Bruises

Chapter 10

Warning: this chapter contains homophobic language, verbal abuse and slight violence. Possible triggers but idk?

Harry stared at him, speechless. Louis grinned at him and sprang up from the sofa. Harry found his voice and started to speak "Lou what?-" He was interrupted by Louis. "Oh wow, I'm tired. Imma go get some sleep" he stretched and yawned before quickly walking off in the direction of Harry's bedroom leaving him a confused, feely mess.

Harry had yet to talk to Louis about the kiss. Every time he tried to broach the subject, Louis made some excuse to leave the room or change the subject. Because he'd already been through so much stress, Harry didn't want to pressure him.

They were eating in silence when Louis spoke. "I need to get my stuff." Harry looked at him in confusion. Louis blushed. "Like if it's ok if I stay here but like you don't have to say yes and I'm sorry. I'm being rude. Just ignore me."

"Wait, Lou. No,.of course you can stay here. Like I would ever let you go back there. Jesus Lou, I'm never letting you out of my sight." Louis looked at him with wide eyes. "You mean that?"Harry nodded vigorously and Louis beamed in excitement before speaking again. "Well, if you really mean that then I need to get my stuff-"

"No"

"Harry please-"

"No"

"Fine! I'll go on my own!"

"No! Louis please. Look what he did to you. I'll buy you new stuff just please, don't go back there."

"Harry, I need to get my stuff. They're irreplaceable. Pictures of family. They're the only things I have left of them. Please" Harry groaned

"Fine! But I'm coming with you and at the first sign of movement, we are out of there"

"Geez, Haz. Ok"

"I'm still not happy about this" They were putting their shoes on, ready to get Louis' stuff. "Oh my god Haz. He's usually out at this time and it will literally take two seconds." Harry was still grumbling when they left. As Louis' place was nearish they walked.

They finally reached the house. They paused in front of the gate. Harry looked at the house. It looked normal. You would never have guessed it was a house full of misery and pain.

Louis took a deep breath and pushed open the front gate. "Come on then, Haz. Let's get this over with" his voice was breezy but Harry could see that this wasn't easy for him. Not at all.

The door creaked as they pushed it open and a wave of stale alcohol smacked him in the face. Louis carried on through and Harry followed him.

Louis stopped outside his door and took a deep breath. Slowly, he pushed it open. The room was small and neat. There was a chest of drawers and a bed. Louis' few belongings were sat on top of the drawers. As Harry walked further into the room he tripped over a rug and he looked down. He had kicked it, revealing a dark stain on the wood floor. He recoiled in shock and looked up in horror at Louis. There was a sad smile on his face. "Is that...?" Harry didn't finish his sentence. He didn't need to. Louis nodded and gulped, a tear running down his face. He turned and began to quickly pack his belongings into a bag.

They were almost at the front door when it slammed open. A man stood there. He reeked of alcohol and his eyes were bloodshot and his face was red. He was large and of average height. A spiteful smile appeared on his face. "Aha. Louis, long time no see." he slurred. Harry shoved Louis behind him, anger quickly burning through him. This was the man that had caused Louis all those years of pain and sadness. The man's eyes lighted upon Harry. His eyes narrowed. "Who are you?" He sneered. "Are you his little fag friend? Disgusting, both of you. You'll go and burn in hell" he was screaming now. Stumbling down the hall toward them. Harry felt Louis bury his face in his back. He was trembling. Harry was overcome with a wave of emotions. Louis' uncle reached them, he spat on them and started screaming. "Louis! You are no good piece of shit. Your family are lucky, they managed to get away from you." Louis was crying now. Harry could feel him shaking "You killed them, it's your fault. God did this because you-" he didn't get to finish because Harry punched him in the face. There was a cracking sound and he fell to the floor. Harry grabbed Louis' hand and they sprinted out of the house.

They didn't stop running until they reached Harry's. They burst through the door and collapsed against it, breathing hard. The adrenaline was pumping through their veins. Fuck it. Harry thought. He pressed Louis against the door and kissed him. Hard.