[Center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019bffd1-2f16-722f-af48-b81a3687d5b4.webp[/img][/center] [center][u][h2]Jan 10th & 11th, Redwoods[/h2][/u][/center] Beyond the detours of the past two days, having had to skip the Lassen Volcanic Park, Chase was determined to get back on schedule. He had already modified their plans, changing the events for the days to come along with what time they'd be coming back home. For now, they stood within the massive forest of Redwood National Park. A new stamp freshly painted onto Ben's cheek, a photo sent off to Matt, and several more having been sent to Danni. There were many things that Chase had learned to love and enjoy during this trip, but even beyond the sounds and looks he got from Ben during prayer, his favorite thing was the way Ben entered his own world when surrounded by nature and the chatter of bugs. The forest offered them a serene and moody atmosphere. The cold having kept many others at bay offering them complete solitude within the vibrant mist covered forest. The trees stood tall like mountains, the ground was wet and cold with a layer of snow, it felt like another world. A realm beyond their own. Ben was a little breathless as they entered the Redwood forest. It was gorgeous. The trees towered over them. The air was crisp and cold. He shivered a little, pulling the hoodie around himself a little more, and lifted the hood. It didn’t stay there long though, as he looked up at the tree boughs overhead. Ben tilted his head a little, listening, for something only he could hear. Technically he didn’t use his ears to communicate with the insects. Their noises had meaning, but it wasn’t the only way they communicated, insects used pheromones and for Ben the information came in almost like they spoke directly into his mind. [color=cde0e1]”This place is beautiful,”[/color] he said in almost a whisper. There was little need for that, as the park was almost empty. The trails in many places were still thick with snow as not many people had walked through there yet to smash it down. Chase simply smiled, an almost whisper back as he replied. [Color=585c74]”Yeah, it is.”[/color] He wasn't looking at the forest however, his eyes firmly fixed on Ben Moss. The sheer beauty of his boyfriend that equally awed him and made him feel inferior. He saw so much good in him, so much beauty, it made Chase see just how far he'd fallen. But he didn't focus on that, not now, only on the radiance that was Ben. Ben turned to face Chase, a huge smile on his face. [color=cde0e1]”Time to hike, and find a good spot to find bugs and for you to draw and paint.”[/color] He held out his hand, taking Chase’s and starting down the path. Chase hurried to Ben's side, taking his hand in his as he used his free one to look at the park map with trails. Just enough to not get lost, but allowing Ben's senses to lead them where they would need to go. He wanted to paint, to do the scenery, but he found that more pages were of Ben than the parks recently. He felt stupid. But the London accent made him melt. [Color=585c74]”Yeah yeah, let's go find you some critters to dance with.”[/color] Ben laughed, he wasn’t so sure about dancing, but he did want to find a good spot for insects. He half led the way through the woods, following marked trails, until he found a clearing. It looked like a picnic spot, but the tables were covered with snow. [color=cde0e1]”This should be a good spot. We can clear off one of the tables for you, and it is a big enough clearing I can wander about without bothering you, and find all the cool insects here. Though, the snow will definitely have them hiding more than usual.”[/color] [Color=585c74]”You? Bother me? Impossible. But I appreciate the sentiment.”[/color] Chase pulled his hand inside one of his sleeves. Gripping the hem of it as he used it to clear off all of the snow that was on the table and chair before sitting down. [Color=585c74]”That's what the dancing for. To help them come out. Like using vibrations to call worms to the surface, you gotta groove with the forest to bring out its underlife.”[/color] Chase danced in place as he sat before finally pulling out his supplies. Ben wasn’t sure if that would work. The idea of doing it felt embarrassing. He did not want to go dancing around a public place like that. Sure, there weren’t a lot of people around right now. In fact the place was nearly deserted. There were obvious signs of people, and even a dog, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t walk into the clearing as Ben was dancing about like a fool. [color=cde0e1]”I don’t know about that,”[/color] he said, his face redder than could be explained by cold or exertion. [color=cde0e1]”I’ll just wander around like normal I think.”