AHS Imagines

james - until forever falls apart

Until the sun falls from the sky, and the heavens burn, in conflagration.

When he spoke these words to you, you thought it nothing more than a declaration of undying love and devotion. Never had it crossed your mind that it would actually happen. The end of eternity always seemed so far away. And yet, the hysteria of armageddon took a strong grasp of the LA streets below. Before your eyes, people were screaming, crying, and desperately holding on to the ones they loved. The whole of the world was united by uncertainty and fear. And you couldn't deny it; you were scared.

You were in the lobby, staring out the windows, eyes transfixed by the chaos outside. There was the faint buzz of the radio; the anchor informing the world of the nuclear bombings that had taken place in Europe and Asia. The hotel's residents, including yourself, were gathered. Iris, Liz, Will, Ms Evers, Tristan... but James was yet to make an appearance.

"Well. Fuck." You smelt the cloud of smoke pass you by as Sally joined the group.

"Yeah." Liz sighed, her hand resting on your shoulder.

"I have to admit it," Iris piped up. "I didn't think this was how I was going to go."

"What in God's name is going to happen to us?!" Ms Evers was flustered. "Are we going to pass over? Oh dear lord, how am I going to launder the linens??!!!"

"The world is literally burning, and all you can think of is laundry?" Sally blew a puff of smoke towards the maid, before once again clenching the cigarette between her teeth. She shook her head.

"How do we know this is really happening?" Will spoke. "I mean, it could just be some sick hoax? Couldn't it?"

Sally scoffed. "Now that, would be the ultimate cosmic joke."

"Yeah, I mean maybe some group of kids have hacked into the..."

"It's not a hoax." The smooth, feminine voice of the Countess slithered its way into the conversation, as she made her way down the stairs to join you. "It's true. The world is ending."

"But, how can you be so sure?" Iris replied.

"Are you not familiar with the prophecies of the antichrist? A child born into this world, but with parentage of another realm. The son of Satan." the Countess strode over to the window, placing a gloved hand lightly on the glass. "Blue eyes, blonde hair, he is rumored."

Will Drake's voice slices through hers. "Hold on... did you say-" But not before she cuts him off, clearly choosing to disregard whatever he was about to state.

"With great power. A child born from pure evil. Capable of bringing about the end of time." Fear radiated off her features, a rarity if you ever saw one. "There is no going back now."

Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Tristan rest his head on the shoulder of his lover. Alex pulled Holden closer to her, embracing him.

"A tragedy if I ever witnessed it." You turned your head. James March stood behind you, smiling sadly. You could tell he was using every inch of self-control in his soul to hold back tears.

"So that's it then?" Sally's cheeks were wet, her gaze fixated on the floor beneath her feet.

"I believe farewells are in order," James spoke to the group. "I want to thank you spirits, for your loyalty... maintaining the walls of my hotel... looking out for my dear y/n. It's more than I deserve. Thank you."

"See you hell, March." Sally smirked sadly.

One by one, you bid goodbye to...

Liz...

"I'll miss you, sweetie. Thanks for all the good times." Her makeup was running down her cheeks, and you hugged her tightly.

Iris...

"Take care of yourself, y/n. We love you."

Will...

"Never have I had the pleasure of working with such a wonderful muse."

...all of your friends.

You glanced over to James, conversing with Ms Evers.

"Y/n?" The Countess whispered. While you had always respected the woman, there was always a form of unspoken tension and jealousy between the two of you.

"What do you want?"

"I just wanted to thank you for being there for him." She spoke with a vulnerability you had not seen in her before. "He truly loves you... something which I never gave him. You are good to him. He needs you. Do whatever you can to stay by his side. You will be missed, my dear." You were taken aback by her honesty and compassion, even more so when she pulled you into a hug. "Now go. You two deserve to spend these final moments together."

You smiled genuinely. "Thank you, Elizabeth."

***

You grasped James's arm tightly, as you made your way up to room 64. It was not until you step foot into your shared boudoir, that it hit you... you may never get to see your love again. The world was ending, and there was nothing you could do about it. You collapsed onto the bed and began to sob. James's arms were instantly wrapped around you. He made you feel so safe. He was trying his best to be strong for you, but he too was in the verge of tears.

"Darling..." he kissed your head, rubbing your back softly. "I am truly sorry."

"I love you so much, James." You looked up and met his eyes. He brushed a strand of hair behind your ear.

"And I love you, my dear. If it so happens that we are not united, when we reach the other side... I wish to assure you, my love, that my heart will always be yours."

You hold his hand tightly and let out a sigh. James's thumb grazes your cheek lightly, and dabs at your eyes lightly with his handkerchief.

"I'll miss you..."

"I know my dear... Lie with me. Let us spend the final moments on earth in each other's arms."

You smile. "Yes. Let us go out in style, Mr March."

***

James's favourite record plays in the background as you lay in your husband's embrace. Your hands were entwined. You were at peace.

"When we said our vows," you began. "I promised to love you until forever fell apart."

"Yes."

"Well, I realised I was wrong. I promise to love you beyond forever. Wherever we end up after this, together or not..."

"Our hearts will always be united..." James finished your sentence. He placed a gentle kiss on your lips. Time seemed to come to a holt, as you lay with your dearly beloved.

The rumbles grew louder and louder, nearing closer and closer. Your final moments alive.

"Shut your eyes, darling. Let us be oblivious to all but each other. If only just for a few more moments..."