DISCLAIMER: All characters and story world belong to SM. All lyrical references and quotes are property of their original artist. No copyright infringement intended.

[Beta'd by: TRDancer]
Special thanks to: My ficwife Ocdmess, and Mayra (IBDamon) for the song suggestion.

Song Inspiration: Thriving Ivory – Angels on the Moon
Image: http:/ /bit[dot]ly/ddWss4

The street lights painted green and red streaks across my windshield as the rain came down in buckets. I had gone for a drive to clear my head – the news from months ago still ringing loudly as I tried to swallow reality.

"With treatment she could live a semi-normal life, but there will be bad days."

I took a deep breath and screamed until the emptiness of my lungs ached, and I choked on the sobs that followed. I pounded on the steering wheel, cursing anything and everything above me – any kind of higher power out there.

It was my job to look after her – to love her and protect her.

I had failed.

I gripped the leather wheel tightly, wringing it between my large hands until my knuckles turned white. When I finally managed to calm my breathing, I turned the key and headed for home.

I opened the door slowly, waiting for the inevitable squeak and praying it wouldn't wake her. The sound rang through the silence, and I held my breath, clenching my jaw.

"Em?" she called softly.

I exhaled heavily and pushed the door the rest of the way open and stepped inside.

"Is that you?" she asked quietly, her voice cracking as she tried to clear her throat.

I peered down at her tiny frame tangled in the forest green sheets, and my heart sank.

"Yeah, Ali, it's me."

"Where'd you go?" she asked, shifting her weight on the bed and trying to turn over.

"Just went out to get some… water," I lied poorly.

"It's okay, Em. You don't have to lie to me," she whispered as she settled on her side, facing me now. A gentle smile tugged at the corner of her lips, but her eyebrows furrowed, giving her pain away.

"Can I get you some medicine?" I asked as I sat on the edge of the bed.

"No, no more pills."

I sighed but nodded. Soon, I prepared myself.

"Is it raining?" she asked after a moment of silence.

I nodded, not trusting my voice.

"And the moon?" she asked slightly more enthusiastically. I missed her energy and her smile as she danced in the rain when we were younger, stronger – happier.

"Shining brightly through the rain clouds," I replied, knowing the answer she was hoping for.

"And the stars?" she asked, her eyes glistening from her unshed tears.

"Keeping the moon company," I whispered, my voice trembling as I reached out for her hand.

"Read to me?" she asked as she attempted to squeeze my hand, her fingers so small and frail in my palm.

I walked around the bed, grabbed the tattered book and curled my body around her protectively as I held the book in front of her. I read to her, letting my voice carry her into a gentle sleep where fairies were real and the princess lived happily forever.

I listened to her breathing slow as I cried silently and wished a brother's love was enough.

"Do you dream that the world will know your name? So tell me your name.
Do you care about all the little things or anything at all?
I wanna feel all the chemicals inside… I wanna feel…
I wanna sunburn, just to know that I'm alive – to know I'm alive.

Don't tell me if I'm dying, 'cause I don't wanna know. If I can't see the sun, maybe I should go.
Don't wake me 'cause I'm dreaming of angels on the moon. Where everyone you know never leaves too soon.

Do you believe in the day that you were born? Tell me do you believe?
Do you know that every day's the first of the rest of your life?
This is to one last day in the shadows, and to know a brother's love.
This is to New York, City of Angels, and the rivers of our blood.
This is to all of us… to all of us.

You can tell me all your thoughts about the stars that fill polluted skies.
And show me where you run to when no one's left to take your side.
But don't tell me where the road ends 'cause I just don't wanna know.
No I don't wanna know. Don't tell me if I'm dying."
~Thriving Ivory – "Angels on the Moon"

A/N: Have a song to suggest? I write angst, drama, and romance so leave a review, PM me, or follow me on Twitter: Ailisraevyn and send me your suggestion. I can't promise I'll do it, but I'm always looking for new inspiration.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.