muse_mixtape: Head Over Feet - Chase/Rogue
Title:"Head Over Feet" by Alanis Morissette
Author(s): chasemd & justalilcontact (co-written)
Fandom: House, M.D. & X-Men
Prompt: 05 of 15
Character/Pairing: Robert Chase/Rogue
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 3,640
Summary: Following from THIS, THIS, THIS, and THIS. Chase finally admitted his feelings for Rogue as he begged Logan to heal her again. Does the Wolverine listen?
Authors Notes/Disclaimer: We do not own Chase, House, M.D., Rogue or the X-Men and are not affiliated with any.
You've already won me over in spite of me
Don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet
Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are
I couldn't help it
Its all your fault
Head Over Feet - Alanis Morissette
Follows on from THIS POST...
Logan blinked at Chase's admission. Today was just turning out to be full of revelations, and at some stage, Logan was going to want to sit down with this kid and have a little man to man chat over beer. Whether or not the claws would make an appearance would be all up to how Chase handled himself through Logan's grilling.
There was a sigh from Hank, and Logan looked past Chase to see McCoy take off his glasses and pinch the bridge of his nose. "If you insist upon doing this," Hank started, "then I'm at least going to stay in the room. I seem to remember that the last time she drained you, you yourself slipped into a coma."
Logan sneered, and yanked his arm from Chase's hold as he moved past him to stand by Rogue's body. "Fine. Stay put, and don't interfere." He glanced up, waiting until he got a nod from Beast before he turned to look back over his shoulder at Chase. "You either, bub."
Chase shrunk back against the wall. He wanted to run. He really wanted to run and not look back. Did he even want to see this? His stomach churned threateningly and he put a hand over his mouth. He nodded, not trusting himself to speak without throwing up, his eyes wide. There was no way he was interfering. Hell, he wasn't entirely convinced he was going to live through it. House suddenly seemed like Mother Theresa in the face of all this.
Logan turned back and dropped his gaze to the slender brunette in front of him. Last time he'd done this she'd been dead in his arms. He let out a slow breath, placing his hand on her forehead as he waited. He couldn't be sure if the delay was a result of the control she'd been gaining, or if it was something to do with her injuries.
Either way, no matter how long it took, Logan still wasn't prepared when he felt the connection open up; felt her mutation activate. He bared his teeth as the pain increased, watching as the veins pulsed under his skin, and Rogue's. The pain only increased, and he was forced to let out a grunt. His eyes slipped closed and he felt like he was about to drop to his knees any moment.
And then he did. Logan was only just conscious enough to here Rogue take a gasping breath, and a smile crossed his lips before the black claimed him.
"Rogue!" Chase stumbled forward to the other side of the bed. He wanted to touch her, assure himself she was okay, but he was frightened to. He didn't know what to do, so he gripped the edge of the sheet beneath her. "Oh god, please say something!" he pleaded, thick tears pouring down his cheeks.
Rogue coughed, waving her hands as she tried to pull at the tube in her mouth. Her brown eyes were wide and filled with fear. She couldn't work out what she was doing lying there with all this stuff connected to her, or why Chase looked so devastated.
And all she heard in her head was Logan. She moaned out something, her hand clawing at Chase's shirt to try and get him to help her.
"Okay, babe. It's okay. Shhh. Just try and calm down a little. We're getting this out, okay?" Chase said tearfully, already working quickly to unhook the ventilator and pull it slowly from her mouth. "Try and take a breath for me, babe. I need to know you can breathe on your own. Here, look at me, sweetheart." He wasn't sure if he could safely touch her, so he slipped his hand under the sheet to put his hand over hers.
He started to cry heavily, some flood gates opening inside him at seeing her awake. "I'm here... it's okay..."
She gave a nod of her head, tears starting to fill her own eyes at seeing Chase cry. She clutched his hand through the sheet, and the moment the tube was gone she took another gasping breath and coughed. She tried to breathe without coughing, her head falling back against the bed as she tried to orientate herself.
"Doc," she rasped, her eyes fixing on him before she was looking around the med lab. Hank came into view and she frowned a little. "Other Doc."
Hank gave her a small smile. "Quite remarkable." He wanted to move in to examine her, but kept his hands behind his back as he just watched the two lovers. Logan was still on the ground, and Hank gave a start as he remembered he now had another patient to deal with.
