A rhythm for updates, they said. HA. Apologies. I was really set on actually finishing this fic. I just have to set aside the time now to make sure I do.

This chapter jumps backwards a bit. I'm running both characters on different timelines for the time being. Again, bear with me.

In the days following Jill's disappearance, the BSAA grants Chris a paid leave of absence.

For the first week, he doesn't leave his bed. He doesn't eat, and he doesn't answer his calls.

It's not until the ninth day, when Claire grows tired of being ignored that she takes matters into her own hands. His phone buzzes on the nightstand.

"I'm coming over." is all the text says.

She arrives at 10 am sharp, and lets herself into his apartment. The blinds are closed and the lights are off. The stench of depression has wasted no time in seeping into the walls. The sink is piled full of dirty dishes from before their brief deployment, and one of Jill's sweaters is strewn over a chair. Claire shakes her head, she never expected him to be so far gone.

Claire flips the hallway light on, and knocks quietly on the bedroom door.

"Chris? It's me." She cracks open the door when there's no reply.

"Fuck that's bright," he mumbles, pulling the sheet over his head. "close the door."

"Christopher, get out of bed."

Silence.

"Chris, I'm going to give you until the time I get the kitchen cleaned to get yourself cleaned up and dressed. I'm taking you for breakfast."

She pushes the door wide open, flooding the room with light, and hears her brother groan. As she picks up the laundry from the living room floor, she hears the water in the shower start to run.

When he finally emerges from the bedroom, he's shaven and clean, but his eyes are still sullen.

Claire takes him to the little breakfast dive down the street; he eats more than he thinks he's capable of with his shrunken, sickly stomach. Eggs over easy, sausage, bacon, toast. He finishes his plate, and helps his sister to finish hers. She sips her coffee, and Chris orders another glass of orange juice.

After she pays for breakfast, she walks him home.

"Thank you for this," he says, "maybe things might just turn out okay. They've gotta be close to finding her." Claire smiles at him, pleased by this sudden change in optimism. She wraps her arms around him and hugs him tightly.

"I know you're hurting, but I'm here for you. Whatever you need. I love you."

On the tenth day, he calls the BSAA, and tells them he's ready to return to active duty.