#ler!chase

It all started when Shawn randomly ran to his siblings in the livingroom and yelled out, "Let's tickle fight!"

.

"Duhude. You don't know what you're asking for." Mike says. "I was ALWAYS the best at tickle fights."

"You always cheated." Chase says looking at his older brother.

"That's what you ALWAYS say!" Mike says back.

"Pf. Like you ever won against me.." Lexi says to Mike looking down at her phone, finishing up with editing a video to post.

Shawn sneaks behind Lexi while she's distracted.

"TICKLLLEEE!!!" He shouts before tickling Lexi's sides.

"AH-! SHAHAWN!" Lexi yelps dropping her phone.

"Don't start without me!" Mike says jumping onto both Lexi and Shawn and starts tickling Shawn.

"MIIHIHIHIHIKE!" Shawn laughed as he quit tickling Lexi and tried to tickle Mike back but failed.

Chase walks over and pokes Mike's side immediately making him yelp and roll off.

"WOW. You're as ticklish as Duddz." Chase says.

"Ohoh shut up!" Mike says getting up, immediately wrapping his arms around Chase, falling backwards pulling him down on him as he begins to tickle his stomach and sides.

"MiKe-!! Nohohoho! Whyhyhy! Heheheheheheh!!" Chase giggled trying to get away from Mike's tickling attack.

Shawn started tickling Lexi again.

"ShAwN-!! Quhuhihihit! AhAhhahah-!" Lexi laughed.

"Make me!" Shawn says before letting out a squeak sound when Lexi squeezes his sides. "Lehehehexiiihihihi!!" He giggles pushing at her hands. "Cheheheheahating! Cheeeheheahahatihihihing!!" Shawn giggles before falling back against Mike grabbing onto Mike's side.

"AHAH-!" Mike yelps quitting his tickle attack on Chase.

"Whehew." Chase huffed before rolling off Mike and then he starts tickling Mike.

"CHAHAHASE!" Mike laughed before putting Chase in a headlock rolling him over onto his back then let's go and starts tickling him.

"AH-! MIHIHIIIIKKEE!" Chase yelped kicking at the floor.

"That's aaalll. On you." Mike said.

"AHAHALRIGHT! IHIHI GIHIVE!" Chase yelped laughing so Mike stopped.

"I WIIIN!" Mike yells jumping onto Lexi and Shawn before tickling them causing Lexi to quit tickling Shawn.

"AHAH-! Mihihike!!" Lexi laughed.

"Miiiihihihihihihikkkeeehehe! Ehehehehe!" Shawn giggled.

Mike stops and stands up. "TICKLE FIGHT CHAMPION!"

"Whatever.." Lexi panted.

"heheheh.." Shawn giggled. "Thahat was fun!" He said.

"It sure was! Who's up for round 2??" Mike asks.

"Not today." Lexi said.

"Can we just not for now..?" Chase asked in a tired tone.

"I know. But we will definitely go in for a round 2 some other time!" Mike said hugging Lexi, Chase, and Shawn.

The end! 💖🐧💖

Not long after their playful interaction, his doctor had walked into the room to check up on Jamie.

“Hello Jameson. How are you feeling?” He asked. 

Jamie smiled and morphed his hand into an ‘okay’ sign. 

“That’s good. Are you having any more difficulty breathing?” The doctor asked him. 

Jamie shook his head. 

“Alright. So the good news is, it looks like the bleeding was coming from your throat. Meaning your larynx-” The doctor leaned in. “Or rather what’s left of it…” He teased, making Jamie chuckle. “-Seems to be relatively okay.” The doctor explained. “Though the blood has clotted, we will need to make sure it doesn’t start bleeding again. If this happens, then the blood clot may cause another coughing fit. Right now, our biggest concern is the risk of blood getting into your lungs.” The doctor further explained. 

Jamie nodded with understanding. 

“As much as I hate to open up old wounds, I would recommend that we put a tracheostomy tube into your neck for about 3 weeks to make sure your airway is clear while your throat heals.” The doctor explained. 

Jamie tightened his lips as he heard this. He sensed that they would give him a tube regardless of his history. But…he began to wonder something. Jamie signed a question to him. 

“My apologies-” 

“He asked ‘Will I be able to speak again?’.” Chase translated for the doctor. 

The doctor widened his eyes, and looked at Jamie with a mixture of shock and uncertainty. “Uhh…Mr. Jackson…” The doctor pulled himself together and smiled awkwardly. “We will have to see. Only time will tell.” The doctor replied. 

Chase shrugged his shoulders. Not a bad answer. A generalized one, but that doesn’t seem to be too bad in this case. ‘Tell me the truth.’ Jamie signed to him. 

Chase’s bit his lip. “He wants you to tell him the truth.” He translated awkwardly. 

“I…I’m telling him the truth the best I can.” The doctor admitted. “Only time will tell if the wound will heal properly.” The doctor admitted. “And frankly, the fact that he had lived with no tracheostomy up until this point, is a miracle in and of itself.” The doctor added. 

Jamie sighed and looked down. He looked overwhelmed, disappointed and nervous all at once. No one, not even Jamie himself, could figure out which feeling he was experiencing more…all Chase could point out were those 3 emotions planted on his face. Slowly, Jamie nodded his head and signed the words ‘Thank you’. 

“He said thank-” 

“I know that one. No problem, Jameson. We’ll get the equipment prepped for the tracheostomy, and we’ll take you down in an hour.” The doctor told him. 

Jamie nodded his head and watched as the doctor left the room. As soon as the door was closed, Jamie scoffed and held his head in anguish. ‘So stupid…’ he angrily signed. The signs were visible enough to be seen by Chase and Robbie. 

Robbie walked up to Jamie and placed a hand onto his. “That’s not what you wanted to hear…was it…?” Robbie asked him kindly. 

Jamie shook his head. ‘A voice is a large part of a person’s identity. Without a voice, most of the world can’t understand you.’ Jamie explained. ‘You lose your confidence, you lose your sense of self…’ Jamie continued. ‘You never know what you were blessed with until you lose it…’ 

Chase nodded his head. “I know…” 

Jamie looked up at Chase with visible sadness. ‘Those 5 seconds…’ Jamie’s eyes began to well up with tears. ‘...Were the best 5 seconds of my entire life.’ Jamie told him, letting out an audible sob. 

Chase ran up to Jamie and hugged him tightly. “Oh Jamie…” Chase said softly. “I’m so sorry…” 

Robbie looked down. He began to sniffle. “You felt hope for 5 seconds…” Robbie sobbed. “And now it’s gone…” He whimpered. 

Jamie looked at Robbie with a saddened smile, and pulled him into the hug as well. Jamie held both Chase and Robbie in a group hug for as long as he could. He felt unbelievably thankful to have close friends who were willing to support him through the difficult times. He had an amazing collection of friends who have always stayed by his side, even when his other friends had aged around him and passed on. His life had always been unbelievably complicated and confusing…but all he cared about right now, was this single moment.

