Nothing Gold Can Stay

Authors Note: Before I begin, I just want to let all ya'll readers and reviewers know that I have not written a fanfic in over a year, so if you do want to review, cut me some slack. I mean Jesus, I must have been high or something when I came up with the idea for this story, because it took me two whole weeks to decide if the idea was just too crazy to go through with writing. And for those people who really know Family Guy, This entire script takes place in a universe where Peter has not had a vasectomy yet, so he and Lois are still fertile. This story is definitely going to star Lois, as she is my all time favorite character and it seems like almost every good Family Guy fanfic stars Meg, who I like, but am not really fond of. (P.S. Good news, Peter haters-He dies. For real.) I'm also new to so I hope this works out. Also, I'm rating this M not because I write smut, (I actually try to avoid it) but because I curse a lot, so sorry kiddies, but this ain't the story for you. And lastly, I'm just going to come out and say right now that this story is probably gonna suck. So, without further ado, let's get this crap going.

Chapter 1: Deep Depression

Lois's POV

I broke down as soon as I heard the news. Every couple has their flaws, and for Peter and I, it was always his drinking. To be honest, it had never really bothered me because I knew he could handle a lot, but today was different. When Joe had called to tell me that Peter had collapsed while drinking with him and Quagmire at the Drunken Clam, I went into panic mode. So now here I am, mascara running with tears down my face, driving like a madman to the hospital. I just hope he's okay…

Lois screeched the red station wagon she had driven for years into the hospital parking lot, hopped out of the car, and made a sprint for the emergency wing. When she finally made it to the waiting room, she ran straight to the reception desk and started interrogating her.

"Where is Peter Griffin-I need to see him, now! It can't wait!" She was practically sobbing. The brunette receptionist gave Lois an odd look before realizing who she was.

"Maam," the woman began, trying to be as calm as possible. "I was notified ahead that you would be coming, and there is some news that as the patient's spouse, you need to know. Peter Griffin arrived without a pulse. The doctors tried everything they could, but it was already too late. Your husband has died of acute alcohol poisoning."

"Y-you must have the wrong Lois… I'm Lois Griffin, and as far as I'm concerned, my husband is in perfect health. He just…just collapsed…" If she wasn't already crying, Lois's eyes were now flowing freely as she fell to the floor with the horrifying realization that her loving husband was no longer with her.

The regretful receptionist had done this before, and after mournfully watching Lois break down, she picked up her phone and called the Griffin's house.

Brian was watching Jolly Farm with Stewie when the phone rang.

"Griffin residence, yes, yes, …oh my god…, well, thank you anyway."

"What is it, Bri?" Stewie queried.

Tears were running from Brian's eyes. "Just go get Chris and Meg. I'll tell you all when you're all here." The intelligent dog who often though he knew everything was now pulling a blank slate on what he, what Lois would do without Peter. When he was done collecting his thoughts, Meg and Chris were walking down the stairs.

"What is it Brian?" Meg asked.

"Yeah Brian, this better be pretty damn important. I'm trying to pretend I read Gone with the Wind for a book report."

"YES CHRIS, I'TS THAT GODDAMN IMPORTANT!... I'm so sorry, it's just," Brian was trying to collect himself. "It's just that… Peter has passed away…" Brian was like a teenage girl that was PMSing. Meg and Chris both started acting up too, but had nothing to say. Instead, all the Griffin children and Brian just shared a long group hug. About twenty minutes later, a depressed Lois stumbled in the door, said nothing and joined the hug.

Lois woke up the next morning drenched in tears. Her arm was stretched over the body next to her that wasn't, and would never be there again. For the first time in a long time, she felt confused, lost, alone. She stumbled into the bathroom, took a 45 minute shower, and then brushed her teeth and straightened her bright orange hair that seemed as if it had lost its sheen. She stared herself down in the mirror, remembering the days she and Peter would get ready in the morning together. Maybe it was just because of the events of the night before, but she had terrible cramps and felt the need to vomit. Seconds later, she instinctively made a beeline for the toilet and barfed everywhere. When she was finally done, all she wanted to do was stay there on the floor and cry, but she had kids to take care of. So, she mustered every last ounce of strength she had in her, and started slowly making her way downstairs.

When Lois had finally made it downstairs, Brian was already waiting for her in the kitchen.

"I know last night was intensely rough, but are you sure you're going to be okay?"

"I don't know. I just don't know, Brian. It's been so long since I've been alone."

"Well, I just want you to know that when you need a shoulder to cry on, I'll always have one open for you."

"Thank you, Brian. That's very thoughtful of you." Lois cracked a slight smile. "I'd love to talk more, believe me, I need it, but I need to get the kids ready for school and set up Peter's funeral arrangements."

"Okay. Well, see you later." Lois should have invited him to spend the day with her. She knew she wanted to, she just couldn't bring herself to ask him. She wanted more than nothing right now than to be with Peter.

Later that day, Lois went to the Quahog funeral home, made arrangements, and purchased a casket for Peter. "Why couldn't it have been me instead of him?" She thought to herself. She didn't realize it the night before, but the expenses of the funeral were really eating into the family's savings. With Peter gone, there was no more primary source of income. Piano lessons weren't going to be enough to raise three children.

"I'll get a job," said Brian when she told him this at home that night.

"Brian, that's very nice of you, but I'd really like you to seriously consider this before you actually go through with it." Lois was shocked that Brian would be willing to offer himself to get a job instead of her. "I'd love to talk more, but Peter's funeral is tomorrow, and I'd really like to at least make an attempt to get some sleep tonight."

"Okay, Lois. Take care of yourself. No matter how big of a rut you're in, you have to remember that you have three wonderful children looking up to you, and you can't just forget about them. Peter's death has really affected them too, and they need someone to lean on just as much as you do."

"Thank you, Brian. That helped a bit."

Brian's POV

I knew I was having a hard time coping, but Lois… Peter leaving us had hit her like an 18-wheeler. Just this morning she had a vomiting fit, and when she came downstairs, she had a pale complexion, and the usual hopeful gleam in her eye was oddly not present. I just really hope she can handle everything that comes her way, but if she can't well, I feel horrible saying this, but I've always had a lust for Lois, and maybe she's not as young as she used to be, but her personality is just one in a million, and I would not be able to cope with seeing a wonderful heart like that die lonely…

As she predicted, Lois did not get any sleep that night. Instead, she spent the whole night staring at the ceiling crying and mulling over her own thoughts. "Peter, I love you… why, why did you have to leave me? I can't go on like this… and my poor babies! What will they do without a loving father?" Lois was lost in a dark chasm with no way out. "Well maybe If I can't live without Peter, I could take myself to be with him again…"

That's it for tonight, guys! (I'm starting to get a carpal tunnel and it's a total pain in the ass…) Oh well, see ya'll later. Don't forget to review!