You hadn’t wanted to do it and he knew it, but you did anyway, and as he threw his carry-on over his shoulder and moved past security he knew it was all wrong. Yeah, it was hard and took a lot of work, but it was worth it. You were worth it. And he wasn’t ready to give up yet.
“You coming to the meeting tomorrow?” Zayn had asked as if he had any other choice.
“Yeah, I’ll be there.” Liam responded, more out of habit than anything else.
“You going to be alright?” Louis followed, glancing at him briefly.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine.” He nodded, distant, but attempting to sound more sure than he actually was. Zayn and Louis shared a concerned look behind him, but didn’t push it as they continued to trudge through the airport. They were all tired and just ready to get home, so there weren’t many more words said between getting their luggage and finding their rides and getting home to their families. Liam couldn’t stop thinking about you the whole time and before he went home he knew he had to see you first. He had to convince you.
And when he arrived at your door without warning, you had gasped his name as he, without a word, tucked you into a long, tired hug. After a moment of hesitation you had wrapped your arms around him and held him almost like a child, knowing— just knowing. And when he finally stepped back, though his face was long with exhaustion and pained with the words you’d spoken months before, you saw in his eyes a fight, a determination, a promise. And to your own surprise, it was enough. So you clung to him again, tears stinging at your eyes and thankfulness welling up in your heart. You had been wrong and you’d pushed him away, but he hadn’t left and he wasn’t going to. He was home. He was sure. He was ready to fight. And now that he was, you were too.