Jamie soon let go of the boys and signed ‘Thank you’ to them both. He patted the shoulder of Chase, and booped the nose of Robbie, happy to have them there with him. 

“Hey oldie.” Someone said at the door. 

Jamie looked to the door, and smiled brightly. It was Shawn, holding a brown teddy bear and a little bag of candies in his hands. “You getting through okay?” Shawn asked him. 

Jamie used both his hands to get Shawn to come closer. ‘Get over here, hermit.’ Jamie signed. 

Shawn gasped dramatically, and threw the teddy bear at him. “How dare you call me a hermit!” Shawn reacted playfully. 

Jamie caught the teddy bear with one hand, and signed the words ‘eff you’ back to him. Turning the bear around, Jamie silently laughed as he saw the cloth broken heart that had been sewn together with a needle and thread. 

“There wasn’t anything lung-related…Thought the heart would be close enough.” Shawn told him. 

Jamie smiled. ‘Heart and lungs are connected. It counts.’ He signed. 

Shawn smiled brightly as he walked closer to him. “Good! Cause I also brought sugary heart attacks for you.” Shawn added, giving Jamie the bag of sweets. “Nuthin’ better than diabetes in a bag.” He joked. Jamie read the bag: 

[Vidal™ Cola Gummies] 

Jamie threw his head back with an audible wheeze. ‘Cola gummies?!’ He reacted. 

“Hell yeah!” Shawn reacted. 

Chase widened his eyes. “Holy crap! Do you know how hard it is to find those?!” He asked. 

“Too hard, in my opinion.” Shawn added. 

‘I haven’t had these in ages!’ Jamie signed rather excitedly as he opened the bag. 

“Me neither! Can I have one?” Shawn asked. 

Jamie rolled his eyes and scoffed. ‘Fine…’ He gave Shawn 3 gummies and grabbed a couple himself. 

“Aw sweet! Thanks!” Shawn popped one of them in his mouth, and hummed happily. “Oh my god…” He started dancing slightly. “They’re almost the exact same recipe!” Shawn reacted. 

‘These bring back so many memories.’ Jamie added, happily chewing the candy. 

“Can I have one?” Chase asked. 

Jamie nodded his head and gave 2 to Chase, and 2 to Robbie. 

“Thanks Jamie!” Robbie said, popping one into his mouth. “Mmm! They taste like coke!” Robbie reacted. 

Chase laughed. “That’s because they’re coke-flavored.” he told him. 

Robbie giggled. “I know…” He responded. 

“Did you?” Chase asked. 

“...” Robbie popped the second candy into his mouth. “No.” He said with a giggle while chewing on the gummy. 

Chase bursted out laughing at Robbie’s comical reply, before doubling over and starting to cough. “Hahahaha- *cough, cough* Fuhuck-” He started coughing harder. “That candy nearly went down the wrong pipe!” Chase reacted. 

Jamie smirked. ‘Don’t be stupid, bro.’ he signed, spelling out the nickname. 

Chase raised an eyebrow. “I’ll stop being stupid the moment you stop being a prick.” Chase shot back. 

Jamie giggled. ‘I’ll stop being a prick the moment you take down your Bro Average YouTube channel.’ Jamie signed. 

Shawn dropped his jaw with a smile, and covered his mouth with his fist. “Oh my god!” He exclaimed, laughing. 

Chase groaned and sighed. “Please…Don’t remind me.” 

Robbie looked to Chase. “What is he talking about? What’s Bro Average?” Robbie asked. 

Shawn pulled out his phone and pulled up the video. “Here you go…” Shawn gave Robbie his phone, before saying “Chase’s YouTube Channel”. 

“Shawn, no!” Chase reacted, attempting to take it from Robbie. 

But Robbie put up his hand to stop him, and watched the video anyway. Watching a younger version of Chase, Robbie giggled a little bit. “Why is your hair green?” Robbie asked. 

“It was…a trend…” Chase muttered. 

“And why are you throwing tea bags?” Robbie asked. 

“Again…a trend.” Chase admitted. 

Robbie bursted out laughing when video-Chase ran around, jumping around and shaking the camera as he celebrated getting the tea bag in for the ‘first time’. “Hahahaha! I’ve never seen you so happy over a tea bag!” Robbie reacted. 

Shawn laughed a bit as well, watching the video with the kid. 

“Please…Turn it off…” Chase begged. 

“Why? Are you embarrassed?” Robbie asked. 

“Come on man…” Shawn patted his shoulder. “It was just a sign of the times.” 

“This is just Dude Perfect!” Robbie mentioned. 

“Yeah…I know.” Chase said. 

“And…Who’s Jack…setic…eye?” Robbie asked. 

Chase widened his eyes, and looked at the YouTube channel. The profile picture was of a green eye with blue irises, and the name said “Jacksepticeye” with “30.8m subscribers” and “5.2k videos” beside it. 

Chase sighed a bit, and smiled to himself. “He’s…an old friend. His name is Séan. He’s a youtuber like me…except, a million times more popular.” Chase explained. “He used to be a roommate of ours. We’d call him Séan or Jack usually.” He explained further. “It’s been a while since we last talked. But I’m still in contact with him. I have his phone number right here. But we’re both so busy.” Chase explained. 

“What does he look like?” Robbie asked, curiously. Chase smiled and pulled up a picture of Séan. He had long, brownish, greyish shoulder length hair, with glasses and a beard similar to Chase’s own. He had ear loops, and blue eyes. He looked quite a bit older than Chase. “Wow…” Robbie muttered quietly. 

Chase smiled brightly. “Yeah. That’s a newer picture too. He never used to look like that. He used to have shorter, more brown hair. And he rarely ever wore the loop earrings.” Chase admitted. 

Robbie nodded his head eagerly as Chase showed him an older picture of Séan holding a black mic, wearing a black hoodie with letters on it. 

“P…M…A.” Robbie mumbled aloud. “PMA?” Robbie asked. 

Chase smiled. “It’s an acronym. It stands for Positive Mental Attitude.” Chase explained. “He’s still a big inspirational influencer who’s reached high levels of success from both YouTube, charities, and touring shows.” Chase explained. 

“So…He taught people to think positively?” Robbie asked. 

“Yeah…And to take care of your mental health.” Chase told him. 

“Oh…So…Sadness?” Robbie asked. 

“Well…” Chase struggled to explain it. “It’s…more than just sadness.” Chase cleared his throat. “It’s fear, anxiety, depression, and general mood.” Chase tried to explain. “Do you remember Dr. Schneeplestein telling you that you have PTSD?” Chase asked Robbie. 

“Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?” Robbie clarified. 

“Right.” Chase paused and did a double-take. “Wait…You pronounced that perfectly.” Chase reacted, shocked. “How did you do that?” 

“I talked to Henry about it.” Robbie admitted. “It’s a mental health problem.” 

