They had finished the case and he had done some work in the clinic, but he left right in time to go home.
Julie was coming by tonight and they were going to make dinner at his house. Even though he had never been great at cooking, he hadn't prepped any dinner since he had gotten shot. He had wanted to get the groceries, but she had insisted on doing it. Honestly, he was glad about it, because he really did not enjoy going to the grocery market anymore.
At home he quickly changed his shirt and did a last check-up in the mirror. The apartment was completely clean with some help from Yvon and he was excited to have her over.
There was a knock on the door and Chase made his way to the door.
''Please come in.'' Chase said as he pulled the door open. Julie carried the groceries in and put them on the table. TimTam had just been sleeping on the table and jumped off, hissing at her.
''That's Timtam, don't mind him, he is an idiot.'' Chase said.
''He is cute.'' Julie said, wanting to pet him but the cat ran off.
''Told you he is an idiot.'' Chase smiled.
''It is good to see you again.'' Julie said as she was unpacking the groceries.
''That is what you say now, until you find out I am a disaster in the kitchen.'' Chase joked.
''I am not great either, but I am sure we can produce something tasty together.'' Julie said as she was carrying some stuff to the cupboard.
''I have not made dinner since I got shot.'' Chase admitted. ''The team I work with has been great with making meals for me since I got home and my nurse helps me out. Guess I should get back into it.''
He felt a bit bad having to admit he had a nurse looking after him but figured she would know anyway.
He was setting the table as she was cutting the vegetables. He wanted to help her, but since his hands didn't have enough fine motor skills yet he knew he couldn't. But the surgery had made it so much better, he knew it would get easier eventually.
''You look really great.'' He told her.
''Thanks – I just threw something on after shift to be honest.''
''So did I, but you look better.'' Chase said as he made his way towards her and tried to help her make dinner.
He was tossing the meat around the pan as she was still cutting the vegetables. He was glad he felt he was of any use now his hands were getting better.
''This is a really nice big kitchen.'' She complimented him as they finished what they were doing and throw it in the casserole.
''I just moved here.''
''it is really nice.''
''I can show the rest if you want.'' He offered and she nodded. She followed him to the bedroom. Even though he knew his apartment was not fully decorated yet, he was proud to show it off to her.
''This is where the magic happens?'' She joked.
''If you mean where my nurse tells my ties and shirt don't match, then yes.'' Chase joked. ''The bathroom is just to the left.''
She took a step inside and saw the large bag of medication on the sink.
''Impressive pharmacy you have there.'' She said, looking at the bag.
''It ehm – it is getting a lot better. But I have to keep managing my pain and stuff.'' He said. They went back to the kitchen where dinner was done now. She was stacking it on the plates and they sat across from each other at the table.
''This amazing.'' She sighed as they dug in.
''Only because you made it.'' He laughed.
''Not much of a cook huh?''
''Nah, usually just picked up something after work.'' He admitted. Usually he really did that, or made something easy. As he had never been raised with a very healthy diet as his mom couldn't be arsed taking care of it, he had kept it up although he did try to keep healthy working out.
''How was your shift today?''
''Busy but good.'' Julie nodded. '' Just the average Tuesday. Did you get an interesting case?''
''We finished it early. Usually the team works nonstop until the case gets solved. Boss won't let me do that anymore – at least not for now.'' Chase admitted. He hated it when House send him home and didn't let him work but he knew his body couldn't keep up with that. He hoped that in the future he would be able to again.
''So you got home early?''
''I worked in the clinic after.'' Chase explained.
''You feel okay being there? –It is none of my business if you don't want to tell me.'' She asked concerned.
''It not always easy being back in the clinic, but it is work and I do like being in the hospital and helping patients.'' He smiled and she nodded, understood what he was saying.
''Do you need a hand with the dishwasher.'' She offered as they had finished dinner.
''No you settle on the couch, I will get us some drinks.'' He offered and she walked to the couch. She wanted to offer him helping clean up but wasn't sure if he would be okay with that.
Sitting down on the couch, she picked up a picture frame. It was one of a tan Robert standing on the beach – she guessed in Australia – with some other guys. He looked very muscled here and very different from the thin pale man now.
''Would you like a beer or a red or white – or something else?''
''A red please.'' She yelled back and looked at the picture again.
She put it back before he saw her holding it, but it did make her realize how much had changed for him the past year.
Robert made his way towards her with a tray on his lap with the red wines on it.
''Thanks.'' She smiled, taking it from him and he moved to the couch as well. It took a lot of effort
''Sorry, not as graceful as I once was.'' He joked as he made his way onto the couch. It was hard now to even move to the couch, but he did want to sit close to her. Pulling himself onto the couch, she wanted to help him, but he managed.
''Dinner was really nice, thank you – I really enjoyed it.'' Chase said as they hit their glasses together.
''Me too, thanks for having me.'' She smiled back at him.
Timtam jumped on the couch beside her now, but she didn't even mind. Just barely, but still there he felt her hand on his leg and they slowly moved closer.
Slowly they came closer and shared a kiss. Laying his arm around her, he felt so grateful to finally be close to somebody again. It was something he had done weekly before, and he had missed it. But it was also different, he really liked and trusted Julie and hoped things would work out for them in the long run. Holding her in his arms, she laid back against him. Her fingers drew little circles on his hand and even though he did not feel all of it, he felt grateful being so close to her. They kissed again and she laid down against his chest then. Usually he would have done this all so different, but it felt right to take it slow now. His body, and also mentally, he did not feel up for cheap intimacy. Plus, she did not seem like the girl he would want to do that to.
Suddenly there was knock on the door.
''That's the nurse.'' He sighed annoyed.
''That is fine, I should head home.'' She said as she got up and kissed him another time.
''I am sorry.''
''No, that is fine, really. We can see each other soon again.'' She smiled. Quickly she kissed him again and let Yvon in on the way out.
''Looks like somebody had a good night.'' She joked as Chase was moving back to his chair.
''That is none of your business.'' He smiled.
''I know, but I am happy to see you happy.'' She told him.
I hope you liked this chapter as well! A bit more positivity for Chase again. Hope you did like it! Thanks again for reading and please let me know what you thought!
