Give Me Forever
Summary: All love stories have to end. Forever becomes out of reach when you have to learn to live with HIV.
AN: Thrusting the characters into the serious topic. Because decisions have consequences. And dramatic antics seem minuscule compared to real challenges.
"Calm continueth not long without a storm."
There is a moment in one's life when every decision you've made, mistakes you've endured, leads you to the path ahead, one where you can see clearly what lies before you. When the dust has settled, everything you've desired is within reach and the future has never gleamed more bright.
This was that moment for Chuck.
At his lowest of lows, when millions of apologies would not suffice, he fought on. Through bullet wounds and the in-betweens, fake war and truces, he fought to win her back. And now the certainty of their future calmed him.
Can't wait til tonight. Don't be late Bass.
-B
He smiled at her message and straightened his tie in the mirror.
He had never been sure of anything in his life. Even when he told himself they could endure and move past her sacrifice, even when he bought the ring and leapt head first into that fantasy he thought could save them, he had never been sure of anything until this very moment. When having have had and lost her robbed him of himself, this time around, he was certain to fight until his very last breath.
Peonies were ordered, Dom '95 on chill, because even if he finally realizes that gifts don't amount to trust, she still deserved the very best.
He stared at his reflection and grinned. To think that this was the life he wanted to leave behind, to think that he had despised those eyes that stared back at him only made him fall more deeply in love with her. She lured him back even when she hated him. She made him accept himself even when all he's ever done was hurt her. She loved him with much more courage than he could ever muster.
His thoughts were pushed aside as the phone rang.
"Impatient, are we? I told you, Blair. Tonight will be well worth the wait." He teased, because as much as taking it slow had paid off, he was still a man. And it had been far too long.
"Chuck."
Suddenly the calm evaporated with the realization of her voice.
"Eva."
"I'm sorry to be calling you," she choked, "There's something we need to talk about."
And suddenly a million possibilities ran through his head. (She was pregnant, she miscarried, she still loved him, she was coming back…)
Still, he remained unresponsive.
"I don't know how to say it. I wish I could see you in person." She spoke.
The vulnerability in her voice brought back those feelings he used to harbor for her. The short period of time when she was the angel sent to save him. Part of him wanted take the Bass jet to see her. Salvage whatever fairytale they had made. That part in him was small compared to the overcompensating feeling of guilt. All he could wonder was how Blair would react to this call.
No misguided urge could tear him away from Blair. No more mistakes, he told himself.
"Eva," He remained quiet, "Blair and I-"
He hoped the truth could make it easier on them both.
"I know," she sighed, "I figured…Chuck it's really important that you listen to me."
And suddenly she was all tears. Still, he could not find the words to respond.
"I started work again."
He mentally rolled his eyes.
"I took the tests." She continued, "I'm HIV positive."
And suddenly the looming feeling of what was to come stole his every breath.
"Chuck, you need to get tested."
tbc?