~*~ Louis ~*~
Louis flips onto his back and stretches, his back popping in the still silence of what appears to be dawn if the muted lighting of the room is any indication. He rolls back over to catch a little more sleep and comes face to face with a soft, sleepy Harry staring back at him.
“Why are you on the floor?” Louis whispers.
Harry snuggles into his blanket. “I hate sleeping alone, especially when I have a lot going on during the daytime hours.”
“You could have just said that last night," Louis informs him softly.
“I didn’t want you to think I was a baby, or annoying, or needy, or whatever. Then, you fell asleep; and I couldn’t, so I came down here.”
Louis rolls his eyes with a soft smile on his face. This boy is something else. “Next time, just say something, yeah? Don’t worry about what I think, or might think. Use your words.” He pushes back the blanket and stands, reaching his hand out to Harry. “Up you go. No use sleeping in the floor when there’s a perfectly good, unoccupied bed.”
He pushes Harry into the bed and picks up the blankets and pillows, throwing them onto the bed before crawling in himself. He shakes out the bedding and lets it fall over them. Turning toward Harry, he focuses on his face. There is just enough light coming into the room for him to make out Harry’s delicate features, sharp jaw line, sleep mussed hair, and soft pink lips that are just begging to be devoured. He closes his eyes to block the visual. God help him, Louis is going to combust before the weekend is over.
~~*~~
A couple of hours later, they are at breakfast when Gemma bounds down the stairs, a huge smile on her face. “What are we doing today boys?”
“I think there’s a petting zoo and horseback riding,” Harry suggests. “I’d also like to soak in the hot tub tonight. My back is killing me.”
Gemma looks at him, instantly alert, worry evident. “Why does your back hurt? Did you fall out of the bed again or something? Did...”
“Or something,” Harry mumbles.
Louis, sensing Harry's reticence to share, changes the subject. “Is it just us three then or will any of your cousins be joining us?”
“I think Tyler and Ella will probably want to stay with us,” Gemma surmises. “They usually do, and they don’t buy into the family drama either.”
“Harry,” Harry’s dad beckons him from across the room. “A word, please.”
Louis studies Harry’s face as a split second of fear flashes over his beautiful features before it is hastily checked. Resolutely, Harry stands and cross the room to his dad as requested. Louis can’t help but listen at the loud conversation between them.
Harry’s dad wastes no time. “Tommo leaves today. Rayne will accompany you for the rest of the weekend.”
Louis sees Harry stiffen before responding. “I’m not asking him to leave.”
“You don’t have to. I’ve already arranged a car for him. Have him ready to go by noon.”
Harry lifts his chin defiantly. “No.”
