~*~ Louis ~*~
Louis is barely able to contain his gasp when Harry gingerly strips his shirt off immediately after entering their room. The bruises forming are a stark contrast against Harry’s pale skin. There are no visible cuts, but it’s obvious he was struck with something repeatedly. From the looks of the marks, Louis is fairly certain it was a belt that caused most of the damage. Harry hisses a sharp breath and draws Louis from his scrutinizing perusal. Clearly, Harry is in a lot of pain, and Louis has a driving need to help.
Even though he already knows the answer, Louis finds himself saying, “Please tell me that this doesn’t happen often.”
Harry stiffens and remains silent so long that Louis is sure he isn’t going to answer, until finally a soft exhale is released. “Yeah, it does. It happens a lot, actually. I try to take as much as I can so that Gemma is spared.”
Louis closes his eyes and rolls his neck, trying to control the anger surging through his veins. “He will not lay another hand on you when I’m here. Is that understood?”
Harry shrugs diffidently. “I can’t do anything about it. If I fight or argue, it’s worse. Just don’t worry about it. I can take it.”
“Not another hand. If he does, I’m not sure I can control what happens.”
“I’ll try,” Harry whispers, his uncertainty clear.
“You had better try fucking hard as hell,” Louis warns him.
Harry takes in the deadly calm of Louis’ voice and the level expression that reflects the same. “I promise I’ll try.”
Louis jerks his head in a quick nod and motions to Harry’s back. “Is there anything I can do to help with that? Do you have any aloe vera?”
“Actually, yes. I keep it on hand. Can you wash my back for me and then put some on it?” Harry asks, shyness infusing his words. “Usually, Gemma has to help me with the places I can’t reach.”
“Anything. I will do anything. You just have to ask.” And if Louis means that in a very literal way, well, no one has to know. He needs to finish this temporary fix thing and go home. He needs to separate himself from Harry and his family before he gets in too deep. Oh, who the hell is he kidding? Harry is getting under his skin, and Louis will do whatever it takes to protect him. That thought terrifies him. Definitely way too deep.
Louis gently washes Harry’s back, using an easy pressure and slow motions so as not to cause Harry any more additional pain than necessary. It would be much easier if he was in the bathtub with Harry; but Harry didn’t offer, and Louis didn’t ask. It’s probably for the best, because Louis is certain he wouldn’t be able to resist taking Harry apart.
When Harry stands up and gets out, Louis opens a soft, fluffy, white towel and dries his back. At least his parents have decent linens. He knows firsthand how a rough, abrasive fabric feels against heated, injured skin. “Do you want me to put the aloe on while you are standing, or do you want to stretch out on the bed?” Louis asks softly. His brain hopes for standing. His dick not so much.
“Is it okay if I stretch out? That won’t be weird or anything? Right?” Harry asks hopefully, biting his bottom lip, his eyes begging for Louis to agree.
