One More Try // L.S.

Chapter Three

It's been several weeks since Harry asked Louis to date. They've had a lot of fun, especially when the alpha convinced the omega to go to more places than the movies.

The pair have gone mini-golfing, bowling, to museums, and pottery painting. The alpha tried taking the omega to an actual golf course, but the man refused, stating it wasn't his scene.

They've enjoyed their time together, and Louis couldn't wait to see where their relationship goes.

Tonight, Harry was coming over to Louis' apartment to cook him dinner. Currently, the omega was frantically cleaning his apartment, wanting the alpha to live in his living space. The omega hasn't been this nervous for someone to come over in a long time.

Looking around the small space, Louis sighed. He was a little nervous about what Harry might think of his living arrangements. The omega lived in a small studio apartment, just big enough for him and his border collie, Persephone (pr-seh-fuh-nee). Louis had always dreamed of living in a studio apartment. However, with the rent not being as much as a one-bedroom apartment, the omega was able to add more to his savings account to buy a house.

The balcony door was open, and a soft breeze came through, ruffling the omegas' hair. Louis let out a soft sigh as the breeze blew in as he saw Persephone out on the balcony sunbathing.

Louis looked around the small apartment before heading towards the small kitchen. The omega pulled out his kettle and filled it with water before placing it on the burner. Louis prepared his tea while waiting for the alpha to arrive. Harry was supposed to come at 6 o'clock, and it was currently 5:30.

When the kettle finished boiling, Louis sat on his couch in silence. Occasionally, he looked out the door and watched his dog, but he sat quietly, drinking from his teacup for the most part.

There was a knock at the door just as Louis placed his teacup in the sink. Louis made his way to the door and smiled when he opened the door and saw Harry standing there.

"Hey," Louis greeted. "Come on in."

"Hey, thanks," the alpha greeted as he walked inside.

Persephone, hearing the door open, came running inside. Louis grabbed hold of her collar so the dog wouldn't jump on the alpha.

"I hope you like dogs," Louis chuckled. "I promise she's friendly."

Harry had bags in both hands, which he switched to carry them in one hand when he greeted the dog.

"Hi there," the alpha smiled at the excited animal. "What's your name?"

The omega giggled, placing the back of his hand in front of his mouth. "Her name is Persephone," Louis said, referring to the dog.

"Like the Goddess of Hell, Persephone?" The alpha asked in surprise.

"That's the one," Louis agreed. "I'm a huge fan of Greek mythology."

"Huh," Harry said, smiling. "Where can I put these bags?"

"Oh right," the omega replied. "You can place them in the kitchen."

Louis pointed in the direction of the small kitchen and followed the alpha over to the small bar.

"It's not much, but I love the place," Louis told the alpha as he watched him unpack the ingredients he brought for dinner.

"I like it," the alpha replied, looking around the room. "So, I hope you like chicken."

The omega's interest peaked at that, "I love chicken. What are you going to make?"

"I was thinking about making fried chicken with mash potatoes and gravy with corn," Harry listed while pulling out the ingredients from the bags he brought.

"Oh, sounds delicious," Louis smiled.

The dinner Harry made ended up being Louis' new favorite comfort food. He had no idea how good fried chicken could be.

They sat on Louis's couch for the rest of the night and talked. Louis poured them a glass of wine, and they decided they needed to talk about their past relationships. Louis ended up crying at some point, and the alpha comforted him the best he could.

Louis talked about his ex and everything he had done to the omega and how that relationship was why Louis was so afraid to get into another relationship.

Harry shared that the last relationship made him think he wouldn't love again. How they hypothetically pulled his heart from his body and stomped on it only to start dating his sister. Still, he can't go to family gatherings because of what his ex and his sister did to him. Harry's mother was heartbroken when the alpha refused to go home when his sister was there. Although she understood, her relationship with Gemma is now strained, and she refuses to let the omega into her home.

They swapped more horror stories about their previous love life but learned more and more about each other in the process. They were both broken, but they were both willing to work with each other on their developing relationship.

Before Harry left for the night, he placed his hands on either side of the omegas' face. He was looking deep inside Louis' eyes; the alpha saw their vulnerability. Hesitantly he brought their lips together, placing a chaste kiss on the omega's lips. When they pulled apart, the alpha brought their foreheads together. Louis' hands gripped the alpha's wrists as Harry's hands were still on his face.

They didn't say anything, just breathed each other in. Then, finally, Harry placed one last kiss on the omega's forehead before leaving for the night.

They were highly vulnerable to each other, and that scared them both.

Yet they were both more than willing to give love one last try.

Wordcount: 946

Published: 29 May 2022