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The night was still, save for the occasional rustle of leaves outside the window. Louis and Harry lay in their bed, the soft hum of the night settling over them. Harry was sprawled across the mattress, one arm tucked behind his head, the other resting gently on his chest. Louis lay on his side, watching the gentle rise and fall of Harry's chest, feeling the warmth of his body beside him.
It was peaceful. Perfect. The kind of night they'd always dreamed of.
A small sound broke the tranquility soft whimpers that grew into full blown cries.
Louis's heart lurched. He knew the sound immediately.
"Harry," he whispered, shaking his boyfriend's shoulder gently. "It's Charlie."
Harry blinked awake instantly, his eyes wide, before looking toward the doorway where the muffled sobs were coming from. Without a word, he slid out of bed, his feet touching the cool wooden floor as he padded across the room.
Louis followed behind him, the familiar rush of fatherly instinct making him move faster. They found their four-year-old son standing by the bedroom door, his little face scrunched up in distress, eyes wet with unshed tears.
"Dad," Charlie whimpered, his voice small and shaky. "Bad dream."
Louis's heart softened at the sight. "Hey, buddy," he said gently, kneeling down to Charlie’s level. "It's okay, sweetheart. Bad dreams happen sometimes, but you're safe now." He opened his arms, and Charlie crawled into them, burying his head into Louis's chest.
"Do you wanna sleep with us, darling?" Harry asked, kneeling next to them, his hand rubbing Charlie’s back.
Charlie nodded, still sniffling. He was always a little sensitive at night, and it seemed like tonight's dream had been a particularly scary one. Harry reached out, scooping him into his arms, careful not to jostle him too much as they walked back to their bed.
Louis slid back under the covers, shifting over to make room for their son between them. As Harry climbed back into bed, Charlie snuggled into the warmth of his parents, one arm wrapping around Louis's waist while his other hand reached for Harry's.
"Nightmares don't last forever," Louis whispered, smoothing Charlie’s hair back from his forehead. "We're right here, and we're not going anywhere."
Charlie yawned, his body starting to relax as his parents' comforting words washed over him. He let out a soft sigh, his little eyes fluttering closed.
Harry pressed a soft kiss to the top of Charlie's head. "Sleep tight, champ," he murmured, his voice full of affection.
Louis smiled as he looked over at Harry, his heart swelling with love. "He's lucky to have you, you know."
Harry's lips curled into a soft smile as he adjusted his position, pulling Louis closer. "I think I'm the lucky one."
The three of them lay there in peaceful silence, Charlie's breathing slowing as he drifted off to sleep. Harry's fingers brushed against Louis's, their hands intertwining as they held each other tightly.
"I love you," Louis whispered, his voice barely audible in the quiet of the night.
"I love you too," Harry replied softly, his words carrying the same warmth and sincerity that Louis felt in his heart.