Chase leaned over, his hair falling in his face as he struggled to stop crying. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry," he sobbed. "You didn't want... I asked him to... I'm sorry." He lifted his head, meeting her eyes. "I love you. I couldn't lose you..." He squeezed his eyes shut again, turning his head away.
She could feel her bottom lip starting to tremble, the tears welling up in her eyes as she watched Chase. "Doc, please..." She brought herself up into a sitting position, turning awkwardly as she tried to face him without tearing her IV out. "Doc, look at me," she pleaded, her voice tight as she tried to push back the Logan in her head. In this moment she desperately wanted to be herself.
She reached out, pushing back the blond locks from his eyes as she wrapped her legs around him and drew him in close. "I love you too, sugar. All I could think about when--" she broke off, the tears streaming down her face as she remembered exactly what it was that had landed her here. "I love you," she said again.
Chase felt something in his chest clench painfully. He put his head down on her chest as he touched her stomach through the hospital gown. "It's gone," he whispered, his tears wetting the thin fabric. "You were hurt too bad..."
"What do you mean it's gone?" Rogue frowned as she tried to wrap her head around his words. Her fingers knotted in his hair as she held him, her eyes looking at Hank as she sought some kind of explanation. Beast just gave a brief shake of his head before his gaze dropped to the floor. "It's gone?" Rogue repeated. Somewhere in her mind what Chase was telling her finally made sense and she gave a pained cry. "Oh my god, the baby..." She clutched her other hand at Chase's back, leaning over him as she started to sob. "Our baby," she whispered.
Chase couldn't answer. He just clung to her and held her while they both cried. It didn't seem to matter that they hadn't accepted the enormity the pregnancy could bring, or that they hadn't made a decision regarding it. It had still been their baby, still a life they created together. Even if they seemed to stumble their way through the relationship, they always found their footing together eventually. But now any choices had been torn away from them, they'd lost something they didn't even know how to want to together, but it still hurt and grief poured through Chase. Not just for the baby, but for nearly losing Rogue above all else.
Rogue wept for a baby they'd never get a chance to know, and for a life that was never given a chance to start. She knew they hadn't decided what to do about the pregnancy; that they'd only found out nearly a week ago. It still hurt. It hurt more than she'd ever be able to put into words.
And she cried now that she found herself back in Chase's arms. She felt safe again. She rubbed her hand against his back, the tears starting to come to a stop. "I'm sorry, Chase. I'm so sorry I ever thought I had to leave ya."
Chase shook his head. "I'm just so glad you're okay," he whispered, not ready to move away from her yet. "I'm sorry. I know you didn't want him to heal you. I just... they didn't know if you would... I'm sorry..." His breath hitched. He didn't seem to be able to apologise enough. He felt guilty and selfish as he lifted his head a little and looked at Logan.
"It's fine, Doc," she assured him. She turned her head to follow his gaze, watching as Hank hovered around Logan's still form. He looked like he was sleeping, but Rogue knew better. He'd once again given a huge piece of him to her in order to save her life. She owed him more than 'thank you' when he was awake. She turned her attention back to Chase, tugging on his hair a little to get him to look at her. "I'd do the same," she told him in a hushed tone. "I'd do whatever it took to save you."
Another sob caught in Chase’s throat. "Fuck, I'm sorry," he cursed, brushing at his eyes. "I came off nightshift. I haven't slept yet. It's turning me into a sobbing mess. I thought I'd lost you. When I saw that post online I... oh god." He clung to her tighter, scared if he let go he would get trapped back in the horrible nightmare.
"Shh, darlin'," she whispered as she started to comb her fingers through his hair. "Shh. It's okay, and I'm okay. You don't have to worry anymore." She leaned forward to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth, her nostrils flaring slightly as his scent flooded her. She'd almost forgotten what it was like to have Logan's enhanced senses. She could smell the hospital on him, even herself. But underneath those scents she could smell his fear, and sadness... Could smell the tears that stained his cheeks. Could even smell that hint of CK Be that was Chase's alone.
She cocked her head, her brows arranging themselves in Logan's trademark frown as she looked at him. "What post?"
Chase pulled back just a little. He recognised the expression as unfamiliar to her, but he didn't comment on it. "On your journal. Logan posted telling people you had been hurt. It's how I found out. I was getting ready to shower and go to bed, but I came straight away. I just... just couldn't think straight."
