Salvation

AN: In this chapter, you are going to see that time is slowly passing for Leah and Elliot. She is describing how difficult and rewarding her relationship with him is. There are times that patients with cancer get moody and angry, this is a normal part of their coping mechanism. Anyways, Leah deserves someone that will fight for her and Elliot is the person that is willing to get better just to be near her and make her happy. I like the way this story is going. I want to thank ari11990 for her suggestions. I appreciate all the suggestions that can make the story even more interesting. Well, from here on it's going to turn extremely hot- well, not sexually hot, but interesting. Benedict's return is inevitable. Next chapter will have Benedict and from here on, things will get complicated for him. He's going to slowly become Leah's salvation and you'll see why. By the way, my beta sucks, so I have to change to a new one, but for now it's just going to be me. I apologize for the mistake that you will find. I betaed it myself and when it comes to my own work... let's just say that I suck too!

Mercury

Fight for Us

Leah's POV

It had been more than six months, since I started my sabbatical from work. I had rented my house in La Push and moved to a two bedroom apartment with Elliot. It was near the hospital, so it was easy on him. I found a part time job in a Christian school as a science teacher, which was also close to our apartment. I would work while Elliot spent time doing his therapy.

We didn't talk about his illness or anything of that matter. We spent our days playing video games, board games, watching television or going out to the park on the days that he felt up to it. There were times that he did try to persuade me to leave him and go back to my old life, but I couldn't. I had found comfort in his arms. I would ignore his pleads and remain beside him.

"Leah," he would say in his tired tone. "You should go back to La Push and return to your old life. There is nothing here for you. I'm going to die and I can't offer you anything other tha-"

"Shut up," I said. "I'm watching TV!" And continue doing whatever I was doing.

I made a promised to him. I was going to be beside him until the end. Sometimes, I felt sad and cried in my room when I thought how close the end was for him. I didn't want to lose him. God knew that I couldn't see myself without him. I've grown to love him. He'd slowly crawled his way into my heart and nestled there, until I came to the realization that I loved him. I smiled at the thought that I could be able to love someone else that wasn't Benedict.

"You should go back to your old life, Lee," Elliot would say when we went grocery shopping or watching television.

"No," I simply say and continue caressing his hand, as we watched television.

I didn't mind being with him, in fact, I felt content. He wasn't a grumpy sick person like the patients that were also participating in the study for the new medication. Elliot was the most positive individual in the world, of course, that was the majority of the time- not always. Something changed in him over the course of a few months. He didn't break down when he kept on receiving bad news about his health. He kept a positive attitude. I wanted to be as strong as him.

I remember the afternoon when he received the news that he would be participating in a new clinical study for a more aggressive and powerful medication that was supposed to help him with his pancreatic cancer. It was a more rigorous therapy, but it was working for him. We went out to our favorite Asian restaurant and celebrated. I had a few cups of Saki and had to call a taxi to drive us back to the house, since I was too overjoyed to care.

We continued celebrating his acceptance to the program that night. I drank grape wine and he just drank orange juice, as we toasted for his recovery. We watched our favorite show "Supernatural", when he scooted closer to me and leaned his head against my shoulder. I snuggled closer to him, resting my feet on his lap, as he gently stroked my hair. This had become a tradition for us. We were always together and it was wonderful. We didn't argue or contradicted each other. It was a peaceful relationship. We never tried to push ourselves to do anything. We let everything take its natural course and I guess that's what made our relationship work.

"Lee," Elliot muttered next to my ear. I could feel his warm breath tickling my skin, as his hand made lazy circles on my thigh.

"Yes," I whispered, closing my eyes, as the intoxicating feeling of the Saki, wine and his hands overwhelmed me.

"I'm in love with you," he said, placing his hand under my chin, causing me to look him straight in the eye. "I love you,"

"I know," I said, biting my lower lip, as he moved closer to me. That night was the first night that we ever kissed since we moved together. It was a chaste kiss, but I felt the butterflies in my stomach, as his trembling hand cupped my face, deepening the kiss.