Chase smiled a bit. “A mental health ‘disorder’...As in, a disruption in your brain.” Chase explained. 

Robbie nodded his head. “So…I have a brain distruption.” Robbie tried to say. 

Chase smiled. “Dis-rup-tion.” Chase said slowly. 

“Dis-ruption.” Robbie said back. 

“Nailed it, dude.” Chase offered him a high five. Robbie giggled and slapped his hand, showing his excitement. “Damn! What a slap!” Chase reacted, slightly waving his hand in pain. “Have you been working out or something? My god…” Chase reacted. 

Robbie genuinely laughed for the first time since entering the hospital with Jamie. “So…Where’s Séan now?” Robbie asked. 

“He’s living with his girlfriend here in Brighton.” Chase admitted. 

“Okay.” Robbie looked up at Chase. “I wanna meet him.” He declared. 

Chase widened his eyes. “R-Really?!” Chase looked towards Shawn and Jamie in shock. Shawn looked surprised but encouraging, while Jamie looked slightly nervous…And Chase could quickly remember why. Jamie had been roped into all of the alter stuff with Séan before…literally…and Chase could only imagine how scared Jamie was of Séan and his alter ego…and how scared he may still be. 

“Well…” Chase finally started to speak up. “Maybe another time.” Chase responded. “For now, let’s focus on getting Jamie all better.” Chase encouraged. 

“Okay!” Robbie responded happily, dropping the subject. 

Jamie let out a breath of relief and nodded his head. He looked thankful to Chase for changing the subject. Talking about Séan was a bittersweet thing…but talking about the other one was…not a pleasant thing for Jamie to remember. So having Chase during a downward recollection of the worst moments, was a huge relief from Jamie’s stress. 

“Hey Jamie! Get better!” Robbie yelled. 

Jamie snickered and covered his mouth. ‘Robbie!’ he signed. ‘It doesn’t work like that.’

“Well, get better faster!” Robbie spoke up next. 

This just made all 3 of the adults burst out laughing. “Rohobbie, you can’t just order people to get better faster.” Chase told him. 

Robbie huffed. “But I’m boooored.” Robbie whined. 

“Bored, huh?” Shawn asked. 

“Very bored…” Robbie mumbled.

“You want some entertainment?” Chase asked him, smirking slightly. 

“Yeah!” Robbie cheered. 

“Alright! Close your eyes.” Chase told him. 

As soon as Robbie’s eyes were closed, Chase looked at Shawn and gestured for him to come closer. When he did, Chase gently moved Robbie slightly closer to Shawn, and lifted Robbie’s hands above his head. 

“What are you doing?” Robbie asked. 

“You’ll see in a moment.” Chase told him. 

Robbie sighed and impatiently waited for things to get interesting. Chase gave Shawn Robbie’s hands, and made sure that Shawn had a good grip on the kid’s wrists. Once Shawn nodded with the go-ahead, Chase looked at Jamie and wiggled his fingers towards Robbie. This made Jamie widen his eyes with a big smile, perfectly understanding what Chase had in mind. 

“Can I open my eyes yet?” Robbie asked in a slightly whiny tone. 

“Yup, you can open your eyes now.” Chase told him, before taking his position. Robbie opened his eyes, and looked up at Chase, who was wiggling his fingers at him with the most mischievous look on his face. Quickly, Robbie began to clue in on what was gonna happen. Robbie began to giggle nervously. “Uh oh…” Robbie muttered, giggling a little more as Chase’s hands got closer to his sides. 

“Iiii’m gonna getcha~” Chase teased him. 

“Ohoho NOHO!” Robbie squealed and lifted his one leg in an attempt to cover his belly. “Chahahase!” Robbie yelled. 

“Whaaaat? Isn’t this what you wanted?” Chase asked. 

“Juhust do it!” Robbie yelled. 

“Okay, fine!” Chase rolled his eyes and started tickling his upper sides first. “God, so needy.” 

Robbie’s squeaky laughter filled the room almost immediately. The little kid was pulling on his wrists, leaning his head back as he just laughed. It had only been 3 seconds in, and Robbie ALREADY had the biggest smile on his face. It was completely contagious, and it only took a few more minutes for Chase to start laughing along with him! Even Shawn was giggling a little bit himself! 

“Chahahase plehehehease!” Robbie called. 

“Please what?” Chase asked back. “What do you want me to go next?” He asked. 

Robbie giggled and shook his head. “Ahaharmpihihits?” Robbie asked. 

“But of course!” Chase said dramatically. “Such a wonderful choice! Shall I begin?” Chase switched to a dramatic British accent as he started tickling and fluttering his fingers against the kid’s armpits. 

Right away, Robbie was squeaking and laughing in the most childish little laughter you could ever hear. You could tell from the laughter alone, that he was absolutely loving this. Though some people would’ve likely looked at them with confusion and slight worry, it was clear on his face that Robbie had no problem with this. This kid LOVED to laugh, and that was more than evident on that child’s face. It was as if he knew he was going to disneyland! And to say the laughter was a nice change to the general hospital setting, would be a severe understatement. 

Slowly, Chase moved his fingers to the kid’s ribs, so the tickles weren’t so strong on the little boy. Though it lessened, Robbie was still giggling up a storm. No one could stop the little Laffy Taffy! And it was quite hilarious! 

About 5 hours later, Jamie was discharged from the hospital with a tracheostomy tube to keep things open and available for the doctors to operate in the future. They also said that if things work out well, Jamie may be able to get the tracheostomy tube removed to leave a skin hole on his neck. That way, it would be easier to handle for the future. 

With that done, Shawn hopped into the driver's seat and looked at Chase. “Okay. It’s 20 to 6 now. Where are we heading?” Shawn asked. 

Chase spoke up. “Can you drop me and Robbie off at the Social Board? That police officer is meeting us there for a sit-down dinner.” Chase explained. 

Robbie gasped and started clapping his hands. “YAY!” Robbie cheered excitedly. 

Chase smiled. “And…If you and Jamie wanna eat out somewhere? Go ahead.” Chase encouraged. Shawn smiled and shrugged his shoulders. “Alright. Jamie?” Shawn adjusted the rear-view mirror to see Jamie’s response. 

Jamie signed the letters ‘M-C-D-O-N-A-L-D-S’. 

Shawn just laughed. “Really? You want McDonald’s of all things?!” Shawn reacted, laughing. 

Jamie just responded by flipping the bird back at him. Shawn wheezed and slammed his hand on the steering wheel. “Fine, fine! We’ll go to fuckin’ McDonald’s, you basic ass bitch.” Shawn muttered aloud as he put the car into drive. 

Chase looked to Shawn. “There are children present.” Chase reminded him.  “Yeah! Don’t fucking swear in front of me!” Robbie yelled back. 