Rogue's head jerked around and she stared at Logan for a long moment. He'd... He'd posted for her? She couldn't begin to understand what had driven him to do that, and she was definitely going to have a word or two about him regarding her personal journal, but then she just didn't care. It had meant that Chase had come for her and that was all that mattered.
Her expression returned to something more akin to her own; brown eyes reflecting the love she'd professed earlier. "I'm glad you did, sugar. I missed you so much. One day, and I was just--All I could think about while it was happenin' was bein' curled up with you."
Chase looked at her guiltily. "I was... a bit cranky at you," he admitted. "Well, more at the situation. When you had to leave in the middle of the night, I know I wasn't overly friendly then either. I was just worried and still in shock over the... the..." He waved his hand so he didn't have to reference it. "It wasn't like me. I guess I don't do well with unexpected surprises."
Rogue shook her head, pulling him towards her as she leaned in for a kiss. Her lips pressed against his as she gripped his sides, and held him close. "I'm sorry I ever had to put you through this," she told him when she'd pulled away. "The whole runnin' out in the middle of the night, more than the other thing."
She swallowed back another lump of emotion as she thought about the pregnancy. There was nothing that could be done about it now. She was pretty sure that even Logan's healing couldn't have fixed it, either.
"You don't have to say sorry. I know you have your duties and things. It's like my job, just mine isn't... d-dangerous. Mostly. I mean, those kicks in the knackers aren't the best part of my job, for sure," Chase tried to joke through his unsteady upset. He rested his head back on her chest and closed his eyes. He had to stop before he bawled himself into dehydration.
"Oh sugar," Rogue sighed as she once again stroked his hair. She'd almost forgotten Hank was still in the room before there was a polite cough. She let slip a defensive growl before she could stop herself, determined not to have this moment interrupted.
"Rogue, I realise this is a very sensitive time, but I still need to check you out. Perhaps your young friend will wait until I'm done and you can take him up to one of the rooms. I'm sure you could both do with rest." Dr. McCoy had his hands up as if to prove he meant no harm. He was just trying to do his duty after all.
Chase had jumped at the extra voice. He'd definitely forgotten they weren't alone. He stepped back, stumbling a little and then managing to pull off something resembling standing. He pushed a hand through his hair. "Sorry, I didn't mean to make your job harder..." He trailed off. Did he just suggest a room with a bed? Chase almost fell to his knees and kissed the large man's feet.
Hank gave Chase a nod, and a toothy smile. "Perhaps she might even see fit to introduce us at some stage so I can stop calling you 'young man'." He gave Rogue a pointed look from over the top of his glasses as he stepped in to examine her.
Rogue's cheeks flushed scarlet and she smiled at Hank before she raised a hand to indicate her Not-Yet-Titled. "Dr. Henry McCoy, meet Dr. Robert Chase." She shifted on the bed, trying not to fidget as she proceeded to get poked and prodded.
Chase chewed his lip. Now that he had time to actually watch Dr McCoy without too much distraction, he realised the man did look quite intimidating. However, he'd shown Chase nothing but kindness and compassion in his grief. He knew there was a metaphor for this, but it was evading him at the moment. "It's nice to meet you," he said hoarsely. "I... thank you. For everything," he added quietly, pulling awkwardly at his scrubs shirt.
"I think I've done very little, but you're welcome all the same, Dr. Chase. She's a very special young lady, isn't she?" he asked as he made a few notes on his chart.
"Hank!" Rogue stared at him aghast. "I'm still right here."
He just flashed her a grin, and shrugged his shoulders as if to say he couldn't see her problem. "I am not so lost in my own little world that I do not realise that, Rogue. Now, everything appears to be fixed up." His expression turned sad for a moment as he cleared his throat. "With one obvious exception, and I wish I could say something comforting, but I'm afraid I've drawn a rather large blank what with all the excitement of seeing your powers work. So, I think it's safe to say that I am more than happy to release you into a different doctor's care," he finished with a nod to Chase. He looked back at Rogue. "Please do let me know if anything changes, though."
She gave him a nod, and hopped off the exam bed before giving him a big hug. "Thanks, Hank." She released him before moving over to Logan's body, and bent down to drop a kiss on his brow. "And thank you," she whispered. When she straightened up again she turned on her heel to look at Chase, suddenly very much aware of the fact she was in nothing but a hospital gown. "Um, so I might be needin' some clothes before we head upstairs. I ain't really lookin' to have the entire school see my ass."
