Ticket Outta Loserville (Trames au)

Chapter 16- Tristan's POV

I'm lying in bed trying to take everything in. After I found James wandering around in the dark, I invited him in and one thing led to another, so he's currently asleep next to me. He was going to sleep on the sofa, but he looked scared and hesitant to be by himself, so here we are. It's so weird- we're not even friends, yet he's tucked in bed beside me. Having said that, given how he cried, came out to me and then made me cry all in the space of a couple of hours, I guess anything is possible.

He's so peaceful looking when he sleeps- there's still tear tracks on his cheeks, but at least he looks slightly less upset than earlier. I can't blame him though, I'd be stressed too if my dad had that reaction when I came out. Luckily, both my parents were really laid back about it. I have to stop myself from running a hand through his hair, as that would just be too weird. 

However, as I try to drift off myself, I begin to notice James twitching in his sleep. I make soft comforting noises, but it doesn't seem to help. I have no idea how to deal with nightmares, apart from something I read which said you shouldn't wake someone up if they're having one- or is that sleepwalking? Either way, there's not much I can do apart from watch. It's horrible seeing him so scared- he's thrashing around and letting out small whimpers and cries. 

My heart breaks completely, and in a weird way I'm glad when he finally wakes up, looking terrified. "Hey." I whisper. "It's ok, I'm here." James just looks at me and starts to cry softly, and I can't resist the urge to lean over and wrap my arms around him. He clings to me, his tears soaking my shirt. I just try to comfort him, whispering "Shhh, it was just a dream. You're safe." 

Eventually, he stops crying and says "I've cried so much today, I'm sorry."

"It's ok." I promise. "I really don't mind." 

He sighs sadly. "Did I wake you up?" 

I shake my head. "I wasn't asleep anyway, don't worry about it." James looks like he's going to cry again so I ask him "Do you want to talk about it? What was it about?"

James shrugs. "I don't know." he says tearfully. "I always just get scared, and I don't know why."

"Does it happen a lot then?" I ask sympathetically.

"Sometimes." James says. "Usually only when I'm really stressed."

A tear slips down his cheek, and as I wipe it away, I say "Do you want to go back to sleep now?" James looks slightly hesitant. "You ok?" I ask. 

James has a look on his face like he wants to ask something, which he does. "I know it sounds weird," he begins, "But will you hold me? I always feel safer then."

My heart jumps at the chance to hold James McVey whilst he's sleeping, but I have to answer more sensibly. "Sure." I smile. "Come on." James gives a small, grateful smile and snuggles down next to me. I wrap my arms around his waist and he does the same to me, tucking his head into the crook of my neck. This is crazy- here I am holding the James McVey, one of the most popular guys in school in my arms as he's too scared to sleep by himself.

I'm happy though- I've had a crush on him forever, and although it's horrible seeing him scared, being able to hold and comfort him is amazing. He snuggles into my chest, and soon enough he's fast asleep. I grab my phone to take a picture of him- so I can prove that this actually happened, and also because he looks so cute and peaceful. James is warm, he's like a human teddy and heater. I check the time on my phone and see that it's 3am, and even though it's Saturday tomorrow, I still need my sleep. Luckily, it feels so nice having James tucked in with me that I know I'll be able to get to sleep easily, which will make a change for once.

 I reach down to pull the duvet over us, not that I really need the warmth but I want James to feel secure if he wakes up again. James never struck me as the type to have nightmares, but then again he didn't strike me as the kind of person to be gay either. I guess it just goes to show how you don't really know people, even if  you think you do. Eventually, I feel myself beginning to drift off, so I whisper "Sweet dreams, sleep tight." to the boy sleeping in my arms, and let sleep take me.

-------

This chapter was so rubbish 😂 Please still vote and comment though!

I need to add my usual disclaimer- I don't own the song that this is (vaguely) based on, and as much as I wish I did, I don't own James, Tristan, Connor or Brad 😭