Captured Ink, Hidden Hearts

Louis

Louis can't quite believe that he has just left Harry like this, that he of all people, who knows what it feels like to be left behind, is now doing exactly the same thing. Heavy self-reproach mixes with fears that he is not enough for Harry and Louis is on the verge of crying in the middle of the street. But he stubbornly suppresses his tears and has to hold out a little longer until he can collapse. His destination is clear - Liam. He just needs a friend, an outside opinion and someone to set his head straight.

A few street corners further on, he hails a taxi, no longer wants to wander the streets of London and generally feels more than uncomfortable in just his sports clothes outside the trampoline park.

Which brings him straight to his next thought, which again only confirms his fears. Harry looked so damn hot in his pink leggings, with his long muscular legs and his bulge showing. Of course, Louis knows that this outfit was chosen with care and was all about driving Louis crazy. Harry looked so damn perfect - and Louis didn't. Smaller than Harry and slim, but not as fit and toned.

And he realised that when he jumped around. It was an absolutely great idea on Harry's part and in his early twenties he would have loved it, probably kissed Harry giddily in his skimpy outfit just to get him to finally shut up and stop his obnoxious flirting.

But today was different. He felt that he was physically incapable of keeping up with Harry and his energy and he simply wasn't enjoying it. Louis had hoped for a football match between the two of them. He would probably have been out of breath quicker than Harry, but he would have been in his element. He sometimes kicks a ball here and there with Liam when they're both in the mood. But he can't really blame Harry, Louis knows how much thought he probably put into finding something special. It's just that it made Louis realise what he's known all along - he's not the same as he used to be, be it in looks or manner. He has grown up, perhaps too much, and Louis actually loves Harry's energy. If it only didn't trigger these feelings in him every time.

The only thing that made sense to him just now was the escape and Louis already feels the emptiness inside him because he has to honestly admit that Harry has made a place for himself in his heart. If only Louis knew how to deal with it.

But after this exit, he'll probably have ruined everything anyway, and he can't even blame Harry for that.

Harry. Beautiful, funny, charming Harry. Oh ... and jealous Harry.

Despite his agitated state, Louis has to grin quietly to himself because it was endearing the way Harry was standing there, with his frown and the pout on his pink lips. The woman couldn't even begin to hold a candle to Harry and he really had no reason for his jealousy. Louis was briefly perplexed by Harry's reaction and couldn't quite believe that such a young and handsome man had almost thrown a tantrum just because of him.

But it was only natural, Louis understands. He knows that Harry wants more from him, whatever more means. Maybe Harry is just after sex, but that's not how Louis sees him or what he wants from him. He senses in his words and in his messages that Louis seems to have something about him that Harry finds interesting and won't let him give up. Until now. After the incident just now, everything will be different. And maybe it's better this way - Louis should let him go now, when it doesn't hurt so much. Because again, he has to be honest with himself, of course Harry was never just a customer. How could he be? How, with that personality and those looks? Any man or woman would go weak for him and Louis is no exception.

Why must there be an 11-year age gap between them? Why must Louis have a failed marriage behind him already and come out of it so hurt? Why can't something just be simple in his life? Why?

꧁∙•🖤•∙꧂

Louis knocks rapidly on Liam's door with a sense of urgency and the rhythmic taps echoing through the hallway. Finally the door swings open and reveals Liam's welcoming grin.