Warnings: mentions of cancer, medical references, death
Word Count: 639
Genera: Angst, Whump, Deathfic
Part: 6
Authors Note: Did I cry while writing this last part? Yes, I most certainly did.
The day you died was the worst day of Chris’s life. The day had started just like any other that week. Chris had woken up uncomfortable in the chair near your bed. He had looked over to your still sedated form. You looked so peaceful, so calm. As he watched your chest rise and fall an alarm soon started to go off, along with a few others. Chris watched as your breathing became more erratic before yelling out for the nurses. The room once again was filled with nurses and doctors before Chris heard a noise he had been dreading to hear ever since he came here with you. The unmistakable noise of the heart rate monitor producing a constant ear piercing sound. The sound of death. Before Chris had any time to react doctors were shouting out orders as a nurse ushered him from the room, closing the door behind her. Chris was locked out, no way to reach you, nothing he could do. 20 minutes passed by before all the doctors and nurses came out of the room, your primary doctor coming over to Chris.
“I have good news and bad news.” The doctor said as he approached Chris. “The good news is she’s alive.”
“Oh thank God.” Chris breathed out, bringing his hands to his face as he cried in relife.
“The bad news is she probably won’t make it through the night. The sedative we had her on was causing her heart to slowly rupture. Luckily we were able to prevent that from happening right away but it's very close to bursting. Because of this we no longer want to sedate her but are all nervous about her reactions to you. She seemed to be okay around a few of us, myself included but we’re not sure how she’s going to react around you. She is asking for you though.” The doctor told Chris. Chris nodded his head, before letting out a quiet thank you. He slowly walked back into your room. His eyes met yours as a faint smile graced your lips.
“Chris.” you breathed out. Chris had to hold back a sob at his name falling from your lips. You no longer looked like you, you no longer smelt like you, you no longer felt like you, and now you no longer sounded like you but Chris knew it was still you.
“Y/N.” He whimpered out coming over to your bedside. You tried to speak out once again but it ended in a coughing fit. “Shhh, don’t talk. Don’t worry. I’m right here.”
“Love you.” Your raspy voice came out, filling the air.
“I Love you too baby. So much.” Chris told you. “Want me to read to you?” he asked as you shook your head yes. “Okay.” Chris whispered out, grabbing his book before returning to your side. As he reads, your eyes softly fall shut. Soon Chris is drifting off as well. When he awakes again it's to your doctor shaking him awake.
“She’s gone.” The doctor tells him. A heartbreaking sob falls from Chris’s lips as he holds your body to his.
“No, Y/N, please come back to me. Please baby. Please come back to me. I can’t do this without you. Please don’t leave me.” He desperately begs as he holds onto your limp body.
“We’ll let you be.” The doctor informs Chris as he and the nurse leave the room. Chris gently smooths back your loose hair from your face before giving you one final kiss on the forehead. He raises up on shaky legs, walking to the door only to look back at your still form.
“I love you Y/N, goodbye my love.” And with that he walks out, closing the door behind him on not only your body but on his life with you as well.
Summary: Chris Powell is a star Quarterback stuck in a toxic relationship. Laura Davis is a writer looking for some inspiration for her new book. They went to the same college. They’ve heard about each other but their paths never crossed… not until they catch the same flight.
Pairing: Chris x MC (Laura)
Disclaimer: Some characters belong to Choices by Pixel Berry
---------------------------
Chapter one: Perfect Strangers
Chris runs through the terminal on the way to his gate. He wasn’t sure about taking this flight; he waited until the last minute trying to decide what to do — everything is working out so well in his life but then there is Becca. He never meant their relationship to be serious, he never meant it to last but somehow, after spending four years of college together it just made sense to stay. Thoughts are running through his head, when he hears:
„This is the final boarding call for passenger Christopher Powell on the flight to New York. Please proceed to gate 5 immediately. I repeat. This is the final boarding call for Christopher Powell. Thank you“
Breathless he arrives at the gate and boards the airplane. A flight attendant brings him to his seat in the business class. He looks at the beautiful petit brunette sitting in the window seat. After storing his carry-on in the overhead compartment, he tries to get her attention:
„Miss?!“, he looks at her writing something in a notebook, „Excuse me, miss?!“, but there is no reaction. He realizes that she has her earplugs on and lightly taps her on the shoulder. She looks at him startled, taking her earplugs off. „I’m sorry. Can I help you with your bag?“, Chris looks at the black handbag that is laying on his seat and smiles friendly.
„Oh… oh my gosh, I am so sorry! Yes, thank you so much, just let me get my laptop first… here you go“, she smiles and Chris looks at her for a moment before taking her bag. Her smiles has a warmth that he can’t quite grasp — it’s kind, gentle and captivating.
After closing the overhead compartment, he sits down and looks at her again, „I’m Chris, Chris Powell“.
„Laura Davis, nice to meet you“, Laura stares at him for a moment with a thoughtful look.
„Is something wrong?“, Chris asks.
„No… but why do you look so familiar…“, she shakes her head lightly, „Sorry, I feel like I’ve seen you before“.
Chris chuckles, „Maybe from the papers?! I play football for the Nightingales“.
Laura smiles and looks through the window for a second, „Nope, that’s not it. I wouldn’t know, I am not a fan of football. Wait a minute… Powell, football… did you go to Hartfeld?“.
Chris lets out a laugh, „Yes, are you stalking me?!“.
„Oh please, you wish!“, she laughs, „No, I went to Hartfeld too!“
„Now that you mention, I think I’ve heard the name Laura Davis somewhere!“, he stares at her. „What?! Of course… the valedictorian. Didn’t you write a book with a professor? I didn’t read it but I remember people talking about it!“.
„Yes, that’s me! For the book I tried to join the Kappa Phi Sigma… weren’t you with Becca for a while?“, she smiles reminiscing about the time with professor Vasquez.
Chris’ face falls by the mention of her name, „Yeah, we are still together…“, he looks down to his hands for a moment but quickly shakes the sad feeling away, „So, are you still writing?“
„Yeah, I’m working on my second book. Actually, I’m still putting my thoughts together, trying to get some inspiration“, she turns to the window, realizing the plane took off already.
„So, what is your new book about?“, Chris looks at her curios.
„Ah… I don’t know yet but it’s going to be a romance book with some drama and hopefully some adventures!“, she giggles. „I am actually flying for a meeting with my literary agent. And what are you doing in New York?“
Chris scratches the back of his head, something he always does when he gets nervous, „I’m going to have a talk with Becca…“, he presses his lips together. „Tell me, Laura, you who knows so much about romance…“, he pauses.
„Hey, I have never claimed I would, Mr. Powell!“, she smiles.