[/color] Chase had already begun to sketch the trees, the scenery. Hardly looking up, a grin on his face at the notion of Ben doing a little jig for the bugs. [Color=585c74]”Go forth my King, wander the grounds within my sight and remember, not all who wander are lost.”[/color] He placed in a little ben doing the twist in his drawing, adding some wiggle lines around it to show off the motion. Ben laughed and wandered off to the tree lined. The clearing wasn't too big, definitely destined for a larger group to have a picnic. Ben wasn't sure if it was a camping area or just for picnics. The snow made it difficult for him, but he crunched his way through it. He started looking for bugs, it took him a little longer than usual, but soon he was crouched down chatting to one. [Color=585c74]”Bring me back something cool! Gotta photograph every bug this trip”[/color] Chase called out to Ben before proceeding with his drawings. [color=cde0e1]”Will do!”[/color] The next few hours were spent in relative quiet. Ben coming over to Chase occasionally with a bug to show him. Pictures would be taken, and shared with Danni and Matt. As the day became evening, and the park went into ‘closed’ or camping mode, they left and found a cheaper hotel to stay at. The definition of cheaper was much more broad than it had been the day before. The next day was much the same. They hiked to a different spot and followed the pattern they had found between themselves. The Redwoods were beautiful, and despite the lost stop at Lassen they had a lot of fun during the trip as a whole. Ben loved the massive trees, and enjoyed clambering around searching for little hidey holes. He was smart enough, and at this point had seen enough signs, to stay on the trail. The only time he had wandered into the woods was the night in the cathedral tree with Chase. If it hadn’t been for the ski lodge, that likely would have cemented itself as his favorite night of the trip. Consideration for stopping once an hour had to be made, they drove back to Redding for the night of the 11th. Since the drive from Redwoods National Park to L.A. proper took twelve hours, without stopping. Even the reduced time from Redding wouldn’t be enough to mean they weren’t getting back to LA until it was fairly late. They ate dinner the night of the 11th at a drive-in BBQ joint that had been a town staple since the 1950s. The food there was delicious. Ben who had never had brisket was amazed at how tender a cut of meat that was normally considered a trash piece could get. It helped that it was slow cooked over low fire for twelve hours. [center][u][h2]Jan 12th, Returning Home[/h2][/u][/center] It was at minimum a ten hour drive from Redding to LA. That was without traffic. So they had to leave early, as soon as Ben had had enough rest, the sun wasn’t even up. Something Ben found personally offensive to his sleep schedule. If he didn’t hate being in a car, he might have still fallen asleep in it. One of the stops was at a 7-11 to get ICEEs. Ben tried a little of each flavor and ended up making a suicide of the flavors. He liked the drink, but was of the opinion that he would prefer it in the heat of summer over the dead of winter. He had spent most of this trip shivering at least a little bit. Surprisingly, and fortunately for Chase, Medieval Times was a twenty-four hour business. They got into town late and got a slot for dinner at the Ren fair turned restaurant. Ben did in fact enjoy the spectacle. The food wasn't his favorite aspect, but that was alright. The show was worth it. After dinner the pair of them found a quiet street to park and attempt something Ben had been dreading. They soon were to part ways and wouldn’t have alone time again until they were at school. They both wanted one more opportunity at [i]praying.[/i] Ben’s concern lay solely at the feet of his claustrophobia. Chase tried something that was only partially successful. He attempted to open the space of the back of the jeep using his shadows. No limbs were lost, but it was definitely not the ideal way for them to try. Chase had a hard time managing the shadows while he was busy. Finally they arrived at Ben’s home. He was tired, dragging his feet a little. The last day had been rough, he had pushed the once an hour breaks to his max limit and was still a little emotionally worn out. He’d be perfectly content not being in a car for another month. Matt opened the door and hugged Ben tightly, before inviting Chase to come inside for a bit. [color=004d00]”So how was the trip, kiddo?”[/color] Matt asked once they were all inside. Ben’s bag had been tossed into his room. [color=cde0e1]”It was great! We saw some great hiking places, and bugs. You’ve seen basically all the bugs. Oh! And we rescued one little guy. Damn, where did I put Titan!”