Ler:

-Chase strikes me as a very calculated (and rare) ler

-I’d also say he’s like 80% ler, 20% lee. Too hard to catch, he’s too smart

-Tickles the other bots in Sigma 17 the most, usually to cheer them up. He’s also been known to defend himself if Heatwave decides to be a dirty cheat during a sparring match and tries to tickle him

-Will tickle as a (gentle) punishment

-It is rare for him to wreck anyone though. He doesn’t see much point in it, and there’s usually other ways to cheer them up

-Wrecks the humans (mainly Cody) even more rarely. Doesn’t want to hurt them by accident (humans are fragile! Also boundaries are important!)

-Has never started a tickle fight, but always gets dragged into them if his team gets involved. He will also do his best to win

-If he sees it coming, he’ll even plot how to win. In which he always will. Never give him time to plan

-If he’s on the sidelines, it’s generally hear no evil see no evil. This happens on a regular basis, he’s just gonna keep walking. Don’t count on him for help (if someone calls for help he’ll help them for sure)

-If someone asks him to chase them when he’s trying to wreck them, he will. Otherwise, he kinda figures they’re done with it and don’t want to mess around anymore and lets them go

-If he is chasing though, he’s scary. My guy loves high speed chases on the road. He’s a pro

-Doesn’t tease on purpose. However, he has a somewhat dry sense of humor and/or will read you your rights while wrecking you, and some people find that flustering

-Doesn’t normally use anticipation either. He’s kinda ruthless, just jumps right into it with no warning whatsoever

-Depends on what kind of mood he’s in if he’ll smile when he’s wrecking someone. If it’s because someone messed up and provoked him into wrecking them, they are likely getting the neutral face of displeasure (not that he’s actually mad about it. He just be like that). If it’s a playful thing or for comfort, he might have the barest hint of a smile on his face

-Knows exactly what he’s doing and always shows it. He will even describe what he’s doing, how effective it is, etc. If someone says “it tickles,” his response is “I know”

-Will 100% rugby tackle someone. Also more than happy to hold humans (gently) while wrecking them or pin them to the nearest hard surface so they can’t escape

-Once you’re in his grasp, it’s hard to escape. Especially for humans. Heatwave is probably the only one who can overpower him (Boulder also can, he just doesn’t want to)

-Doesn’t have a favorite to tickle. He likes all of his friends’ reactions for different reasons, same with the humans. But with the humans, he’s most comfortable tickling Cody and Chief

-Impossible to fluster. Man has a face of steel and determination on his side

-Not usually the type to nuzzle into ticklish spots, but if he’s in a very playful mood he will (or if whoever he’s getting actively asks for it)

-Completely ruthless if it’s for a punishment of some kind. Will set a time limit and stick to it, unless it’s genuinely too much for whoever he’s getting. If it’s for fun or comfort, he’s generally much gentler and will stop if the lee says to stop, whether they mean it or not

Lee:

-Chase seems like a bit of an awkward lee. He isn’t entirely sure how to react to the situation, and it’s very much out of his control. But it is fun for him

-Likes the sensation, initially unsure about the emotional reaction. Doesn’t really enjoy it at first, comes to enjoy it later

-Enjoys it as a way to bond with his team and friends. Also enjoys that it can double as a playful punishment. As for himself, he more enjoys it as a bonding activity

-Not terribly ticklish, which makes him a more fearsome opponent. There are a few places that can make him howl though

-His finials and neck are a little sensitive. He gets a bit twitchy if tickled there, and it can coax out a few chuckles

-Most ticklish just under his windshield, around the plate that sticks out. Right there gets loud laughter and weakens him

-Kind of a fighter, although he holds back as much as possible. He prides himself on self-restraint, so it’s very hard to break him and he gets very tense

-This is a downside because it then means he can’t fight back

-Has kicked Heatwave hard enough to dent him. Still feels bad about it

-The best way to tell if he’s enjoying it or not is how genuine his laugh is. If he’s having fun, his laugh is surprisingly carefree (He has a ler laugh too. It’s incredibly rare and also terrifying because it sounds more fitting for a Decepticon than. You know. Chase.)

-If he’s not being wrecked very hard, he will talk back. Not necessarily insults or anything like that, but he has tried to threaten someone for “tickling an officer of the law” before. It did not work.

-Will turn the tables if given the chance. Every time.

-If he’s caught off guard in a bad place he might snort or squeak. It’s also a good way to get him without having a 60% chance of having it turned back on you

-Perfectly fine with wrestling that devolves into tickling, although he usually calls it cheating

-Honestly does not really have a preference for tickling styles either. Rough tickles make him laugh louder and tire him out more, gentle tickles are nice and can even be somewhat relaxing

-Unsure of how to handle comfort tickles. Boulder introduced the entire team to it. Personally, Chase actually finds it kind of flustering. He can handle his own issues, he certainly doesn’t need help like that! But he feels better afterwards

-Teases work to him on varying levels. And by that I mean most don’t work. Really the only ones that do are softer ones making sure he’s okay and complimenting his laugh

-Most often, it’s the other Rescue Bots who get him, particularly Heatwave. Blades knows he can’t win a tickle fight against Chase, and Boulder is less of a tickle monster than Heatwave. Out of the humans, Chief and Cody probably get him the most, but they can usually only reach his finials and neck

-If someone were to ask if he was ticklish, Chase would simply say yes. There’s no shame in admitting it, and if they come after him, chances are he can overpower them

I was downing a Moscow Mule, not even caring about how much I was drinking all at once. It was Chase’s birthday, and I never EVER let myself have fun. I am always the sober one who gets a cab, or IS the cab to get my friends home. But you know what? I’m giving up my seat tonight. Tonight is my time to treat myself. And what better way to treat myself, then to let myself get drunk at the club?! 

Yes, I know it’s not MY birthday…But Chase legitimately told me “We’re gonna get SHITFACED TONIGHT!”. And why the fuck wouldn’t I take that chance?! 

We had walked into the club at about 11:30pm, and showed the doorman our ID’s. Being undercover, I didn’t feel a need to pull out my ‘Jackieboy Man’ persona. I’m just Jack tonight. Average Jack. 

I finished my Moscow Mule, and put the empty bottle onto the table. I had promised to be the ‘breadwinner’ tonight. I didn’t save up all this cash for nothing…I might as well use some of it tonight. I had originally paid for Chase, Shawn and Marvin to get into the club with me. We had all gotten a black star on the back of our hands, to signify the fact that ‘we paid already, and we can come back whenever we need to. 

Chase and Shawn had gotten themselves whiskey sours, and were enjoying their drinks. I could feel the buzz hitting already. It probably helped that I had pretty much downed the whole thing without even taking a break to breathe. Though I am well aware of how dangerous this can be, I am an impatient fuck who wants the buzz as soon as possible. 

And I most certainly got it! The buzz took hold rather quickly. I could feel my body moving a little more smoothly and freely. I felt like I could move myself around without a care in the world. No worries about who’s watching me or judging me…just dancing and genuinely enjoying myself. It helped that Chase, Marvin and Shawn were all cheering me on as I swayed my hips, shuffled my feet, and let my arms flow to the beat of the song. The DJ was mostly playing hip hop music, which helped motivate me to dance further. 