„Well, you have to...you write about it! So... When does your main character know he or she is in love?“, he chuckles, „Kinda of a philosophical question, isn’t it?“
„Oh, you wanna go there? Alright… Tough question. I think it’s when they feel this unconditional feeling overcoming them and suddenly you accept that the other person has imperfections without thinking less of them; when they feel deeply committed to this other human being even though he or she may not feel the same; when they have many reasons to go but they choose to stay because a life without this person is no life at all“, Laura looks at Chris, watching her attentively and she giggles. „I don’t know… love is something you feel. When you know, you know, right?“.
Chris looks at her confused but smiling, „Yeah, I guess you are right…“. He leans his head against the headrest, thinking about her words.
Laura opens her laptop and puts her earplugs on. She transfers the notes on her note book to her computer, adding a few other. Coyly she looks at Chris, who has his eyes closed and she wonders what his curiosity about falling in love says about him. She looks through the window thinking about it.
Chris opens his eyes and looks at Laura, thinking about what she said. ‚What if she is right? This is definitely not what I feel for Becca. Things with Becca are physical… I like to be around her but I can’t give myself completely to her’, he thinks.
He taps her on the shoulder again and she takes her earplugs off, „Have you ever?“, he says.
„Well, you will have to give me more information than that!“, she smiles.
He chuckles, „Sorry… have you ever loved somebody?“, he closes his eyes shortly, „Is it too personal? Maybe you should just forget I asked you that…“, he shakes his head lightly.
Laura senses he is conflicted and takes his hand, giving him a reassuring squeeze, „No, it is okay!“, she sighs, „I don’t think I have, Chris. I got out of a relationship a few months ago because I wasn’t sure and if you are not sure about it, then it can’t be. I couldn’t give him what he wanted… it hurts because I lost a good friend but he deserves someone who can love him truly“. Chris frowns. „Do you mind if I asked you why you have so many questions about love?“
„It’s Becca… she wants to settle down. We’ve been six years together and I understand where she is coming from. But I don’t know… I see my friends getting married, building families and I also want that. I love my job, things are working out for me so it makes sense to settle down but I don’t know...“, he leans forward and rests his head on his hands, „I’m sorry… you barely know me and you already know I’m a mess!“.
Laura puts a hand on Chris’ shoulder, „Don’t worry about it. I can’t tell you what to do but I think you already know what you want and what you don’t“. Chris looks at her and she smiles, „Sometimes doing the right thing is the hardest thing. But it is all in your hands“. Chris smiles at her and she says, „Come on, let me give you a hug“. Chris wraps his arms around her and closes his eyes. He takes in her scent and for the first time in the last 24 hours he feels some peace. „Are you feeling better?“, she says letting him go.
„Yes, thank you…“, he looks deep into her big green eyes and notices it has a deepness to it… ‚She is so beautiful and I am here whining‘, he thinks.
„Good, I hope you get it all sorted out soon, Chris“, she sighs, „Now, I gotta finish up a few things but whenever you feel like talking… just let me know“, she smiles.
Chris chuckles, „You are so kind and I am just… well, thank you!“.
---------
After a long flight from California to New York, Chris helps Laura with her carry-on and they leave the plane. Chatting away about their experiences in Hartfeld, realizing they have been to the same places, sometimes hang out with the same crowd but they never met.
As they walk out of the airport, Chris stops in front of a black limo, „I have a driver. Can I give you a ride to Manhattan?“
„Thank you but my agent is picking me up“, she smiles. „It was nice meeting you!“.
Chris gives her a hug, „It was nice meeting you too, Laura“. He reaches in his pocket and hands her a card, „Please, called me if you need anything… or even if you don’t… we can grab a drink, if you want or just talk“. Laura giggles at him nervously talking.
„Alright… I’d like that!“, she reaches in her bag and gives him her card in return. „Whenever you need someone to talk to…“. He looks deep into her eyes for a moment, feeling thankful.
„Sorry, I gotta…“, he points to the driver waiting.
Summary: Chris Powell is a star Quarterback stuck in a toxic relationship. Laura Davis is a writer looking for some inspiration for her new book. They went to the same college. They’ve heard about each other but their paths never crossed… not until they catch the same flight.
Pairing: Chris x MC (Laura)
Disclaimer: Some characters belong to Choices by Pixel Berry
—————————
Chapter Three: Can’t Get You Out Of My Head
Chris stares at the horizon enjoying the sound of the ocean... the relaxing feeling of the sand under his feet, the cool breeze brushing over his skin while the sun warms his body - ,It’s nice to be back home’, he thinks. He grabs his phone from his jacket and goes through his photos, deleting each one Becca is on. Suddenly he finds one he took with Laura during their first date - he looks at her big green eyes and her beautiful smile, so warm and full of life. Chris is so lost in his thoughts that he doesn’t hear AJ walking up to him.
“She is pretty... who is she?”, she sits down next to Chris and he looks at her surprised.
“Erm, she is a friends”, he smiles, “How was school?”
“Don’t change the subject, Chris. Tell me more about your friend, I saw the way you were looking at her!”, she teases Chris.
Chris blushes a little, looking back at the photo, “Well, I met her a couple of weeks ago but we went to the same college. She is friendly, kind and very pretty as you said...”.
“I overheard you telling mom that you and Becca aren’t together anymore”, she looks at him and Chris looks back at her, “I’m glad, she is an awful person... she never tried to get to know me, all she did was to talk about her amazing life in New York and everything was about her”.
Chris chuckles, “Yeah, she was a little self absorbed”.
“Are you dating this pretty lady?”, she glances once again over to see her picture.
He smiles, “Okay, AJ... don’t you have homework to do? Do you really think I’m gonna be here discussing my dating life with you?”
AJ giggles, standing up and looking at her brother, “Well, if you aren’t, I think you should. You look cute together!”, she turns around and walk back to the new home Chris bought his mom, right on the waterfront.
He watches his little sister as she goes, shaking his head and mumbling to himself, “When did she get so big?”. He looks back at his phone and at their photo together and decides to call her. It takes a few seconds until she answers the call.
“Hi there! I was already wondering why I haven’t heard from you...”, she says on the other side.
Chris chuckles, “Hi, Laura. I’m sorry, it’s been a busy couple of weeks. My mother moved into her new house and I am in Maine trying to help her with everything”.
“Oh that’s nice. You are a good son, Powell!”, she smiles, “I have been busy as well, just finished my fifth chapter”.
“Wow, that’s great! I’m proud of you, we should celebrate someday”, he looks at the ocean before looking down, playing with the sand, “I was wondering about something... I got this charity event, more like a party, to go to in a couple of days and I would like to invite you to come with me as my date. What do you think?”
Laura takes a moment to answer, “Hmm, okay...”, she says smiling, “I don’t think I have any other place to be anyway”, she lets out a chuckle.
