Across City Skyline [Larry Stylinson]

0.2

Harry comes in a few days later, looking cautious with a frown on his face. He looks like he's confused about something but feeling sorry at the same time.

He hasn't come the past few days. Louis suspects it's because of Ethan. When he approaches Louis, he clasps his hands in front of himself unsurely.

"Hey," Harry greets Louis quietly.

And see, Louis has had time to think. He knows Harry isn't at fault, really. Maybe he threw a flirty line here and there but he never led Louis to believe they're anything more otherwise. So by being cold to him, it does nothing.

"Hey," he sighs, trying for a smile.

"You okay?" Harry asks.

"I'm fine. And you?" Louis asks. The conversation, since the first day Harry walked in here, is small talk and it's not as comfortable or flowing as it usually is.

"I'm fine. Um, spending time with Ethan these past few days. I don't know if you saw your messages..."

Louis sighs again. "I did. Sorry. I just wasn't feeling it this past week or so. Um, so Ethan huh? You never mentioned an Ethan to me before," he says, trying not to sound accusing or bitter about it.

Harry bites his lip and shrugs. "I didn't realize I didn't or that I had to."

Harry stares at him like he's waiting for Louis to react. Louis doesn't. Not really, at least. He simply nods. "I just-- we spoke about ourselves and our lives and you didn't mention him at all."

Harry shrugs again, looking down. "Sorry, I'm---I guess I just didn't realize I didn't say anything."

Louis let's out a breath. "So... he's here then?"

"Yeah, he came to visit. He won't be here for too long which is why I didn't come the past few days. Sorry."

"You don't have to apologise, Harry . You didn't make a vow to come here everyday," he meant to say it softly, maybe in a teasing manner, but it comes out a little harsh.

Harry frowns at him. "I know but I have my routine. I-- I like coming here. I like talking to you."

See, it's when he says things like that that Louis feels confused. But that's just Harry being Harry isn't it? Fucking hell.

"Yeah, sorry. Um, are you taking it away today then?"

Harry shakes his head. "No, I'll sit here for a bit like always. Ethan is sleeping in today."

Louis clenches his jaw. He's seriously jealous of this guy he's barely met. He needs to control himself. It's ridiculous.

"Oh, all right. So coffee and the usual pastry?"

"Yeah, that's fine."

As Louis makes the coffee, Harry speaks again.

"Hey, are we okay?" he asks. Louis turns to him, placing his coffee down.

Louis looks at him. He genuinely looks upset and worried. He sighs. "Yeah, we're fine," he smiles again, this time not as forced.

He doesn't want to upset Harry. Harry doesn't even know why Louis is upset. It's not fair, is it?

"Okay..." he picks a thread from his coat, "um , can I hug you?"

Louis wants to say no. But he can't because Harry still looks so concerned. Louis smiles, nodding. He's planning to go around the counter but Harry beats him to it. And soon enough, Harry's arms are around his shoulders and he's being pulled into a hug.

Louis relaxes into it, wrapping his arms around Harry's waist. Harry squeezes him tightly. "I don't know what it is you're going through but I'm here for you if you want to talk, okay? Even if you want to call me."