tshaw 8 pls? :)
things you said when you were crying. 750 words
written for this fic meme - I’ve either filled or still need to write the following prompts: 5 (filled - 1.5k), 8 (this one!), 10 (filled - 1.1k), 12 (need to write), 13 (need to write), 14 (need to write), 18 (filled - 1.2k), 20 (need to write), 23 (blushing - need to write), 23 (fighting - need to write).
Unfortunately I’m no longer taking prompts for this meme. I still want to save some time to work on my Pride & Prejudice AU!
Nick comes home from work to find Louis collapsed in the middle of the sitting room floor, mobile clutched to his chest. Pig is circling him, making distressed whining sounds while trying to lick every bit of exposed skin.
Every awful thought Nick’s ever had in his entire life comes flooding in. Someone must have died, or is injured, or something to get that kind of reaction out of Louis.
Nick’s still half shrugged out of his coat when he finally reaches him, sits down so he can scoop Louis into his lap, cradle him to his chest. “Oh, darling. What’s the matter? What’s happened?”
His heart is beating double time and he’s trying to be calm, trying to be soothing so as to not upset Louis further. But he’s going out of his mind with worry, and Louis still hasn’t said anything, only continues to cry into Nick’s collarbones. He can feel the fabric of his t-shirt start to stick to his skin.
Louis’ still got his mobile clasped tight in his hand. It’s digging into Nick’s ribs, but he’s so afraid of moving while he’s got a hold of Louis, doesn’t want to let go.
"Lou, you’ve got to talk to me. I can’t help if I don’t know what’s wrong," he’s trying to imitate that soothing voice Louis uses when Nick’s sick; the one that only comes out when he thinks Nick’s too feverish or even dead asleep and can’t hear him. He figures it’s the right tone, it’s always made him feel better, at any rate.
Finally Louis’ breathing slows down and he doesn’t sound like he’s going to choke on his sobs. The ache in Nick’s chest loosens just a little bit, though he’s still wildly on edge and tensed for all manner of bad news.
He leans back to shove his mobile in Nick’s face like that’s an explanation for this whole ordeal. It’s not. Nick’s still so bewildered.
"Nick. Nick…they called while you were at work," Louis pauses to take a deep shuddering breath. "Nick, they said yes. They approved the adoption papers."
Nick’s not sure if Louis keeps talking, his entire head has gone fuzzy and all he can think to do is squeeze Louis a little tighter. When he finally checks back into the conversation, Louis is wiping at Nick’s cheeks. When did he start crying?
"Oh my god. Lou. Lou, we’re going to be parents. We’re going to have a baby!" And he’s off crying again, pulls Louis in anyhow for a very wet, elated kiss.
They sit entwined together on the floor for ages. Pig is feeding off their happy energy, barking up a storm and running in crazed circles.
He can’t believe it. They’re going to be a family.
The day they bring her home is the happiest of his entire life. Louis can’t even fake indignity when Nick tells him this - I’d be insulted that you’ve forgotten our wedding day, but just look at her. She’s perfect. - just smiles down at the tiny darling in his arms.
Nick’s carrying all the stuff, babies need so much, but he keeps craning his neck over as they walk through the flat trying to get a good look at her little face. She’s so bundled up, bald little head covered by the most darling hat, and the rest of her swaddled in so many blankets that if he didn’t know better Nick wouldn’t guess that a baby was wrapped up in there somewhere at all.
They finally drop all of the things from the hospital down on the kitchen table. Nick potters around making tea while Louis hogs the baby. Nick’s a little worried that he’s never actually going to hold his daughter. Louis’ very lucky that he looks so good standing there, absently swaying his body in a soothing rocking motion. So lucky.
After the tea’s finished Nick carries their mugs out into the living room, puts them down on the table before settling into the corner of the sofa. Louis curls up against his side a moment later, baby cradled ever so gently in his expert arms.
Nick is utterly in awe of her. She’s still fast asleep, dozed off in her car seat on the ride home from the hospital and hadn’t even stirred when Louis unbuckled her. He reaches out a hand, runs a knuckle over her downy soft cheek, moves his hand so it’s cupped behind Louis’ where he’s cradling her head.
They just sit there in silence, the three of them curled together. Their family.
