Chase had decided the best course of action would be to head back to Moose's house, at least for today. He had been wondering what to do for Moose in the long term- the prospect of the other boy alone without his parents, with those broken ribs- Chase's imagination performed several elaborate situations of Moose tripping down the stairs, hitting his side on a counter, lying on the floor with a flail chest and the phone just out of reach- disturbed, he stopped the thoughts. When did he get so paranoid (and imaginative)? He extracted the directions from Moose, who looked miserable again- his breathing must have been painful- and began the journey through the Baltimore traffic.

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At the front door, Moose swore quietly.

"I left my keys at your place. Sorry." Chase grinned and produced said keys from his pocket.

"Borrowed, and- not really copied." Moose snorted in amusement at the rather bad joke and unlocked the door. Chase had had the good sense to fish them out of Moose's sodden jeans before leaving that morning. He trailed Moose down the dark hallway.

"Hey, I'll make sandwiches. Just crash anywhere, yeah?" Moose said, disappearing into the kitchen. Chase followed him for lack of other obvious options. "Yeah, sure." It was 12:45 already- his friend really had taken her time feeling up Moose.

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"D'you mind if I call Andie over? I sent her a message earlier, but she's kinda worried." Chase said. Tricky point- Moose looked tense for a second but then grinned. "Sure thing." Chase noted with strange satisfaction that Moose felt no need to inform Sophie of anything that had happened. Wandering back into the hall, he quietly asked her to come over. Andie agreed that Moose shouldn't be left alone, confirming Chase's thoughts and solidifying his resolve. Attempting to appear casual, he leant over the central bench where Moose had laid out bread and butter (he was currently hunting through the fridge for sandwich fillings). Chase cleared his throat self-consciously.

"Hey, Moose- would you mind if I stayed over for a few days? Blake'll be visiting my parents for a while and you know he annoys the crap out of me…" Chase trailed off. It was a transparent excuse and they both knew it, but Moose turned around from the fridge clutching jars and bottles and fixed Chase with a curiously ambiguous look. With a sudden blush he smiled uncertainly and nodded.

"Yeah- sure, okay. We have a trundle bed so you can stay… thanks." Chase grinned and made his way to the couch in the living room, digging the TV remote out of the cushions. It was more of an escape from Moose than a desire to catch up on lunchtime soaps but Chase was honestly pleased Moose had let him stay. A few minutes later, Moose gingerly sat down next to him, trying not to aggravate his broken ribs, and passed Chase a plate of sandwiches. Peanut butter…and strawberry jam. Chase sniggered.

"Sugar nut," Chase said. "This is all you eat at school, too." Moose shrugged and smiled, mouth full.

When they'd finished with lunch, a comfortable silence descended as they watched television. Chase noticed with some surprise that Moose's head was nodding towards his shoulder and back in the manner of someone trying not to fall asleep- he had no idea injuries demanded so much sleep to heal- but eventually began yawning himself.

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Andie let herself in with a quiet "Hey-." When no reply came she followed the sound of the TV down to the living room. An affectionate smile crept up on her face as she saw Chase and Moose. Slumped together on the couch, Chase snored over Moose's head and Moose drooled onto Chase's shoulder. After a moment of surprise- when did those two get so close?- she got out her cameraphone.

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That's it, dear readers!! Although I was intending to tie this story off, the last chapter really leaves itself open for more amusingly awkward escapades between Chase and Moose- anyone up to write a sequel?

Thanks for all your reviews- and special thanks to Lauraisace, Ayrtha21, Jace Astar and last but definitely not least- CurlySweet. That someone would write not just one review but 2 or 3 is really motivating.

Ciao babies!