A/N: So…this started out as a really random little piece. I added some bits and pieces to it to make it a bit more understandable, so it hopefully makes sense in some way. ;) I'd like to dedicate this to TeddyLuver, because you always make me feel better. :) Which I've needed lately, unfortunately. :/ Anyway. I hope you all enjoy. Thank you for reading.

Midnight

He walks the streets at midnight.

The bright stars wink at him from above, reminding him of all that he has lost.

There were days when he knew there would never be nights like these.

Those days are over.

"Look at the stars," she whispers into his ear, her head resting on his shoulder.

"Look how they shine for you," he murmurs back tenderly, pressing a butterfly kiss to her nose.

"Beautiful."

He walks on, the pavement stretching on for miles as cars continue to speed past him.

The harsh streetlights burn him, recalling memories of the days when the glow of spotlights bathed him and the cameras loved his face.

There was a time, he can't help but think, when his face was on the covers of magazines around the world.

When he was living the dream.

With her.

"Do you believe in love?" he asks abruptly, startling her awake in a way that the coffee she's sipping doesn't.

"Of course I do," she replies indignantly, shocked that anyone could think otherwise. "Doesn't everyone?"

"Not some people." His gaze falls to the table, studying it with what he hopes looks like a disinterested air. "Do you love anyone?"

"Chad." Her hand covers his, and he looks up at her with eyes bright with hope.

"Yes?"

He swallows and checks his watch, determined to keep a sense of normalcy.

It's what he thought he wanted when he was younger.

Living life on his own. Independent.

He didn't know what the hell he really wanted.

This isn't how it was supposed to be.

"Hey, sunshine! I was just thinking about you."

"Chad, can you - um, can you - "

"What's wrong? Sonny, what is it?"

"I just - can you meet me?"

"Of course. Where are you?"

"At the - at the hospital."

Someone calls out to him from a shop, asking if it's really him.

Or rather, what used to be him.

He shoves his hands into his pockets and continues to walk, not even glancing their way.

Because no, he's not Chad Dylan Cooper.

Not anymore.

"There's nothing more we can do."

They know nothing, the doctors. The nurses. The specialists. Everyone in this stupid place doesn't know what they're talking about.

Because there's no way that his girl, his beautiful, wonderful girlfriend, the love of his life...

No.

They know nothing.

His head begins to spin from all the lights, the signs blinking at him lazily and the headlights rushing past.

It dawns on him that he doesn't know where he is.

He can't turn back.

No matter how much he wishes he could.

"Chad!" She's laughing, unable to control herself as he tickles her mercilessly. "Chad, stop! I can't - I can't breathe!"

He stops immediately, the grin falling from his face as he pulls his hands away from her sides as if burned.

"Chad." She puts a palm on his cheek and tilts his face towards her. "I love you."

"I love you too." He wraps her in his arms and rocks them back and forth slowly, closing his eyes and imagining a world where she'll always be able to breathe. Always.

A tear slips down his cheek. He blinks fiercely, trying to keep the rest of them at bay.

She'll come back. He whispers it to himself, the words sealing a promise somehow. She'll come back.

One day, he quietly tells himself, she'll return, and they'll be happy together for eternity.

But until then...he'll wait.

He walks the streets at midnight.

A/N: Yes…it's sad. But I can promise a happy one coming out on October 10th, when it's the lovely Carma's birthday. :D Something to look forward to, I suppose. Anyway, this current one is for my Teddykins. :P I've been going through rough times lately, and I've needed support. Thanks for always being there.

Please review. :) And vote in my poll? Thanks. Love you all.