(A/N: Yes, I know the previous chapter was sad. I actually felt quite into the mood when I was writing the last few paragraphs, it came really easily. I know that was quite a depressing part to read, and I would like to warn you guys that this next chapter will possibly be quite sad as well. There will be greater exploration of Serena's feelings in this chapter, as she deals with the reality that Dan could be gone any moment, towards the end of the chapter. It may not be my best work to date, but I really hope you guys will enjoy it. For the record, the lyrics used in this chapter is Down by Jason Walker, as featured in The Vampire Diaries and One Tree Hill; and Without You by Hinder, it's one of my favorite songs to get over a breakup. Really beautiful song, these two. Alright, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, and continue to review and comment on my writing, cause I think it's really helping me to improve on it! xoxo)

"Lily, we've got to go to the hospital now. Serena just called, Dan's in the emergency room." Rufus came into the living room from the balcony, his expression grim, hair obviously ruffled through. Blair's face was pure shock, she couldn't believe it. Just an hour ago, they were expecting the two of them. And now, Dan was in hospital? What on earth had happened to him? I wonder how Serena's feeling now, this must be complete hell for her now.

Lily was startled, she couldn't imagine how her daughter was feeling at that moment. Grabbing her coat and purse, she stumbled into Rufus' arms as they bundled out of the apartment and hailed a cab to get to the hospital, Blair and Eric just behind them. Not knowing the exact situation that Dan was in, they could nothing more, but just hope for the best. Rufus was in shock, but he knew he had to be strong. Judging from Serena's shakiness when she called, he was prepared for the worst. It didn't sound good, but he prayed that the good Lord would be merciful and spare Dan's life. You have a long way to go, my son. Be strong, for the ones you love.

I don't know where I'm at
I'm standing at the back
And I'm tired of waiting
Waiting here in line, hoping that I'll find what I've been chasing.

Serena was distraught, sitting outside the operating theatre where Dan had been wheeled into an hour ago, she hated herself. She shouldn't have ran onto the road, and then Dan wouldn't be here right now. No matter how she tried to see things, it seemed that she couldn't escape from taking responsibility for it. It looked like a bad bang, he had been knocked clear and flying. She prayed hard, that the words he told her before he lost consciousness, wouldn't be the last words she would ever hear. The words, 'I love you', she couldn't help but recall the first time he said it to her, just hearing his voice in her mind brought tears to her eyes. I love you so much Dan, don't just go like this, I won't be able to live without you. We're supposed to be happily engaged, facing troubles about breaking the news, not like this. Don't go, Dan. Don't go. Stay strong, my love.

Rufus, Lily, Eric and Blair came round the corner and saw Serena, sitting on a seat with her head bent low and her hands clasped together in a prayer, and Lily couldn't help but cry. She had never seen Serena this way, her sobs uncontrollable and so distraught that she had resorted to prayer, she wasn't a religious person. Blair sat next to her and put her hand on Serena's shoulder, comforting her. Squeezing her shoulder gently and whispering 'It's okay', it did nothing but make Serena tear more. It was exactly what Dan would have done had he seen her like this.

"What happened." Eric was the only one who dared to say it, and he knew that if he didn't, no one would ask. He had a slight feeling it had been an accident, and it was probably the case, but only Serena would know.

I shot for the sky
I'm stuck on the ground
So why do I try, I know I'm gonna to fall down
I thought I could fly, so why did I drown?
Never know why it's coming down, down, down.

*Flashback:

They walked out of the little cafe by the side. The pancakes had been superb, as always. Somehow, when they were just in love like that, everything tasted perfect. Like you. Dan took Serena's hand, and they laughed simultaneously. Like you, rather. Kissing her, Dan licked her lips, the pancake and syrup still present. No, you. Serena pulled away playfully and crossed the street, turning back, teasing Dan.

A car was incoming, and it was going fast. Serena was right in the direction where the car was heading, and Dan had just enough time. He took three quick steps, each for the reason why he did it in the first place. Pushing Serena out of the way, he threw himself where Serena had been, just managing. She was out of danger, the car missed her by a clear two metres. But Dan took the hit for her, sent flying by the left bumper of the car. The driver screeched to a halt, turned around. Dan was sprawled on the ground, bleeding. The driver got back into his car and drove off without a word, leaving a near-hysterical Serena leaning against the side of another car, looking at Dan's lifeless body. His eyes were flickering, and his lips moving just so slightly.

Serena put her head near his mouth, and she could only make out four distinct words out of a ramble of others. Whispered, and the only words he could muster the energy for. It was all he was living for, this past weeks. The only thing that gave him the reason to fly somewhere with the rationality of a kid. The sole reason why he could give up everything. The one possibility for which he risked the wrath of everyone else. One reason why he would be willing to endure the judgements and doubt of others.

"Serena…." He uttered a scramble of words she could barely make out, only her name. She was in tears, someone had called the ambulance. "I..love...you." *

Not ready to let go
Cause then I'd never know
What I could be missing
But I'm missing way too much
So when do I give up what I've been wishing for.