[/color] Shadows swirled beneath Chase's hand like smoke before Titan appeared within its case in his grasp. [Color=585c74]”Really should keep a better eye on him.”[/color] Chase grinned before kicking his converse off and placing them into the holder. [Color=585c74]”Hey Mr. Moss, how was the quiet kid free week?”[/color] [color=cde0e1]”Thank you,”[/color] Ben said, a bit embarrassed. He held the terrarium, he’d put him away with the others in a bit. [color=004d00]”It was nice, I got some reading and cleaning done. Though, happy to have Ben back here. It got a little too quiet,”[/color] Matt told Chase. [color=004d00]”Did you have a good time Chase?”[/color] [Color=585c74]”Loads! Where've you been hiding him all this time? Cali feels like it was so dull now after meeting him.”[/color] Chase ruffled Ben's hair before beginning to stretch. [Color=585c74]”Surely you missed me as well? I've been told I've got a charming personality and adorable face by my rents.”[/color] [color=004d00]”We’ve only been here a little bit of time.”[/color] Matt glanced at Ben, gauging his reaction. Matt knew that Ben wasn’t comfortable talking about his parents yet. [color=004d00]”Really, we hadn’t even finished unpacking when you two met at the skate park. And yes, I did miss you too.”[/color] Ben pulled away a little bit from Chase’s ruffling, he reached up and fixed his hair. He nodded, slightly at his Uncle when Matt started to explain them moving here. [color=cde0e1]”Before the Contest we went to his apartment in San Francisco, after the contest we moved here.”[/color] He gestured to the room, indicating the whole house. [color=cde0e1]”We really only had been here a few days when we ran into each other at the skate park.[/color] [Color=585c74]”Awe! I knew you'd miss me!”[/color] Chase gave Matt a quick hug before venturing further into the house. He looked around the space, clearly Matt had had some time to unpack a bit more while they were away. A shelf of…robots? Off to one side. A passion project maybe? [Color=585c74]”I'd say it was fate but I'm almost always there. So you lived in San Fran before all this? You'll love LA, its…different, but it has its own charm. I could show you some good local spots for food, unless you cook yourself.”[/color] Chase had wandered over towards the Gundams, curiously staring at the figures as he kept his hands in his pockets. [color=004d00]”I do some cooking, if you’re hungry, there is spaghetti. I lived there for work. But I recently got a desk job so I could move down here for Ben to go to school.”[/color] Matt watched as Chase explored the space. [color=004d00]”That does sound nice though.”[/color] [color=cde0e1]”I did not live in San Francisco. At least not more than a couple of weeks, while getting paperwork finished, getting adopted, and school stuff,”[/color] Ben said a little stiffly. The time in San Francisco felt like a weird dream. Everything from the death of his parents until the last couple of weeks felt like it happened to someone else. Chase raised an eyebrow at Ben. He knew Ben was new new to the area, unsure as to why he felt the need to specify that one. Then again, Chase had assumed Ben went straight from London to LA. [Color=585c74]”Got any meatballs to go with it Mr. M?”[/color] [color=004d00]”I do.”[/color] Matt led the way to the kitchen. [color=004d00]”Ben do you want any?”[/color] [color=cde0e1]”I’ll take a small portion. I’m going to put Titan in the terrarium,”[/color] Ben said and backed out of the room going to his room with the little plastic terrarium that Chase had given him. In his room he took a few slow breaths. God he hated trying to lie or keep a secret. He set about getting Titan set up. In the kitchen, Matt opened the fridge and pulled out the dish with the left overs of spaghetti, and a second container with the meat balls. From the cupboards he pulled out a couple of plates, and from a drawer came forks. [color=004d00]”How much do you want, Chase?”[/color] Matt asked, [color=004d00]”And I know it is pretty late, so if you want you can crash here. We have an air mattress I can blow up for you. We’ll just let your folks know.”[/color] [Color=585c74]”I can text the rents, though chances are they already know. No need for the air mattress though. Im good on a couch, prefer it actually.”[/color] Chase didn't bother answering about his portion. Grabbing a small size but adding about four meatballs to the plate. He bit into one of them, looking surprised at how delicious it was. He finished chewing before finally asking. [Color=585c74]”What's with the robot figures?”[/color] Chase leaned against the counter as he continued to eat. [color=004d00]”Don’t want that heated? I’m sure it’ll taste better warmed.”