Last But Not Least

~5~

Donald POV

***

I huffed silently to myself as I watched the elevator doors closed, my emotions beginning to chip at my sanity, each day that went by becomming worse and worse. I didn't mean to treat Chase with such disrespect but it was out of pity and sheer impatience that I did so. But I was certainly not trying to hurt him at all.

He was my son and seing the pain this stupid virus will bring to him. After a simple little tug-a-war mishap, sent him into two days unconscious, the pain only seeming to grow the more we wait.

For the past month, I've been nonstop working on finding an antidote for Chase, which led to lack of sleep and my pretty much addiction to saving Chase, no matter what I had to do.

I snapped out of my thoughts and returned my attention back to my phone, and I mentally face palmed when I realized I still hadn't pressed the call button and I felt my cheeks heat up as I pressed it.

Ring.

Ring.

Ring.

Beep.

"Hello?" A deep and completely hollow voice said, rigid and depressed. I was about to ask who it was when I did a double take, realizing with a start, that it was Douglas. "Douglas?" I asked, in sheer amazement.

"Donnie?" His voice softened and he sounded less gruff and more concerned, and I heard something crash to the floor. More shuffling until Douglas returned to the line. "Why-why did you call me?"

"Chase." I said grimly, lowering my voice. I glanced around my shoulders before continuing. "Two days ago, he had a random, but long time period where he was unconscious, almost like a sudden burst of pain. What happened?"

Douglas sighed and I could hear tapping of the feet, the gears probably turning in his head as he thought about how to reply. "Oh no. You said a sudden burst of pain?" I was about to reply when he interjected. "That means that-that the virus is nearing it's final stage, and that happens to be when Chase... you know." I gulped. "He'll continue having these pain outbursts until he either dies, or we find an antidote. What do you want to do?"

"The antidote!" I exclaimed, as though it was obvious. I threw my arms up in exasperation and felt something fly off my shoulder, but I shrugged it off as I returned to Douglas. "Every life is worth saving, and I will fight for his life."

"Not really what I remember." Douglas grumbled from the other side, a bit of static following his voice. I scoffed, loud enough for him to hear me. "What's that suppose to mean?"

Douglas sighed. "Well, I don't want to reopen old wounds but when Chase was dying the first time, you suggested we pull the plug on the poor kid. And as I remember it, I was the one that convinced you otherwise." I could feel the conceited pride practically dripping through the phone as Douglas finished.

"Okay, Douglas that's true." I admitted, gritting my teeth. "But right now, I reeeaaally need your help. Douglas, please. I'm begging you. Please help me save your son."

I knew that saying 'your' would definitly butter up the deal. That was always a weak spot for him and I finally got to use it to save Chase; whether or not he was mine or his son, I needed to save him.

"Alright Donnie." He gave in, his voice suddenly lowering. "Meet me at-The Place tonight at six, okay? I'll bring what information I have and we'll figure it out from there."

I smiled and nodded, clearing my throat when I realized he couldn't see me. "Okay. Thanks Dougie. I'll see you then."

And I hung up, feeling something I hadn't felt for a long time resurface: hope.

I felt a sphere of joy growing in my stomach, which caused me to smile even wider if possible. I felt my stress starting to grow thinner and thinner as I walked happily to the elevator, pressing the button as I waited for the doors to open.

Now that Douglas agreed to help me, we'd finally fix Chase and that entire thing would be one of the past. Chase was suffering because of Douglas's partner, and now I can end that suffering so Chase will finally be happy and healthy.

I heard a ding and the elevator doors opened, and standing awkwardly inside was Chase, with something shoved behind his back, out of my line of vision. He smiled awkwardly and I stepped in, the goofy smile still on my face as the doors closed.

"Why are you so happy?" Chase asked, my smile making a little grin tug at his lips, his complexion beginning to whiten. I shrugged it off.

"Well, I, uh, my coworkers at Davenport Industries are throwing me a sixteen year anniversary party tonight." I said, smiling to myself. "So, I'll be gone tonight. But, I'll have Eddie watch you kids."

He nodded and the elevator doors opened, and everyone was going about their regular day. Leo and Adam were playing a game, and competitively, and Bree was sitting on the stairs, talking to someone.

All eyes shifted onto me and everyone looked confused as they saw the smile on my face. I ignored them and hummed a tune as I walked to the fridge, taking out a small pudding cup as I grabbed a spoon and peeled off the lid, tossing it in the garbage as I made my way to my desk.

I plopped down and opened up my laptop, logging on as I glanced to everyone (besides Chase) who were staring at me with confusion, until Chase explained to them and they all continued on with what they were doing, with the exception of Bree who began talking to Chase.

One sentence kept replaying in my head, bringing my spirits higher and higher: Chase will be okay. Chase will be okay. Chase will be okay. Chase will be okay.

A ripple of unsureness passed over my mind as I stared at the blue screen in front of me, beginning to lose the smile and take on my trademark frown. What if Chase dies before we get the antidote? What if we can't find an antidote? What if this is all just a trap?

I shook my head and returned my attention back to my laptop, trying to loose myself in my work. There was no point stressing myself out before I actually knew what the outcome would be. Douglas made the kids bionics! He'd definitely know what to do. So I just had to remain calm until the meetup.

Speaking of that, I hope Douglas is doing okay. He might've designed the virus and his partner might have given Chase the virus but he's my brother, and Davenport Industries seems so... empty without him. He used to bring imagination and colour to the meetings and the devices. Now it all seems so bland and boring. I never really thought about how much he meant to me....

I snapped out of my thoughts and realized my elbow was on the 'K' key and the document was just three pages of K's. I exited out of the document and almost gasped aloud when I saw the time read five thirty.

I ran to the coat rack, grabbing my coat and messily putting it on before shouting "KIDS! I'm late for the anniversary party! Adam, there's plenty of pudding cups in the fridge, Leo, no games until you've finished your homework and Bree and Chase-" I paused, "be good! Bye!"

And I got the keys from my pocket and locked the door behind me, cursing under my breath as I ran to the Davencar, hopping in and inputing the destination, sitting back and praying Douglas would have all the answers I needed.

Late.

~~~