Chase looked around. "I don't, um..." He could only imagine the clothes she'd been in on the mission were about ruined if her body had been anything to go by. He pulled his jacket off and then peeled off his scrubs shirt, leaving him in just his white singlet he had on underneath. He handed her both. "Is that okay? Just until we get wherever we're going?"
Rogue nodded, pulling on the scrubs shirt and jacket. It just covered her ass, so she moved to stand in front of Chase as she started to lead him out. She threw a wave at Hank. "I'll be back later to check on Logan, okay?"
She guided Chase back down the blue hallway towards the elevator and sighed. "I know you been workin' hard, and then had to worry hard on top of everythin', and that this shirt is kinda not so fresh, but... I still love smellin' like ya." She made an unscheduled turn into another doorway, bringing Chase into what looked like a locker room. "Figured I might as well grab my bag on the way. That way we can share some clothes. I got your t-shirt with me."
Chase screwed his nose up sheepishly. "I was just realising that offering you the scrubs I've seen through a twelve hour shift in was probably really a bad idea. I wouldn't have taken it off me." He looked around uncomfortably. It looked nothing like his locker room at work. "I realised that when I was speaking to Logan. I think he thought I was a real dick. Or using my t-shirt as a code word or something."
"He kinda thinks a lot of people are dicks," she said in an effort to try and calm him. She punched in the combination to her locker, and grabbed her overnight bag the second it was opened. She slammed the door shut with her foot before she dropped the bag onto a nearby surface and rummaged through it to find some gloves. Once she had them on, she grabbed Chase's hand with a cheeky grin and started to lead him out back into the corridor. "And code for what? Sex? I can think of a lot better code words than 't-shirt'."
Chase scratched his head. "That's a good chance. I did kind of just throw it into the middle of things, but I couldn't find it. He was all interrogatory at first, then I think he was sniffing me when I first got here, which, you know, something he only wants to do at his own risk after my shift. I think he was sniffing things I didn't even know I had on me." His eyes were still following their surroundings as they walked. He was ultra self-conscious and a little bit worried a hand might pop out and suck him into a sixth dimension or something. "Is there a bed where we're going?"
"I wouldn't take it personal, sugar. Logan just likes to know who he's dealin' with." She pressed the button for the elevator and the doors opened immediately. She dragged Chase inside, and nodded her head. "Yup. Bed, bath, shower, the works. Gotta love fully equipped guest quarters." That, and the rooms for the older inhabitants in the mansion had a lot better perks than those used for students. "It'll have a nice big ol' comfy bed we can use." She pressed her body up against his, gloved hands pushing up his arms. "And when you've rested, we can use it for a lot more than sleep, and all."
Chase laughed a little, but it felt foreign after everything he'd gone through that day. Exhaustion was engulfing him as he looked down at her and it was messing with his already tattered emotions. The smile soon faltered on his lips and tears welled up in his eyes again. He buried his face in her shoulder and pulled her into a protective embrace. "Thank god you're okay," he whispered.
"Oh baby," Rogue cooed as she stroked his hair. "Shh, it's okay now, it's all okay. I'm here. Just let it out." Part of her thought that maybe she could do with letting it out too, but right now she wasn't in the mood for breaking down. She'd rather make sure that Chase was okay first, so they weren't both a mess at the same time. Might be harder to pick themselves back up otherwise.
"I'm sorry. I obviously turn into a pool of tears and snot when I haven't slept," Chase mumbled, holding the hug for a few more lingering minutes. He pulled back a little, wiping his cheeks. "I guess we should rest before I start thinking about the rest of it and never stop."
He gave her a kiss, it slightly damp from the tears he'd missed brushing away. "I love you," he said, resting his cheek against hers.
"You don't have to apologise," she told him. The doors of the elevator had opened and closed while they'd been lost in their embrace, and Rogue shifted a little so she could hit the button to open the doors back up. She sucked in a breath, wary of how long his cheeks stayed against his. "I love you too, Doc." She gently nudged him, her gloved hands coming up to wipe at his tears. She even stretched up onto her tiptoes, her tongue darting out to taste the salt water on his cheeks, before she kissed his jaw as she started to slowly guide him out of the elevator.
