Fireproof (Louis Tomlinson AU)

~8~

"Morning, everyone," I yawned as I walked into the kitchen. Nicole stood at the stove cooking breakfast, and both kids were sat at the table patiently waiting for the meal to be finished.

"Morning, Daddy," my kids said in unison. I walked over to them and kissed the top of Haley's head before ruffling Landon's hair and then making my way over to Nicole. I kissed her cheek and then wrapped may arms around her waist.

"Morning, love," I whispered in her ear.

"Morning, Lou. Did you remember to take your meds?" She asked.

"In fact, I did remember," I smiled proudly. Nicole gasped jokingly and turned towards me.

"You did? Oh, Louis, I'm so proud of you! You're a big boy now!" She teased.

"Haha, very funny," I rolled my eyes and kissed her cheek once more.

"Breakfast will be done in about two minutes. Kids, can you help your father set the table?" Nicole asked. They both stood from their seats and walked over towards me. Haley grabbed the plates while Landon gather silverware and I picked out glasses for everyone. I set them out on the table before returning to the fridge and grabbing the milk and orange juice.

When I returned to the table, a full breakfast was set out. Eggs, bacon, and toast had all been prepared by my lovely wife. We all sat down, said a quick table prayer, and then Nicole and I dished out food for the kids and ourselves.

"This is really good, Mommy," Haley stated as she shoveled another forkful of food into her small mouth. Landon just nodded in agreement and I smiled at my wife.

"Thanks, love," I grinned, and she just smiled back at me.

Once we finished eating breakfast, Nicole and I washed the dishes while the kids got dressed in the clothes Nicole had set out for them.

"When's your next appointment?" Nicole asked quietly.

"Tuesday," I responded. She finished rinsing the plate that was in her hand and then set it on the drying rack. As I handed her a glass, I could tell she was close to tears.

"Nicole, love, it's gonna be okay," I whispered. I quickly grabbed the towel and dried my hands before taking her hands in mine and drying them as well. "Everything is gonna turn out fine."

"I just- I don't know how I'm gonna be able to continue i-if it d-doesn't-"

"Don't talk like that. I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying right here. You won't be able to get rid of me even if you tried," I joked. She smiled weakly at me and I just enveloped her small body in my arms.

I never wanted to hold her too tightly. She was fragile, delicate. I felt that if I squeezed her too tightly she might break. And if she broke, I wouldn't know what to do with myself.

I would never be able to be a single parent. I wouldn't be able to handle it. Which is why I vowed as soon as I found out about the cancer that I would fight this until my very last breath. I wasn't going to leave Nicole or the kids. I wasn't going to leave my family.

Not without a fight.

Lol guys like I just realized that I've been saying "mom" and "mommy" this whole time when it's actually "mum" and "mummy" bc they're British but I'm too lazy to go back and change it so yall just have to deal with it