"Thank you," he whispered into the kiss. "Thank you for giving me a second chance, Leah. I know that I say that you should leave me, but if you do, I rather die, angel."

"I'm not leaving you," I promised, wounding my arms around his neck. "Don't think like that. I'm here with you. I won't leave you."

He kissed my lips one last time, before he pulled away and returned to his previous position. He left me wanting to taste his lips, but I didn't push him. I didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable around me. I enjoyed his company and I wouldn't jeopardize our friendship.

There were times that he wouldn't feel able to function properly, because of the medicine that he was taking. He was constantly feeling weak, but he continued to make me smile. Sometimes his immune system would not function correctly and he would spend weeks in the hospital. Most of the results that were obtained from his doctors weren't that positive. But Dr. Herrera, the doctor in charge of his treatment would encourage us to continue. He would persuade us to keep on moving. There was a slight chance that he would respond to the new medication over time. His chances of surviving were slowly increasing, but the risks of having relapses were also there.

One time after I came back from my new job at the University of Washington, I found him pucking blood and immediately took him to the hospital. I cried as I watched the nurse and doctors hover over him, placing needles, cables and other things just to make him live. I felt my heart tearing to pieces, because I couldn't do anything to help him. All I could do was wait and hope and pray that he would survive this relapse.

"Are there any family members of patient Hawthorn besides you?" Dr. Herrera asked me one night when he came into Elliot's room to check on him.

I shook my head and wiped the tears that were staining my face with the sleeve of my sweater and looked up at the doctor. "Well, no, sir." I said sadly. "It's only us two… I'm his, um, girlfriend," I said rapidly.

"He never mentioned you as his girlfriend, though," he said, as he continued to check Elliot's chart. "He says that you are his angel and salvation, but he never mentions you as his girlfriend."

"He doesn't like talking about his private life, doctor," I said, standing up from the chair that I was sitting on and picked it up.

"You are strong," Dr. Herrera said surprised. "Those chairs weight a ton."

"It's not that heavy," I said nonchalantly and sat beside Elliot's bed. "He's struggling to stay alive. I want him to live. I can't lose him. He'd given me so much and I want to give back all the love that he's given me."

"I know," he mumbled. "I can tell that he loves you. I'm glad that he has a person that watches over him. I've seen many patients battling their illness alone. In my personal opinion, cancer patients that have a family member or a loved one beside them respond better to the treatment and recuperate faster. I would suggest that you continue giving him support and your love. That's the only thing that will help him survive, that and the treatment that he's receiving."

"You really think so?" I asked optimistic, reaching for Hawthorn's hand. It was limp, as I held it tightly next to my face. "You think so, doctor?"

"Yes," he nodded. "Mr. Hawthorn is lucky to have you. I really try to stay away from my patient's personal businesses, but I can see that you are lucky to have him in your life too. I have seen you here all the time and I've never seen a more dedicated person than you. You watch over him day and night, never leaving his side. That's love, my dear. He responds better to his treatment when you are near him. You must truly love him,"

I didn't answer, but continued to hold Elliot's hand as he slept. Maybe I did love him. Did I really love him? I felt sad if he was sad. I didn't like being away from him. He occupied my thoughts. I guess that you could say that I cared for him, but was it really love? Or could it be the beginning stages of love?

"Well," Dr. Herrera said, as he smiled. "I have to do my rounds now. If you need anything have the nurse page me."

"Thank you, doctor," I said politely.

"Just be strong for his sake," he advised, before he left the room.

Three weeks later, Elliot got better and was sent home. His health was still critical, but it was slowly improving. He stopped telling me that he loved me and he started pushing me away. I felt destroyed, but I tried to be there for him. We reverted back to being friends. We didn't spend time at night cuddling and laughing. He was serious and barely spoke to me. There was something bothering him, and every time that I tried to talk to him, he would snap and get angry. I did everything that I could to make him open up to me. I'd pushed him hard.

