Tattoos and Tails l.s

7

-- Louis pov --

It's been a week since me and Harry took that bath together. He's been distant yet close and it's hard to explain. Like physically he's constantly around me, snuggling on the couch, following me to make dinner or lunch or breakfast, but mentally is completely different. He still talks but I can see it in his eyes that he's not completely in the conversation.

I'm guessing Niall and Liam are a couple now because they're together 24/7 and neither of them have noticed how Harry has been acting. Currently he is in our room napping. Not something he used to do but has currently picked up. I'm worried about him. I'll have to talk to him tonight at work. It's Saturday so we go in late today. Niall and him are currently in their room "sleeping" which I highly doubt but it is what it is.

Harry should be awake any minute now. I think I'm going to ask him what's been bothering him so bad this week because it's been bothering me also. I think I'm starting to develop feelings for this boy and honestly, that scares the absolute shit out of me.

I hear a door open and Harry walks in from the hallway. And the window has opened.

"Hey sleepy head. How was your nap?" I ask, moving over for him to sit by me on the couch.

"Good like always. What time do you work today?" He replies, leaning into my side. This is what I mean by him being close to me all the time. Physically.

"9 love. Can I ask you something?" I prep my self for this conversation because it could end good or bad and what's bothering him could be completely horrible. I don't know what it could be so prepping helps.

"Sure loubear." He says snuggling into my side.

"Harry what's wrong? You've been acting different this week and I just want to be able to help you." I spit it all out quickly and hope he catches it. He sighs and sits up, turning to face me and crossing his legs.

"Lou I'm scared. I'm scared that you'll leave me. I'm scared of what I'm feeling inside because it's never happened before. I'm scared that I'll be rejected. I'm scared that I'm going to be stranded again. I'm scared that the one time I'm cared for and accepted, will be ripped out from under me and I'll have nothing again. I'm scared that I'll lose Ni and Liam and you. Niall has been there for me for 3 years. This week was 3 years and he hasn't said anything about it. Wednesday was the day my family left me and also the day I found Niall. He's been so wrapped up with Liam that he didn't even notice. I'd like to think that this is my family now. That we all love each other and we're all here for each other but I have this feeling in the pit of my stomach that it's all gonna be ripped away from me again but this time I feel like it would hurt worse because this time I'd be losing you." And at that last part I'm fighting back tears for this broken boy that sits in front of me as he has wide eyes and both hands slapped over his mouth in shock of what he just said. I'm speechless and it's terrifying because he needs reassurance and I'm not giving it to him. Fucking hell louis say something.

"Hey, I would never, never in a million years ever even think of leaving you on purpose. Ever. I know that is true for Liam and Niall too Harry. Trust me no one would ever reject you, and if they did you tell them fuck themselves and come tell us, or me, about it and we can just forget them. They didn't or don't know what they're missing anyway love. We will talk to Niall about forgetting Wednesday and figure it out ok? Don't be worried about that. This, all of us, we are family now. We are and will forever be family. No matter what. I don't care If Liam moves to Asia, Niall moves to Africa, you move to Antartica, and I move to Australia, we will always, always be family Harry and you can always count on us. Especially me ok? And if I lost you now, well I don't know what I'd do because I'm attached love." As I'm talking I'm mentally going over everything he's just said and making sure to cover it all with at least one sentence. I look at him again and he's crying.

"Oh god, Is it something I said? I'm so sorry Harry I was just trying to help. Oh god." I pull him to me and he lets out a sob and I can feel my heart cracking. Why the fuck did I say anything I just made it worse.

"It's--it's everything you said l-lou. Thank you so much for all this." He wraps his arms around my torso and I sigh in relief because holy shit I thought I had made it worse.

"Oh god okay okay thank god. I thought I had made it worse. But why are you crying?" I start rubbing circles into his back and move to lay down on the couch.

"Because that-that helped so much. Lou I-I don't- can I tell you something that you can't tell anyone? Like ever or else I'll never tell you another thing and I'll never tell you anything ever. Promise to not say anything." I chuckle at his childish behavior and nod.

"Yes Harry I promise. Now what is it?" I have butterflies from just touching this boy. Yup, I totally have feelings for him. Fuck me.

"I-- I think I like you. Like more than just being family or friends."

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I live for cliffhangers.