Chapter Text
Jack was not expecting his night to end up like this. First, he’s stuck in the office until late doing paperwork they somehow missed until the day before it needed to be done, and by the time he finally got home, he had his best friend crying on his sofa and Rosemary running around like a headless chicken, stressed out of her mind, because she has no idea how to care for a drunk and heavily emotional man.
Of course, Jack stepped in and comforted Felix, soon finding out that his wife had left him. Jack then understood the heartbreak that his friend was feeling, having lost the person he cared about and lived with must have shocked him heavily.
Felix let Jack lead him upstairs, and tuck him into the guest bed. After closing the door, Jack almost ran into Rosemary, who was wringing her hands nervously. Her voice wavered slightly when she asked “Do you think he’s okay?” Jack sighed, and ushered Rose downstairs.
“Oh dear, really? Linda did that, and all she left was a note?” Jack nodded along, intermittently stirring two cups of tea and tiredly added,
“And Felix got drunk. Thank god our kids are okay, and he had the sense to get them a taxi.” Rosemary nodded, gently placing her hand on top of his.
“How do we help him?” Jack handed a mug to Rosemary and began to make his way upstairs to their shared bedroom.
“He’s got to want the help first, but once he’s sobered up in the morning, I think we should talk to him about quitting.” Rosemary nodded and followed her husband up the staircase.
“Do you think he’ll take it well? I know he’s got a bit of a temper.” Rosemary spoke as they both began to change into their pyjamas.
“I’ve got a bit of a temper too, love, but I’d never take it out on you. I’m sure Felix is the same, he’ll see we’re trying to help.” Jack lay in bed, and placed his now empty cup on the bedside table. Rosemary followed him shortly, and cuddled up to him in bed. “We’ll take care of him, Rose, don’t you worry. He’s helped us out, and now we’ll help him.” With that, the couple dozed off.
In the morning, Jack was the first to wake, as he normally was. He called up work and made sure they knew both Felix and him were not going to be showing up in the office today because of personal issues. Of course, the little information provided made people confused, but nonetheless sympathetic for whatever was happening to their bosses. It must be important if they’re calling in sick only a short time from the restaurant opening.
Jack made his way upstairs to check in on Felix, but all he could hear was hurried breathing. Quickening his pace, he almost ended up slamming the door to their guest bedroom open. Inside, he saw a pale, sweaty Felix, frantically wiping away tears.
“My friend, what is wrong?” Jack drifts towards Felix, and perches himself on the bed next to his business partner.
“Oh god, Jack, I had a dream. Oh my god I know it wasn’t real but I killed them.” A shaky breath was drawn before Felix elaborated. “Ed and Molly, I drove them home and I crashed the car and I couldn’t tell you.” Another heartbreaking sob left the man, before Jack grabbed his hand tightly. “That was just a dream, Felix. You did the right thing. Bringing them a taxi to get them home safe. And I cannot thank you enough for that.”
“Well then I should, I should get going. I’m sorry for intruding on your night.” Felix moves to stand, but Jack’s grip on his hand tightened.
“No, Felix, please stay. You were so upset last night. I’ve called us both in sick, so we can get you the help you need.”
The restaurant opening went smoothly, and Jack and Felix went on to open multiple chains of the store, becoming successful businessmen.
Felix knew he wasn’t okay then, and he wouldn’t be okay for a while, but one day, with the help of his friends- no -family, he’d get back on the right track.
Of course, that’s what would have happened if Felix just got a taxi. But you and I both know he didn’t.