"It's nothing," he would mumbled and return to watching television.

I tried being his friend. I even bought him a few video game consoles to entertain him during the days that he was cooped in the apartment. I had returned from work one day and things seemed to have gotten better. I challenged him to play his favorite video game. He'd said that he was tired, but I challenged him again, and he caved in. I remember being surrounded by my pack brothers and all they did was play. I picked up a few pointers from Embry, Brady and Quil over those years.

"How come you always win?" he said softly, shaking his head.

"I don't know," I shrugged, getting up to turn off the console and the television. "Do you want something to drink?"

"No," he answered.

"Eat?" I asked.

"Not hungry," he barked furiously.

"You barely eaten today, H," I said worriedly, touching his knee. "You have to eat."

"I'm not hungry, Leah," he yelled, pushing my hand away.

"But the doctor said that you ha-"

"Leah," he interjected, as he ran his hand through his face. "I'm not a child." He said, inhaling deeply. "I don't need you to assist me all the time, Lee. If I agreed for us to live together, was because I enjoy your company. But, I'm tying you down. I don't want to hold you back. Listen, go back home. Leave me to die alone! You don't have to be with me. You are free!"

"Just stop it right there," I whispered, cupping his face in my hand. "What are you trying to tell me? Why are you pushing me away from you?"

"I don't want you to stay here with me anymore. I'm grateful for your kindness, but I can't take advantage of you anymore. I can take care of myself,"

"I know that you can," I whimpered, kissing his cheek.

"Leah, you don't understand," he said, pushing me away from him. He looked away from me, but I could see the despair in his eyes.

"What is it that I don't understand? I understand that you are scared and embarrassed of the fact that you're certainly depending on me for many things. I like the fact that I can help you. I don't care if you are sick. I want to be here for you. I want to watch you get better. I know that you will…"

"Don't lie to yourself," he said bitterly. I moved away from him and reached for the game controller. I needed something to hold on to. "I will never get better. I'm not getting better. I'm worse than when I started!"

"Shut up," I said, slamming my game controller against the wall. "I know that you will be fine. You are getting better. This is just a minor setback. You are going to be better. I promise, H. Have faith, please. Don't give up, please. Damn it, don't do this to me!"

"I'm going to bed." He said, getting up.

"Elliot," I yelled after him, but he didn't turn around. I heard him slam the door of his room. I rushed after him and knocked loudly on the door. "Open the damn door!"

"No," he said sternly.

"Open it!" I warned. "You can't just walk out on me. Open the damn door, now!"

"I don't want to talk to you right now," he said angrily.

"Just open it, H. I don't want to break it down!"

"No,"

"Open the door, Elliot." I said angrily. I slammed my shoulder against the door and forced it opened.

"What are you gonna do? Break i-"

"Yes," I said cockily, as I crossed my arms over my chest. "I don't mind using my strength every now and then."

"Damn it," he shouted. "You can't just use your enhanced strength to destroy this apartment, Leah!"

"I can, if you aren't going to talk to me."

"I needed a break to cool off," he said, his voice was strained.

"No, you don't," I said, getting closer to him. "You are worrying me! Talk to me,"

"I didn't mean to, I swear. I'm just tired of being so useless. No wonder you never fell in love with me in the first place. I tried so hard, but you never noticed me! I'm worthless! I think that you should go. Leave, Leah."

"Elliot," I said, taking a step closer to him. I reached for his face, but he pushed me away. "Don't say that! You aren't worthless. I don't think that you are worthless. I did noticed you… I just couldn't love you then."

"Why?" he asked angrily.

"I have my reasons,"

"Oh," he laughed sarcastically. "I know that you will never notice me now. Look at me. I did lose my hair this time. I lost weight and now I don't have any muscles left in me. I look so sick… people on the street pity me. I rather die than have you pretend that you like me!"

