TORN

Bonus Chapter 18: A Decade Later

Ten years had passed since that night in the bar when everything had finally come together. Now, life for Harry, Louis, Y/N, Niall, Zayn, and Liam looked a little different, yet somehow felt more complete than ever.

Harry glanced up from his morning cup of coffee, a warm smile spreading across his face as he watched Louis, who was in the middle of a small tug-of-war with their five-year-old twins, Evie and Elio. The two were a perfect blend of mischief and sweetness, with Evie's stubbornness mirroring Louis' and Elio's curiosity shining with Harry's quiet thoughtfulness.

"Daddy!" Evie squealed, giggling as she clung to Louis' leg. "Can we go to Disneyland?"

Louis glanced up, catching Harry's eye with a mischievous twinkle. He crouched down beside Evie and lowered his voice. "Let me ask the other Daddy," he winked at her, then turned to Harry with a playful glint in his eye. Putting on an exaggeratedly sweet tone, he widened his eyes, giving Harry his best puppy-dog look as he batted his lashes dramatically. "Can we go to Disneyland, Daddy?" he asked, voice dripping with playful innocence.

The way Louis said it, in that teasing, flirtatious voice, sent a blush creeping up Harry's cheeks. He shook his head, laughing as he tried to keep his composure. Even after ten years, Louis still knew how to make him blush.

"Maybe..." Harry grinned, reaching down to lift Evie into his arms. "But only if you promise not to make me dizzy on all the rides." Evie clapped her hands in excitement, while Elio looked up, already bubbling with joy at the idea.

"Are we really going, Daddy?" Elio asked, his eyes bright.

Harry and Louis exchanged a look that spoke volumes. Harry sighed, feigning resignation as he ruffled Elio's hair. "How can I say no to you two?"

Meanwhile, across town, Y/N and Niall were living a beautiful, slightly chaotic life of their own. After graduating as the top of her class, Y/N had moved in with Niall, and together they'd built a life full of music, laughter, and shared dreams. Their four-year-old daughter, Orla, was just as lively as Y/N had been in her younger years, with Niall's infectious laugh and love for music.

Y/N sat on the living room floor, brushing Orla's blonde hair as the little girl chattered on about her favorite books, games, and, most recently, her favorite Disney characters. Niall was strumming his guitar on the couch nearby, humming softly as he watched them, his eyes filled with a quiet happiness that had only deepened over the years.

"Daddy!" Orla suddenly exclaimed, bouncing in her seat. "Can we go to Disneyland with Evie and Elio?"

Niall grinned, glancing at Y/N with a raised eyebrow. "Looks like someone's already made plans," he teased. Y/N laughed, shaking her head, already picturing the mayhem that would unfold if they agreed.

"Oh, we're definitely going," Y/N said with a wink at Orla. "You'd better get ready, Niall."

In their cozy home, Zayn and Liam shared a different but equally fulfilling kind of life. They had chosen not to have kids, a decision they had both come to naturally over the years. Instead, they spent their time traveling, creating art, and building a life rich with passion, creativity, and companionship.

This morning, Zayn was painting in his studio, the light spilling through the window casting warm hues across his canvas. Liam entered quietly, carrying two mugs of tea. He watched Zayn for a moment, admiring the focused look on his face as he worked.

Liam placed a hand on Zayn's shoulder, drawing him back from his concentration. Zayn looked up with a smile, his eyes softening at the sight of Liam. They didn't need words to share the moment. After all these years, their bond was quiet but unbreakable, filled with unspoken understanding.

"Okay listen," Liam said, taking a sip of his tea.

"Hm?" Zayn raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Harry and Louis are planning a Disneyland trip for the kids. They also invited Y/N, Niall, and Orla, and they've asked if we want to join them." Liam's eyes twinkled with mischief.

Zayn chuckled, setting his paintbrush down. "Do they know what they're asking? I don't think they're ready for all six of us and three kids in Disneyland."

Liam laughed, nodding. "Probably not, but I think it'll be worth it just to see the chaos."

A few days later, they all found themselves standing at the entrance to Disneyland, a mix of excitement and nostalgia filling the air. The kids were practically vibrating with excitement, holding onto their parents' hands and pointing at everything they saw.

The day was filled with laughter, screams of joy, and endless adventures. They rode the teacups, spinning until they were dizzy and breathless. Orla clung to Y/N as they twirled around, giggling uncontrollably. Harry and Louis held onto each other as Elio and Evie squealed with delight, each one daring to spin faster and faster. Zayn and Liam watched, laughing at the chaos, occasionally joining in, but mostly finding happiness in watching their friends and their children.

At lunchtime, they found a quiet corner of the park to relax. Niall had picked up a few Mickey-shaped pretzels, and as they sat together, they exchanged stories of their lives, reliving old memories and sharing new ones.

Louis leaned against Harry, taking a quiet moment to observe their friends, the love he felt for each of them filling him with warmth. He glanced up at Harry, who was watching the kids with a smile, his eyes soft and full of contentment.

"Ten years, huh?" Louis murmured, his voice barely audible over the laughter of the kids nearby.

Harry looked down at him, a smile playing at his lips. "Yeah. Ten years of us. Doesn't feel that long, does it?"

Louis shook his head, taking Harry's hand in his. "No, it doesn't. But I wouldn't trade a single day of it."

They sat in comfortable silence, taking in the sight of their children playing, their friends by their side. It was everything they had ever wanted—and so much more.

As the sun began to set, they gathered for one last ride. This time, they all went together, cramming into the boats of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, the kids wide-eyed with wonder as they floated through the scenes.

When they stepped off the ride, Evie tugged on Louis' hand. "Daddy, can we come back to Disneyland every year?"

Louis laughed, scooping her up into his arms. He turned to Harry, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. Leaning in, he whispered playfully in his ear, "What do you think about that, Daddy?"

Harry flushed, grinning as he nudged Louis playfully. "You know, I can never say no to you."

Louis winked, pressing a soft kiss to Harry's cheek. "Good. Then it's settled."

As they walked hand-in-hand, with their friends and children by their side, the warmth of the evening sun wrapped around them. This was what happiness looked like, a life built on love, friendship, and the memories they had yet to create.