The night passed without incident. Chas eventually fell asleep facing into the sofa, wings acting as a shield. John passed the time in extreme boredom but stayed awake with the practiced ease of the nocturnal, getting up every now and then to clean his hand or make some food he proceeded not to eat. He watched Chas the whole time, unable to stop himself looking for hints as to his status, but all he learned was that the creature was something of a fitful sleeper, most likely aware even as it slept that it was being watched.
Finally, pale light began to seep into the apartment, and just as the lack of sleep was convincing John that Chas had never died in the first place and really watching him as he was spoke of something other than concern, Chas stirred and the situation took on some semblance of reality again.
'Ube in air hall nigh John?'
'English?'
Chas cleared his throat and repeated blearily, 'You been there all night John?'
'Long enough to know you have.'
'God you must be stiff,' so it's a mind reader too, 'I feel like I got beaten with a sack full of rocks and I was actually led down.' He ran a hand through his hair and settled back down.
In a running theme of their encounter John once again said nothing. This time though it stemmed not from steely resolve but from the fact the fact he hadn't slept and without some kind of intervention he wasn't going to make it to lunchtime, which left him in a difficult situation. As they were right now it was clear who had the power, start taking your captives out for breakfast and the line was bound to blur.
No matter, his stomach insisted, the line will disappear entirely if you keel over because you didn't eat.
This wasn't a good indication of how fit he was to handle this. He still wasn't used to taking care of his health, not because he didn't appreciate it but because he'd been sick for so long it was like he'd forgotten how to be any other way, and there was nothing like a sleep-deprived night to throw further pessimism onto a subject
'Get up', he ordered and without waiting for a response he followed his own advice and went to the kitchen for some coffee.
Screw the liquid just shot the powder, it'll get in your system faster.
Shaking his head in an effort to clear his thoughts and resulting instead in a dizzy spell John leaned against the counter. In a petulant kind of way he really didn't want the day to happen, he was incredibly tired and rest was nowhere in sight. More than that though he knew this day was going to have to involve a resolution, and while this was appealing in a closure sense there was every possibility it was going to be a resolution he didn't like. He'd had the whole night to mull it over and there was little doubt left in his mind. Sure without Chas he'd had one less responsibility, (and he did feel responsible for what had happened to him even if he never would admit it), but the fact was he had missed his friend. He was only human after all and there was no denying he was fond of the kid, and let's face it life was a hell of a lot more entertaining with him around. And he resented paying cab fare.
Added to that the kid had never deserved his fate in the first place, but John would be lying if he said justice was his main concern here.
Admitting that he wanted Chas back though led to the inevitable conclusion that it was an impostor. Just because he had a new lease of life he saw no reason it would stop fucking him over, in fact life had been dull but painless lately and it would be perfectly in keeping for this possible opportunity to backfire.
Still, this was all conjecture, no use dwelling on it until he got proof either way.
And if it proves you wrong, proves that it's not him?
John made some coffee.
Maybe he would dwell on it a little longer.
A/N: That's all I have in order, whether you want to read more or you're glad I finally shut up, constructive criticism is highly appreciated! If not, thanks for reading. I forgot to mention my grip on the finer points of the Constantine universe is tenuous so I hope it wasn't too glaring.