[/color] He served the second plate for Ben, and popped it into the microwave. [color=004d00]”The Gundam? It’s a nice little thing to do that is a little meditative. Also I was a fan of the show when I was your age. Still am to be honest.”[/color] [color=cde0e1]”Still am what?”[/color] Ben asked coming back into the room, the microwave beeped and Matt took out the food for him as he answered. [color=004d00]”A fan of an old anime called Gundam,”[/color] he said gesturing to the display case. [Color=585c74]”I'm used to cold meals, it's fine.”[/color] Chase stabbed another meatball. [Color=585c74]”So wait did you build all of those Gundams? Sick. So what's the anime about? I've seen a few but not that one. Then again that was…how long ago? Shit, sorry i meant like, its not on TV.”[/color] [color=004d00]”Yeah, I made them. I don’t have any kits right now, or I’d show you the process if you were interested. But I need to find a store that sells them. The anime has been running in one form or another since 1979. In general it is about the cost of war. All while cool robots fight each other in space.”[/color] Matt was smiling, he enjoyed talking about Gundam and was considering putting on one of the shows for them. He wasn’t sure where to start though. There was [i]a lot[/i] of material to watch, read, and in general consume when it came to Gundam. Ben nodded listening to the conversation. He ate his spaghetti. He wasn’t super hungry, but it was very good. He had also seen some anime, but wasn’t what he’d call a fan of it. Mostly whatever was popular at the time. [Color=585c74]”Oh sweet. So a mecha anime that talks about the follies of war. That I can get behind. It's giving futuristic Princess Mononoke kinda. Not exactly the same, but similar vibes. So you were like, a total nerd growing up?”[/color] Matt laughed, [color=004d00]”Yeah, I was, still am.”[/color] [color=cde0e1]”He has anime posters in his room,”[/color] Ben said around his bite of spaghetti. [Color=585c74]”You're lying. Really?!”[/color] Chase propped off the counter as he bounced on his heels. [Color=585c74]”Can I see?”[/color] [color=004d00]”Sure thing.”[/color] Matt left the kitchen area and led the way to the bedrooms. He opened his bedroom door and flicked on the lights. There were shelves with more Gundam, and figures for a few other things. On the walls were posters of Gundam, Godzilla, One Piece and Neon Genesis Evangelion. [Color=585c74]”No way!”[/color] Chase wanted to abandon the plate all together, but had nowhere to set it down once in Matt's room. He beelined it towards the Godzilla figures. [Color=585c74]”Ok so a very cool nerd. Ben you didn't mention your uncle liked Godzilla! I tried getting Benny Boi here to watch Minus Color the other day and he didn't have it.”[/color] [color=cde0e1]”I said that I knew Godzilla, but wasn’t feeling it. Not that I didn’t know it, or that I hadn’t seen it before. I’ve seen a couple of them,”[/color] Ben said, he had a bite of food half way to his mouth. [color=cde0e1]”I wanted to watch something I hadn’t seen, and I had never seen Mazerunner,”[/color] Ben shrugged. [color=004d00]”One of these days I’ll get him to watch all of the movies,”[/color] Matt said a little wistfully. [Color=585c74]”You ever seen Mazerunner? I've been told that l look like the main character.”[/color] Chase asked before shoveling some spaghetti into his mouth, having made his way over towards Matt's bed and sat on the edge of it. Matt tilted his head thinking, the motion surprisingly like Ben sometimes did when listening for insects. [color=004d00]”I’ve seen it, yeah. It’s been, probably since it came out though. I just remember the one kid from [i]Love Actually[/i].”[/color] [color=cde0e1]”I stand by, that I can see the comparison, but... it’s not a perfect match in my opinion.”[/color] Ben’s face went red as he realized what he almost said. Almost mentioning that he thought Chase looked better than the actor. [Color=585c74]”Personally I don't see it. But I'll take the compliment. Never even heard of Love Actually. Sounds like some Shakespeare type nonsense.”[/color] Chase had taken to scooting back onto the bed and sitting criss-cross as he ate his food. Matt winced as Chase scooted more onto the bed with his spaghetti. He kept it to himself for now though. That was par for the course with kids and he knew that. Messes happened. Ben finished off his spaghetti, and leaned against the door jam. He wanted to sit next to Chase, but didn’t want to risk it. [color=004d00]”Not Shakespeare, or at least not a direct Shakespear to my knowledge. But it was a romance movie. Came out in the early 2000s, god, like 2005 maybe. Anyway, if you are going to stay the night, you can stay on the couch if that is really what you prefer, but I do need confirmation from your folks that it is alright.”