Half a heart

Chapter 114

Trigger Warnings: Anxiety, Mental Health, Emotional Distress

Louis pov

The drive home was quiet, each of us lost in our own thoughts as the events of the night settled over us. Charlie had barely stirred since we left the stadium, still pale and drained, leaning against Harry's shoulder in the back seat. Max was curled up at Liam's feet, keeping a watchful eye on him the entire ride.

When we finally pulled up to the house, Harry gave Max a quick pat, murmuring, "Stay with Liam tonight, yeah, boy?" Max perked up at Harry's voice, then immediately shifted his attention to Liam, as if he understood the weight of the responsibility.

Charlie was barely awake as Harry gently lifted him out of the car, cradling him close as we walked inside. I reached out, squeezing Charlie's shoulder softly. He was so quiet, barely even opening his eyes as Harry brought him up the stairs, careful with every step.

Once in our room, Harry laid Charlie down on the bed, brushing a gentle hand over his forehead as I pulled a blanket over him. He looked so small, curled up against the pillows, his face peaceful but exhausted. I bent down and kissed his forehead, whispering, "Get some rest, love. We're right here."

Harry and I shared a look, the same unspoken understanding passing between us. "You go ahead, Lou," he said quietly, nodding toward the bathroom. I headed in for a quick shower, letting the warm water work out some of the tension in my shoulders. By the time I came out, Harry had joined me, wrapping his arms around me under the spray. We didn't say much, just took a moment to steady ourselves, to let the water wash away some of the weight we'd been carrying.

After drying off, we slipped into something comfortable and headed back to bed, finding Charlie still fast asleep. His breathing was soft and even, his face finally relaxed. I climbed in on one side, and Harry slid in on the other, each of us careful not to disturb him too much.

We wrapped our arms around him, creating a cocoon of warmth and safety. I could feel the slight rise and fall of his chest beneath my hand, his heartbeat a steady rhythm that reassured me he was okay. Harry leaned over, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of his head, his fingers tracing slow, comforting circles on Charlie's back.

"You've got us, yeah?" I whispered softly, settling in close. "We're not going anywhere."

Charlie stirred a little, pressing himself closer to us in his sleep, almost as if he'd heard. The three of us lay there, wrapped up together, and soon the warmth and comfort of having both of them beside me began to lull me into a soft, dreamless sleep.