drowning ➶ larry

15. Leaves

Mood: Autumn Leaves by Ed Sheeran

Harry was sitting on his bed as his phone vibrated. He picked it up, seeing a new text from Louis.

Sorry.

He didn't know he was moving by the time he reached his car. He started it hastily, making his way to Louis' home. He shouldn't have left him. He only left because he needed to talk to Nick. Evidently, Nick didn't answer his phone and wasn't at home. So he had just stayed home.

He felt hot tears blind his vision because no he can't lose someone else. It'll be too much. He stepped on the gas, not caring whether the police gave him a ticket. He ran about three red lights before ran out of his car, barely having any time to turn it off. A few feet away was an ambulance. The blue lights blinded Harry. He ran towards it trying to find the familiar cerulean blue eyes.

Instead he was met with Louis' parents. His mum, Jayy, was crying hysterically. Dan was holding the youngest twins. The girls were too young to understand what was happening.

"L-Louis?" Harry asked, looking around. He was about to make his way past Dan but he held him back. He handed the twins to Jayy and gripped Harry's arm.

"I-I need to see him!" Just then two men pulled a stretcher past them. On the stretcher lay Louis who's skin was pale white, compared to his normal tan skin. His eyes were closed and Harry couldn't tell whether he was breathing or not. One of his hands fell to the side of the stretcher and that's when Harry saw them. A deep gash ran across the bottom of his wrist to his elbow. Harry let out a scream, trying to push past Dan. The man was taller and surprisingly stronger.

"Harry stop!" Dan yelled, pulling him away from the ambulance.

"Louis!" It came out as pained moan. God, he hoped he was okay. Once the doors closed Harry collapsed against Dan. He let out a choked sob, gripping onto his shirt for support. Dan helped him into the house. Jayy was sitting on the couch, crying even harder.

"We have to--hospital." Harry couldn't speak. Everything felt like slow motion. His vision was blurred and he didn't know whether it was from his tears or if he was going to pass out. He mad his way out of the house, stumbling to his car.

He needed to get to Louis.

*****

Louis opened his eyes. Then closed them. White light invaded his vision. Was this heaven? No. The lights wouldn't be this bright. And he shouldn't be able to hear a beeping sound next to him. He opened his eyes again, this time forcing himself to keep them open.

He was in a hospital bed. He shifted, his head instantly throbbing. He groaned and tilted his head to the side. His arms were wrapped with gauze. Louis winced as the memories started to flood back. His cheeks were wet, and he wiped away the tears. He shouldn't be crying. Crying is for cowards.

Just then a man in a white coat walked in, holding a clipboard.

"You're awake." He states, never glancing at him once.

"W-Where's my mum and dad?" Louis stutters.

"They're in the waiting room. How do you feel? Any dizziness? Weakness? Headaches? How are your arms? You cut quite deep. I should say your very lucky to be alive." Louis flinched.

"I-I'm fine." It was an automated response.

"Obviously you're not fine if you tried to kill yourself less that five hours ago." The doctor said.

"I didn't..." But he did.

"You have two large lacerations to your arms. Both are about nine inches long. You lost a lot of blood." He states.

"How long was I..."

"About three hours. I'll bring your family in." He stopped at the door, "And there's boy who's been screaming to see you. Do you know him?" Louis nods as the doctor leaves. A few seconds pass before his mum bursts through the doors. She was crying, her eyes red and blotchy. Dan followed behind her. And lastly...Harry.

Jayy threw her arms around Louis who groaned in pain.

She pulled away mumbling apologies.

"Where are...the others?" He was talking about his sisters.

"I didn't want them to see you like...this. They're in the waiting room." Jayy answers. Dan doesn't say anything, just stared at him.

Harry was visibly shaking, tears streaming freely down his cheeks. Just as Louis was about to speak, Harry made his way towards him and took his hand.

"You fucking scared me." Harry whispers, leaning his head against the metal railing of the bed. Louis didn't know what to say. Jayy hiccupped before ushering Dan and herself out of the room.

"I-I'm sorry." Louis stuttered. Harry let out a sob, squeezing Louis' hand.

"I don't know what I'd do if--not again. I'd break Louis. I know you're going through horrible things but I've lost...so many people that I love--and if you--" Harry choked, looked up at Louis.

"I lost my mum, and my sister, even my dad even though he's not--I don't think I can handle losing someone else." Harry explains. Louis feels like a horrible person.

"God, Louis, I barely even know you. I don't know what your favorite color is or what you think about on Friday nights, or what your favorite movie is. But I want to know. I want to get to know you. But I'm scared shitless. What if I get too attached and you finally decide you've had enough? Enough of life? Enough of me? What would I be able to do? I don't want to watch you fall apart. I want to be there for you. But only if you want me to."

Louis started crying again.

"I-I'm so fucking sorry." Louis cries, squeezing Harry's hand back, "Of course I want you to." Just then the door opened and his parents walked back in.

"Um, Harry, can you give us a second?" Jayy asks, her hands shaking. Harry stood to leave but Louis pulled him back.

"He can stay." He says. Jayy sighs, clearing fresh tears from her eyes. She looks up at Dan for assistance.

"What is it?" Louis asks, gripping onto Harry's hand for dear life. Dan clears his throat before answering.

"We're sending you back to the hospital."