Chapter 110. Part 2: Episode 12

Zayn came home later that evening,as he stepped into the living room. The quiet was unusual.

Then his eyes fell on the couch.

Lucien was sitting there, bent forward with his elbows resting on his knees. His hands covered his face, and his whole body shook slightly.

“Lucien?” Zayn’s voice was soft but carried worry.

Lucien raised his head slowly. His eyes were red and swollen from crying.

Zayn didn’t waste another second. He crossed the room quickly and crouched in front of him. “Lucien, baby, what is it? What happened?”

The moment he spoke, Lucien broke. He reached forward, hugging Zayn tightly, pressing his face against his chest. Sobs slipped out, muffled but raw.

“Hey, hey,” Zayn whispered as he wrapped his arms around him. He rubbed Lucien’s back in slow, comforting circles, his lips brushing his hair. “Calm down first. I’m here. I’m here.”

It took a while, but slowly Lucien’s cries softened. His breathing evened out though his fac