Chapter 5

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Author's Note: Oh, it's been so long, and finally another chapter! We're coming to close quickly. I'm not sure I realize the point of this story, but I figure I'll finish out nonetheless. As always, PLEASE REVIEW! Please please please!

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It had been around week since "The Incident", as Chuck had been referring to it in his mind. Lem was still refusing to speak to him in private, and was insisting that he sleep on the couch instead of on the bed that they were supposed to share.

Chuck had begged and pleaded and tried to explain, but Lem wasn't willing to listen. To be honest, Chuck couldn't blame him. He did, however, completely blame Dr. Jake Wilson and had personally asked President _ to send him back to wherever he'd come from and take him off the task force. After some resistance, he had asked Lem to do it. This was met with stony silence and refusal to do it.

He bought flowers, chocolates, trips to Hawaii (Lem hadn't responded to that at all, as he didn't understand). He begged every evening for Lem to join him in the bedroom, and every evening he was rebuffed. Finally, after agonizing for days, he called his father.

William Baker had been thrilled to hear from his son, but had heard the rumors of Chuck's relationship with the alien and was not entirely approving. Still, he agreed to meet him for a short trip in the capital.

"Dad!," Chuck said, relief coloring his voice as he met his father coming off the plane.

"Son," came his rumbly voice. They embraced and Chuck tried to keep from crying.

"I'm so glad you're here, Dad," he said, his words rough with emotion.

"Me, too. Now, Charles, why don't we go out to lunch and you tell me what's going on," the older man said, patting Chuck's shoulder.

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"Charles, you know I've never understood your need to experiment," William said, taking a sip of his drink.

"It's different. He's different, Dad," Chuck said miserably.

"I can see that," He paused and examined his son. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why is he different ?"

Chuck stared at him. "Well... Why is Mom different?"

His father smiled and nodded. "Indefinable, eh?"

"Very. He's...funny. He gets me, and I get him." Chuck paused and downed the rest of his beer. "And this misunderstanding is... I mean, he hasn't said we're not together any more, but-"

"I know," William cut him off. "He's acting like it. Where's this Jake character?"

"Hell if I know," Chuck said angrily. "I haven't seen him since that night. I'd deck him if I did. I asked the President to get rid of him. Said he was interfering with research. The President disagreed." His dad laughed, and in spite of himself, he laughed too. "I just don't know what to do, Dad."

"I don't know what to tell you, buddy," William sighed. "Just stay around. Give him time. Let him know you aren't giving up. And soon, he'll come around."

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Despite his dad's lack of constructive advice, and obvious discomfort at the though of his son and an alien together, Chuck found it helpful to have someone to talk with. Chuck followed his advice and kept it up, showering Lem with presents and attention, until finally he couldn't be ignored anymore.

"Chuck!" Lem shouted, alarm in his voice. "Get rid of them! Those are...those are alive!"

Chuck looked down in confusion. "Yeah, that's the general idea..." He held a cage in his hands that contained a set of surprisingly peaceful, serene lovebirds. They were surrounded by roses and little spiral frills, in a pristine white cage.

Lem looked from the birds to Chuck several times before he finally relaxed. "Those aren't pyrobirds, are they?" he said finally.

"Uh...no. And I don't think I like the sound of that..."

"Live ones can level a house back home in ten minutes," Lem explained. "What are these?"

Chuck felt his hope rising. This was more than he'd gotten out of him in days. "They're called lovebirds, and I thought...you know...since I love you I'd get you some..." His explanation, not well rehearsed, fell flat.

Lem eyed him thoughtfully for a few minutes. "Chuck..." he began.

"Look, I swear, it wasn't what you think. He was forcing himself on me and you walked in at the wrong moment. A few seconds earlier or later and you would have seen that! Please...PLEASE...forgive me for putting us in this position."

Lem looked at him for a few moments, eyebrows knitted in concentration. "I need some air," he said finally. He grabbed his jacket. "I won't be long. Leave the light on."

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TBC