[/color] Chase pulled out his phone, leaving the plate of spaghetti precariously placed atop his knee. Instantly his phone buzzed and he simply turned the phone to show Matt the text from Morgan that just read ‘It's fine.’ With the date and time stamp to show she had just sent it. [Color=585c74]”It's weird, I know.”[/color] [color=004d00]”Yeah, that’s going to take some getting used to,”[/color] Matt said as he looked at the phone confirming that it was Morgan and had really just been sent. [color=004d00]”I’ll get you some pillows and blankets.”[/color] Ben tried to catch Chase’s attention and mouthed, [color=cde0e1]”Wait what?”[/color] As Matt went to a closet and pulled out a spare bed set. He went to the living room and made up the couch. Chase wiggled his eyebrows at Ben after Matt left the room. Mouthing back in silence ‘I'm staying the night. He likes me.’ With a shit eating grin on his face as he ate more of his spaghetti. Ben’s smile grew massive, he pumped his fist, in a quiet cheer. He wasn’t 100% sure if Matt would have been so accommodating if he knew. Matt from the other room shouted, [color=004d00]”Do you want to watch something before going to sleep?”[/color] Chase got up off the bed, finishing his meal before going to the kitchen to wash his plate as he answered back. [Color=585c74]”Kinda wanna take a shot at this Gundam stuff. How bout you Benny Boi?”[/color] [color=cde0e1]”Sure, sounds good to me,”[/color] Ben said following after Chase, putting his plate in the sink. [color=004d00]”Alright, I’ll cue it up.”[/color] Matt smiled. He was happy to share his interests with Ben, and if Chase made that easier than that was fine with him. Chase finished washing his plate before moving onto Ben's, all as Matt set up the show for them to watch. Once he was finished he'd hopped over the arm of the chair where the pillows lay as he snuggled himself into the corner of the armrest. [Color=585c74]”Alrighty, ready.”[/color] Matt and Ben sat down too. Ben taking the middle seat, sitting slightly closer to Chase than Matt. It was maybe two episodes into Gundam that Ben finally fell fully asleep. He had been drifting, struggling a little to stay awake, as he was interested in the show, but he was more tired than interested. When he fell asleep he slumped into Chase. Chase looked down at Ben, sleeping on him, and smiled. [Color=585c74]”I think someone's tired.”[/color] He looked at Matt, biting back a bit of laughter. [Color=585c74]”I got this.”[/color] A blanket of darkness slipped over Ben before he finally vanished and reappeared in his own bed, tucked into his sheets as the shadows made sure he wasn't too snug before they vanished. [Color=585c74]”Oh…did uh, Benny Boi tell you?”[/color] Chase was facing the TV, the lights and colors of the show flashing across his face as he thought about Ben's claustrophobia. Ben didn’t notice, he was sound asleep and continued to sleep after being transferred to his bed. He was still in his clothes and hadn’t brushed his teeth, but he was long gone caring about that sort of thing. [color=004d00]”Thank you. I could have taken him, but I think that was smoother,”[/color] Matt adjusted himself on the couch, considering going to bed himself. He paused, [color=004d00]”Tell me what?”[/color] [Color=585c74]”He's claustrophobic.”[/color] Chase turned to face Matt, a bit of a worried look upon his face. [Color=585c74]”Found it out during the trip, nothing major I promise. But it's why he has such a hard time with showers and car rides. He needs more space, needs to not feel…trapped. Not sure what the shower here is like but it seems ADA type showers were ok for him.”[/color] Chase shrugged, pulling his knees up to his chest as he wrapped his arms around his legs. Matt nodded, [color=004d00]”Yeah he mentioned it. He didn’t really explain how you guys figured it out, or what it meant. So thank you for that. Makes some sense. He probably doesn’t remember, but when he was hmm, I think four or five years old, he and his paternal grandmother were in an elevator. It got stuck for several hours. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy. That might be why. He hated the apartment because it was either a rickety elevator or three flights of stairs. He took the stairs every time. Unfortunately, the shower here is not great. Mine isn’t any better than his, otherwise I’d let him use it.”