Title: Downfall
Type: 7th Heaven Fan Fiction
Rating: PG-13 (Sex, Alcohol, possible drug content)
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of 7th Heaven. I do own all my original characters and this story, though. Don't take.
Summary: Tragedy strikes Lucy and Kevin, who then must decide what to do with their lives.

Notes: One more chapter after this. I'll add it quicker the more people that review.

Downfall

Chapter Nineteen: Strong On My Own

Amelia was the first to leave. No matter how much she tried, Amelia couldn't pull herself together. Since she had no vehicle, so she'd called a cab. With only her purse and a trash bag of belongings, Amelia left in a fit of tears. She'd apologized at least six more times. Of all four, Amelia was definitely in the worst condition.

Lucy, Nichol, and Kevin were almost upset to see her leave. It's as if they all wanted to get through it together, but knew they had to do it alone. They knew they'd all have to leave.

"It's my time," Kevin finally announced. His voice was not strong, but weak. Lucy and Nichol glanced up from their position on the living room floor. Both looked like the cat had brought them in. Lucy's heart jumped. A lump formed in her throat. It was the moment of her life: her husband's departure.

"What about the divorce?" Lucy asked. She wasn't sure how these things worked, but knew she'd have to be in contact with him in order for it to happen.

"I need a month or two before we do anything," Kevin explained, "I've got enough to worry about and divorces are tough. I'll call you when I'm ready. I have your parents number."

Lucy nodded, but tears welled in her eyes. While Gabriella's death remained the worst thing that ever happened to her, this pulled a close second. She stood and walked to her husband. Her legs were numb, and she felt as if she were stepping on coals, but she made it. She put her arms around him, but pulled away quickly.

"I'll be waiting for your call," She said softly, then backed away from him.

"Goodbye, Lucy," Kevin told her, then lifted his hand to her cheek. He turned away and walked out the door. He pulled out of the driveway, tears in his eyes. He refused to allow them to escape, but felt like his heart had just been broken again. No one leaves their wife like that, he thought. He thought that as he drove down the street, running far from his problems. Something he told himself he'd never do.

He didn't want to divorce her, but felt he had no choice. He had wronged her, but she'd done the same. He didn't see how anything could ever make them fall in love all over again. There was no magic potion. There was no sacrifice or way to rewind time. This was real. It wasn't like everything he'd seen happen in science fiction or fluffy, happy movies. Life could be so difficult. He wasn't sure how he'd make it, but diving in was the only possible solution.

Back in the lonely and empty apartment, Lucy and Nichol prepared their goodbyes. They sat Indian style on the floor, across from each other. Their bags surrounded them, but the furniture and the kitchen stuff was all intact.

"Have you ever abandoned a house before?" Lucy asked, then smiled. Nichol shook his head. The devious smile appeared on his face.

"Not recently," He replied.

"I haven't seen you light up in the past couple of hours. You trying to quit?" Lucy inquired, referring to his smoking. He continued to grin.

"Nah, I'm out," Nichol explained. Lucy leaned forward and kissed his lips lightly. Her hands went through his hair, which was near shoulder length. It seemed darker now, and greasy. It wasn't until now that she'd noticed the change.

"You going to keep letting your hair grow?" Lucy asked. Both were surprised how easy this conversation came. They were talking normally. The tears had long since disappeared. They still felt comfortable with each other and enjoyed each other's company.

"I don't know," Nichol replied, running his fingers through his mane, "I think I'll get it cut soon. I don't think I like this look that much. Or, maybe I'll get a mohawk." Lucy giggled.

"That'd be hot," She told him, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She kissed him again, then pressed her forehead to his.

"Don't you wish we could stay together?" Nichol asked, kissing her nose. Lucy nodded, but said nothing. "Think about it. We're obviously in love. Kevin and Amelia wouldn't bother us. We would love each other forever."

"What if something like this happened again?" Lucy asked, weary. She'd decided to swear off all relationships at that point.

"We were the victims in this, remember?" Nichol reminded her. Lucy remembered, but didn't want to admit to it. She didn't want to be the victim. Victims may be the good guys, but they're also thought of as weak.

"I know, but I can't do that," Lucy assured him. It was silent for awhile. There was nothing to say anymore. All conversation was used up. Lucy knew it was just a matter of time.

"I guess we need to be going," Nichol stated, after a few minutes. Lucy nodded. The two stood up and gathered their stuff. Lucy looked around the empty apartment, which didn't seem empty. The bed that had been made for Ruthie was still on the floor, untouched. Dirty dishes still cluttered the kitchen counter. The table and chairs remained empty and unmoved. It almost made her sad to think that she was moving back home.

Lucy took Nichol's hand, and they walked out the door together. Lucy's cab would be arriving any minute. Nichol was taking his car. He held her hand and lingered for a tiny moment.

"You know," Nichol began, "When you get home, watch out." Lucy was puzzled.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"I'm full of surprises," Nichol reminded her. Lucy smiled. The wind blew through their hair. Spring finally seemed to be on it's way.

"I'll remember that," She promised.

"Goodbye." He kissed her softly, then walked slowly to the car. He loaded his stuff, then got in. He waved once, then started the car. He drove away slowly. He lingered. He kept looking back, and Lucy kept watching. She needed him already. She missed him already, but he was barely gone.