As she poured out everything that had happened while it repeated in her mind, the anguish in her voice was distinct, and she knew it had been all her fault. Blair and Lily were in tears, they knew how Serena was feeling, thinking that it had been her fault. Eric leaned against the wall, it broke his heart, knowing that Dan's last words said were that way. What if it were his last words? It would kill Serena if Dan died this way. He looked at his sister, distraught, leaning forward in the seat, her hands clasped together. Something was reflecting light. Moving nearer, he realised that Serena was wearing a ring on her left hand, on the ring finger. Had Dan already proposed to her in Europe? If that was the case, that would explain why she felt like this.

Rufus paced up and down the corridor, his arms folded. He didn't know why, but he had a feeling that Dan would be fine. You're strong, my boy. You love Serena, and you're breaking her heart like this. He sent a short text to Jenny, informing her about Dan's accident, and looked at the sign outside the operating theatre, hoping that he would be fine. You're my only son, Dan.

I shot for the sky
I'm stuck on the ground
So why do I try, I know I'm gonna to fall down
I thought I could fly, so why did I drown?
Never know why it's coming down, down, down.
Oh I am going down, down, down
Can't find another way around
And I don't want to hear the sound, of losing what I never found.

Moments later, the light on the 'operating' sign went off. The doors opened, and a male doctor wearing scrubs walked out. "Which one of you is Dan Humphrey's family?"

Rufus stepped forward, "I'm his father, we all are. How is my son?"

The doctor removed his face mask and let it hang by one side, then gave them a small nod of acknowledgement. "We have tried our best, and Mr Humphrey is out of danger for the time being, but due to the knock that he suffered on his head, he will be unconscious for an extended period of time. We cannot confirm when he will regain consciousness, but there is no sign of clotting in his brain. He will be fine, if he does regain consciousness within the week, but if he doesn't, we cannot confirm anything. Do be prepared though." Shaking Rufus' hand, he walked away, leaving them shell-shocked.

I shot for the sky
I'm stuck on the ground
So why do I try, I know I'm gonna to fall down
I thought I could fly, so why did I drown?
I never know why it's coming down, down, down.

"Dan's unconscious. Unconscious, Mum. He can't be fine if he's unconscious!" Serena broke down, unable to control her tears as they streamed down her cheeks. Sobbing, she buried her head in Lily's shoulder, she couldn't believe this. Dan would be in a coma, and it was all her fault. Had she not been playing, on the road no less, they would be happily having tea now. Dan, please be fine and wake up soon, we're supposed to be frantic telling them that we're engaged, not this. Please, Dan. I love you so much, don't leave me alone.

As Dan was wheeled into a ward, a single ward, Rufus and Lily couldn't do much. Serena was inconsolable, tears streaming down her cheeks like there was no tomorrow. Blair got up, "I'll get going, there are some things I've got to do. I'll come here later. Eric, you?"

Eric nodded, and left with Blair, as Serena faced Lily and Rufus squarely. "I'd prefer, if I could have some alone time with Dan. I know he's unconscious, but there's a lot I need to say to him, and…" She trailed off, knowing she had gotten the point across, and she couldn't continue. Dan… Lily and Rufus exchanged a look, they knew that considering Serena's state, that wasn't the best solution, but they knew they should respect her wish as well. "Well, alright. We'll be back later, in the evening. Don't worry, Dan will be fine. My son's a strong man." Rufus put his hand on her shoulder and nodded, before walking away with Lily, whose face was full of sorrow and worry.

I shot for the sky
I'm stuck on the ground
So why do I try, I know I'm gonna to fall down
I thought I could fly, so why did I drown?
Oh it's coming down, down, down.

Serena sat next to Dan, his head was bandaged heavily, scratches on his arms and legs, pretty bad gashes on the elbows, her heart ached as she traced his injuries with her fingers gently. She put two pillows on either side of him, and pulled the chair closer to the bed. Holding his hand gingerly, a drip attached to him, she couldn't help the tears that came down repeatedly.

Meanwhile, Eric and Blair were in a cab, both remaining quite silent. "Blair, did you notice something about Serena?" He probed, hoping he wasn't the only one who had noticed that Serena was wearing a ring, and was quite possibly engaged. That kind of pressure, was something her didn't quite want to handle. He fiddled with his fingers, as Blair considered his question. What kind of different was Eric driving at?

"No, not really. She's upset, but we can't blame her. Apart from the sudden togetherness she has with Dan, but no." Blair couldn't quite get what Eric had noticed.

"Serena was wearing a ring. On the ring finger, of her left hand. Didn't you see it?" Eric stated, matter-of-factly, as he realised Blair hadn't noticed, and most likely his mother as well. Maybe they're too absorbed in their own happiness they won't notice. But I'm not sure if it's a blessing.

"Dan proposed to Serena in Europe? That would make a lot more sense. Oh no, then how is Serena going to take this? We really have to be here for her." Blair cursed herself for not noticing that her best friend was engaged, for not being able to console her best friend.

