Kiss Me Before the Sky Falls

-Chapter 30- An Ending with a Twist - Louis' P.O.V. -

My bed wasn't as comfortable as expected. Hazza had pushed me into going home to shower and sleep in my own bed, smelling something other than sterile metal.

I, swear to God, missed the sound of the monitor. I was so used to curling up to Bel, feeling the warmth from her skin, her cool breath on my collarbone. A pillow wouldn't hold me back or huff in their sleep. They couldn't cuddle up to me in fear of a nightmare or blush at a dream. Stupid pillow.

I laid Jamie down, and the bastard, for once, was sleeping soundly. I had no reason to be awake at three in the morning. There is never a true excuse, it's fucking three in the morning. It's dark. Man stay in cave.

But I was, wide awake, and no matter which way I lay or rolled or curled up to the air or any animate object, I still couldn't sleep. I tried sleeping in commando or just plain sweats and a hoodie, but nothing was working. My mattress wasn't lumpy and old like Bel's and I was so used to it that way that being so cushioned and pampered seemed...selfish. I'd take her home if they'd let me...

I finally gave up and sat up, rubbing my eyes. I ran a hand through my hair, feeling exhausted but also restless. I got out of bed, wandering about the house in my trousers for a bit, but couldn't find anything to ease my mind. I checked in on Jamie and watched him sleep for a good portion of an hour, stroking his thin but soft hair. He didn't seem disturbed by my presence and after a while I knew if I leaned on his crib any longer Management would ask about the red marks on the undersides of my arms. So I went and laid down on the couch, watching the ceiling like it might ever move.

In the eerie quiet I was able to hear my phone ringing from my room, down the hall. Just excited something was going on, I ran to my room and fumbled to answer.

"Yes, yes, what's going on?!"

"Jeez Lou-! Primp yourself up and get your arse down to the hospital!"

"What's the matter?!"

"Well, Shelby's perked up to say hello."

"Be down in a second!" I didn't know how much she could remember if she was speaking again, but I prayed that she remembered ME this time. I scrambled down the hall, leaving the bathroom door open so I could hear Jamie and took the fastest shower of my life. I knew my Bel, and she loved it when any guy was fresh out of the shower. It was like a FREE HUGS shirt for her. She will curl up and won't leave you until it fades.

She was particular about her colognes, though. Very easy annoyed by them as very easily warmed by them. She would either avoid you or never leave you. I preferred the cuddly one myself.

I half-assed get dressed, hell I'm going to a hospital at three in the morning, and carefully got Jamie, bundled in blankets, and loaded into the car. It was always chilly in the morning, and I felt kinda stupid for not grabbing a jacket. I tried rubbing my arms to keep the goosebumps down, but ultimately failed. So I walked into Doncaster Royal in a tight t-shirt with navy blue stripes, red sweats, a beanie, and glasses that refused to properly sit on my nose in the frosty, early morning Britain air. Jamie hadn't so much as stirred, still wrapped in blankets and resting his head my chest. I bounced him a little, just once, to reposition him on my hip. When I made it to the ICU I was greeted by a sleepy Harry, talking slower than usual.

"Whats up Haz?"

"Shelby's talkin'..." He mumbled. He looked like he was falling asleep on his feet.

"What are you doing here this early anyway?"

"I promised you she'd be safe." He paused to yawn. "I take my promises very seriously."

"I'm sure she appreciates it, Harry. I do." We finally made it to her room and I clicked the door open.

She didn't look much better than Harry, laying in her bed forcing herself to stay awake. She gave a tired smile when she saw me, and a weird look flashed a moment after.

"Louis." She breathed. I handed Jamie to Harry and ran to her, I'm sure I squeezed her half to death but I refused to hold her any softer for fear she'd slip again. "Oop! Easy on me, Lou."

"Just don't leave me again."

"Umm..."

"I love you."

"Louis?!"

"God I fucking love you."

"Louis...? Wheres Liam?"