[/color] Chase had expected it to be the terrigensis that had triggered it all, but it seemed even more deeply rooted than that. The transformation probably didn't help though. [Color=585c74]”I hadn't even thought about elevators. Stairs aren't too bad, I can take stairs. I know what it's like to have been trapped in a small space, I don't want him to feel like that again. So I'm trying to keep all these things in mind. No drives longer than an hour, elevators, making sure he has enough space around too many people. It's…”[/color] Chase shook his head. [Color=585c74]”Sorry. Just, thinking outloud.”[/color] [color=004d00]”Chase, don’t apologize for caring about my nephew. I’m glad he found a friend here. I was... worried,”[/color] Matt paused. [color=004d00]”He was so closed off. He was in a sort of fugue state it seemed like. But since he became friends with you he is like that kid I remember from before. So thank you.”[/color] [Color=585c74]”You're tellin me. Back at the contest he tried pushing me away, but I could tell he was in some sort of a funk. I've been there, I recognized it, I pushed through. When I saw him again at the skate park alone, well no one is truly alone at a skatepark. So I nudged at him again, glad he didn't push back that time.”[/color] Chase bit his lower lip, his hands gripping at the sides of his jeans as he tried not to cry. His voice betrayed him however, wavering in small bits as he spoke. [Color=585c74]”I'm glad I could help.”[/color] Matt nodded in agreement, he patted Chase on the shoulder. [color=004d00]”You did good.”[/color] There seemed to be an implied “now don’t fuck it up,” but what Matt acutally said was, [color=004d00]”I’m going to go to bed too. You good? Need anything?”[/color] Chase shook his head. [Color=585c74]”I'm fine. I'd watch more but I dont wanna get ahead of Bug Boi. Thanks for letting me stay Mr. M. You're cool for that.”[/color] [color=004d00]”No problem.”[/color] Matt stood up and turned off the T.V. [color=004d00]”Good night, Chase. Sleep well.”[/color] He left the room heading to bed. [Color=585c74]”You too.”[/color] Chase pulled on the shadows to grab his over ear headphones, slipping them on as he laid down on the couch, playing some of Ben's music. The only issue with a sleep over at another's place was the fact that Chase himself couldn't sleep. [center][u][h2]Jan 13th, Morning[/h2][/u][/center] Matt woke up at his normal time, washed his face, went to the bathroom and changed into running clothes. He started a pot of coffee, checked in on Chase sleeping on the couch. He left a note on the counter so if the kids woke up before he got back from his morning run they wouldn’t be worried, and then went out for his normal run. Chase waited. Eyes closed as he lay there on the couch. It was a trauma response, to count how long it had been since an adult left the house (or room). They typically always came back at least once if not gone longer than a count of ten. He counted till twenty to be safe. With Matt firmly gone, Chase had gotten up and locked the front door. If anything he was keeping the house safe, as he went over to Ben's room and slipped into his bed, wrapping his arms around his waist and pulling him closer before giving him a kiss good morning. [Color=585c74]”Wakey wakey. Uncles gone for a bit it seems, thought maybe a little…makeout sesh?”[/color] Ben started to wake and made little noises of displeasure at being woken up, but as his brain caught up with what was happening he woke up very quickly. [color=cde0e1]”He go for his run?”[/color] Ben asked, [color=cde0e1]”He usually is gone about 45 minutes for that.”[/color] Ben lifted his head up a bit, looking at Chase, he gave Chase a light kiss. [color=cde0e1]”Good morning. You do okay? Sorry for just passing out on you. Wait... how did I get to bed?”[/color] [Color=585c74]”I moved you, it's fine. Wait 45 min? Like exactly? Could we uh…”[/color] Chase bit his lower lip as his eyes looked down on Ben. [color=cde0e1]”Pray?”[/color] Ben smiled, brightly. [color=cde0e1]”And no, not exactly, he doesn’t keep the same route everytime. But he likes to do at least thirty minutes. Sometimes a full hour.”[/color] [Color=585c74]”Lets hope for a full hour but pray for a bit less.”[/color] Chase grinned. It wasn't what he'd had in mind, he was simply wanting to make out and hang but if they had the time. Ben nodded, and shifted so they could ‘pray’. He sent one bug out his open window. [color=cde0e1]”Early warning system,”[/color] he explained. Matt was gone an hour, he had stopped off at the store and grabbed ingredients to make waffles. This had given them plenty of time, and with the early warning from one of Ben’s bugs they were able to set up looking like they definitely hadn’t been doing anything Matt would disapprove of. Chase had unlocked the front door once more, trying to leave any ounce of suspicion off of them. Settled into the living room as the episode they left off on from the show was playing on the TV. He was close to Ben, but not enough to suggest more than friendship. [color=004d00]”You kids sleep alright?”