➳ claude // l.s.

XXIX

When his brother arrived home, Claude was playing in the backyard with his best friend. They were giggling and tickling each other, sweet sounds escaping their mouths. After all, they were two little kids who just wanted to have fun.

Foot steps approached the two playful boys, the sound making them stop their game. His brother held a sorrowful gaze as he watched his youngest brother's cheerful expression.

" Raph? " Louis giggles once again at the sight of his eldest brother. " Where's mama? " He pouted as he ran towards his brother for a hug.

Raphael sighed as he accepted the little boy's affection. " Come on. I need to tell you something. " his voice held a soft tone.

" Can I come too? " Zayn's voice joined questioningly, getting up from where he was previously sat.

Raphael shook his head. " Only Claude. "

" What's happening? " Louis asks, happiness still laced to his tone, as Raphael guided him away from Zayn.

Raphael sighed as he placed his brother on the vintage bench just outside their house, in between the columns that surrounded it. " Come here. " he wrapped a hand around his little brother's shoulders and brought him closer, a tight grip on him.

    He sighed again, gulping immediately afterwards as he shifted his gaze into oblivion. He couldn't look Claude in the eyes. " Mother won't be coming back. " his voice trembled, breaking at the last word and that made Louis confused.

    " Why not? " Louis' lip jutted frontwards as he jumped from the bench and placed his elbows on his brother's thighs, looking at him from between his eyelashes. " Doesn't she like me anymore? "

    " She loves you very much. " Raphael's voice gave out, sniffles erupting from his throat after every word. " But she's with our grandparents now. " he still hasn't looked his brother in the eye.

    " Can I go visit her? "

    Raphael shook his head.

    " Why not? " Claude asked cluelessly and it honestly broke Raphael's heart.

    He couldn't hold it in him anymore. " She's dead, Claude. You won't see her anymore... or feel or hear her... or feel her soft hands on yours. Ever again. " he took all the courage he had kept in him and spit it all out. Even if it broke Claude's heart.

    In an instant, Claude's blue eyes filled with tears and he burst out crying as he left his brother's side and ran inside the mansion, wails being left behind.

-

    The boys were out of breath and panting from all the running. They had just vandalized a building with graffiti! It brought excitement to Harry and his system was filled with adrenaline. He hadn't had so much fun in ages! And it was all thanks to Louis.

" Are they gone? " Louis asked breathlessly as he took a seat next to Harry, still hiding from the police. They were glad they escaped just in time.

" I guess so. " Harry replied as he searched for the water bottle in his school bag. They ditched school for fun. And Harry didn't care as long as he was with Louis. " I have so much fun with you, Louis. "

Louis only returned a smile as a response and nodded before resting his head against the cold surface of the cement. They were taking their breaths since all that running wore them out. Louis' presence brought so much more excitement to Harry besides the one excitement brought him. He loved spending time with him.