Things were going really well…And they only got better once a young lady started dancing her way up to me. 

I started dancing alongside her, watching her move her hips and spin her brown hair. She wasn’t dressed up very sexually considering where she was. She was actually dressed in overalls, of all things, which made her stand out in the group…In a good way, of course. She was really pretty in her own way…

I watched her every move, sensing her lack of experience. Truth was, I was a little inexperienced myself. I don’t really go clubbing very often. I never really have the time. This is a super rare moment for me…and it appears to be the same way for her. 

I offered my right hand to her, and she surprisingly took it! I kept dancing, making sure to take things slowly and comfortably. She seemed to visibly appreciate the patience I was showing her. 

I lifted her arm up, prepared to spin her. She happily took it, spinning around and throwing her long hair around as she spun. Just her flowing hair was enough to enchant me. It made me feel things I hadn’t felt in ages…For once in my life…All I felt was butterflies in my stomach…

…Or maybe it was the cocktail making me feel things…

She brought herself closer and tried to tell me something. It was hard to understand her due to how loud the club music was…so I leaned in and tried to ask her what she was trying to say. “WHAT’S YOUR NAME?” She asked me. 

I smiled and leaned into her ear. “JACK.” I yelled back. I had noticed the blue ear plugs she was wearing, but sensed that she could still hear me somehow. 

“NATALIE!” She yelled back with a wide smile. 

I smiled brightly and kept dancing with her. She seemed to be watching my movements, and following them a little bit. I looked over at my friends, who were recording me on their phones. I rolled my eyes, expecting nothing less but bigotry from them. They were a lot more drunk than me, so…go figure. They clearly can’t get over how quickly I managed to find a girl to dance with…

I slid myself a little closer, and took her hand once again. We danced and moved to the music, just enjoying the beat together. When the chorus hit, I lifted her hand up again to spin her. She took the invitation and spun around, her straightened hair flying around again. I let her spin around again, watching as she took the invitation and spun around with her eyes closed this time. She looked quite comfortable dancing with me. And I’m glad I can bring her that momentary sense of security. 

I let go of her hand, and went back to dancing on my own. I watched as she danced her way back to her own friends, and I turned to look at my own friends. Chase was too busy taking selfies with Marvin, while Shawn was walking up to me. “WHY DID YOU LET HER GO?!” Shawn asked me. 

“SHE NEEDS A REST!” I replied, just guessing. 

“ARE HER OTHER FRIENDS SINGLE?” Shawn asked. 

“I DON’T FUCKIN’ KNOW!” I replied. 

“ASK!” Shawn ordered me. 

“YOU ASK!” I yelled back to him with a laugh. “NO!” Shawn laughed. Someone walked up and squeezed Shawn’s sides, making him squeak. “HE’S TOO MUCH OF A PUUUUSSY.” Marvin teased. 

Shawn grabbed Marvin and pushed him into the reserved seating sofa. “WHO DA FUCK YOU CALLING PUSSY?!” He shouted as he jumped onto the sofa and squeezed Marvin’s sides multiple times.

“BAHAHAHA! YOHOU- YOHOHOU BASTARD!” Marvin shouted. 

“OH, KEEP DIGGING YOUR OWN GRAVE.” Shawn replied, scratching at his sides now. 

I rolled my eyes. It’s not the first time Shawn and Marvin have tickled each other while they’re drunk…It happens more often than they’d both like to admit. Though I’d normally find it rather amusing, we’re currently in a public place…Why here of all places?! 

I ordered myself another drink to keep the tipsy feeling going. It felt great, and I didn’t want it to stop. I received the drink: A cinnamarita. It’s a cocktail made of tequila, orange, cinnamon, and…idk…it sounded good when I found it on the menu. I picked up the drink and tried it. 

And OH MY GOSH- It was SO GOOD! It’s super addicting! I can’t stop drinking it! I want it all in my mouth! Don’t stop!

“Whoa there, Jack.” A hand pulled away the straw. “Slow down, will ya?” The person told me. 

I looked up with an annoyed frown, recognizing exactly who it was. This dude…seriously. “Why do you gotta tell me what to do?” I asked Chase. 

“Because you've already downed half the thing! Keep acting like that, and you’ll be banned from getting more drinks.” Chase told me. 

I sighed and stared him down. “I am a grown man just like you. I can handle it.” I tried to tell him. 

Chase sighed and put down his pineapple daiquiri. “Don’t make me do it.” Chase warned. 

I narrowed my eyes. “Do what?” 

Before I knew it, Chase was wiggling his fingers at me. I scoffed. “Oh please…” I said as I put my drink down. “I’m not ticklish. You know this.” 

Chase rolled his eyes. “I haven’t even had a chance to figure it out.” Chase mentioned. “How do I know you’re not ticklish, if you won’t even let me try?” He asked. 

“Simple: You take my word for it.” I shot back. 

“But that’s the thing:” He says. I narrow my eyes at him, preparing for the worst. I wanna know what ‘thing’ he’s talking about. “Take my hand.” He told me, holding out his hand. 

I look down at his hand. “Okay.” I grab his hand, not expecting him to do much. The worst he can do is kiss the back of my hand. 

“Thanks!” 

aAH! Wait, NO! “aAAAH! DOHON’T TICKLE MEHEHE!” I was wrong! I was so wrong! Tickling is worse than hand-kissing! “IHIHIT TICKLES!” 

“Well, no shit it tickles! I was hoping it would tickle!” Chase said. 

“CHAHAHASE DOHON’T! THIHIS IS MEHEHEAN!” I can’t help my jumpy movements! “IHIF I FALL, IHIHIT’S YOHOUR FAHAHAULT!” I shout at him. 

“I’ll gladly take the responsibility for your injuries.” I saw Chase throw his head back with a laugh. “Cause I’ll be laughing at you the whole time!” 

I feel motion sick. The world is spinning too fast. How do I slow down the spinning world? It’s impossible! I hold my head. It’s hard to focus when I’m like this…

I open my eyes to look at the ground. But the lights are confusing me. Why do I feel like I’m gonna fall? And why is the ground getting closer? 

Wait OH NO- FLY! 

….

….

….

Why is it quiet? 

Why is the music off? 

Where are the bright lights? 

Helloooo??

I feel someone grab me. “Okay, I think you’re a little lost. Let me help you, buddy.” Huh? Who’s that? I tried to look around. Marvin? No, Marvin would have his mask on. Who is this? 

I feel myself being shoved into the bathroom. “Hey-!” I turned around to look at him. It was Chase! “What the hell, man?!” I pushed him back a little bit. 

“Whoa whoa whoa there, Jackie…” He put up his hands in arrest. “Let’s calm down.” He told me. 

