Bonded

Chapter Twenty Seven

Harry strolled down the hallway on the third floor towards the room set up for him and Louis. They had been texting back and forth a little that morning and the night prior, before falling asleep, and he knew that Louis would already be there waiting for him. 

Harry was smiling as it had been a good morning. He had woken up on time naturally, after sleeping all night on the couch. Isaac had decided to not wake him but tucked him in with a pillow and blanket instead, and Harry couldn't help but feel a little pampered. 

Things were finally getting better. Isaac seemed happier with him and for the first time, in a long time, he was actually happy to go to and be at work. Not just with Louis but simply being anywhere within the building had him feeling light and happy.

When he reached the room he opened the door slowly, without knocking, and peeked his head inside. Louis was sitting on the couch, all alone. He was gaming but turned around when he heard the door. 

"Hey Harry," he greeted with a smile. 

Harry quickly looked back out in the hallway, before entering the room, closing the door behind him. "Are you up here all alone?"

"Noah was up here too but he went on a coffee run," Louis told him taking out his phone to send a quick text. 

Harry joined Louis on the couch. "Are there any plans for today?" 

"Ya," Louis said as he tossed Harry a second controller and reset the console. "We should go to the mall today to pick out some gifts for Lottie."

A string of anxiety flashed through Harry at those words. He wondered what he would be expected to buy for someone who had access to everything. 

Louis saw through his fears though. "You don't have to worry, we only need to pick her up something small," he reassured as he set up an new game for them to play together. "It's considered improper to buy something expensive for an Elite O. Like you're saying their partner couldn't afford to buy them nice things." 

"Really?" Harry asked. He turned around to face the tv as the music came on.

"Yep, something like nail polish, hair clips or a funky key chain is all that's usually given." They started to play as Louis continued. "You and I can just get Lottie two of the same thing."

Harry had wanted to reply but he was suddenly concentrating hard and too focused on their game to talk. He wasn't quite sure of the controls or all of the little tricks but he didn't want to disappoint Louis who seemed so eager to play. Harry was so focused he didn't even hear Noah enter the room or walk up behind them. Luckily he was concentrating so hard that he didn't jump either when Noah covertly tapped him on the shoulder. 

Harry's head snapped round and saw him standing there. Noah held a finger to his lips, silencing Harry, while also holding out a hand, asking for the controller. Harry handed it over and Noah stood quietly behind them, playing in Harry's steed. He very quickly overpowered Louis and started winning. After a few minutes Louis finally took notice. 

"What the ..." Louis said in confusion once he saw what was happening. He turned to look at Harry and quickly noticed his empty hands. Harry could only hold them out and shrug apologetically. Louis's brows furrowed and he looked behind him. "Noah, you ass," he bit out as he tossed his fist behind him in Noah's direction. "I was finally winning for once." 

Noah laughed and dodged Louis easily. "Harry doesn't know what he's doing, how are you going to call that a real win?" he asked as he brought the drinks 'round to the coffee table in front of them.

He passed Louis and Harry each the same drink they had yesterday. "For me?" Harry asked, cautiously taking the drink that was offered. 

Noah grinned. "Louis told me you arrived and asked me to grab one for you."