You're My Everything

Chapter 36: Autumn Leaves

It's a little bit different, this chapter.

-Lindsey

*Vic's Perspective*

He's just been through so much. You can't.

Imagine what Liz has been through! He can deal with whatever you need to...

You're friends with him!

Who cares?

"Harry. Styles." I rise from the chair I've sunken into. "What gives you the right to leave? Huh? Do you know what you've done to her? And what you've done to us? To the boys--your friends? You missed her birthday for this crap! She was suffering! You've blown it! But suddenly you're back because now she's practically dead! You have so much explaining to do. I don't even care what the circumstances are. Go."

He looks torn, ripped up.

"I didn't miss her birthday...I was there..."

"I was in disguise, as Alex. I was with her. She talked to--"

"She talked?" She talked?

"She talked to me."

"You know she hasn't talk-"

"I know. I know everything that happened since I left. And now I regret every second. She yelled about me to me. I hadn't realized. But I had no idea that she'd throw her life away--" he was cut off.

"Well, she did. Because of you." The words felt like fire coming out of my mouth, they burned.

He buries his face in his hand, and I can see his body shaking with tremors and sobs.

I join him.

"She can't just die...," I say. "She's Liz. She doesn't let us down..."

That doesn't do anything for him.

"This'll be the first and last time then, won't it? Vic?"

"I don't know."

We sit and cry together for a long time, not speaking. We already knew.

Until Niall comes running out of the elevator. "Is she okay?" He asks, frenzied. "What happened? Someone explain!" He sees our faces, blotchy and tear stained. I haven't cried like this since...I don't know when.

"Kate's going to be okay," I manage. Thank God. She's saved.

Harry hasn't looked up since I accused him of this. But he does now.

"I was with them when they were taken to the hospital. I was there when the men got away. They were attacked, Niall. I saw the end of it. They both looked as good as dead, but it'll be okay. Kate's going to be okay."

"And Liz?"

We don't say anything.

~~~~~~~~

Another day, another life

Passes by

Just like mine.

It's not complicated.

Another mind, another soul

Another body to grow old

It's not complicated.

Do you ever wonder if the stars shine out for you?

Float down like autumn leaves

Hush now

Close your eyes before the sleep

And you're miles away

And yesterday you were here with me.

Another tear, another cry.

Another place for us to die.

It's not complicated.

Another life that's gone to waste

Another light lost from your face

It's not complicated.

Is it that it's over

Or do birds still sing for you?

Float down like autumn leaves

Hush now

Close your eyes before the sleep

And you're miles away

And yesterday you were here with me

Oh, how I miss you

My symphony played the song that

Carried you out

Oh, how I miss you

And I, I miss you

And I wish you'd stay...

Do you ever wonder if the stars shine out for you?

Float down like autumn leaves

Hush now

Close your eyes before the sleep

And you're miles away

And yesterday you were here with me.

Touch down

Like a seven four seven

Stay out and we'll live forever now...

-Ed Sheeran, Autumn Leaves