(ooc: Logan is hrtsevrytime)
Author(s): chasemd & justalilcontact (co-written)
Fandom: House, M.D. & X-Men
Prompt: 05 of 15
Character/Pairing: Robert Chase/Rogue
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 3,640
Summary: Following from THIS, THIS, THIS, and THIS. Chase finally admitted his feelings for Rogue as he begged Logan to heal her again. Does the Wolverine listen?
Authors Notes/Disclaimer: We do not own Chase, House, M.D., Rogue or the X-Men and are not affiliated with any.
You've already won me over in spite of me
Don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet
Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are
I couldn't help it
Its all your fault
Head Over Feet - Alanis Morissette
Follows on from THIS POST...
Logan blinked at Chase's admission. Today was just turning out to be full of revelations, and at some stage, Logan was going to want to sit down with this kid and have a little man to man chat over beer. Whether or not the claws would make an appearance would be all up to how Chase handled himself through Logan's grilling.
There was a sigh from Hank, and Logan looked past Chase to see McCoy take off his glasses and pinch the bridge of his nose. "If you insist upon doing this," Hank started, "then I'm at least going to stay in the room. I seem to remember that the last time she drained you, you yourself slipped into a coma."
Logan sneered, and yanked his arm from Chase's hold as he moved past him to stand by Rogue's body. "Fine. Stay put, and don't interfere." He glanced up, waiting until he got a nod from Beast before he turned to look back over his shoulder at Chase. "You either, bub."
Chase shrunk back against the wall. He wanted to run. He really wanted to run and not look back. Did he even want to see this? His stomach churned threateningly and he put a hand over his mouth. He nodded, not trusting himself to speak without throwing up, his eyes wide. There was no way he was interfering. Hell, he wasn't entirely convinced he was going to live through it. House suddenly seemed like Mother Theresa in the face of all this.
Logan turned back and dropped his gaze to the slender brunette in front of him. Last time he'd done this she'd been dead in his arms. He let out a slow breath, placing his hand on her forehead as he waited. He couldn't be sure if the delay was a result of the control she'd been gaining, or if it was something to do with her injuries.
Either way, no matter how long it took, Logan still wasn't prepared when he felt the connection open up; felt her mutation activate. He bared his teeth as the pain increased, watching as the veins pulsed under his skin, and Rogue's. The pain only increased, and he was forced to let out a grunt. His eyes slipped closed and he felt like he was about to drop to his knees any moment.
And then he did. Logan was only just conscious enough to here Rogue take a gasping breath, and a smile crossed his lips before the black claimed him.
"Rogue!" Chase stumbled forward to the other side of the bed. He wanted to touch her, assure himself she was okay, but he was frightened to. He didn't know what to do, so he gripped the edge of the sheet beneath her. "Oh god, please say something!" he pleaded, thick tears pouring down his cheeks.
Rogue coughed, waving her hands as she tried to pull at the tube in her mouth. Her brown eyes were wide and filled with fear. She couldn't work out what she was doing lying there with all this stuff connected to her, or why Chase looked so devastated.
And all she heard in her head was Logan. She moaned out something, her hand clawing at Chase's shirt to try and get him to help her.
"Okay, babe. It's okay. Shhh. Just try and calm down a little. We're getting this out, okay?" Chase said tearfully, already working quickly to unhook the ventilator and pull it slowly from her mouth. "Try and take a breath for me, babe. I need to know you can breathe on your own. Here, look at me, sweetheart." He wasn't sure if he could safely touch her, so he slipped his hand under the sheet to put his hand over hers.
He started to cry heavily, some flood gates opening inside him at seeing her awake. "I'm here... it's okay..."
She gave a nod of her head, tears starting to fill her own eyes at seeing Chase cry. She clutched his hand through the sheet, and the moment the tube was gone she took another gasping breath and coughed. She tried to breathe without coughing, her head falling back against the bed as she tried to orientate herself.
"Doc," she rasped, her eyes fixing on him before she was looking around the med lab. Hank came into view and she frowned a little. "Other Doc."
Hank gave her a small smile. "Quite remarkable." He wanted to move in to examine her, but kept his hands behind his back as he just watched the two lovers. Logan was still on the ground, and Hank gave a start as he remembered he now had another patient to deal with.