“Lucky me!”, he smiles, “So, I’m picking you up at 8pm. Is it okay?”.
“Great, I’m gonna send you my address then. Talk soon, Powell”, she giggles.
Chris stands up and starts to walk back into the house, “Talk soon, Laura”.
——————
Laura hears the sound of the door bell and heads to the door. She stops in front of a mirror checking if her make up is still looking good before opening the door.
“Good evening, Chris”, she smiles.
Chris jaw drops slightly by the sight of her in a a rose strappy satin mid dress with cowl neck and a thigh high split, “Wow, you know how to dress to a party!”. His eyes sweep over her curves, stopping at her eyes, “Sorry...”, he shakes his head slightly, “Good evening, Laura”.
Laura laughs, “Thank you for the compliment”, she looks at his car, “Let’s go?”
“Yes, let’s go”, Chris takes her hand and they head to the car. He opens the door for her before walking over to the drivers side, “So, I’m just giving you the heads up, my teammates will be there but we don’t have to spend a lot of time with them. We can just say hi and go do our own thing”.
Laura looks at Chris surprised, “Why? I mean, sure if you want to but I don’t see any problem in spending time with your mates. It will be fun, maybe I will learn one or two things about football”, she laughs.
Chris glances over at her surprised, she is so different from his ex. Becca would have been in a bad mood already just by the thought of sharing Chris’ attention with other people. She wouldn’t spend more than 5 minutes talking to his friends because she didn’t like any of them and would be pissed if Chris went out for drinks with his mates. ‘I spent so many years with Becca that I started thinking her reaction was normal...”, he thinks. “So, how's your day so far?”
“Good. I worked in the morning and then went for a run. Tried to catch up with my reading in the afternoon and then it was already time to get ready for this event. What about you?”, she looks at him and smiles.
Chris smiles back and then looks ahead, watching the road, “Great. I had a conditioning session in the morning, went grocery shopping and thought about you”. He turns his head to her and sees she blushing.
“Yeah, what about me?!”, she looks back at him.
Cris moves his eyes to the road with a smile on his face, “About how beautiful you are and how you make me feel...”. He looks back at her noticing the surprise on her face because of his words, “Okay, we are here”, he stops his G-Wagon in front of the venue and the flashes of the press start firing. He walks out of the car, giving the keys to the valet, then he opens the door to Laura, taking her hand and walking in with her. “Are you okay?”, he looks at her, smiling.
“I’m great. People are really having fun here”, she looks at the crowded dance floor.
“Yeah... Come on, I want to introduce you to a few people”, he smiles, walking in front of her, leading the way. They stop at a VIP booth, where six big guys are chatting and having fun.
“Powell!!”, one of them stands up to greet Chris, “Man, I though you were not coming!”, he looks to his side and sees Laura.
“Hey everybody, this is Laura”, he looks at her and she smiles, “Laura, these are my mates Jordan, Cam, Bass, Rick, Joe and Matt”.
Laura smiles friendly, “Hey everybody! What are you guys up to?”, she follows Chris to sit down with them.
“Not much, just talking shit”, Jordan says looking at the other guys.
Bass laughs, “He is only mad he lost a bet!”
“What was this bet about?”, she looks at the guys and they try to pretend they didn’t understand, “Okay, guys stuff... gotcha!”, they laugh together. Chris holds her hand, entwining his fingers with hers.
“So, where did you guys meet?”, Joe asks.
Chris looks at Laura and she gives him a sign to go ahead, “We went to the same college. I heard about her and she about me but only really met a few weeks ago”.
“Oh, this is nice... so serendipitous !”, Joe says, “So, have you ever seen him playing while at university?”
“I did indeed. Not that I understand anything about football”, she looks to the others, “Sorry guys!”. She smiles and continues, “But I did watch a few games. He was really good!”, she glances at Chris.
Matt smiles, “So, will you be coming to our games if you guys get serious?”. Laura blushes.
Chris shakes his head, “Sorry, Laura. These guys are idiots!”
“I need a drink, who wants one?”, she asks.
“And I’m an idiot too... I shouldn’t be spending too much time with you guys!”, Chris and the guys laugh shortly, “I’m sorry, I should have asked... “, he doesn’t finish his sentence because she stops him.
“Don’t worry about it. I’m more than able to get a drink myself!”, she winks at him, “Do you want something?”.
“A virgin martini, please!”, he smiles.
“Two virgin martinis coming up!”, she leaves the group, walking to the bar.
Rick looks at Chris, “Thank God you are not here with Becca!”
“He is right, and you know what. I like Laura. I have a good feeling about you two!”, Joe says, smiling.
Cam looks at Chris, smirking, “Boy and she is gorgeous!”. He draws her curves with his hands.
Chris raises a brow at him, “More respect, please. This is my date you are talking about!”
“Is it serious?”, Bass asks.
“She thinks it’s too early for me to start something but I hope it will become more serious in the near future”, Chris watches as she comes back with their drinks.
She smirks, “Oh, this silence... what were you guys talking about?”. They all start talking at the same time, changing the subject and Laura laughs.
They spent the night having fun together. Getting to know Chris’ mates and dancing until Chris noticed how tired Laura was and decided to drive her home. He stops the car in front of her house and walks her to the door.
“I had a lot of fun tonight!”, he says before she stops in front of her door.
She smiles, “Me too! Your teammates are fun, I like the guys”
“And they liked you too”, he says looking around, quite nervously. “It was nice seeing you again... I was wondering, can I... may I kiss you?”
Laura giggles, shaking her head slightly, thinking about how cute he is when he is nervous. She rises to her tiptoes, wrapping her arms around his neck, slowly closing the distance between them. Chris stared into her green eyes, taking in the scent of her fragrance, feeling his heart almost beat out of his chest. She stops closer to his lips, - so close that she could feel his warm breath on her skin. She smiles, feeling his hands going from her waist to the lower of her back, his fingertips digging into her, bringing her closer to him. Chris watches her facial expressions before closing the gap between them, feeling for the first time her sweet lips on his - gently at first but turning more urgent and passionate with time. As they pull apart out of breath, Laura says:
“Wow... ”, she looks into his blue eyes smiling.
“This was... amazing...”, he chuckles.
Laura blushes, looking away, “I... I think I better go...”, she turns around to open her door. She feels Chris’ hand around her waist again.
He lowers himself to her ear and whispers, “I need to see you again very soon”.
She opens the door, turning around smiling coyly, “I’d like that... Good night, Chris!”
“Good night, Laura”, he watches her as she closes the door.
——————
The next day, Laura wakes up early with the sounds of incoming texts. She reaches for her phone on the nightstand and sees Chris’ name on it. She opens the text and reads:
“Have you seen the papers yet?”
