Heroin and Vodka

Author's note: Hey guys. Sorry for the month-long delay. I know I promised a chapter early September, but this past month has been really hectic for me. I just couldn't find those few hours to sit down at peace and type on my computer. My exams are drawing closer by the day and chapters will become scarce till my exams a re finally over in November. Then, I'll be back on track updating the story every fortnight. But fir now, you'll have to bear with the slow pace.

Disclaimer: I do not own How To Get Away With Murder. Its plot and characters are the sole property of Pete Nowalk and Shonda Rhimes.

Chapter 37

"Patient's lost about two liters of blood." one of the paramedics declared, to the other, who nodded.

"BP's 60 over 30. Probable placenta abruption." she continued.

Annalise continued hurriedly behind her, running to keep up with the gurney which was currently occupied by Laurel. She was unconscious and the white sheet underneath her was dripping with blood.

"Tachy to the 130s. Baby's cyanotic on deliver. D-stick performed in the field. Blood glucose, 32."

"Ok." the doctor declared. "Take her to L&D and the baby to the NICU. Go."

Annalise watched as the smaller gurney carrying the premature baby was carried off down the hallway while the one carrying Laurel was pushed through an elevator.

"What can I do?" Annalise asked the doctor as he hurriedly entered the elevator.

"Stay here." he replied. "The nurse will keep you updated."

The elevator slid shut with a ding.

Annalise gazed down at the floor, her heart pounding in her chest. It almost felt as though it would burst out any moment. The hallway began to spin around her, as she shook her head attempting to regain balance.

A firm, yet gentle hand was placed on her shoulder. Annalise turned around hesitantly, tears in her eyes. She immediately buried her head into the man's chest as she sobbed silently.

Isaac gently stroked her head in a calming and soothing manner.

So much had changed that night. Not just between them, but regarding everything.

Isaac felt the tremors of her silent sobs and his mind immediately recalled the moment his ex-wife, Jacqueline, had found out about the death of their daughter, Stella. Isaac had failed to maintain his composure back then, and that had ended up costing his marriage.

He was determined not to repeat the same mistake.

"Hey. Look at me." he replied softly. Annalise gazed up at him. Tears, mixed with sweat, was running down her cheeks. Isaac raised his hand and gently brushed her tears away.

"You saved her, Annalise." Isaac continued softly. "Not just Laurel. But the baby too. You should be proud of yourself. At least, I'm proud of you, to say the least."

Annalise couldn't help but give a small smile. Isaac watched her face brighten up and he smiled in response too.

"There she is." he chuckled in amusement.

Annalise gave a small laugh. She steadied herself.

Isaac gazed down at his watch. It was nearly 10. He looked up at her.

"We should get you some coffee. And probably something to eat as well. You look like hell." Isaac replied.

Annalise nodded mutely, but then looked up with an apologetic expression.

"I…left my bag at the apartment." she replied quietly.

Isaac waved off the apology.

"My treat." he replied warmly, as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and held her firmly. He pressed the button and the elevator slid open as they both walked in.

"Here." Isaac replied, handing Annalise a cup. "It's hot-chocolate."

Annalise raised her brows.

Isaac shrugged.

"They were out of coffee. I made a judgement call." Isaac replied, as he took the seat opposite to her.

Annalise took a slow sip of the liquid. She tasted the sweet, yet slightly bitter liquid slide down her throat, warming her insides. Isaac observed her steadily.

"Feel better?" he asked in a soft voice.

Annalise nodded, as he set the cup down on the table.

Isaac nodded accordingly as he took a sip of his own cup.

Both remained silent for a few minutes. Yet, neither felt discomfort in said silence. It could have even been construed as a peaceful moment, has all the events which had transpired merely an hour ago not occurred.

Annalise took another slow sip, relishing the taste this time. She looked up at Isaac, who was idly gazing around at the various occupants of the cafeteria.

"Isaac?" Annalise asked.

Hearing his name, Isaac turned to face her.

"Yes?" he asked.

Annalise looked down as various thoughts flashed through her mind. Laurel's pained cries in the elevator…the blood on the floor…the crowning head of the premature baby…

Yet, she recalled feeling the man's calming presence as he had guided her through the entire procedure.

Isaac eyes her, puzzled.

"Annalise? What is it?" he asked.

"Thank you." she replied softly.

Her reply puzzled the man even more.

"For what?" Isaac asked.

"Just…for everything. For being my therapist. For being there with me all these months—through Sam, Wes and now Laurel. I couldn't—"

But Isaac cut him off.

"Stop." Isaac replied. He paused. Reaching out, he gently took her hand in his. Both of their hands were warm owing to the hot beverages they had been consuming.

"I'm…your friend, Annalise. And there are no thanks between friends." he replied, softly, before continuing. "And as for Laurel, you were the one who administered the CPR. I was merely guiding you through it. You could have done it without me as well."

Annalise shook her head.

"I wouldn't have known where to begin." she replied quietly.

Isaac chuckled.

"You're a smart woman. I daresay you would have figured it out eventually."

Annalise smiled softly.

She raised her cup for the final sip, when her phone began to buzz. Sighing in annoyance, she set the cup down and reached into her pocket and pulled it out. Noticing the name, she immediately answered the call.

"What the hell happened to Laurel, Connor?" Annalise asked sharply. Isaac watched as her eyebrows knitted together in worry, awaiting his response.

"I know. I'm at the hospital with her." she continued. "She had the baby, Connor. Yes, she almost bled to death in my elevator…When what went down?"

A sense of foreboding filled Isaac. He had a hunch this night was far from over.

"Connor?" Annalise asked irritably, as she awaited his reply.

Her eyes widened.

"What?" she replied sharply, "Who? Connor, who got shot?"

Author's note: Sorry, I had to end this chapter shortly. Its barely 1200 words. Anyways, 4x09 is a very long episode and a lot of things happen in that episode, which I don't believe would blow over well if I put it all into one single chapter. So, the rest of it will go down next chapter. I couldn't help but put in this small interlude between Annalise and Isaac. It just felt right. The calm before the rest of the storm. Lol.

Anyways, have you guys watched 6x01 yet? Viola deserves an Emmy for her acting. It was brilliant. Especially the last few minutes. I'll just say, that flashforward has me hooked. There is no freaking way they are actually going through with that, right? Let me know your opinions in the reviews. I'll try and have the next chapter out by mid-October. Until next time.