[/color] Matt asked from the kitchen as he started to empty the grocery bags and prep making waffles. [color=004d00]”Chase, do you like eggs, bacon, and waffles? Any allergies?”[/color] [color=cde0e1]”Yeah I slept great. Sorry for falling asleep on you during the show.”[/color] [color=004d00]”Heh, no worries about that. I fell asleep during [i]Akira[/i] I still don’t think I’ve finished that.”[/color] [Color=585c74]”I'll eat anything basically. So no worries on that Mr. M. I slept just fine, thanks for the pillows.”[/color] [color=004d00]”Glad to hear that. Alright. I’ll make them scrambled because I know Ben prefers his eggs that way.”[/color] Matt continued making noises in the kitchen as he started making breakfast. [color=cde0e1]”Thanks Uncle Matt.”[/color] Chase looked at Ben, trying not to laugh. A strange sense of giddiness at the thought of what they'd just done without Matt even knowing. He wiggled his eyebrows at Ben. [Color=585c74]”Scrambles great. Usually a sunny up fried kinda guy but I'm not picky.”[/color] Ben grinned back at Chase. He had parallel thoughts about getting away with it. He was surprised a little bit. Matt was pretty perceptive. The pair of them watched more Gundam while Matt cooked. Soon he finished though and brought out two plates to them. [color=004d00]”If you wanna eat on the couch, Ben grab the T.V. trays. Or you can eat at the table.”[/color] One plate had scrambled eggs, bacon, and a waffle covered in peanut butter. The other had a sunny side up egg, bacon and a waffle without any toppings. [color=004d00]”I wasn’t sure what you wanted on your waffle, but we have syrup and jams.”[/color] Chase was a little shocked. He hadn't expected Matt to make him his own styled eggs. It would've been easier to scramble a bunch and serve that instead. He wasn't exactly great at hiding it either. [Color=585c74]”Thanks.”[/color] He stared at the plate a bit before finally going to dig in, using his knife to carefully cut around the yolk of his eggs so that the whites were fully separated and the uncooked yolks stood alone and unbroken on the plate. [Color=585c74]”Syrups great, or fruit, or anything.”[/color] He didn't want to seem ungrateful. Ben hopped up and grabbed the T.V. trays, he slid one in front of Chase, took his own plate from his Uncle and sat back down. [color=004d00]”I’ve got some blue berries.”[/color] Matt went back into the kitchen and came back a few moments later with the bottle of real syrup, and a bowl of berries. Ben dug into his own breakfast, it wasn’t beans on toast, but he enjoyed his uncle’s cooking. [color=cde0e1]”Thank you,”[/color] he said around a mouthful of waffle. [color=cde0e1]”Hmm, Chase, want something to drink?”[/color] Chase looked at Ben, his eyes wanting to say to stop. They'd already done so much he couldn't ask for more. [Color=585c74]”I'm fine thanks.”[/color] He picked up the egg whites and ate them first, making his way towards the bacon next before grabbing some of the blueberries and adding them atop his waffles. Ben rolled his eyes, and looked up at his Uncle. [color=cde0e1]”Black coffee for him, please.”[/color] [color=004d00]”And your tea is probably ready too,”[/color] Matt said, leaving one more time to the kitchen. He came back with a mug of coffee, black, for Chase, and Ben’s regular tea. Chase gently kicked Ben, mouthing at him to stop before throwing his head back as he wanted to groan. He took the mug from Matt, placing it onto the tray. [Color=585c74]”Thanks Mr. M.”[/color] [color=004d00]”No problem, kid. You’re good. You’re a guest.”[/color] Matt went back into the kitchen gathering his own food and drink. He joined them on the couch, [color=004d00]”Hold this,”[/color] he told Ben, handing over his plate and grabbing another T.V. tray. He sat down and took his plate back from Ben. Chase was quiet as he cut apart his waffle into small squares before finally beginning to eat them bit by bit, taking sips of coffee in between bites. He knew he was a guest, but even still. It was times like these he didn't like to take up space. Then he realized it was more he wasn't [i]allowed[/i] to back then. Breakfast was delicious. After, Matt told Ben to take a shower and get dressed, it seemed to almost be out of habit because as soon as he said it he winced. [color=004d00]”We’ll talk about the shower.”[/color] Ben nodded. [color=cde0e1]”Thanks.”[/color] The rest of the day they watched Gundam and chatted. Matt eventually had to do some work so went to his office. Later that day Danni came over and the three of them hung out while he made Gnocchi.