“Don’t freak out!”
“We are everywhere...”
He also sent a picture from the LA times, where Chris holds Laura in his arms and they are looking into each others eyes, laughing. The headline says “Star Quarterback Newly In Love With Mysterious Brunette”
“What the...?”, Laura says staring at the photo of them together.
Summary: Chris Powell is a star Quarterback stuck in a toxic relationship. Laura Davis is a writer looking for some inspiration for her new book. They went to the same college. They’ve heard about each other but their paths never crossed… not until they catch the same flight.
Pairing: Chris x MC (Laura)
Disclaimer: Some characters belong to Choices by Pixel Berry
—————————
Chapter Two: Girls Like You
The Next Morning...
Laura stands in the conference room, looking at the Central Park while waiting for her literary agent. She has been trying to start this book for a few weeks now but all she’s got are a few notes. She had writer’s block before but it never lasted this long.
She walks back to the laptop she placed on the table minutes ago and stares at the few notes on it. ‘Is there anything I could use?’, she wonders. Suddenly she hears the door opening and sees Elisa coming into the room.
“Good morning, Laura. How are you today?”, her agent and friend smiles happy to see her, giving her a hug before they sit down.
“I’m okay, thank you. It’s just... argh, as I told you before, this writer’s block is killing me. I don’t know what to do”, she sounds almost desperate.
Elisa puts one hand over Laura’s hand and gives her a squeeze, “Okay, it can't be so bad. Let me see what you have here”. Laura turns her laptop to Elisa and lets her go through her notes. “It’s not so bad, there are a few things you could use...”, she turns her chair so she can face Laura, “Let me ask you a few things, when was the last time you went out and had fun in LA? The last time you went on a date? Had sex? For god’s sake Laura, you broke up with James 5 months ago... you can’t write romance if you gave up on it!”
“I didn’t give up on it, it just didn’t happen. My friends are James’ friends and it’s been kind of awkward... every time we meet they try to avoid his name and I feel bad. And you know I haven’t gone on any dates since I broke up with him... but it’s not because of James, I just never found someone I would want to spend time with... and don’t even talk about sex, my last time was such a long time ago, I don’t think I remember how it works”, Laura laughs.
“Okay, no wonder you are lacking inspiration. Life is happening outside of your windows and you choose to stay home, in front of a computer, trying to give life to characters but you yourself are not living yours, not experiencing things. Get out there, have fun, try new things... get rid of this sexual frustration!”, Elisa closes the lid of Laura’s laptop.
“I’m not sexually frustrated! I can take care of myself...”, Laura crosses her arms.
Elisa smirks, “Okay, but you are a young woman with needs... social needs for example. Go out, get to know people and things will happen naturally. Trust me! One day you will see, hear or experience something the will be the sparkle you need to start your story!”, she stands up, “You can’t write about life if you are not living, so why don’t you go out there and enjoy it a little?”, she hands Laura her laptop. “We talk on Wednesday again before you leave. Now go and have fun!”.
Laura shakes her head, smiling, “The things you make me do...”, she packs her things together and hugs her friend. “See you on Wednesday!”
“See you, sweetie!”
—————
Chris is strolling through Central Park, thinking about his talk with Becca last night. She was out of control - her screams are still ringing in his ears, his body is still aching from her punches and kicks. She gave him an ultimatum but didn’t accepted his decision, ‘What was she thinking? That I would give her a ring?’. he wonders. He is so done with Becca and her ways, he knows he put up with it for too long and right now he feels like he can finally breath again.
He sits down on a bench, enjoying the view of Belvedere Lake. The soft rays of the sun warming up his skin in this beautiful spring day and as he closes his eyes to enjoy it, Laura pops up in his head and he smiles. Chris grabs his wallet and looks for the card she gave him and not thinking twice, he calls her. His heart beats faster with each time the phone rings until he hears her voice on the other side.
“Hi, Laura! It’s Chris... Powell”, he says nervously.
“Chris! How are you today? Feeling better?”, she smiles thinking of the talk they had the days before.
“Much better, you have no idea. And you? Is it a bad time to call? You sound a little out of breath”, he wonders.
“No, it’s fine. I’m running through the park... just trying to relax after my meeting with my agent”, she stops and starts walking.
“Oh, how did it go? Are you in Central Park? I’m here too”
“I was, now I’m crossing the street to my hotel. And about my meeting... I didn’t have much we could work with so she told me to go out, live my life, go on a date, have fun!”, she laughs, “Anything as long as I find a way out of this writer’s block”.
Chris thinks for a moment and says, “Maybe I can help you with that”, he chuckles, “Let me take you out tonight”.
Laura laughs, “I don’t think this is a good idea... Becca was my nemesis in my freshman year, I don’t wanna her coming after me now that college is over!”.
Chris smiles, “Becca is out of the picture now. And I just want to get to know you better. Maybe I can help you with your book somehow”.
Laura walks into her hotel room and thinks about Elisa’s words for a moment... ‘What do I have to lose? It’s not like we are going on a date..’, she wonders. “Okay, Chris. What are your plans?”
“You will have to wait and see! I’m picking you up at 7pm”, he stands up and starts walking back to his hotel.
“Alright then, see you at 7!”
—————
6:55 pm
Laura looks herself in the mirror one last time. She is wearing a red knee length dress with a sexy V-neck line; the soft curls of her light brown hair fall over her shoulder; her makeup is simple and natural. Satisfied with her look, she picks up her clutch and leaves the room.
As she walks through the reception area, she sees a black Mercedes stoping in front of the hotel. Chris walks out of the car, buttoning his gray blazer. When he sees Laura walking in his direction he whispers to himself, “Wow...”. He walks a few steps to meet her, kissing her on the cheek, “You look stunning, Laura”.
“Oh, stop!”, she giggles. “You look nice too, Powell!”, she looks into his blue eyes and sees a difference already. He seems more relaxed, free from the worries that were plaguing him a 24 hours ago. “So, where are we going?”
Chris smiles, “To the Baccarat...”. He holds his arm out for her to take and they walk together to the car.
“You look different, Chris...”, she looks at him shortly before glancing over to the window.
“I feel different. It’s as if my life just started”, he touches her hand, trying to get her attention. Their eyes meet and they both feel an electric sensation traveling through their bodies, they hold their gaze for a moment before the driver stops in front of the luxurious hotel. Chris gets out of the car, offering her a hand. Laura takes it and they walk into The Baccarat.
After getting their drinks and place their orders, Laura says: “So, Chris, are you working on any personal passion projects?”.
“Actually I am. At school I started a Second Chance Scholarship, I don’t know if you heard about it”, he pauses for a second and she nods, “I am working with a philanthropic foundation that sponsor students from not privileged backgrounds and we are trying to make the SCS a national thing. It’s been challenging... a lot of meetings and traveling but I’m not giving up so easily”, he smiles and his voice is enthusiastic. “But enough about this... how does a typical day look like for you?”