Chase leaned over, his hair falling in his face as he struggled to stop crying. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry," he sobbed. "You didn't want... I asked him to... I'm sorry." He lifted his head, meeting her eyes. "I love you. I couldn't lose you..." He squeezed his eyes shut again, turning his head away.
She could feel her bottom lip starting to tremble, the tears welling up in her eyes as she watched Chase. "Doc, please..." She brought herself up into a sitting position, turning awkwardly as she tried to face him without tearing her IV out. "Doc, look at me," she pleaded, her voice tight as she tried to push back the Logan in her head. In this moment she desperately wanted to be herself.
She reached out, pushing back the blond locks from his eyes as she wrapped her legs around him and drew him in close. "I love you too, sugar. All I could think about when--" she broke off, the tears streaming down her face as she remembered exactly what it was that had landed her here. "I love you," she said again.
Chase felt something in his chest clench painfully. He put his head down on her chest as he touched her stomach through the hospital gown. "It's gone," he whispered, his tears wetting the thin fabric. "You were hurt too bad..."
"What do you mean it's gone?" Rogue frowned as she tried to wrap her head around his words. Her fingers knotted in his hair as she held him, her eyes looking at Hank as she sought some kind of explanation. Beast just gave a brief shake of his head before his gaze dropped to the floor. "It's gone?" Rogue repeated. Somewhere in her mind what Chase was telling her finally made sense and she gave a pained cry. "Oh my god, the baby..." She clutched her other hand at Chase's back, leaning over him as she started to sob. "Our baby," she whispered.
Chase couldn't answer. He just clung to her and held her while they both cried. It didn't seem to matter that they hadn't accepted the enormity the pregnancy could bring, or that they hadn't made a decision regarding it. It had still been their baby, still a life they created together. Even if they seemed to stumble their way through the relationship, they always found their footing together eventually. But now any choices had been torn away from them, they'd lost something they didn't even know how to want to together, but it still hurt and grief poured through Chase. Not just for the baby, but for nearly losing Rogue above all else.
Rogue wept for a baby they'd never get a chance to know, and for a life that was never given a chance to start. She knew they hadn't decided what to do about the pregnancy; that they'd only found out nearly a week ago. It still hurt. It hurt more than she'd ever be able to put into words.
And she cried now that she found herself back in Chase's arms. She felt safe again. She rubbed her hand against his back, the tears starting to come to a stop. "I'm sorry, Chase. I'm so sorry I ever thought I had to leave ya."
Chase shook his head. "I'm just so glad you're okay," he whispered, not ready to move away from her yet. "I'm sorry. I know you didn't want him to heal you. I just... they didn't know if you would... I'm sorry..." His breath hitched. He didn't seem to be able to apologise enough. He felt guilty and selfish as he lifted his head a little and looked at Logan.
"It's fine, Doc," she assured him. She turned her head to follow his gaze, watching as Hank hovered around Logan's still form. He looked like he was sleeping, but Rogue knew better. He'd once again given a huge piece of him to her in order to save her life. She owed him more than 'thank you' when he was awake. She turned her attention back to Chase, tugging on his hair a little to get him to look at her. "I'd do the same," she told him in a hushed tone. "I'd do whatever it took to save you."
Another sob caught in Chase’s throat. "Fuck, I'm sorry," he cursed, brushing at his eyes. "I came off nightshift. I haven't slept yet. It's turning me into a sobbing mess. I thought I'd lost you. When I saw that post online I... oh god." He clung to her tighter, scared if he let go he would get trapped back in the horrible nightmare.
"Shh, darlin'," she whispered as she started to comb her fingers through his hair. "Shh. It's okay, and I'm okay. You don't have to worry anymore." She leaned forward to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth, her nostrils flaring slightly as his scent flooded her. She'd almost forgotten what it was like to have Logan's enhanced senses. She could smell the hospital on him, even herself. But underneath those scents she could smell his fear, and sadness... Could smell the tears that stained his cheeks. Could even smell that hint of CK Be that was Chase's alone.
She cocked her head, her brows arranging themselves in Logan's trademark frown as she looked at him. "What post?"
Chase pulled back just a little. He recognised the expression as unfamiliar to her, but he didn't comment on it. "On your journal. Logan posted telling people you had been hurt. It's how I found out. I was getting ready to shower and go to bed, but I came straight away. I just... just couldn't think straight."
