BLUSHING//L.S.

Chapter XII

Once again, Harry woke up in an empty bed the next morning. He heard Louis waking up around what should have been five a.m., but he didn't dare to open his eyes or say anything. He was embarrassed after what happened, mostly for how needy he behaved, and he was scared that Louis would make fun of him. So, he laid limp, not a single muscle moving and hyper aware of the other boy every movement.

Louis set himself on the bed, looked around and got up to collect his things, then, without saying anything, he left, slamming the door behind him. And Harry collapsed. He burst into tears, loud sobs filling the silence and the loneliness of the room. He felt ashamed of himself, because if he only had been a well-behaved boy and didn't let Louis do anything, now he wouldn't be feeling like this. He knew that the older boy had no actual interest in him, or at least he supposed it, otherwise he would have stayed next to him. And it wasn't Louis fault, because he never promised Harry anything, yet the little boy was still hoping for something more.

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Around dinner time, Harry finally gathered the courage to get out of bed. Zayn was nowhere to be seen and Liam hadn't texted him at all. And he was not mad, because it was probably better to be alone in that moment, but he couldn't stand it anymore. For the whole day his thoughts had been draining him of his energies, so he desperately needed someone to cheer him up.

Taking a deep breath, he decided to text Niall. He knew that if there was someone who could make him laugh now, that was him.

Hey, do you want to grab a beer? H.

After a few seconds of hesitation, he sent it. And before he could even start regretting it, his phone vibrated.

Sure pal, meet me at Danny's in an hour?

Harry smiled, glad, and texted back a quick 'okay'. At the least for that night, he had a way to avoid the constant thought of Louis. With a small smile, he went into the shower.

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Harry walked fast toward the pub. The pitch black of the night sky resembled his sweater and he felt tears forming in his eyes while walking. He couldn't stop his brain from overthinking, and he was hoping that maybe, after a drink or two, he would feel better. And that's probably why everyone around him always wanted to go for drinks.

He arrived and saw Niall already sitting in the pub, waiting for him. Liam set next to him, and Harry smiled, because he was happy to see he was alright. No one else was there and, even though he was hoping to see Zayn as well, the curly boy let out a sigh of relief at Louis' absence.

-Hi- Harry greeted with a smile on, hoping no one would notice that he had cried the whole day.

-Hey there mate! - Niall said, hugging him. Liam softly smiled at him and moved the chair for Harry to sit.

They started talking and ordered a couple of drinks, Harry letting the other boys choose for him as well since he didn't know anything about this. Liam explained that Zayn was out with some other friends and that he would be leaving soon because he had to meet his girlfriend. He remarked the word in a weird way, almost to be sure that Harry would hear it and understand it.

After two gin lemon and a pink cocktail Harry had insisted on trying, only because it was pink, the little boy started to feel very light and happy. His mind was foggy, no upsetting thoughts in sight, and he felt carefree. Liam had just left, and Niall was trying to tell him some stupid joke, but he couldn't stop interrupting him by laughing so hard that his belly ached.

As the music in the pub got louder, people started dancing and soon Harry and Niall got lost in the crowd as well, the blonde guy looking for some girl he had seen at the counter earlier.

Harry started dancing, not a single thought about the fact that he could not dance and probably looked ridiculous. He jumped and sang with strangers and laughed, until his eyes fell on a familiar boy, a few feet from him. Too familiar.

Harry froze in the middle of the dance floor and looked at the scene, hoping to not be noticed.

Louis was sitting at the table, a blonde girl in front of him. There were a few empty beer bottles, and he was smoking, eyes lost elsewhere while the girl desperately tried to catch his attention but failing miserably.

She was beautiful: long blonde hair, a pink tight top that showed her curves and long legs. Harry could perceive from distance that she spread confidence. He felt his heart ache. Now he understood why Louis didn't even bother to say bye that morning.

The little boy left the crowd, eyes still darting towards the couple. He couldn't stop looking over at Louis: he looked tired. The bruised eye looked even worse today, due to the purple shades being much darker now. And as Harry looked over, he noticed a cut under his chin that wasn't there the day before. He felt his heart drop and tried to desperately take his mind and eyes off Louis.

He went to the counter and ordered another pink cocktail, asking for more alcohol in it. The barman laughed and Harry felt bad and so naïve, but nevertheless started sipping on his drink, immediately feeling more relaxed. He couldn't see Niall around, so he went outside to catch some air.

As he set on the sidewalk, taking deep breaths and trying to calm himself down by gulping more of his drink, he felt someone behind him. He didn't dare to turn or say anything, once again.

-Hi princess. - the familiar voice sent shivers down his spine, but he stayed completely still. -What are you doing here all alone? - Louis asked, fake pity pouring from his mouth.

-'M not alone. I'm with Niall... - Harry mumbled, still giving him his back.

-That drink suits you. Pink, just like your cheeks were tonight... - Louis said, smirk evident in his voice. Harry just felt tears forming in his eyes.

-What are you doing here Lou? Your girl is waiting for you... - Harry replied, hurt spilling from his mouth together with words. He still hadn't looked at him.

-Jealousy fits you as well.. -.

With a fast motion Harry stood up and faced Louis. Tears were rolling down his eyes but he tried to not break eye contact.

-Why did you leave this morning? - the little boy asked, still secretly hoping that Louis would say he was sorry.

-What were you expecting? Breakfast in bed perhaps? - he answered, irony cold and sharp in his voice.

-I-I... no, jus..- Harry started stuttering. All the alcohol that was making him feel good and relaxed, was now just messing with his head. As he kept searching for words, some more people came out of the pub and lingered near the sidewalk to smoke. They were far from them, but Louis became nervous and automatically brought his hand to the bruise.

-I thought we had something ...- Harry finally found the courage to whisper. And for a moment he was able to see something in Louis' eyes, some sort of tenderness. But reality kicked him soon.

As Louis' stare became cold as ice, he threw the cigarette on the ground.

-I'm not a fucking faggot- he said, loud enough for the other people to hear. And with that, he went back in.