Laura looks at him with a warmth in her eyes, “I think it is fascinating what you are doing. I mean, you made it in life and you still care for this cause... It’s amazing”, she smiles, “Back to your question, right now it’s pretty much between the gym and my study!”, she laughs, “I’m just trying to write, so there is nothing special about my days”.
“Now I get why your agent wanted you to go out... and she is right”, he chuckles.
“Yeah, well, we will see where this will take me... But now I got another question for you, did anything surprising happen to you today?”, she looks to the side and sees the waiter placing her dinner in front of her. After he leaves, Chris says:
“Yes, you accepted going on a date with me...”, he smiles at her and she looks at him surprised, “What? Wasn’t I clear that this is a date?”.
Laura giggles, “Yeah... not 100% clear, no!”
“Well, I hope you are having as much fun as I am... I haven’t been on a first date since freshman year!”, he reaches for her hand, “And it’s nice to be here with you”, his voice softens.
Laura says, “Me too... I mean, no first dates since freshman year and also, I’m having fun too!”, she blushes, looking at him touching her hand.
Chris smiles, “Enjoy your meal, it looks really good”, he lets her hand go and they eat their food, talking about their lives in LA, laughing about Chris’ jokes, enjoying the time together.
After dinner, Chris walks Laura back to her hotel. They are both quiet, lost in their thoughts. He looks at her and smiles - he doesn’t know yet what it is but he knows that there is something so special about this girl. It’s seductive, it relaxes him and makes him feel good. Whatever it is, he can’t wait to find out.
“This is me”, Laura says, stopping in front of the hotel entrance.
“I enjoyed our time together quite a lot, Laura. I’m flying back to Los Angeles tomorrow but I would like to see you again once you are back”, he says nervously.
Laura takes a deep breath, “Chris, I enjoyed the evening with you too but you just broke up with Becca. Do you think it’s the best time to start dating?”
“I checked out of that relationship a long time ago, Laura. The talk I had last night was more for her sake than mine... if you don’t feel comfortable calling it a date, then let’s just hang out and see what happens”, he steps closer to her, brushing a strand away from her face.
Laura smiles and kisses him on the cheek, “I’ll think about it... good night, Chris”.
“Good night, Laura”, he nods, smiling and watches as she walks into the hotel.
When Laura arrives in her room, she takes off her shoes and picks up her laptop from the desk, sitting down on her bed. She closes her eyes shortly, thinking about everything that happened tonight, their talks and how he made her feel - there is a warmth growing inside her chest and it feels so good that it makes her smile. She opens the laptop lid and starts writing her first chapter down.
Warnings: mentions of cancer, medical references, hallucinations
Word Count: 675
Genera: Angst, Whump
Part: 5
The weeks leading up to your death were like no other. You had been moved to the hospital permanently as you slowly became worse and worse. Chris spent every waking moment with you, even sleeping everynight in the uncomfortable hospital chair that was next to your bed. Each day the pain seemed to worsen. Soon instead of praying to get better you prayed to die. You just wanted the pain to stop, you wanted it to go away. The doctors and nurses gave you all the pain meds they could as Chris just sat helpless by your side as he watched you wither away. Nights were spent crying out in pain or trying to fend off nightmares. Before you knew it your nightmares were no longer just nightmares they seemed to come in the day light too. Soon you could no longer tell what was real and what was fake. Doctors, nurses, and visitors alike soon turned into monsters but not Chris. No, Chris was always there, he was alway Chris. He was the only one able to comfort you in these times. While you saw monsters attempting to poison you Chris saw nurses trying to pump you with more pain meds. When you saw mad scientists in lab coats forcing Chris to listen to them Chris saw doctors who were informing him about your condition. When you saw strangers arriving to poke and prod at you Chris saw family and friends coming to say their goodbyes. Then one day, Chris turned into a stranger too.
You had been sleeping for a few hours while Chris read in one of his books. He knew you were going crazy and you soon would no longer be in his life but that was something he tried not to focus on. He tried to convince himself that you would be okay, that you were just sick and soon he would take you home and life would go back to normal but deep down he knew that wasn’t the case. Chris glanced up at you as you slowly opened your eyes.
“Hey baby, how ya feeling?” he asked. He watched as your eyes grew large, before you let out a scream. “Y/N, what’s wrong?” he asked as a few nurses came rushing in.
“You're, you’re not Chris. Wh-where is Chris?” You asked, eyes darting around the room.
“Baby, it's me. It’s Chris.” Chris told you, tears coming to his eyes.
“No. You're not Chris. Where is Chris!” You screamed out, struggling to get out of the bed. Before you knew it the nurses were surrounding you, trying to hold you down as doctors came running in.
“We have to sedate her.” One of the doctors announced, grabbing a syringe with propofol and trying to insert it into the IV attached to your arm. As you saw the mad scientist coming near you with some unknown substance you began to cry and thrash out even more. Doctors, nurses, and security guards alike were all trying to hold you down as Chris sat dumbstruck, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Somehow the doctor was able to sedate you and in a few short minutes you were out. Everyone started to file out of the room except for your primary care doctor and nurses. Chris explained to them what had happened as they told him what else to expect from you. They explained to him that they wouldn’t be able to help you with your pain if they couldn’t administer anything to you which meant that until you passed away the safest thing would be to keep you sedated. Once they left the room Chris broke down crying. You had seen him as a monster, as a stranger, as someone he wasn’t and there was nothing he could do to convince you otherwise. He missed you. He missed his Y/N. Whoever this cancer had turned you to be wasn’t the real you. He kept reminding himself that this was the cancer talking, that somewhere deep deep down you must recognize him.
As the weeks went by you became less and less yourself. You became constantly tired, no longer wanting to do anything at all. Your appetite was little to none and in the course of 4 weeks you had lost up to 50 pounds. Most nights were spent dry heaving over the toilet bowl as Chris rubbed slow circles on your back. Your hair had been falling out in patches and clumps until there was none at all. Headaches became a constant pain and nurses would be coming over to the house to check on you daily. Friends and family came over less often and soon your bedside table was littered with sympathy cards. Tear stains were ever-present on your cheeks and you couldn’t even remember the last time you smiled. Chris was the only constant in your life these days. He always stayed by your side no matter what and was always there for you. His constant reassurance and positive manner was something you deeply relied on. Even though each week was more difficult than the last you would have never thought it would come to this point.