Rogue's head jerked around and she stared at Logan for a long moment. He'd... He'd posted for her? She couldn't begin to understand what had driven him to do that, and she was definitely going to have a word or two about him regarding her personal journal, but then she just didn't care. It had meant that Chase had come for her and that was all that mattered.
Her expression returned to something more akin to her own; brown eyes reflecting the love she'd professed earlier. "I'm glad you did, sugar. I missed you so much. One day, and I was just--All I could think about while it was happenin' was bein' curled up with you."
Chase looked at her guiltily. "I was... a bit cranky at you," he admitted. "Well, more at the situation. When you had to leave in the middle of the night, I know I wasn't overly friendly then either. I was just worried and still in shock over the... the..." He waved his hand so he didn't have to reference it. "It wasn't like me. I guess I don't do well with unexpected surprises."
Rogue shook her head, pulling him towards her as she leaned in for a kiss. Her lips pressed against his as she gripped his sides, and held him close. "I'm sorry I ever had to put you through this," she told him when she'd pulled away. "The whole runnin' out in the middle of the night, more than the other thing."
She swallowed back another lump of emotion as she thought about the pregnancy. There was nothing that could be done about it now. She was pretty sure that even Logan's healing couldn't have fixed it, either.
"You don't have to say sorry. I know you have your duties and things. It's like my job, just mine isn't... d-dangerous. Mostly. I mean, those kicks in the knackers aren't the best part of my job, for sure," Chase tried to joke through his unsteady upset. He rested his head back on her chest and closed his eyes. He had to stop before he bawled himself into dehydration.
"Oh sugar," Rogue sighed as she once again stroked his hair. She'd almost forgotten Hank was still in the room before there was a polite cough. She let slip a defensive growl before she could stop herself, determined not to have this moment interrupted.
"Rogue, I realise this is a very sensitive time, but I still need to check you out. Perhaps your young friend will wait until I'm done and you can take him up to one of the rooms. I'm sure you could both do with rest." Dr. McCoy had his hands up as if to prove he meant no harm. He was just trying to do his duty after all.
Chase had jumped at the extra voice. He'd definitely forgotten they weren't alone. He stepped back, stumbling a little and then managing to pull off something resembling standing. He pushed a hand through his hair. "Sorry, I didn't mean to make your job harder..." He trailed off. Did he just suggest a room with a bed? Chase almost fell to his knees and kissed the large man's feet.
Hank gave Chase a nod, and a toothy smile. "Perhaps she might even see fit to introduce us at some stage so I can stop calling you 'young man'." He gave Rogue a pointed look from over the top of his glasses as he stepped in to examine her.
Rogue's cheeks flushed scarlet and she smiled at Hank before she raised a hand to indicate her Not-Yet-Titled. "Dr. Henry McCoy, meet Dr. Robert Chase." She shifted on the bed, trying not to fidget as she proceeded to get poked and prodded.
Chase chewed his lip. Now that he had time to actually watch Dr McCoy without too much distraction, he realised the man did look quite intimidating. However, he'd shown Chase nothing but kindness and compassion in his grief. He knew there was a metaphor for this, but it was evading him at the moment. "It's nice to meet you," he said hoarsely. "I... thank you. For everything," he added quietly, pulling awkwardly at his scrubs shirt.
"I think I've done very little, but you're welcome all the same, Dr. Chase. She's a very special young lady, isn't she?" he asked as he made a few notes on his chart.
"Hank!" Rogue stared at him aghast. "I'm still right here."
He just flashed her a grin, and shrugged his shoulders as if to say he couldn't see her problem. "I am not so lost in my own little world that I do not realise that, Rogue. Now, everything appears to be fixed up." His expression turned sad for a moment as he cleared his throat. "With one obvious exception, and I wish I could say something comforting, but I'm afraid I've drawn a rather large blank what with all the excitement of seeing your powers work. So, I think it's safe to say that I am more than happy to release you into a different doctor's care," he finished with a nod to Chase. He looked back at Rogue. "Please do let me know if anything changes, though."
She gave him a nod, and hopped off the exam bed before giving him a big hug. "Thanks, Hank." She released him before moving over to Logan's body, and bent down to drop a kiss on his brow. "And thank you," she whispered. When she straightened up again she turned on her heel to look at Chase, suddenly very much aware of the fact she was in nothing but a hospital gown. "Um, so I might be needin' some clothes before we head upstairs. I ain't really lookin' to have the entire school see my ass."
