BLUSHING//L.S.

Chapter XVIII

The boys set there in complete silence for what felt like an eternity. Harry didn't know where to look: he kept his head bowed after putting his shirt back on, moved by anxiety and shame. Louis had moved away from him, and he was now sitting on Zayn's desk, biting his lips so hard that Harry was scared to see blood drip at any moment.

-Okay... are you two going to say anything? - Zayn asked ironically, lifting an eyebrow. Neither of them looked at him, so he just kept going. -I'm sorry I stormed in here like that, it's a habit we all need to work on – he added, clearly referring to when Harry caught him with Liam.

The little boy chuckled slightly, the feeling of anxiety slowly leaving his chest. He didn't have to be scared of what Zayn would say: he certainly wouldn't judge them. Louis, on his side, couldn't relax at all: his nerves were tensed up and he looked scared.

-Louis...- Zayn started to say, seeing his best friend so frightened. -Man, this is fine, I swear I won't say anything...- he reassured him. But Louis didn't seem to care about Zayn was saying and once again, Harry swore he could see a fog in his eyes.

-Thank you, Zay...- Harry whispered, mostly because he felt bad for him since the older boy was just ignoring everything he said.

-Look, I just needed to grab some stuff, Liam's waiting for me outside. But maybe tomorrow we could talk...- he suggested.

-There's nothing to fucking talk about- Louis finally spoke. And obviously, the first words to leave his mouth would be painful ones. Harry was getting used to this cycle that never seemed to end.

-Well, I wouldn't agree with you mate. What do you think H? - he asked, now staring at Harry.

-I..I don't.. I mean it's whatever...- Harry blurted out.

-See? 'H' doesn't even know how to fucking form a sentence, so obviously there's nothing that we need to discuss – Louis spit out venomously, earning a disappointed glare from the little boy that didn't go unnoticed by Zayn.

-Okay Louis, just calm down. Not everyone is here to hurt you and you know that full well. So just stop being a jerk- Zayn said, mostly because now he felt bad for Harry that was clearly getting hurt.

The boy stayed silent, knowing full well that his best friend wouldn't harm him in any way, but still unable to let go of the fear of being seen as he really is.

-Now I'll go, and, if you want to talk with me tomorrow, you know where to find me. Because, unlike you, I let myself love someone when it's safe to do it- Zayn said, shutting the door before they had the chance to reply.

And with that, Louis and Harry were alone again.

This time there were no smirks or sexual tension. The atmosphere was tense indeed, but the emotions filling the room were sad and draining, and they were making Louis' head feel heavy.

-Lou... I'm sorry...- Harry whispered, as he stood up from his bed. He felt like walking on eggshells: he didn't know if he could be sweet and caring, he didn't even know if he could get close to Louis to try and comfort him.

-Don't start it, 'H'- he said, mocking once again the way that Zayn call him.

-Jealousy fits you too...- Harry remarked, blushing slightly. He swore he saw a small smile appear on Louis' lips, even though his eyes still looked foggy and lost.

Harry got closer and he took Louis' hands in his own, still not daring to make eye contact but now braver than ever.

-Lou... he is right...- he said slightly –you're safe here. No one is going to hurt you...- he whispered, still not looking into Louis' eyes, lips shaking a little bit.

And for a few seconds, Louis didn't say anything at all. Because he wanted to scream in Harry's stupid face that he was exactly everything he was scared of and would probably be the one hurting him. Because for Louis it has always been like that: as soon as he let someone in, they would stab him and break his heart. And to be fair, at that point, there was very little left to be broken, so he was very possessive of it.

But what he did left the both of them shocked: he just grabbed the little boy in front of him and hugged him tightly. He wasn't a huge fan of physical touch, but this was exactly what he needed in that moment. He felt his eyes slightly burn with tears, but decided to not let them go, because that would have been too much.

Harry stayed limp for a second, shock running through him at the feeling of being engulfed in Louis' arms. But he soon relaxed and hugged him back, trying to keep him as close as he could. Louis smiled softly at the way that Harry was hugging him: it was almost painful but in the sweetest way possible.

And right in that moment there was nothing else but them, and the melody of their synchronized heartbeats.

----

When they laid in Harry's bed that night, it was different. They skin was still boiling and burning at each other's touch, especially for the little boy, but the air around them was so quiet that they felt almost scared to break it.

So, they just followed that atmosphere and quietly cuddle up under the sheets. The delicate and shy light of the moon was lighting up the room slightly, but just enough for Harry to stare at Louis in awe, admiring every small feature of his face and getting lost in his eyes.

-Harry? - he asked, breaking the silence.

-Yes? - he answered, still feeling like in a haze. Something about Louis worked on him like a magic spell. He wondered if there would ever be an antidote for that.

-Do you like tales? - he said, leaving Harry a little puzzled at the question.

-Yes, I do... why? -.

-Then I think it's time for me to tell you mine...- Louis said, feeling anxiety arise in his chest but knowing that this was needed. -Even though it doesn't have a happy ever after...- he then added in a whisper.