"Look at it this way, you lost your hair not because you went bald." I joked, placing my hand on his forearm.

"It's not funny," he snapped, when I pressed myself against him. He didn't push me away, but looked down at me with those expressive green eyes.

"You are still cute," I said, kissing his chin. "You are cute when you get angry." I said, wounding my arms around his waist.

"What is cute about me, Leah?" he whined. "I lost all my muscles."

"You are still leaned and handsome." I added.

"I am tired all the time,"

"It's normal," I said, taking his hand in mine. I steered him to his bed and we sat on the mattress. "Your body is going through such drastic changes. What you are experiencing is normal."

"Why are you being so nice to me, Leah?" he sighed, falling back on his bed. "Is it because I didn't tell anyone that you are a wolf? Is that why you are here. I told you that I wasn't going to tell anyone. I keep my promises." He said, as he stared at the ceiling.

"No," I said angrily. "That's not the reason, H."

"Then? Why are you being so kind to me? You've always seemed to hate me and four years ago you became so, so,"

"I don't hate you," I said, my voice sounding calmed. "You were annoying at times, but I've gotten to know the real you."

"I know," he chuckled.

"And pushy. Sometimes needy," I chuckled, scooting closer to his bed. I fell back against the mattress, causing it to shift under my weight. "But, I'm glad that I got to know you. You took the fact of me being a wolf, lightly. I thought that you would shoot me and kill me."

"I would never kill you," he said, rolling his eyes in annoyance.

"I know," I said, turning on my side, to rest my head on his chest.

"Leah," he said, as he looked down at me and placed a hand on my flat stomach. "Do you feel something for me?"

"Yep," I nodded. "I think that you have the heart of a fighter."

"Um, thanks,"

"You are welcome," I said, lifting my head to look at him."I'm going to go make us some lunch. I'm thinking of making minestrone soup. Will you like some?"

"Sure," he nodded. I tried to get up from the bed, but he stopped me. His lips fell on mine and I couldn't help respond. It wasn't a chaste and innocent kiss. I could feel the urgency in his touch, as his hands roamed on my backside. I pressed closer to his chest, my own hands deliberately touched him. I don't know what came over me. I let my body feel for the first time in a long time. I've known his body many times in the past, but nothing had prepared me to the tenderness that filled my heart as he kissed me.

"Leah," he panted, as he turned us over, and hovered over me. "I love you. I fell in love with you again."

"I know," I mustered to say, before my lips met his and I gave myself completely to this man.

Spring came and the flowers were blooming all around us. The rain never faltered. I was starting to miss home. I know that everyone was worried about my sudden decision to move out of La Push and of my lack of visiting over the past few years. In a way, I felt liberated from that place. I didn't have to think of Benedict all the time. I thought about him. I wondered how he was. It was normal. He was my imprint after all, right? There were times that I would run through the woods and phase. I didn't hear anyone's thought. I tried not to think of my life whenever I was in my wolf form. I didn't want anyone to know anything about me. I did this many time. I felt like I was betraying Benedict, because I was slowly falling in love with Elliot. I stopped phasing after a while, not because I wanted to, but I just couldn't do it anymore.

One afternoon, I went to the pharmacy to get Elliot's medicine and other things that I needed, when I returned to the apartment, I found Elliot on the floor. He'd fallen unconscious. There was blood around him. I called 911, and he was immediately taken to the hospital. It took him two days to be alert and conscious. I was so worried for him. I blamed myself for not thinking of him. I had been hoping to hear Benedict's thought. I had been thinking of the person that placed me in this situation, instead of the person that I've promised to care for. I constantly blamed myself. I should've stayed with him, but I needed time to think and arrange my thoughts. I had been so selfish that I had neglected him. When he opened his eyes, the first thing that he did was smile at me.

