I took the change and left the room, going to the machine. Some guy walked slowly past me and I merely waved. I thought maybe he was the guy that originally brought me in, but I wasn't sure. I went back to Jerry's office and sat down, sipping my soda. "They aren't going to say anything if a perp is in here, are they?" I looked at him, vagueling wondering if I would have to reveal my stealth secret if someone walked in.

"Yeah, you smell donu- WAIT DONUTS?!" I got up and ran out of my office, nearly knocking over my bottle of Jack Daniels and Chase's chair in the process (with him in it, mind you). I had bolted down the hallway, through some double doors nearly falling over on my ass (but avoiding said punishment by keeping my body balanced) and skidded to a halt. In the cafeteria, just as I had suspected, they were selling donuts.
For cheap.
I swear I almost pissed myself in epic glee.

After buying myself and Chase some chocolate-coated donuts dipped in awesomesauce (aka more chocolate) I walked around with a chocolatey mouth, still taking occasional greedy bites out of my treat for today's paperwork. I paused at a conference room with the fat officers inside. I waved my donut and winked with a grin, watching one of them pout slightly and another scowl irritably, though when I noticed the Head Fatguy get up out of his chair, I bolted down the hallway again and into my office.

I sat down with an accomplished smirk on my face, and sipped the coffee I picked up at the cafeteria along with the donut.

Work work work.

Workworkworkwork work work. Wo- sorry.

All I could think about when at work was... ...well, work. I sat at my desk with a scowl on my face while filing paperwork. I occasionally paused to glance around my office to see if Chase was still there with me. I smiled a little and sighed happily, selfishly absorbing the comfort that his presence gave me.

I walked out to my car with him, my injured arm stiff at my side. I wasn't too worried about it bleeding or anything at the moment, I was actually more concerned about looking helpless. I, Chase Tyler, did not want to be helpless. I had taken that road before, and I didn't want to concern myself with it again.

I slid into my car automatically, my mind completely focused on something I would rather let be.

Chase sat on the cement, his body shivering as sweat seemed to pool down his skin. Dark circles were under his eyes, a tight band on his upper arm. His needle was at his side, the drug inside emptied into the vein that was revealed on the bend of his arm. Ashley came around the corner and stared at him, sympathy in his eyes as he lifted Chase up. Pity. He hated pity.

I realized I was leaving the parking garage and better pay attention. Those were times best forgotten. I reached over placing my hand on Jeremy's knee, selfishly comforting myself knowing he was there.

When he offered muffins I grinned a little then nodded as an approval. "I don't particularly like work, but it's hard to pass up the offer when muffins and Chase-time are involved." I shot Timmy a 'Shut it!' glance when I heard him gag. He just smirked at me and slipped on a secondhand jacket then left the apartment for his own routine walk to work, already changed. When he left I moved away from Chase then went to get changed for work. When I was finished I slipped on my jacket and went outside when Chase was ready and alright.

"Thanks." I pulled one of the thin sticks out and pressed it between my lips before lighting it. Today was going to be pretty shitty. I looked at Jeremy and snuggled him slightly, happy he was at least left out of this mess. I looked around idly, trying to think of something to say.

I had nothing, so I finally sighed, putting my cigarette in an ash tray. "Hey, you might want to get ready for work." I wouldn't mind him staying and taking care of me, but I felt his job was a little more important. "I'll drive ya if you want." I smiled, the nicotine having stomped my anger into nothing. "Maybe we can stop and get coffee and maybe a muffin for breakfast?" I pressed the side of my head against his hair in sort of a head hug. "I'll buy."