I could feel my face muscles getting tense. So I let them go. “Okay.” 

Chase grabbed a paper towel. “Are you okay, Jackie?”  

I widened my eyes. “Uh…” I bit my lip and looked down. I felt awkward. “I think so.” 

“Alright.” Chase backed up. “I think I understand why you don’t like getting drunk.” Chase said. 

I tilt my head. “What do you mean?” 

“You…you flew in the middle of the bar.” 

…I’m sorry, what?! 

“When?” I ask. 

“Just now. You were about to fall to the ground, and…you started flying.” Chase told me. 

There’s no way…I couldn’t have flown! I- there were so many people watching me!

“How many people saw me?” I asked. 

“Uhhhh…” Chase bit his lip. “At least 10 people…” 

I sighed. 10 is not that bad. 

“…Plus the camera…” I heard next. 

“WHAT?!” I grabbed Chase’s shoulders. “What camera?!” 

“The security camera in the club.” Chase replied. 

“Oh god, oh god…” I hold my head. “NO!” How could I have done this?! It was ONE NIGHT AT THE CLUB! ONE NIGHT, AND NOW MY REPUTATION IS RUINED! 

“But…there is a way to fix this…” I hear. 

I turned around and grabbed Chase’s shoulders again. “How?” I ask. 

Chase bit his lip. “By…dressing up in the super suit.” Chase said. 

I blink…I blink again…

“I’m sorry…but no.” I reply rather quickly. 

“If you don’t, then people will know who your secret identity is.” Chase told me. 

“…And if I dress in my super suit?” I ask. 

“Then it’ll be known that Jackieboy Man has fun sometimes.” Chase said. 

God, I can’t even think right now…I wanna do it but at the same time…I don’t wanna make a mistake and end up on the news for being at the club. But…news press about clubbing is much better than other controversies…

“Alright. Jackieboy Man is coming out!” I took off my shirt and put on my super sweater. I put my black mask on, put my red hood on and fluffed up my hair. Let’s do this! “LET’S GET ABSOLUTELY FUCKING SHITFACED FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY!” I scream. 

“NOW WE’RE TALKING!” I felt his hand on my shoulder. 

I felt him pulling me out of the bathroom. Wait, what’s he doing?! “WAIT WAIT!” I laughed. “I actually need to shit, dude!” I heard Chase laugh as I pushed him out of the bathroom. Fucking idiot…We’ll get shitfaced after I’m done shitting. 

[The Argus - April 13, 2024 - Brighton’s Jackieboy Man Sighted Drinking Cocktails at PRYSM NightClub - “I had never pictured Jackieboy Man to be a clubber” Witness recalls] 

Chase hopped out of the car, and walked to the little set up in the park. He noticed the food that was set up on a little toddler’s blanket near the blanket, the backpack that was swinging from a branch above the kid, and noticed the heavy sweater that…Chase had never seen before. It was hanging on another branch. And telling by the size, it looked like it could easily fit the boy. Chase began to wonder if the sweater was part of the things Jamie had bought Robbie when they were out. Chase picked up the sweater and checked the heaviness. And…it was a lot more heavy than it looked on the outside. It was even lined with sherpa. Chase smiled a bit as he looked at it. Jamie may not have brought Robbie home like Chase wanted…but the man certainly did know a thing or two about how to keep the kid from freezing. 

Chase looked down at the little boy sleeping on the ground in front of him. He…looked exhausted. And a little bit dirty. Though, that was expected to happen to him while on the street over the last couple days. It broke his heart seeing Robbie sleeping under the tree. He wondered if Robbie had been comfortable while sleeping outside. Or if…it was too cold for him? 

Jamie and Shawn watched as Chase slowly sat himself down beside Robbie under the shade of the tree. What were the two boys supposed to do? Sit here and wait? Or walk up and try to talk to him? 

“Chase?” a little voice said beside Chase. 

Chase looked down at Robbie and smiled. “Hi Robbie.” He replied. “Are you doing okay?” Chase asked. 

Robbie sat himself up slowly and laid out his blanket flat. “I’m okay. What are you doing here?” Robbie asked. 

Chase looked up at the sky. “Just chilling in your tree. Not a bad shade cover this time a day.” Chase told him. 

Robbie looked up at the sky and hugged his knees to his chest. “I mean…How did you know I was here?” Robbie asked. “Did Jamie tell you?” He asked. 

Chase shook his head. “No.” Chase lied. 

Robbie looked at Chase with a blank face of annoyance. “Don’t lie to me.” Robbie said. “He’s right there.” He added, pointing to the car. 

Chase looked down, and sighed. “Yeah…” Chase replied. “Sorry…” Robbie slowly looked at Chase. “Let me guess…You read the letter?” Robbie asked. 

“Yup.” Chase replied. 

“And you want me to go home?” Robbie asked next. 

Chase bit his lip. “That would be nice…” Chase admitted. 

Robbie shook his head. “I’m not ready yet.” Robbie admitted. 

Chase looked at Robbie. “Why not?” Chase asked. 

“If you had read the letter, then you would know why.” Robbie said. 

Chase sighed. “Okay…” He looked forward. “Why are you afraid of my reactions?” Chase asked him. 

Robbie looked down, feeling tears developing in his eyes. “I don’t know…” He sniffled and wiped his nose. “I’m scared, Chase.” Robbie admitted. “I’m scared of what’s happening. I feel pressured to be happy all the time…and I can’t do that very well anymore.” Robbie admitted. “Even Jamie has been trying to cheer me up by saying my name.” Robbie told him. “But…” 

“It’s painful for him to talk.” Chase told him. 

Robbie chuckled dryly. “Try telling Jamie that.” Robbie shot back with a small smile. “He’s the one who wanted to do that for me. I had to tell him to not hurt himself to make me happy.” Robbie added. 

Chase smiled a bit. “Yup…That’s Jamie…sacrificing his own health for other people.” Chase added. 

Robbie chuckled a bit more, sounding more genuine this time. 

Chase looked at him. “I’m sorry for what I said to you.” Chase admitted. 

Robbie squeezed his eyes shut and hugged himself. “I’m sorry for leaving and ruining the relationship we had.” Robbie said. “I was scared that living with you was hurting you…” Robbie mumbled before sobbing. “But leaving you was so much worse!” Robbie pulled his knees up to his chest and cried into his knees. 

Chase placed his hand onto Robbie’s back and started to rub gently. He could feel every rib, every vertebrae, every bone in the kid’s body. It was…almost scary at first. But…he knew Robbie needed some sort of comfort from him. So…He was trying to provide that for him. “You may have momentarily run away from home…” Chase started to say. “But not once did you run away from my heart.” Chase finished. 

Robbie looked up at him. “Wha-” He sniffled. “What do you mean?” He asked. 

“You and I have developed a father-son relationship that none of us can reverse, even if we tried. You could be on the other side of the world…and I will still love you and find a way to get you home.” Chase told him. 

