Author's Note: Yes, more cuddly smush in this chapter, but how long do you reckon it's gonna last? Keep reviewing and I'll keep loving!
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John awoke sometime later, and blinked. Bathed in sunlight, he was leaning against the bath, legs stretched out. Chas was still asleep, lying in John's arms, his head on his chest. John sighed. This was the way it should always be. If only John could tell Chas how he felt. Maybe Chas even felt the same. Maybe he could just accept it anyway.
But John knew he could never tell Chas.
"John..." murmured Chas, stirring. His soft eyes flickered open, and he looked up at John.
"Are you going to stay this time?" John asked.
Chas smiled sleepily. "I still haven't found out what's wrong with you. So of course."
John rolled his eyes and stood up, tugging Chas up easily, and yet neither of them moved from their comfortable embrace. "Er, breakfast, Chas?"
Chas nodded. "Yeah, okay. I'll make it." He moved away from John, heading for the door.
"No! Chas... let me. I owe you. I owe you for everything. When you were alive, you did so much for me, and I never, never said thank you. I know I have a long way to go in thanking you for everything, but let me make you breakfast as a start. Thank you, Chas." John had surprised even himself.
"What did you just say?" Chas sounded disbelieving.
"I... I said..." John found it hard to say the words consciously.
Chas smiled. "I heard you, it's okay, I was just shocked, John."
"Oh. Okay then." John paused. "Thanks kid."
Chas was wearing an odd expression on his face. His eyes held John's for a moment and John felt an overwhelming urge to kiss him. "You're welcome, John, but I can't accept you making breakfast for me."
"Why not?"
Chas grinned a little. "Because your cooking sucks, John."