You and Chris had been laying in bed watching some sitcom on the television as you rest your eyes. Chris had been quietly reading to you, something that you enjoyed ever since he read to you that first night you stayed over at his place. It had been storming out and to get your mind off of it he started reading to you. Now, whenever you were stressed, scared, or just wanted to hear his voice he would read to you. As you lay in bed listening to his soft voice you hadn’t even realized the dampness seeping out from under you. Chris soon paused in his reading which prompted you to open your eyes. He slowly lifted the covers to find a large wet spot around your thighs and upper back. Now realizing what you had done you immediately burst into tears. Your breath comes out in short gasps.
“Hey, no, baby, it’s okay. It’s okay.” Chris tried to tell you as tears streamed down your cheeks. “Y/N, hey, it’s okay. Come on, you gotta breathe for me, sweetheart.” Your big glossy eyes looked up to meet him as he grabbed your hand to put it on his chest. “Big breaths, remember?” He asked you as he exaggerated his breathing, trying to get you to mimic his own. Soon your breathing evened out as Chris continued to calm you. “There you go. Good girl. You’re doing so well for me.” He told you. “I’m gonna go start a bath for you okay?” He told you as he slipped out from beside you. You waited for him in the now wet sheets before he came back for you, helping you to the bathroom before assisting you out of your soiled clothes and placing you into the tub. “Relax darling, I’m just gonna go start the wash and change the sheets okay?” You let out a hum of approval before he walked out, back to the bedroom. After he left you let the tears fall. You were so embarrassed. How could this have happened? You were a grown-up for God's sake yet you were peeing the bed like a little girl. How could Chris stand to be with you?
After Chris threw your wet clothes along with his into the wash he returned back to the bedroom to strip the sheets off the bed and throw those in the washer too. He remade the bed with fresh sheets before going downstairs to the kitchen to make an important call.
“Hey, mom.” He spoke into the phone. “Um, Y/N wetted the bed. I just, I don’t know how I’m supposed to help her.” His mom told him what to do and how to help you. Chris knew that you must be embarrassed as he would be too but he also knew that this was no way your fault at all. The doctors said that there may be a slight chance of you not always being able to control your movements so Chris had stocked up on things he thought might help. He set out a waterproof cover over the mattress of his bed before grabbing you a fresh pair of pajamas and some absorbent panties for you. When he returned back to the bathroom he found you seated in the tub, knees pulled up close to your chest as your arms wrapped around your body. You were sniffling, hot tears coating your cheeks as you sat in the now cool bathwater. “Baby it’s okay,” Chris told you as he helped you out of the tub. You were confused at the new panties but Chris explained them to you, reassuring you all the while. As he helped you back into bed you were startled by the slight rustling noise coming from under you. Again Chris explained to you about the cover. As soon as he finished you burst out once again in tears. “Baby, it's okay.”
“I’m so sorry Chris.” you whimpered out to him.
“You have no reason to be sorry. This is completely normal. The doctors told me this might happen.”
“I just can’t believe this. How can I be so helpless? I mean, I can’t even hold in my pee anymore.” You told him, breaking down.
“Y/N, you're not helpless. Look at you! You’re so brave and strong. I’m not even sure if I was in your place if I could still be alive. And who cares if you can’t control your movements all the time? The doctors said this might happen and it is in no way your fault. Trust me I don’t mind a little pee. It sure as hell beats cleaning up Dodgers half-dead rabbits he finds in the yard.” Chris told you as you let out a small chuckle. “I know you must be embarrassed but honey you have no reason to be. I know you can’t help it and I promise I’ll be here for you. You don’t have to worry, baby. I’m not gonna leave you just because of that.” Chris told you, pulling you closer to him. “I love you so much, all of you, no matter what.”
“I love you too Chris,” you whispered out as he placed a gentle kiss on your lips.
“Now, where were we?” he asked before grabbing his book off his nightstand and continuing where he had last left off.
Chris slowly blinked his eyes open to be met with the early morning sun glowing through the blinds of the window. He let out a yawn, stretching his arms up over his head before turning on his side to face you. When he saw you he immediately knew something was wrong. You were curled up into a small little ball, desperately trying to wrap the blankets closer around your shivering form. You whimpered out in your sleep and as Chris raised a hand to move some hair out of your face he couldn’t believe how cold your skin was. How could you be this cold? He was perfectly comfortable in just his boxers with a thin blanket covering him and here you were in long sweatpants, fuzzy socks, and one of his sweatshirts with multiple blankets tucked around your form and you were still terribly cold. A small frown ghosted over Chris’s lips as he gently shook your shoulder, trying to arouse you.
“Y/N, baby, wake up.” he called out as your body shuddered. Chris watched as you slowly opened your eyes before trying to burrow further under the covers.
“How are you not freezing cold?” you stuttered out.
“Baby, it's just you.” Chris told you sympathetically “Remember the doctors told us you were going to have cold spells.” You hum in agreement as you try to snuggle into Chris’s warm chest. He gently runs a hand over shoulder before letting out a sigh. “How about we go take a bath, how does that sound?” You let out a little moan before shaking your head agreeing to the bath. “Okay, you stay right here and I’ll be right back for ya.” Chris tells you gently moving your body off of him. You let out a whine of protest at the lack of warmth from him as he gets up and tightly wraps the blankets around your shivering form. He leans down to give you a quick kiss to the forehead before heading into the bathroom. He starts the water, making sure it is warm enough for you but not enough to burn your skin. He adds some of your favorite essential oils to the bath along with bubbles. He throws a bath towel into the dryer before walking back to your shared room to grab you. He gently lifts you up, blankets and all, as you cling to his warm chest. He walks with your form into the bathroom before softly setting you down on the toilet. You gasp out at the cold porcelain on your bottom as Chris hushes you. “I know honey, I know, but once we get you all warmed up you’ll feel alot better.” he tells you before slowly removing the blankets from around your body. Your shuddering intenses as he takes off your socks and your shirt, exposing your skin to the cool air. “Almost done baby.” he tells you before gently standing you up so he can help pull down your sweatpants. You have been naked in front of Chris many times before so there is no shame or embarrassment as you stand there, shivering and crossing your arms over your chest, trying to keep warm. Chris gently helps you into the tub. He instantly sees your body relax as you let the warm water surround your cold body. You close your eyes as your body slowly melts into the water. Chris smiles down at you softly before raising his hand to brush a few loose strands of hair away from your face. As you feel his warm hand touch your skin you open your eyes to see him fondly looking down at you. “Feels good huh?” Chris says. You nod your head in agreement before reaching for his hand to hold.
“Want you with me.” you murmur out, gently tugging on his hand.