Chase looked around. "I don't, um..." He could only imagine the clothes she'd been in on the mission were about ruined if her body had been anything to go by. He pulled his jacket off and then peeled off his scrubs shirt, leaving him in just his white singlet he had on underneath. He handed her both. "Is that okay? Just until we get wherever we're going?"
Rogue nodded, pulling on the scrubs shirt and jacket. It just covered her ass, so she moved to stand in front of Chase as she started to lead him out. She threw a wave at Hank. "I'll be back later to check on Logan, okay?"
She guided Chase back down the blue hallway towards the elevator and sighed. "I know you been workin' hard, and then had to worry hard on top of everythin', and that this shirt is kinda not so fresh, but... I still love smellin' like ya." She made an unscheduled turn into another doorway, bringing Chase into what looked like a locker room. "Figured I might as well grab my bag on the way. That way we can share some clothes. I got your t-shirt with me."
Chase screwed his nose up sheepishly. "I was just realising that offering you the scrubs I've seen through a twelve hour shift in was probably really a bad idea. I wouldn't have taken it off me." He looked around uncomfortably. It looked nothing like his locker room at work. "I realised that when I was speaking to Logan. I think he thought I was a real dick. Or using my t-shirt as a code word or something."
"He kinda thinks a lot of people are dicks," she said in an effort to try and calm him. She punched in the combination to her locker, and grabbed her overnight bag the second it was opened. She slammed the door shut with her foot before she dropped the bag onto a nearby surface and rummaged through it to find some gloves. Once she had them on, she grabbed Chase's hand with a cheeky grin and started to lead him out back into the corridor. "And code for what? Sex? I can think of a lot better code words than 't-shirt'."
Chase scratched his head. "That's a good chance. I did kind of just throw it into the middle of things, but I couldn't find it. He was all interrogatory at first, then I think he was sniffing me when I first got here, which, you know, something he only wants to do at his own risk after my shift. I think he was sniffing things I didn't even know I had on me." His eyes were still following their surroundings as they walked. He was ultra self-conscious and a little bit worried a hand might pop out and suck him into a sixth dimension or something. "Is there a bed where we're going?"
"I wouldn't take it personal, sugar. Logan just likes to know who he's dealin' with." She pressed the button for the elevator and the doors opened immediately. She dragged Chase inside, and nodded her head. "Yup. Bed, bath, shower, the works. Gotta love fully equipped guest quarters." That, and the rooms for the older inhabitants in the mansion had a lot better perks than those used for students. "It'll have a nice big ol' comfy bed we can use." She pressed her body up against his, gloved hands pushing up his arms. "And when you've rested, we can use it for a lot more than sleep, and all."
Chase laughed a little, but it felt foreign after everything he'd gone through that day. Exhaustion was engulfing him as he looked down at her and it was messing with his already tattered emotions. The smile soon faltered on his lips and tears welled up in his eyes again. He buried his face in her shoulder and pulled her into a protective embrace. "Thank god you're okay," he whispered.
"Oh baby," Rogue cooed as she stroked his hair. "Shh, it's okay now, it's all okay. I'm here. Just let it out." Part of her thought that maybe she could do with letting it out too, but right now she wasn't in the mood for breaking down. She'd rather make sure that Chase was okay first, so they weren't both a mess at the same time. Might be harder to pick themselves back up otherwise.
"I'm sorry. I obviously turn into a pool of tears and snot when I haven't slept," Chase mumbled, holding the hug for a few more lingering minutes. He pulled back a little, wiping his cheeks. "I guess we should rest before I start thinking about the rest of it and never stop."
He gave her a kiss, it slightly damp from the tears he'd missed brushing away. "I love you," he said, resting his cheek against hers.
"You don't have to apologise," she told him. The doors of the elevator had opened and closed while they'd been lost in their embrace, and Rogue shifted a little so she could hit the button to open the doors back up. She sucked in a breath, wary of how long his cheeks stayed against his. "I love you too, Doc." She gently nudged him, her gloved hands coming up to wipe at his tears. She even stretched up onto her tiptoes, her tongue darting out to taste the salt water on his cheeks, before she kissed his jaw as she started to slowly guide him out of the elevator.
(ooc: Logan is hrtsevrytime)