"Lee," he whispered. "My love,"

"Hi," I cried, kissing his lips with such fervor and passion. I was drowning in a river of uncertainty. I didn't know how I would live without him. I had to place him above everything in my life. I didn't want to let go of him. "I'm sorry for leaving you. I'll never let you go again. I swear." I said, hiding my face in the crook of his neck. I felt his weak hand caress my back and he chuckled.

"Don't be stupid," he said, forcing his voice. "You didn't do anything wrong, Lee. How long have I been here?"

"A few days," I said, scooting my seat closer to his bed. "Dr. Herrera was here a few minutes ago."

"What happened?"

"You fell and hit your head against the floor. The doctor doesn't know why you fainted. I'm just glad that you are alright."

"No wonder my head hurts," he mumbled. He touched his head and winced in pain. I pulled back, hiding my face in my hand and wept. "Leah, why are you crying?"

"I don't want anything bad to happen to you. You can't die," I said to him.

"I know,"

"Elliot," I sobbed. "Don't leave me, please."

"Leah," he said surprised. "What are you saying? What's wrong? Don't feel guilty, angel. You aren't at fault for anything that happens to me."

"Don't leave me again," I begged. "You can't leave me, alright? You can't give up, please!"

"I won't," he smiled, reaching for my hand. I took his and rested my head on his chest and wept harder. "Lee, don't cry, please."

"I can't bear to lose anyone. I have lost so much in my life time. I can't bear to think how my life is going to be without you if you leave me," I said, biting my lower lip.

"Leah, sweetie," he paused, kissing the back of my hand. "Don't be sad. I won't leave you. I'm alive. I'm here. It's all thanks to you. I promise that I won't be so reckless next time."

"Get better," I sobbed louder. "You have to live for us! You can't leave us alone."

"What are you talking about?" he asked inquisitively. "Why do you keep referring to us?" he said, raising a perfect eyebrow.

"You have to leave a legacy of love," I said, caressing his cheek. "I can say for sure that I love you, H. I am honest when I tell you that I care for you and I would suffer greatly if you leave me. Do it for me and for the baby that we are going to have."

"Excuse me," he said, a smile spread on his lips. "A child? We are having a child?" he asked happily. "You are having my child?"

"I know," I said, smiling through my tears. "I didn't think that it could happen to me," I sniffled. "I didn't think that it was possible. But now it is," I smiled, bending my head to kiss his lips.

"Lee," he said softly. "I have to get better. I don't ever want to leave you. Damn it, I'll fight for you and for our child." He said contently.

"Then do it," I giggled happily. "Fight for us."

"I will," he said, squeezing my hand. "I'll fight for you and our child. You make life worth living, Leah. Thank you."

"Thank you," I said, behind the clear curtain of tears that hid my bittersweet happiness. "Thank you,"

We talked about different names that our child was going to have. He eventually fell asleep holding my hand. I gently got up from the bed and sat on the chair that I'd placed beside his hospital bed. I rested my head on the mattress and cried for the miracle that was growing within me. I lost track of time and drifted off to a peaceful slumber. I woke up to the urgent beeping of the monitors that Elliot was attached to. I looked around and found the room getting flooded with nurses.

"Ma'am," a nurse said, as she pulled me away from Elliot's hand. "You are going to have to leave the room." She said sternly.

"What's going on?" I asked alarmed.

I turned to the side and saw Dr. Herrera doing an endotracheal intubation on Elliot, as they tried to pump air into his lungs. I saw the heart monitor and there were no heartbeats. Everything happened in slow motion, I fought to stay beside him, but they didn't let me. I fell to my knees as I watched the man that gave me a second chance to live, die. His eyes never opened again. I was alone in this cold world, without anything to live for. I felt his loss and it hurt more than the time that Sam left me for Emily or when my father died. It burned deep in my heart, because I was completely alone. The only thing that I had left of him was the legacy that he left behind: our unborn child.