Robbie nodded and looked forward again, thinking. 

“Now tell me, Robbie:” Chase looked at Robbie for a moment. “Is living with us only hurting you?” 

Robbie widened his eyes and looked down more. That…is a really deep and painful question for anyone of any age to hear, let alone a kid. He bit his lip as he tried to prevent himself from crying. Right now…all he could think about was how comforting and warm being home would be… 

“No…Not anymore.” Robbie replied softly. “But…I only want to be happy when I want to be happy.” Robbie admitted. “And…I want to go out more often. Even if that means…wearing makeup everytime.” Robbie added, sticking his tongue out with a little laugh. Chase nodded and looked at the food that Robbie had. He smiled when he saw cookies hidden in the bag. “Celebration cookies?” Chase asked with a smile. Robbie looked at Chase and chuckled. “I’m guessing you want some?” Robbie asked. 

“Well…” Chase bit his lip, showing hesitation. 

Robbie laughed and got up. He grabbed the cookies from the bag, and opened the package of LeClerc™ milk chocolate celebration cookies before handing Chase a couple cookies. 

Chase smiled and took them. “Thank you.” Chase replied. 

Then, Robbie walked up to the car window. “Wanna shut the car off and have a picnic?” Robbie asked. 

Shawn smiled and turned off the car. “Sure!” He replied. Jamie nodded his head and hopped out of the car as well. Jamie closed the door and slid his hand on the right, before sliding his hands onto the left to sign the word ‘Picnic’. 

Robbie widened his eyes and tried the sign. “This is the sign for Picnic?” Robbie asked. 

‘Yes. Picnic.’ Jamie signed again with a smile. 

Robbie ran to Chase with excitement. “Look!” He started signing. ‘We have a picnic’!” Robbie said. 

Chase nodded. ‘Good job, Robbie! You sign amazing.’ Chase signed back. 

Robbie giggled and signed the words ‘Thank you’ to Chase before going back to talking in English. 

The group of boys had a picnic together, eating some of what they had in the bags. Though it was a weird picnic due to all the cans, it was a picnic nonetheless. 

Chase opened the can of peaches and put a peach slice into his mouth. “Mm-” Chase hummed and lit up as he chewed. “Mmm!” He swallowed. “These are actually really good.” Chase reacted, putting another peach slice into his mouth. 

Robbie giggled. “That was supposed to be my dessert tonight.” Robbie admitted. 

Chase froze for a second, looking at Robbie. Oh shit…he just opened Robbie’s dessert. Quickly attempting to make it up to him, Chase offered Robbie a peach. “Did you want one?” Chase asked. 

“Sure!” Robbie replied, taking the wet peach slice with his hand and popping it into his mouth. Robbie smiled brightly as he chewed the watery peach slice. He continued to chew on the peach for a bit, all the while moving back and forth, almost like he was dancing. Chase, assuming he WAS dancing, covered his mouth and started laughing. He had shoved another peach into his mouth a second earlier, and didn’t want any of the juice to spill out of his mouth. Though, he supposed it wouldn’t be the worst thing to happen. Robbie was dancing because of the peach slice, and that’s all that mattered right now. 

Meanwhile, Shawn had opened up a can of soup and started eating it straight up. Jamie noticed this and signed something to him with a small smirk on his face. ‘You look like you’ve done this before.’ Jamie signed. 

Shawn looked at Jamie…before looking down with a small blush filling his face. “It’s…cause I have…” Shawn admitted. 

Chase and Robbie looked over at Shawn. “What do you mean?” Chase asked. 

Shawn bit his lip and put the spoon into his can. “Back when I was in college, I used to feed myself with cans of food and casseroles.” He admitted. “When my parents didn’t make me food to bring back to the house I stayed in, I would buy cans and cans of food. Soup, stew, fruits and veggies, fish, you name it and I likely had it.” He admitted. 

Chase and Jamie looked at each other, confused. “But…you grew up in the 1950’s, didn’t you?” Chase asked. 

‘Food wasn’t scarce back then.’ Jamie added. ‘There was lots of food.’ Jamie told him. 

Shawn chuckled. “I didn’t have a microwave. I only had an oven. And you can’t really put a can in an oven.” Shawn admitted. 

Robbie giggled. “Aren’t pots a thing?” Robbie asked. 

Chase pointed to Robbie. “Yeah, exactly! There’s pots you can use to heat up soup. Surely your place came with a pot or something.” Chase told him. 

Shawn laughed. “I was too lazy.” He admitted. 

Chase sighed and rubbed his forehead. “Oh my god…” He mumbled with a smile. 

Shawn laughed even more. “Ahahanyway…I would eat soup out of the can. And you probably won’t believe this, but I found it really good.” Shawn admitted. “So good in fact, that I continued to do it after college.” Shawn continued with a smile. 

Jamie, Chase and Robbie all laughed at him for such a funny little guilty pleasure. “And I thought my thing for doing trick shots with tea bags was bad…” Chase muttered with a chuckle. 

“I’m sorry, did you say trickshots…with teabags?” Robbie asked. 

Jamie giggled silently, covering his mouth a bit before waving to get Robbie’s attention. ‘Chase used to throw tea bags into a cup like a basketball in the net.’ Jamie explained. ‘No one had the courage to tell Chase how stupid it was.’ Jamie admitted with a laugh. 

Chase gasped the moment he saw the sign for ‘stupid’ get used. “Excuse me- Stupid?!” Chase gasped. 

Jamie verbally wheezed and threw his head back, laughing silently. ‘Yes! Stupid!’ Jamie signed again. 

Chase narrowed his eyes at him. “Say it again…I dare you.” Chase warned. 

Jamie smirked and raised an eyebrow before clearing his throat. “Stooo-pit.” Jamie said despite the slight pain in his throat. 

Shawn dropped his jaw, having never heard Jamie speak up until now. Did he just hear what he thought he heard?! Did he hear Jameson Jackson, whose voice has been absent the entire time he’s known him…TALK!? 

Robbie was laughing and yelling the word “Burn!” a couple times over. 

“Oh you fuckin-” Chase muttered before playfully tackling Jamie to the ground and tickling his sides. “Take it back!” Chase ordered. “Take it back, right now!” 

While Jamie was laughing silently from the evil tickles, Shawn was looking to Robbie desperately for clarification. “Did he-” Shawn attempted to ask, pointing to Jamie. 

Robbie nodded his head. “Have you never heard him talk?” Robbie asked with surprise. 

Shawn shook his head super quickly and held his head with his hands. “Oooooohmygod-” Shawn muttered, struggling to comprehend such insane news. “How long?!” Shawn asked. 

“Uuuuh…A couple months now?” Robbie said, not fully sure himself. 

Chase was too busy tickling Jamie to realize Shawn’s mini crisis. “I said take it back, peanut gallery!” Chase told him. 

‘NO!’ Jamie signed back. 

