A\N: oh look, chapter 18 is here.

the day was turning into night and Henry isn't worrying so much anymore.

Charles was outside, counting weeds during the sunset.

"50, 51, 52, 53.." he counted.

he paused, placing his hands on his hips.

he turned to Ruby and sighed.

"there's a lot of them and i don't have much time to count them all." he sighed. 

Ruby just barked and picked out one of the weeds from the ground.

she plopped the weed in front of Charles and braked again.

he smiled at the happy dog and picked up the weed.

he doesn't even mind if it's wet.

"thank you, Ruby. sadly, these weeds don't last long." Charles explained.

Ruby stared at the fence and walked inside the house.

Charles let out a sigh of relief. 

he walked back inside and saw Henry sleeping on the couch.

Charles smiled and gave Henry and kiss on the cheek.

"night, Hen." Charles cooed.

he knew that Ellie is just spending time with a friend, somewhat.

he sneezed into his arm, twice.

it was must be cold in here..

Charles touched his red headphones and looked around the house.

nothing seemed to be on expect the lights.

it might be the flower he's holding.

eh, Charles didn't care a bit.

good for him.

he went upstairs and plopped on the bed, sighing happily.

Ellie decided to stay with Johnny at his place.

it wasn't really much but it was his home, at least.

they both have a lot in common.

they are both third wheels. it's shockingly true.

Johnny's friends are a thing now and with Johnny around, he's a fucking third wheel.

Ellie met him before Charles and Henry were a thing so when they were on the mission, she did indeed miss.

she even told him all about it.

the half of it grossed him out, it made her laugh but she was grossed out too.

well, to her it doesn't matter anymore now.

they both laughed at her, Charles or Henry's mistakes.

Ellie found Henry's mistakes the funniest and she remembers to mention about Demo.

"where's Demo now?" Johnny asked.

Ellie shrugged.

"she left because she had something important to do and we never heard about her again."  Ellie explained.

Johnny nodded while combing Ellie's hair.

"i wonder where she is." Ellie sighed.

Johnny smiled shyly behind her.

"i'm pretty sure she's doing fine."

"you think so?"

"yup."

Ellie chuckled a bit.

"y'know what's funny?" she asked him.

Johnny hummed in response.

"your a police and i used to be a criminal. we met randomly when you almost ran me over." Ellie laughed.

Johnny laughed a bit at the moment.

he was so thankful that he didn't run her over or he'll never get know Ellie well.

back at home, Charles ate a muffin while petting Ruby.

he wasn't tired at all, he just want to stay near somebody warm like Henry.

he just didn't want to disturb him in his sleep with all the coughing and sniffles.

how did Henry even handle Charles?! seemed impossible.

or maybe it's just that Henry didn't fucking mind.

"hey Ruby, do you think i'm getting better?" Charles asked.

Ruby looked up at Charles and barked happily.

he's pretty sure that she thinks he's getting better.

yeah, it was cold. he could have been more careful when he fell in.

but Charles and his mind didn't pay any attention.

if only they did, then none of this sickness would have happened.

Charles wasn't ready for it, clearly.

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writers block exists

Words: 557