Eric sat on the floor of the dark office, it was late and most everyone had left. He didn't know who else was still around, and he honestly didn't care. Alan had just had an attack a few minutes earlier and was now laying unconscious in Eric's arms. Eric held him close, listening to the soft sound of Alan's breathing in the now quiet room, feeling his chest rising and falling. Alan's breathing always seemed to be able to calm him, especially after an attack, because it was proof that he was still alive, proof that the Thorns hadn't claimed him, that he still had more time.

He needed more time.

This wasn't the first attack, it wouldn't be the last, and Eric was really starting to worry. How much longer could Alan hold off the Thorns, keeping them from reaching his heart and ending his life?

He had to find a cure, and he had to find one fast. He knew of only one, or more accurately, a rumor of one. After searching for hours, he had found it in a dusty old book that looked like it hadn't been touched in ages. According to the book, the Thorns of Death could be cured by collecting one thousand pure souls. He hadn't attempted it before because he knew Alan wouldn't approve of the method and he didn't know for sure if it would work.

But now... he was desperate.

He couldn't stand watching Alan scream in agony and fear, clutching his chest, struggling to breathe. He couldn't stand being completely useless every attack; there was no stopping an attack once it started, all he could do was try to comfort him and pray that he'd be okay.

Most of all, he knew it would break him to watch the Thorns take his Alan's precious life, and he promised to Alan and himself that he would never let that happen.

He had told Alan once that he would commit any sin if it allowed him to share his pain, and he meant it. He would murder if it meant Alan's life could be saved, if it meant Alan didn't have to suffer anymore...

Eric pondered all this while gently stroking Alan's head, feeling the soft hair beneath his fingers.

Yes... he had made up his mind.
He would do it, starting tomorrow.

He was pulled from his thoughts when Alan shifted slightly in his sleep, moving a little closer to Eric.

Eric smiled softly as he watched the sleeping Alan, and wrapped his arms a little tighter around him.

"I'll save you, I promise, whatever it takes." he whispered, kissing Alan's forehead.

Eric stayed there for a few more minutes, holding Alan, again listening to his soft breathing in the quiet room.

Eventually, he figured he should take Alan home, as he seemed to be doing okay and really just needed to rest. Sliding one of his arms under Alan's legs, he carefully picked him up, leaving the small office and walking down the dark, empty halls, towards home.


AN: My first fanfic... ^^; I don't know if I like my writing style, but I worked hard on this and I hope it's okay. I really like this pairing; they're cute and depressing at the same time.

I intended this to end here, but should I continue it? Anyways, please tell me what you think, and if you have any advice on what I could do better, please tell me!

Oh and the title was suggested by a friend, so thanks to her :)