Lost & found|L.S

I need you

The days after their conversation in the alley blurred together. Louis had warned Harry about the dangers lurking in his past, but Harry refused to let fear control him. He'd chosen to stand by Louis, and that decision had only deepened his feelings for the man.

Yet, the shadow of Louis's past hung over them, never quite leaving. Every time Louis looked at him, Harry saw the conflict in his eyes the desire to protect Harry, to push him away, to keep him safe from the world he was tied to. It wasn't just the criminals from his past that Louis was running from. It was the guilt, the darkness that had consumed him for so long. And Harry could see it, even if Louis wouldn't admit it.

One evening, after another quiet day at the bookstore, Harry was locking up when he received another text from Louis.

Meet me tonight. 9pm. Don't be late. – L

The message was simple, but the urgency in it sent a shiver down Harry's spine. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change, something big. Louis had been more on edge than usual, barely speaking during their meetings and often staring off into the distance, his jaw tense.

When the clock struck 9, Harry made his way to the designated spot. The rain had stopped for the moment, leaving behind a heavy mist that clung to the streets. The city felt quieter tonight, as though it were holding its breath.

He arrived at the alley, but there was no sign of Louis. His heart skipped a beat, panic creeping up his spine. He checked his phone to see if he'd missed a message, but there was nothing. Just as Harry was about to turn back, he heard footsteps approaching from behind.

Louis emerged from the shadows, his eyes scanning the area quickly before locking on Harry. His face was as unreadable as ever, but Harry could see the storm brewing beneath the surface.

"Where were you?" Harry asked, his voice soft, trying to hide the concern that laced his words.

"I had to make sure I wasn't followed," Louis said, his tone tense. "You need to be careful, Harry. They're getting closer"

"Who? Who's getting closer?" Harry pressed, stepping closer to Louis, desperate for answers.

Louis looked around, his eyes flicking nervously "You remember those men? The ones who showed up at the bookstore? They're not just looking for me anymore They know about you. And now, they're coming after you too"

Harry's breath caught in his throat "What do you mean? How?"

"I don't know yet," Louis admitted, his voice heavy "But you're not safe, Harry. Not while you're still involved with me"

Harry shook his head, his chest tightening with fear and frustration. "I told you, I'm not leaving you. I'm not going to walk away just because of what you've done" Harry would rather die than to leave Louis, he likes Louis.. a lil too much.

Louis's eyes softened for a moment, but there was something else in his gaze a deep sorrow that seemed to cut through Harry like a knife. He reached out, his hand gripping Harry's wrist with a desperation that startled him.

"I don't want to drag you into this," Louis said, his voice strained "But you're already here. And I'll do anything to protect you. Even if it means pushing you away"

Harry pulled his wrist from Louis's grip, his heart pounding and he is about to cry "Stop doing that," he screamed at Louis, his voice shaking with emotion "Stop pushing me away. You don't have to protect me from this. I'm not scared of you, Louis. I'm not scared of what you've done. I'm scared of losing you"