Fireproof (Louis Tomlinson AU)

Prologue

"Daddy's home!" I heard Haley exclaim as I shut the front door. The sound of footsteps approaching was heard and both my blonde daughter and brunette son rounded the corner. I put on a fake smile and set down my keys before bending down to their height.

Both kids came running at me, and I opened up arms, waiting for their little bodies to meet mine. I felt the impact within a matter of seconds and embraced them tightly.

"Hi, Daddy," Haley giggled.

"Hello, Love," I replied and then kissed her forehead. I then turned to my son, Landon, and ruffled his hair as giggles erupted from his mouth. "What's up, Little L?"

"I was just playing cars with Haley," Landon stated as if it were no big deal.

I, on the other hand, was shocked.

These two rarely got along. Ever. I never would have imagined that Haley would give up playing Barbies to play cars with her little brother.

"Were you having fun?" I asked, trying to hide my shock and happiness all at once. Landon grinned widely and nodded his head yes.

"It was so much fun, Dad!" He exclaimed, nearly jumping up and down with excitement.

"Well then why don't you and Haley go play cars in the play room some more? I have to talk with Mommy, okay?" I instructed him. He nodded his head in understanding and then ran off to go find his sister.

I got up from my crouching position and picked up my keys. I headed into the kitchen, knowing my wife, Nicole, would be there waiting for me.

And there she was. Sitting at the kitchen table. An anxious look was painted on her face, and I could tell she was nervous.

"Hello, Love," I broke the silence. Her head snapped towards me and she immediately jumped up from her seat. She rushed over to me and embraced me tightly.

"What happened? Do you know what's wrong?" She questioned, her voice muffled as she buried her head in my shoulder.

I stayed silent, not knowing how to answer. I didn't want to say anything. I wanted to just stay in this moment, when everything was good and peaceful.

"Louis?" Nicole asked. I snapped out of my thoughts and looked at her to see her gazing at me. "What's wrong?"

Her ocean blue eyes met mine, and in that moment, I didn't know if I could do it. I didn't know if I could tell her. But I knew I had to.

"I-I have cancer."