Chase thought Tobias was going to sprint for the parking lot, but he detoured into his office and crashed into his desk chair. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you,” Chase said as entered the office behind him. He wasn’t sure what else to do as he watched Tobias rip open one of his desk drawers to pull out… yarn?
Tobias started working two knitting needles frantically, creating what might be a blanket.
Chase was stupefied and just stood there gaping at Tobias while he worked.
As the needles twirled in his fingers, Tobias’ stare turned glassy, and Chase heard small murmurs coming from him, too quiet to make out.
He was done standing by watching like a creep. Chase moved around the desk warily and went down on one knee so he could peer up at Tobias.
Doing everything he could not to spook him, he started whispering his name. No response, so he said it louder. And then a little louder. And then he was shouting. Still, Tobias kept knitting like Chase wasn’t in the room.
Slowly, he reached out his hand and put it on Tobias’ elbow, as softly as he could, but still bracing himself in case Tobias’ arm went swinging.
The soft touch did nothing, so Chase wrapped his hand around Tobias’ arm and squeezed, and a tear ran down Tobias’ stubbled cheek, but still he kept knitting.
Chase reached out with his other hand and brushed away the tear with his thumb, resting his hand on the side of Tobias’ face.
“Tobias, I’m here,” he said firmly. “Come back to me, please. Everything is okay. Come back to me.”
Tobias’ eyes shifted and eventually met Chase’s. Theywere still glassy, but focused.
“Chase?” Tobias croaked.
“It’s me, I’m here. You’re okay.”
His thumb continued to rub away the tears falling from Tobias’ eyes. Chase’s breath stuttered at the heartbreak behind that gaze.
“Talk to me, please,” he begged Tobias.
“Chase, oh fuck,” he said, his breath rushing out, his entire body deflating, his head dropping onto his desk on top of the unfinished blanket.
The movement knocked away the hand Chase had on Tobias’ face, so he moved it to his back, rubbing it in wide circles, his own gaze burning as he witnessed Tobias’ breakdown.
Was this a panic attack? He’d never seen anyone rush to do an activity like knitting when faced with one. Maybe it was the same effect as a fidget toy, thanks to the repetitive movements. He wanted to learn so he could do better if this ever happened again, but it was more likely he was about to be fired for sticking his nose where it didn’t belong in his boss’ life.
None of that mattered at the moment, though. What mattered was making sure Tobias was okay.
“I’m sorry I said anything. I didn’t know… I’m sorry.”
Tobias sniffed and kept his head on the desk, then grunted.
Is this why they say to never meet your heroes? He didn’t think anyone ever expected them to break down like this. It was killing Chase that he caused this. All because he couldn’t keep his damn mouth shut.
“I’m sorry,” Tobias muttered, and Chase was stunned.
“What the hell are you sorry for? I’m the one who made you freak out.”
Tobias wiped his face on the blanket and lifted his head, his eyes red-rimmed. The color was returning to his cheeks, at least.
“I’m sorry I’m embarrassing as fuck.”
That’s what he’s sorry for? Oh, hell no.
“Tobias, look at me,” Chase said sternly, and Tobias’ head whipped in his direction. Fuck, he was good at taking direction.No, Chase, focus. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about. I was inappropriate. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’mstillbeing inappropriate.”
Tobias cleared his throat. “It just caught me off guard. Hockey is a tough subject for me.”
Chase furrowed his brows. “How come?”
