Erik had successfully avoided them that day and the days that followed. A couple weeks had passed since that night, but it wasn't as impressive as it seemed. In fact, it was rather easy seeing as they were easily distracted. Something that used to be endearing until they lost interest in him. He had to wonder if they'd found someone else that they'd rather have instead.
Perhaps someone easier on the eyes and with baggage? He couldn't say he'd blame them but he was hardly ready for the inevitable. He wasn't sure he could handle another heartbreak. Not after foolishly letting himself be happy with them for so many years.
He was sick of feeling miserable now that he'd been brought back to reality. He couldn't wait to get back to the guest room and his stash. He felt the need to be numb more intensely than ever. Not only that, but it was getting difficult to hide the way he shook and trembled while sober. It was amazing that his boss hadn't noticed, but he wasn't going to question such good luck.
When he finally arrived back home, he noticed that it was oddly quiet. He spotted the note and skimmed it briefly before crumpling it up and tossing it in the trash. He wasn't sure where they'd gone together and he truly didn't care. He didn't want to have yet another date rubbed in his face. It was downright cruel at this point but it wasn't something he was going to bring up. He didn't want to come off as overly sensitive.
He headed to the guest room and locked the door behind him once he entered. He sighed heavily and tossed himself back on the bed. he laid there for a few minutes before standing. He reached under the mattress and pulled out the syringes and his tourniquet. Now he could truly get settled.
He lost track of how many syringes he'd ended up using, but he kept grabbing new ones. He couldn't get as numb as he would like and sometimes it simply didn't feel like he'd had enough. He didn't realize just how big of a mistake he'd made until breathing suddenly felt like a chore.
His phone laid on the beside dresser but he didn't have the will or the strength to reach it. He closed his eyes, resigning himself to his apparent fate. It wasn't like there was a reason for him to fight. Even if he had one, it would be pointless as his vision had begun to fade. It was ironic. After believing that he was loved for once in his life during the last four years, he was going out the way he would've before he met the couple. Cold and alone.
Raoul opened the car door for Christine, a concerned frown on his lips. The woman climbed out of the car, hand resting against her still flat stomach. Well, still flat for now. This pregnancy should be a happy occasion, but it wasn't thus far.
The only reason they'd made reservations that night was because they'd been eager to celebrate the news together. The news that they'd made it out of the danger zone without losing the baby. They hadn't told Erik as soon as they'd found out as they didn't want to get his hopes up.
They'd planned on talking to him about it when they'd arrived back home, but he'd been asleep. Any attempt after this was rather hard as he seemed to be going out of his way to avoid them and they hadn't wanted to force their presence and make him uncomfortable.
They had no idea who had impregnated her, but he really didn't care either way. In his opinion, the baby would be accepted all around. Erik might have some reservations when it came to his face and potentially passing it down, but he liked to think they could soothe those concerns.
"Perhaps we should confront him? This is getting ridiculous... and I really want to clear the air and finally share the news." Christine grumbled softly. This was nothing but more proof that this had been going on for far too long as Christine was usually the one rallying for them to be patient with the older man.
"I've been ready to do so for awhile now. As long as you're sure, lets get to it." Raoul expressed his agreement without hesitation. She nodded and he offered her his arm, smiling faintly when she took it. He lead her inside and down the hall. The open door of the master bedroom told them that he'd holed up in the guest room again.
Raoul came to a stop and tried the door knob, cursing under his breath when he realized it was locked. He carefully moved Christine out of the way. Something deep within his gut told him he was going to have to force the door open and he trusted his gut. He backed up and braced himself before ramming his shoulder into the door.
It would seem that his past in the navy was actually more of a help than he ever realized, seeing as the door opened on his first attempt. He quickly regained his footing and rubbed his shoulder. He'd definitely be feeling that tomorrow.
When he caught sight of Erik, his heart stopped for a brief moment before racing. Seeing him laying there, breathing shallowly with a syringe stuck in his arm was something that he'd never wanted to see and something he couldn't risk their pregnant girlfriend seeing. He rushed towards the door and stopped Christine from entering. She looked vaguely annoyed before she really took in the way her boyfriend looked.
"Raoul...?" She questioned nervously. He grasped her shoulders and pulled her towards him, pressing a kiss to her forehead. He wanted to calm her despite his distress.
"Go call and ambulance. Then go to Meg's house. You.. need a distraction." He informed softly. Christine hesitated, clearly confused. However she nods and rushes off to do as she was told. He listened to her rushed conversation on the phone and the front door slamming shut after she hung up.
Raoul wandered over to the bed and fell to his knees, grasping his hand tightly. He pressed a kiss to the clammy knuckles and sighed heavily.
"Goddamn it, Erik." He groaned, tone more than a little strained. He truly had no idea how they were going to deal if Erik didn't pull through this time.