Josh's POV

The drive home was a long one, to say the least. Harry and I were seated in the back. He was sobbing into my shoulder as Simon drove. I could tell Si was thinking, he had a very specific thinking face. His worried face was also on display.

I kept my arms wrapped around the small boy, and he kept his face buried in the crook of my neck. I kissed the top of his head, and he continued to sob. I assured him everything was going to be okay however, the tears kept falling. I told him we all had his back, and yet the crying didn't let up. His whole world was falling apart at its seams, and there was very little Simon or I could do about it.

"Joshy, it hurts," he spoke, "Everything. Everything hurts."

"I know, love, I know."

He continued to sob.

"I know you're scared and I know it all feels like so much, but trust me it will be okay."

Simon spoke up, "Rosie, the twins, and Josh are coming over tonight. And maybe for longer."
"T-that's good," Harry said, weakly. His sobs began to subside, and he fell asleep on my shoulder.

"What the hell are we going to do, Si?" I asked, sighing.

"No clue, babe, but we are going to get him through this. We will all get through this."

Simon pulled into the driveway. I got out, holding a sleeping Harry in my arms. Simon opened the door for me, and I stepped into the house. I quickly made my way up to Harry's room. I took off his shoes and shirt, tucking him into bed.

"Sleep tight, bub," I said, kissing his forehead.

I quietly left the door, being careful of the door shutting. I let out a deep breath and made my way to the kitchen.

All the boys were there when they arrived.

"Alright everyone, would you shut up a moment please?!" Simon shouted as I entered.

"What is going on with Harry?" JJ asked, worried.

I sat at the table with everyone.

Simon began speaking, "Look, right now, Harry is not okay. All of us have not been okay. We need to be there for Harry while he is not okay, alright? His mum is trying to get more visits and custody, so let's just. We are his family, so we are going to be his family. Done. Like we are always there for Eth when shit gets rough with his fam, or when Vik has mental breakdowns. Or when Josh gets stuck in his head or JJ gets real sad. Or when I feel shit about my mum, and Tobi gets done. We are all there for each other, so we are simply going to continue to be there for each other."

Everyone nodded and he left the table.

Josh's POV

"Can I go check on him?" JJ asked.

"Yeah o-of course, just be careful. He's real fucking fragile." I replied

JJ nodded.

"Josh, Rosie and the twins are staying over so make sure we do sleepover sleeping arrangements. I am going to make sure Si is alright."

I headed towards our bedroom.

I saw Simon lying on our bed, staring at the ceiling.

"Si..." I said softly.

"Josh, just, just tell me it's all going to be okay. Tell me Harry's going to be fine and we're going to get into uni and just everything. Tell me everything is going to be okay because right now, right now it feels like everything we had worked for, everything the boys have done, is fucked. It's all so fucking fucked."

I wordlessly laid down next to him, and he cuddled into my side. I wrapped my arm around his waist.
"Simon." I kissed his neck. "Edward." I kissed his cheek. "Minter." I kissed his lips. I pushed a strand of hair from his face. "Everything is going to be fine."

"Thanks, " he said, cuddling up to me.

"Of course," I replied, "Now, what are we going to do about this."

"I think, J, all we can do is support Harry. We'll talk to his dad, be as involved as possible and all that shit. We can chat with Rosie and little Josh tonight and make sure they're okay."

"Then we can go talk to Greg, get the real details," I said.

"Sounds good."

"Sounds good," I confirmed.

JJ's POV

"Hey Haz," I whispered, quietly slipping into our bed.

"JJ,' he said, weakly.

"I'm here, bub, whatever you need."

"Cuddles?" He requested, looking as he was about to sob.

Then, he started crying in my arms and I held him. I held him because I will always hold him. I will always hold him because he is mine. He is mine to love and protect and hold. Always.

"I got you, Harry, I will always have you," I whispered to him.

"I-I-I, mum ruined everything. I don't want her, I don't. It may sound-"

"I know baby, no need to explain, I know," I said, continuing to run my hands through his hair.

"I-I-it-"

"Hush Harry, hush, close your eyes and relax. That's all you need to do."

I felt him fall limp in my arms and his breathing became less erratic.

"Goodnight, bub," I said, kissing the top of his head.

I held him as my life depended on it because I knew his life depended on it. His life is my life, so my life really did depend on it, on him. 

AN/ 

Hey everyone! So I know it's been a very long time, however act two is ready for publishing. It is currently quite hectic. This is unedited so there are likely many mistakes. The lovely and wonderful OverdoseWriter is editing it for me, so when the edits are done I'll update the chapters that have been published. Please go and send them loads of love. How was the first chapter of the new act? Are you all gassed for the second act? Just a reminder, I update every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Love to all, stay safe and well. 

See ya on the dark side.