I just wanna be alone tonight
I just wanna take a little breather
Cause lately all we do is fight
And every time it cuts me deeper

Serena kept a watchful eye over Dan, perhaps he would wake up any moment and tell her all was fine. A week. How fast was a week? They had spent a week together, and it had breezed by, it was a wonderful week. This week, was different. Completely. "Dan, I don't know why this had to happen. I can't imagine a world without you anymore, Dan. Don't leave me here alone in this world, don't go. Why. Why only do this to me when I've realised you're the only one I want to be with in this life. Could you be strong, for me, fight it out, come back to me. If you leave, I don't see any meaning in this life anymore."

She gripped his hand, it felt warm, it felt alive. He was still alive, but he couldn't respond. Serena sobbed, as the machines attached to Dan ticked, each of them making a different sound, reminding that he was very much alive, just unable to speak to her, just unconscious. What if Dan never woke up? I don't know what to do, I don't have an aim in my life, Dan. My only wish, as of when we came back from Europe, was to spend time with you, in our blissful married life. What if there came a time when the doctor told her to decide whether or not to end Dan's suffering? I don't want to be the one told that I could pull the plug anytime, I'm wearing your ring, but we'll never have a wedding? I don't even want to think about life without you, don't do this to me.

Cause something's changed
You've been acting so strange
And its taking its toll on me
Its safe to say that I'm ready to let you leave

She took the ring in her hand, kissing it and putting it between her hand and Dan's. "This ring, Dan. This is the reason why you have to wake up, you promised me. You promised me we'll never be apart. You promised me that you'll never leave me behind, no matter what. I'm supposed to be your Mrs Humphrey. Wake up soon, Dan. I'd gladly be in your position if it means that you'll be alive." She put the ring back on her finger, it was the best memory she could have of Dan, should he, one day, really have to go. They might never have the chance to walk down the aisle together, to the cheers and applause of everyone they knew and loved. She might never have the chance to be addressed as, Mrs Humphrey. Dan could be gone any second without saying goodbye. His last words, would be for her, but she didn't want those words to be the last. They couldn't be.

I can see the light, it's shining so brightly in front of me. Where am I? He could see his reflection in the mirrors along the tunnel. He was in those clothes he had worn out, to have pancakes. I remember Serena and I were walking out of the pancakes place. She was on the road… What happened? Why am I here?

Without you, I live it up a little more everyday
Without you, I'm seein myself so differently
I didn't wanna believe it then
But it all worked out in the end
When I watched you walk away
Well I never thought id say
I'm fine
Without you

Serena drew the curtains closed, and gave Dan a lingering kiss on his lips, as she got up. "I love you, Dan. Please don't leave me. I'll be here, waiting for you."

"I love you." The words reverberated around the tunnel. Serena? It was her voice, it was vibrating around him. Silence echoed her voice. Where are you, Serena! He shouted, but no words came out of his mouth. Trapped in silence, he couldn't speak. He could hear her voice, it was so clear, but unable to respond. "Please don't leave me." He heard her voice again, and he ran up and down the tunnel in anger. Where was she? Why couldn't he see her, but only hear her voice? What was this damned place that he was in? "I'll be here, waiting for you." Her voice seemed to be teasing him now. Tears burst out of him in frustration, he couldn't understand what was happening to him. Could it be, that is was where people went, when they died? Had he died? No, this couldn't be happening to him. He was supposed to be marrying Serena, soon. Not stuck in this forsaken place which was full of cold, evil. I want to get out of this place, he shouted. And this time, he heard himself.

Called you up cause' it's been long enough
And you said that you were so much better
We have done a lot of growing up
We were never meant to be together

Serena left the room to go the washroom, this feeling was overwhelming her, she couldn't take this sorrow anymore. Stressed out, she ran into a cubicle and sat on the seat, crying her heart out. Her eyes were swollen and her make-up was all smudged, but it didn't matter. "I'm the only one who's going to see that hair." It was like Dan's voice was clouding her memory, compounding the hurt she was going through.

"When the time comes to let go, I won't."

I shot for the sky,
I'm stuck on the ground,
So why did I try,
I know I'm gonna fall down.

Cause something changed, you were acting so strange
And it's taken its toll on me
It's safe to say that I'm ready to let you leave

(A/N: I decided to end the chapter here! I wasn't sure how was the best way to continue it, so I guess this is the end of chapter 7, hope you guys enjoyed it. The song's beautiful, isn't it. I wish Gossip Girl had featured it too, it's so wonderful. I know, this part about Dan dying, I'm actually considering that possibility, it would give a really huge twist to the entire story, so we'll see how everything goes. What did you guys think of this chapter? Hated it? Review and comment please, I really appreciate everything that you guys say. The last bit after this, is just a short thing I wanted to write, give me some comments perhaps. xoxo)

I'm thinking back to the first time that we met,
When I didn't know you existed yet.
I thought you were some guy I knew,
Never did I know guys like you were few.
You showed me what was love about,
I didn't know what I had been living without.

Don't leave me now,
Don't leave me like this.
I'm loving you forever,
Be my hero,
My knight in shining armour.