“Let me wash your hair first then I’ll join you for a little bit, okay?” You again nod your head in agreement before letting go of Chris’s hand. He grabs your shampoo bottle before gently sitting you up and positioning you so you're facing him, your head resting on his shoulder. He pours some of the shampoo into his large hands before gently massaging it into your hair. You let out a content sigh as his fingers comb through your hair. Tears prick at the corners of his eyes at how quickly the cancer has taken a toll on you. Just a few months ago you were perfectly fine and now here you were, so small and frail, your tired body slumped against his. He could easily count each of your back bones and your ribs were starting to become more prominent through your thin skin. He needs to stay strong for you, he knows that, so he takes a deep breath, holding back the tears before gently leaning you back to wash out the shampoo. With one hand he holds your body and with the other he gently runs it through your thin hair, rinsing out all the shampoo. He then lays you back down before stripping from his own clothes and joining you in the warm tub. He gently maneuvers your body so you're between his two legs, your back resting against his solid chest. He holds you like this for a while just enjoying the moment, not knowing if he’ll ever experience another bath with you again. Before you know it he’s moving out from under you whispering that he’ll be right back. He’s back in no time at all, setting a warm fluffy white towel near the sink before returning over to you. He gently lifted you from the tub before quickly wrapping you up. He set you down on the toilet once more as he unplugged the drain then brought out the hair dryer. He turned on the warm air as he gently ran a brush through your damp hair. When your hair is dry he carries you to the bedroom before helping you into your favorite pair of footie pajamas and fuzzy socks. “Feeling any better baby?” You give him a slight shrug. You want to tell him you feel great, you want to say you're doing amazing but if you did you’d be lying. You didn’t feel great, not at all. You wanted to tell Chris everything about how you felt nauseous whenever you were around food, how things you used to like to do no longer brought you pleasure, how you hated how thin and frail you were, how you were so tired you could easily sleep the day away. You wanted to tell him but you didn’t because you didn’t want him to worry about you more than he already was. So you put on a brave face and a small smile, trying to convince him you were alright. “Wanna try some soup?” he asked. Chris noticed you were eating less and less each day. He didn’t want to pressure you to eat if you really didn’t want to but he also knew that even a small amount of food in your system would help you feel better. Your response was another slight shrug so before he went down to the kitchen to make you some he wrapped you up in blankets again before putting on your favorite disney movie to watch. He came back soon with a steaming bowl of soup along with a mug of your favorite tea and some meds the doctors prescribed to help with your decline. Chris sat down next to you, raising up a spoonful of the soup to your lips as you hesitantly swallowed it. After a couple of spoonfuls Chris had you drink some of the tea with your meds before setting the unfinished soup aside. He gently got under the covers next to you before pulling your body close to his. “It’s okay princess.” he told you as you let out a sniffle, silent tears streaming down your cheeks. “It’s all going to be okay.” Even though you knew that it was just going to get harder than this, his comforting words let you believe if only for a second that everything would truly be okay.
Warnings: Medical references, mentions of cancer, needles
Word Count: 2k
Genera: Angst, Fluff, Whump
Part: 1
Authors Note: I am in no way shape or form in the medical field. I have no idea if anything of this is "correct" so please don't come at me! -T
You thought it was just going to be a normal doctor's visit. Just the standard check-up that everyone had around every two years. Chris offered to come with you and you said yes. Going to the doctors gave you enough anxiety as it was but with Chris by your side you knew it wouldn’t be that bad. Everything had gone completely fine until the doctor left the room to bring your blood test to the lab. You sat on the examination table, swinging your sock clad feet back and forth as the white paper below you crinkled with the movement. Chris sat patiently in a chair in the corner of the room, giving you a reassuring smile. You gave him a weak smile back as you looked down at your hands that were fidgeting together. You knew you had no reason to be nervous as everything else had been fine and you were almost free to leave but the scary thought that they might find something through your blood test had your anxiety rising.
“I wonder what’s taking the doctor so long.” Chris remarked as he looked down at his phone to check the time. “He only said it would take 10 minuets at most.” You looked up at the clock that hung on the wall, seeing that it had been 20 minutes since the doctor left. You looked back at Chris with worry written all over your face. “Hey, I’m sure they’re just busy.” He told you knowing you were undoubtedly thinking the worst. You let out a sigh, shaking your head in agreement. Chris was probably right. The parking lot had been pretty full when the two of you got there and the waiting room was definitely not the quietest. Another 20 minutes passed agonizingly slowly before the doctor finally knocked on the door and entered. He was looking down at his clipboard intently, rubbing his hand on the back of his neck. “For a second there I didn’t know if you were going to come back.” Chris joked to the doctor letting out a small chuckle. The doctor looked up at Chris giving him a soft smile before turning to you.
“Y/N, the lab found some um abnormalities with your blood work. We would like you to come back tomorrow for some follow up procedures just to make sure you’re okay.” You looked at Chris wide eyed, your head filling with dread.
“What kind of… abnormalities?” Chris asked, chewing on the inside of his lip.
“We detected some traces of liver enzymes in Y/N’s blood.”
“Is that a bad thing?” you asked, voice shaky with concern.
“No, not at all. It’s actually quite common to have small traces of these enzymes in your blood. Your’s is just on the higher end so we want to make sure it's not something more serious.” You nod your head in confirmation before looking back over at Chris. He gives you a reassuring smile before standing up to shake the doctor's hand.
“Thank you so much doc, really appreciate it.”
“Of course, a nurse will be coming in shortly to go over prep for the procedure and to retrieve your clothing.” The doctor tells you and Chris, before shaking you had. “See you tomorrow.” He says before walking out of the room and closing the door behind him. Not even 30 seconds after he leaves a nurse knocks on the door coming in with your clothing and a small pamphlet.
“Hi Y/N, for your procedure tomorrow there really isn’t much you need to do for prep since we only need to take some blood and then bring it back to the lab. Just make sure to stay away from the foods in this pamphlet.” She tells you as she hands the pamphlet over to Chris before handing you your clothes. “You can change and leave whenever you're done just make sure to stop by the front desk to make your appointment for tomorrow.” She tells you before leaving. You slowly stand up, untying the gown from around you and putting your normal street wear back on. When you're done you take Chris’s hand as he leads you to the front where he schedules the appointment for you.
The drive home is quiet and before Chris can say anything to you, you're jumping out of the car and running into his home. You bypass Dodger as you run upstairs to the room the two of you share. You can hear Chris calling after you but you don’t care. You’re scared about tomorrow and right now all you want to do is escape from the world. Chris finds you in the bedroom, snuggled up under the covers as you try to hide away. You feel the bed dip as Chris sits down on the edge of it next to your huddled up form. He rubs your back for a while before slowly lifting up the blanket to see your tear stained cheeks and red watery eyes looking up at him.
“Oh baby.” He coos before sliding in next to you as you cling onto his shirt.
“I’m sc-scared.” you whimper out only for him to shush you as he strokes your hair.
