One Last Time - We Are Defencless - Sequel

Chapter 38 - Liam

I groan, bringing my hand up to rub my sore neck.

Why would I fall asleep on the floor?

I lay my head back down, expecting for it to hit Zayn's moving chest. But when my head rests completely still, on a cold surface, my eyes shoot open in panic.

Zayn can't be dead, can he? I would've known. How can I sleep on him and not know what he's dead?

But my fear is immediately gone when I see that Zayn's not in Louis' room. I look around in the dark room, my eyes struggling to make out the different shapes. I can't see Louis or Harry, but I can hear them breathing.

Now, where the fuck is Zayn?

I force my stiff body to get up, going over to where Harry is sleeping. Technically we could've gone home last night, but none of us wanted to leave Niall.

Bless this hospital for letting us keep the room until he's well enough to come too.

"Harry! Wake up!", I whisper, shaking his clothed shoulder gently.

Harry's brows furrow as he slowly opens his drowsy eyes, "Hm? What is it?", he groans, rubbing his face with the hand that's not around Louis.

"Zayn's not here. I fell asleep with him on the floor, but he was gone when I woke up. And he can't have gone to the bathroom, because he would've told me. He always does. Especially since what happened with Niall."

I rush everything out, feeling a new wave of fear wash over me as I see the same reaction mirrored in Harry's face. His body going stiff and his eyes wide open in worry.

"Ok, ok. Slow down, Li. It's probably ok.", Harry tries to calm me down, but it sounds more like he's trying to convince himself, "Let's just give him a minute to come back. He might just have gone to the bathroom, but you forgot. Is that possible?"

I think about it for a few seconds before shaking my head, "He'd be back by now. What if they came in here and took him when we were all sleeping? What if they took Niall again? He's all alone. We left him all alone."

My eyes start to brim with unshed tears from all the possibilities racing through my mind like a broken record.

What if they took them? They could kill them any time they like. Zayn and Niall could be in pain right now. Someone could be holding a gun to their head at this very moment. What if I never see them again? I can't even remember the last thing I said to Zayn. Or Niall. What are we going to do without them? I don't think I would survive if we lose them.

I'm brought out of my train of thoughts by two large hands grasping my face, causing me to meet Harry's eyes. I hadn't even noticed how ragged my breathing had gotten until now.

"Let's just go check on Niall, ok? We'll see that he's sleeping sound and safe like he's supposed to. He has guards outside his room. He'll be ok, love."

I nod furiously, blinking my tears back.

"Ok, good. Let me just wake Lou, and then we'll go."

"Yeah, ok. I'll wait by the door.", I respond, scurrying over to give them some privacy.

I do my best not to let my worries consume me as I hear rustling and their voices behind me.

Soon enough, Louis' being rolled up next to me, giving my hand a comforting squeeze even though I can see on his face he's just as worried about them as I am.

"They're gonna be okay, Zee.", his groggy voice assures me.

I meet his eyes, hoping mine doesn't radiate all the fear boiling in my gut, "Thanks, Lou. Sorry for waking you guys.", I apologise as we walk down the quiet hallway to Niall's room.