“No?! Alright, that’s it.” Chase took in a big breath and blew a raspberry onto his neck. 

Jamie squeaked and let out a few squeaky giggles before he went silent again. But his eyes flew open the second he realized what sound had just left his mouth. 

Chase had gasped and stopped tickling, before staring at Jamie in pure shock. “Did you just-” 

Robbie was the first to say it. “HE LAUGHED!” Robbie shouted. 

Jamie covered his mouth with shock, and though he immediately felt tears welling up in his eyes…he also started blushing a little bit. Yes, he technically laughed, and that was huge! He had made another vocal sound! But at the same time, it was the most squeaky little girly laugh not even Robbie was capable of making! It was embarrassing! In fact, the laugh sounded more like a big voice crack rather than what his real voice was supposed to sound like. 

“I wanna hear it again!” Chase reacted. 

Wait, WHAT?! Jamie quickly tried to protest. But before he could sign anything or push him away, Chase blew another raspberry right onto his neck. Jamie squeaked again, letting out a few high-pitched, girly giggles before the giggles fell silent again. 

Chase clapped his hands rapidly before tickling his sides again. “Can you keep it going?!” Chase asked. 

Jamie quickly ordered Chase to stop by slapping the side of his hand on his palm to say ‘Stop’. The harder the ‘karate chop’, the more desperate he looked. 

“Oh- Sorry, sorry.” Chase replied, removing his fingers and giving Jamie some space. 

Jamie took the time to cough and clear his throat. It hurt like hell, but he had to do it. He sensed that flem may be building up on his voice, and he needed to stop it from filling his vocal cords. He signed the word for ‘tissue’ with his hands before going back to struggling with his throat. “Quick, pass me a napkin.” Chase told Robbie. Robbie handed Chase a white napkin and watched as it went to Jamie. With the napkin, Jamie unfolded it once and tried clearing his throat from the bottom up. Though he knew he sounded like an old man by doing this, he didn’t care. It was needed. After a second, Jamie heaved up some flem and spit it out into the napkin. 

Robbie winced. “Ewww! Jamie!” Robbie complained. 

Chase winced too, but didn’t say anything. It sounded painful. 

“Robbie, please don’t say anything. I’m sure he’s embarrassed enough by this.” Shawn told him. “Right Jamie?” Shawn asked, looking at Jamie. 

But Jamie was staring at the kleenex he had just spit into…with worry and fear on his face. Though his throat felt a lot better, his napkin was clearly telling him that his throat was not. He waved for Chase to come over, before showing Chase the napkin. Chase widened his eyes in shock. There was bright red blood on the napkin…almost like he had coughed out an air sac or something. It was…not good. 

“We need to get Henrik.” Chase told him. 

Jamie nodded. ‘Agreed.’ he signed, before starting to crumple up the bloodied napkin. 

“Wait…” Chase pulled out a ziplock bag and opened it. “Henrik will want it in this.” Chase told him. 

Jamie nodded and put the napkin into the ziplock bag before closing it. ‘Time to go.’ Jamie signed. 

Chase nodded and got up. “I think we need to go home.” Chase told the group. 

Shawn nodded and started to pack up the stuff into the grocery bags. One grocery bag was for garbage, while the other bags were for the rest of the food. Robbie helped pack up the bags too, before rolling up his blanket and wrapping his new sweater around the blanket to keep it rolled up. 

Chase, Shawn and Jamie looked at Robbie, surprised to see him wrapping up his blanket and things. The kid even grabbed Bacon and put the stuffed dog into his arms. 

It looked like…Robbie was packing up to go home…

Robbie got up and held onto 2 of the grocery bags in his hands. “Ready.” Robbie said with a proud look on his face. 

Chase and Shawn looked at each other with excitement. “You’re coming home?” Chase asked. 

Robbie nodded. “Yup. I’m ready.” Robbie replied bravely. “Let’s blow this pop stand!” He declared with a smile. 

Chase smiled as tears slowly began to fill his eyes. He could not be more happy at this moment. Robbie’s coming home and Jamie’s audibly laughing. The world was almost sunshine and rainbows with how euphoric he felt. If there was a God, then he is really blessing him today. 

Chase helped Robbie bring everything into the very back of the car before hopping into the front passenger seat. Shawn hopped into the driver's seat, and looked towards Jamie through the rear view mirror. Jamie got himself into the back seat with Robbie, before finishing his coughing fit. A few more coughs, and he seemed to be okay for the time being. Jamie informally saluted to tell Shawn to get going. Shawn nodded and started the car before driving out of the parking lot, towards the main street. 

Robbie held Bacon in his arms, proud of himself for overcoming his fears and going home with Chase. He felt like he accomplished a lot in a matter of an hour. The truth was, the time spent outside the house had given him time to think about his life and realize how blessed he was to be allowed to live in Chase’s home. It reminded him to be grateful, while also remembering not to be afraid to be himself while he’s home. He needed to experience good times and bad in order to experience a true, normal life. And…he was ready for that again. 

But not all was okay. Jamie had taken out his handkerchief and resumed his coughing fit. He could feel something dripping into his lungs, and it irritated him and hurt him everytime he breathed. Jamie squeezed his eyes shut as he tried his best to clear out the stuff in his throat. But all that kept coming up was blood. More and more blood. And to make matters worse, Jamie could feel himself getting more and more breathless by the minute. The more he breathed in to cough, the more breathless and light-headed he became. 

Jamie coughed into his handkerchief and pounded his fist onto the back of Shawn’s car seat. Shawn looked at Jamie from the rear view mirror with shock. “What- Oh god!” Shawn put his foot down on the gas to pick up the pace. “Okay, forget Henrik. We’re going to the ER.” Shawn told them. 

Chase reached back and handed Jamie a kleenex box. “You’re gonna bloody-up your handkerchief. Use Kleenex.” Chase ordered. 

Jamie took the kleenex and continued to hack and cough. Though by this point, Jamie was getting visibly weak. 

Robbie grabbed his blanket out from his feet and put it onto Jamie’s lap so he could stable himself on it. “Jamie, hold on! We’re going to the hospital!” Robbie said, holding his back. “Shawn, faster!” Robbie begged. 

“There’s a speed limit! I can’t go more than 20 over the speed limit!” Shawn told him. 

Chase turned to Shawn. “Okay, move over.” Chase jumped out of the passenger seat and climbed into the driver’s seat. Shawn hopped into the passenger seat, and pulled his seatbelt all the way through so it locked tightly. “Robbie, pull Jamie’s seatbelt all the way till it locks. Then let it go back in and do the same thing to your own seatbelt. Make sure both of you are locked in.” Chase ordered. 

Robbie followed his directions and got Jamie locked in before locking himself in. “Ready!” Robbie said. 

“Good. Hold on!” Chase ordered, before pushing his foot down more and more. The car got faster and faster rather quickly. As he went faster, he watched the speed on the dashboard. 

[110]

[120]