“It’s okay to be scared, baby. That’s normal but I promise whatever we find out tomorrow that you’ll be okay.”
“How do-do you know-know that?” You sniffle up at him.
“Because you are the bravest, strongest, toughest girl I know. I mean look at ya! You somehow manage to put up with Dodger and me on a daily basis.” He jokes, making you giggle a little. “It’s going to be okay but you need to believe it's going to be okay too.” he tells you. “Can you do that for me?” he asks as you give him a small smile, nodding your head in agreement. He gives you a big smile before giving you a kiss on the forehead and pulling you closer to him.
The rest of the night goes by smoothly but when you awake the next morning your anxiety has resurfaced. You quickly throw on a pair of jeans and a shirt before heading downstairs to the kitchen where you find Chris already up and making breakfast.
“Hey baby, how’d ya sleep?” He asks, looking over his shoulder at you before going back to making his famous scrambled eggs.
“Okay.” you whisper out as you find a seat at the island.
“The eggs are almost done.” he tells you as he grabs two plates from the dishwasher. He loads them up along with some fruit and toast before setting one down in front of you and the other beside you where he usually sits for meals. You wait patiently for Chris as he pours the two of you some juice before sliding into the chair next to you. He smiles at you before digging into his food. You shakily pick up your fork, stabbing some of the egg onto it before bringing it to your lips. Out of the corner of his eye Chris can see your trembling hands. He knows you're nervous so he tries to take your mind off of it by talking.“So I was thinking, maybe we could go to the doctors this morning for your procedure then we can have the rest of the day to ourselves. We can take Dodger on a walk, maybe get some ice cream…” He trails off sending a knowing smile in your direction. Chris knows you love ice cream as it's one of your favorite treats, he was expecting to get some sort of reaction out of you but instead you just hum in agreement as your leg bounces on the edge of the chair. “Baby it’s going to be alright.” Chris says, resting his hand on your bouncing thigh. You look up at him giving him a weak smile before pushing off the chair.
“Thanks for breakfast Chris.” you tell him before heading back upstairs to your room. A frown forms on Chris’s face as he looks down at your plate. You had barely eaten a thing. Chris lets out a sigh before looking down at Dodger who whimpers out, laying his head down in his paws.
“I know buddy, I hope she’s going to be okay too.”
Before you know it Chris is leading your trembling form down one of the hallways in the hospital. Your eyes dart here and there trying to focus on the doctor's white lab coat in front of you as he leads you and Chris to a separate area of the hospital where more advanced blood tests are done. You can hear the doctor talking to Chris but in your anxiety induced state all you can make out is the mumbling of the two men’s voices. The doctor leads you into a room with a large reclining chair that Chris softly guides you to sit down in. Again there’s the muffled noise of the men’s voices but soon they stop as you hear the soft click of the door shutting.
“Hey baby,” Chris says, scooting the chair he was seated in next to you. “How ya feeling.” You look at him, eyes glossy and bottom lip wobbling. “Hey, it’s going to be okay Y/N. Remember what we talked about last night? You’re going to be okay but you have to believe in yourself.” You nod your head slightly. Soon the doctor arrives back with a nurse who explains how everything will work. You jerk at the cold antiseptic wipe she runs over your arm before she pulls out the needle. You know it's small but the thought of it scares you, making you let out a whimper that catches Chris’s attention.“She’s really nervous.” Chris tells the nurse. She looks back at you before speaking up.
“Would you like your boyfriend to hold your hand?” she asks. You shake your head vigorously as Chris lets out a chuckle, standing up and walking around to the other side of you. Your grip on his hand is tight as Chris continues to watch you observe all the vials that need to be filled. When the nurse is ready she instructs you to look at Chris so you don’t have to watch the blood leave your body. You let out a sharp breath as the needle is inserted into your arm, your eyes welling up with tears.
“You’re okay baby, you're doing great.” he comments as he rubs small circles with his thumb on the back of your hand. In only a matter of minutes all the vials are filled and a bandaid is placed over your arm.
“We should know the results in about an hour. You can either stay here or go get something to eat while you’re waiting.” The nurse tells the two of you. Chris looks down at you giving you a smile before looking back up to the nurse.
“I think we’ll go have some lunch first.” The nurse gives you a smile and shakes Chris’s hand before walking the two of you out. “So what do you wanna do for lunch baby?” Chris asks, wrapping an arm around your shoulders.
“Taco Bell?” you ask him.
As you and Chris munch away on your food he gets a phone call from the hospital informing that your results are ready and to come back whenever you're ready. You had been so calm during lunch, practically forgetting about the test results. You know when Chris stands up to throw out his garbage that it’s time to go and the anxiety returns. As you walk into the hospital Chris has his arm around you again.
“The scary part is done baby, they’re just going to go over the observations with us then we can go home.” You smile up at him as he pulls you a little closer to his form.
This time a nurse leads you to a different room with a long table and chairs on either side. Your doctor and a few other people are already in there when you and Chris arrive. They were all talking quietly but all went silent as you and Chris came in. The doctor comes over to shake your hand and then Chris’s before instructing you to sit. In front of you is a box of tissues, a small paper cup of water, and a plain manila folder. You look over to Chris as he rests a reassuring hand on your thigh. The doctors soon start talking but you quickly zone them out, their scientific words passing right over your head. You catch only chunks and phrases like ‘liver’, ‘weight loss’, ‘nausea’, and ‘loss of appetite’. You have no idea what this all means but when you look at Chris he seems to know and it's not good. Tears are silently running down his cheeks as his hand tries to wipe them away.
“Chris, what’s wrong?” you ask him as he chokes back a sob.
“Y/N, you have cancer.”
Cancer? How could you have cancer? You were healthy and completely fine two years ago. What has changed since then? When the two of you got home Chris finally stopped crying, he knew he needed to be strong for you. He also understood you had no idea what was going to happen to you. Chris motioned for you to come sit on his lap while he rested on the couch.
“Baby, do you know what's wrong?” he asked you, you shook your head no. Why had he been crying? You could get rid of cancer, and you were young and healthy, you would bounce back in no time, so why was Chris so upset over this? “Y/N, you have metastasis liver cancer. The doctors don’t know how you got it, or why you got it so young, but it started down here,” he tells you, pointing to your chest. “But it started to move and now it's up here,” he tells you, pointing to your head. “In your brain.”
“Can’t they get rid of it?” you ask him. Chris looks away from you for a beat, biting his cheek before looking back at you.
“No, they can’t. The chemo treatment would be too risky on your body and could kill you quicker than the cancer.”
“Will I die from this?” you ask Chris, tears now sliding down your cheeks as well as his.
“Yeah, baby. The doctors think you have around a year left.” Chris chokes on the last part as you bury your head into his chest. How could this be happening?
