Layton's p.o.v

Life has been relatively challenging ever since I found out about Rick's diagnosis. The late nights by his side, watching him try to stay strong for my sake but breakdown every once in a while shattered my heart.

I can't begin to fathom the true extent of what he is going through, I just hope me supporting him adds some relief from the chaos of his life.

Our future has a big question mark next to it right now. Everything has been put on the 'back burner' while we focus on his recuperation.

Just because we haven't exchanged the vows 'in sickness and in health, for better or for worse' doesn't mean I won't honor them.

I haven't spoken to Kiandre since the night of the gala- we would always have unfinished business between us and honestly I don't know if that scares or excites me.

End of p.o.v

Layton's eyes flutter open from an afternoon nap only to be pleasantly surprised. There stood Rick on the side of their bed with a giant bouquet of red roses.

"For you amor." He hands them to her

"They're beautiful." She takes a deep breath in, allowing the fresh scent of the blooming flowers to engulf her.

"I have a special night planned for us, get dressed and meet me poolside at Piu Grande in an hour."

Rick kisses Layton with such vigor and passion, wrapping his one hand around her waist, pulling her tort against his body while the other tangled itself in her hair. He possessed her lips like his life depended on it, like he needed to remember what she tasted like- this kiss felt like goodbye.

"I love you." Rick breaks away from the moment and says before walking out of the bedroom.

Poolside at Piu Grande Hotel

Layton sat patiently and waited for Rick to show up- a million thoughts ran through her head as time passed by but as soon as she saw who had walked up to her, her mind went blank.

Kiandre's p.o.v

Rick had sent me a very cryptic message with just a location and time, I somehow felt I was in an international spy movie.

When I arrived and saw Layton looking ever so beautiful it all began to add up, I guess we were ambushing her to spend time with me.

She looked at me with such soft eyes, her curly hair flowed down her back and her lips oh god don't start me on her lips- they were so plump and pink, all I could think about was how they felt against mine or how they would wrap around my....

End of p.o.v

"Kiandre, what are you doing here?"

"I was just on my way to have supper with some of my friends, the hotel restaurant actually makes the best lasagna. Then I saw you and had to come say hi."

"Let me not keep you then, enjoy." Layton sounded deflated

"Talk to me, what's going on in that head of yours?" he sat down next to her

"I think I've been stood by, it's been half an hour and Rick isn't even answering my calls or texts."

'Okay play this cool, I have to be charming but not too charming. Remember what Rick said, god no pressure right?' Kiandre thought to himself.

"I'm sure he had a good reason, from what I could see the man is deeply in love with you."

"Love doesn't stand a chance against life, us been case and point."

"Hey, I'd say we've done pretty well for ourselves, we are here in this moment and who would've thought that."

She smiles weakly at him, the twinkle in her eyes was replaced by a gloss from the built up tears that she tried to blink away.

"You two are so alike, pushing me away to deal with life's problems on your'lls own." Layton got up and exhaled loudly indicating frustration

Kiandre got up and grabbed Layton by each side of her shoulder, leaning his head downward so that their eyes could meet.

"Look at the time I thought it was a good idea, I see now that it clearly wasn't but you live and learn. Rick must want what's best for you as I did- as I do. Go home to him and talk things through, communication and comprehension go hand in hand when it comes to a healthy relationship."

"Thank you for been so understanding about all this, I'm sure it's the last thing you actually want to hear."

"You do anything for love." He whispers underneath his breath.

The two hug and sparks fly, the familiar warmth and smell of Kiandre made Layton feel at ease, a million memories shared together played in their minds.

Kiandre felt peace he hadn't in a long time, having his world between his arms once more just made sense, maybe Rick was onto something.

Back at the apartment

Layton walks through the door and her heart drops to the floor. Rick was leaning against the kitchen counter with a suitcase by his side.

"What's with the suitcase?"

"Is that what you were busy doing while standing me up?"

Layton bombards him with questions

"You're back early" Rick runs his hands through his hair.

"Rick?"

He walks up to Layton and takes her hands in his.

"Amor, I was going to write you a letter because saying goodbye face to face is so hard to do. There's experimental cancer treatment been conducted in Russia, I signed up to be a part of the trials."

"Great then I'm going with you."

"No you're not, this is your home. Our friends, family and your career is here, I can't ask you to walk away from all of that.

"You're not asking, I'm willing to go. You're my home Rick." She begins to cry

"Amor, I need you to live life for me. Wherever I might be I'll always be in your heart remember that, I'll love you no matter what."

He removes Layton's engagement ring and places it in the palm of her hand.

"If you get another chance at love you take it, don't become bitter and angry at the world. My dying wish is for you to be happy and I know you will achieve this."

Rick plants a kiss on Layton's forehead, picks up his suitcase and leaves.

Layton's p.o.v

If you're wondering why I didn't put up more of a fight for my relationship with Rick well the answer is simple- I saw the pain in his eyes and didn't want to make things harder for him.

Of course this hurts like hell but I have to be strong and do better for him, I have to honor his wish even if right now that seems impossible.

Rick had touched my life so profoundly and it was almost instinctive the way we fell in love. Why does love have to hurt so much? Why can't it be the one saving grace we need in this ever so corrupt world?

Hell more wars were started because of love than hate.

How is it that time is all we have and don't? The whole concept of this is just so messed up.

Humans are so drenched in regrets that we can't live in the moment anymore- we are always thinking 'what's going to happen next' I guess that's why hope was invented. Are we all just hoping for something better?

End of p.o.v