This chapter is set about a week after the previous one, with flashbacks to events taking place earlier in the week.


Chris smiled when Sheila's face showed up on the screen, partly in amusement that Kyle had to stay with her to help her set up the video chat. He was glad to see both of them after what felt like years, despite it being only a couple of months, and was looking forward to catching up on everything that had happened recently.

After making the standard small-talk, Chris found out what was happening in Erinsborough and was surprised to find out that Amber was pregnant. He made a mental note to call her and congratulate her; though considering the grave expressions on Kyle and Sheila's faces, it didn't seem like news that Amber particularly wanted to celebrate. His old friends were pleased to find out that Chris was in a relationship, and insisted on knowing everything they could about him. Chris decided to withhold some information out of respect, and tried to keep things as simple as possible, much to Kyle and Sheila's annoyance. He offhandedly asked about Nate, concerned that he might sound too desperate otherwise, and was disappointed to discover that nothing had really changed since he had left. When Kyle and Sheila asked about when he was coming back to Erinsborough (considering that he had originally planned to return after a couple of weeks), Chris awkwardly broke the news that he wasn't coming back at all. They didn't seem surprised and Kyle admitted that he realised within a few weeks that Chris had no plans to return, which was made more evident once all of his belongings were removed from his old room. Chris explained that his relationship with Jem combined with everything that had happened with Anne had made him realise that there was no point in going back to Erinsborough: his life was in New York now. Kyle and Sheila were disappointed, but also pleased that he had settled so quickly and that his parents were accepting of his decision.

Chris smiled as he remembered the conversation between himself, his parents and Jem. Chris and Jem had agreed not to eavesdrop on each other's conversations anymore, and to be as honest as possible with each other to prevent nasty surprises and conflicts in the future. With Chris' encouragement, Jem admitted to George and Patricia that he had overheard their concerns about the relationship. Chris' parents were embarrassed, but were quick to reassure Jem.

"We were just worried about him" Patricia explained earnestly, "You know, his situation and your situation are kind of complicated and we weren't sure whether you guys could handle it"

Jem didn't need to know what they meant by 'situation', and didn't appreciate the term but he understood why George and Patricia felt the way that they did.

"It's fine" Jem replied, "You're his parents, you're just looking out for him"

George shrugged, "It's our job"

Patricia patted Jem's hand, "But tell us about your parents"

"There's not much to tell, really" Jem shrugged, "My mom passed away a few years ago"

Patricia frowned, "I'm sorry to hear that"

George nodded sombrely before asking, "What about your dad?"

Jem looked uncomfortable and Chris squeezed his other hand uncertainly, "He's still around, but mom's death really changed things, so we're not as close as we used to be" he forced a small smile onto his face, "So it's just me and my little brother together against the world"

Chris stared at Jem, practically in awe at his attitude despite the blatantly difficult upbringing he'd had. He realised that there was so much more to his boyfriend than he first thought, and desperately wanted to get to know him better. It almost scared Chris how much he cared about Jem and wanted to be with him, and it dawned on him how important Jem was in making the decision to stay in New York. After all, Chris would have gone back to Erinsborough after a couple of weeks were it not for meeting the other man at a random garage during his run: everything had happened so quickly after that, but Chris wouldn't have had it any other way. Watching Jem bonding with George and Patricia confirmed it even more, and he couldn't wait to spend his future here with Jem, Lucy and Anne.

In the midst of his thoughts, Chris had lost track of the conversation, and – typically for him – happened to tune back in at the mention of food.

"Well now I can rest easy at night knowing that my son is being sufficiently nourished" Patricia joked

"Just as long as he's not putting you out" George added quickly

Jem shook his head, "Not at all. I love cooking for him, and Lucy" he replied before chuckling, "It's not like they've got me slaving away over a hot stove or anything like that"

"I'm glad" Patricia responded

"So am I" Chris agreed, "Though I don't know how I would cope if I didn't have you, and not just because I'd probably starve"

Kyle and Sheila could tell that Chris was preoccupied with his own thoughts, so they quickly made their excuses to end the call. Chris was disappointed by the abrupt end but was glad that they'd had the opportunity to catch up. Chris assured them that they could call him whenever they wanted to; he'd always make time for the two people who took him into their home and made him feel like part of a family again.

xxx

Jem could tell that Chris' mind was elsewhere. He knew that Chris had just finished the video chat with Kyle and Sheila, so he was probably feeling nostalgic about his time in Erinsborough. Watching Chris practically float through his home unnerved Jem slightly, particularly when Chris gazed fondly at the photographs of his friends and family dotted around the place. Moving to the kitchen, Chris picked up the sandwich press that Nate had bought him last Christmas, and after staring at it for a remarkably long time, he placed in in a cupboard.

"Did you want me to make you something?" Jem asked

Chris almost jumped out of his skin, "How long have you been standing there for?" he questioned, then cringed, "Sorry, bad turn of phrase"

Jem chuckled, "It's fine" he replied, "So did you want something to eat?"

Chris shrugged, "No thanks, I'm not really hungry"

"That's not like you" Jem joked before looking concerned, "What's wrong?"

Chris leant against the doorframe of the kitchen, "I don't know" he admitted, "I guess talking to Kyle and Sheila just put into perspective how much things have changed lately"

Jem nodded in understanding, "If you're having second thoughts about staying here, or our relationship then that's ok-"

Chris shook his head, "I'm not. I want to stay in New York, and not just because of Lucy and Anne" he assured him, "You are probably one of the biggest reasons why I'm sticking around" he hesitated before admitting, "I want to be with you, I'm crazy about you"

Jem blushed slightly, "Well the feeling's mutual"

Chris smiled before letting out a breath, "Things are really unpredictable at the moment, I'm not sure what's happening from one day to the next" he admitted, "So if you're looking for any guarantees about the future, I don't think I can make them. All I can say is that here and now, this is what I want. You're what I want"

Jem smiled, "Same here" he agreed before pulling Chris down to kiss him deeply.

Before either of them knew what was happening, Chris had lifted Jem out of his wheelchair and was cradling him in his arms.

Jem burst into laughter at his abruptness, "What are you doing?"

Chris froze, "I was going to… uh" he stammered as he glanced towards the bedroom then realised how insulting his actions could seem, "Sorry, I shouldn't have done that"

Jem quickly caught on before Chris had a chance to put him back down into his chair, "No, it's fine" he assured him, "I just didn't realise you were ready"

Chris nodded, "I am" he replied determinedly before becoming coy again, "Are you?"
Jem nodded, "Yeah, I am too" he responded, then glanced at the wheelchair, "Though you will have to fetch that at some point"

Chris shrugged, "I'll do that later" he replied before kissing him again and carrying him into the bedroom.


Thanks for reading! Apologies for this chapter taking so long and ending so abruptly: obviously it will continue into the next one. In the meantime, reviews are always welcome!