuff, Marvin burned himself with a spell, JJ shut his hand in a door and Anti re-opened his neck stitches." Henrik groaned, leaning against the balcony and hiding his face in his hands. Chase heard him mumble something in German before he looked back at him. Chase took this as a moment to study the man's features.
Brown hair, grey roots. Piercing blue eyes framed by glasses. Freckles dotted along his face which was framed by a neat beard. Chase grinned, starting to feel disoriented. His heart rate was picking up, but he couldn't tell if that was from the weed or from staring at Henrik. Henrik looked back, also starting to feel the effects. Not that he'd admit it to anyone, he barely admitted it to himself, but he always found Chase attractive. His messy green hair, blue eyes with a messy beard. He was the complete opposite to him, and he was perfect in every way.
" We should.. go back inside..." Henrik mumbled. Chase hummed in response, finding himself leaning closer. Wait, was Henrik leaning closer too? He could smell Henrik's breath. Weed and coffee. A very bitter combination, but not unpleasant by any means. They leaned closer and closer until-
Henrik quickly cleared his throat and moved away, looking away awkwardly. Chase noted that his cheeks were pink, although his were probably the same.
" Y-Yeah you're right.. Let's go back inside." Chase mumbled, quickly walking past him and inside. Henrik followed, shutting the door behind him.
" I'm going to go to bed." Henrik said, going towards the door. Chase wanted to grab his hand. Ask him to stay the night. Instead, their fingers barely brushed as he walked past. " Goodnight Chase."
" Night Hen." Henrik gave a polite but slightly strained smile before leaving, shutting the door behind him. Chase sighed and pressed his hand to his forehead. " Stupid.." He whispered to himself, dragging himself back to his bed. He flopped forward onto it, hearing the springs creak in protest from the sudden weight change. He closed his eyes, falling into a sleep with dreams of grey hair and blue eyes.
Author notes: HIII!!! Guess who's back from the dead! I'm sorry for being so inactive, I've been dealing with a LOT of personal shit and also i just had absolutely no motivation to write, but hopefully i'll be back for a little bit! Sorry this is so short, Just tryna get back into the flow of writing again :3
