Can't Love You {Sequel to "Not Sherlock Holmes"}

Chapter Twenty-Four

Veronica's POV

Benedict carries me back to camp because I can't seem to find any strength left in me. He doesn't mind though. He picks me up easily, and I wrap my arms around his neck for extra support. I rest my head on his shoulder.

It seems like the most natural thing in the world.

He doesn't mind. I always got this impression that celebrities didn't like being touched or hugged by fans and other people.

But I have to remind myself that I'm not just a random fan, and he's not just Benedict Cumberbatch, the celebrity. We are more to each other, now; if nothing else, friends.

I shake my head, a small grin on my face. We're a bit more than friends. I just am not sure what that makes us.

I feel like a child in his arms, and I'm not sure if I like the feeling. That is, until I realize that this comes with a life devoid of all responsibility, and right now, I don't want the responsibility of taking care of all these people. Can't we leave it all to Ian for a while?

No. This is something I must do. I must step back up. If the Doctor won't save us, I will. Because I don't want to die. I don't want anyone else to die.

I choose life.

------------------

"Alright, everyone, gather around!" My voice carries through the camp, and people look up, confused. "That's right, all of you! Up here, people!"

"Listen up! I don't want to die anytime soon, and I don't think any of you do either! We need a plan, and the first step of this plan is to make it back to the city." Worried mumbles around me. Ian steps forward.

"You know why we can't go back to the city." I cross my arms.

"Why is that?" He looks flustered.

"Well the whole point of avoiding any ex-civilian territory was to avoid the Soldiers." I nod.

"Yes, that is correct. Except the Soldiers have found us now. They know where we are, and they plan to attack again. With full force this time. They expect the Doctor to be fighting with us, and they will relish our defeat." I pause. "But I won't let us be defeated."

"What do you plan on doing in the city?" someone from the crowd asks.

"We will first find an acceptable shelter, and then we shall send parties out to scavenge for food and weapons. Weapons, though, is our biggest priority if we want to beat the Soldiers."

"Where are we going to find weapons?" Ian asks, and I cross my arms.

"You know what, Ian? I don't have all the answers. That's why I'm not the only leader here. And if I can step up at a time like this, so can you. Why don't YOU figure it out?" I turn back to the crowd: "This is our only chance. There is a possibility that we will die in the city if we're attacked. But we will be slaughtered if we stay here."

Hesitantly, the crowd agrees. I instruct them to pack, because I want to be on my way by this afternoon.

As I'm making my typical rounds with Ben by my side, helping, Ian approaches, fuming.

"You've given them no time to mourn their friends and family!" he cries, gesturing around him. "How insensitive could you be?" I stare at him.

"I am being sensitive, Ian. That's why I want to leave. You don't get it, do you? Those Soldiers are going to kill us. Now get a move on. Work like someone's got a gun to your head - or better, a gun to Christy's head." I turn away before I get a good look at his reaction. I know he's angry, but I hope that he will now have some motivation to get moving.

Ben chuckles next to me.

"What?" I insist. He wipes the smirk off his face.

"You know, I'm not sure. It's not that funny, considering this is how you and Ian treat each other now. You were best friends, once," he gently reminds. I pause.

"You're right. And I am at fault in some ways. I hope that we will be able to resolve our differences someday."

I just hope that I will have enough time to.

(AN - Sorry to anyone who's already read this, and to those who were unable to read this before. Two people told me they couldn't read it for some reason. I'm not sure what happened. I post several of my chapters from my iPad, so I'm not sure why it would make a difference if I posted from my phone... But that may have been the problem. See if this works, y'all!)