Stockholm Syndrome (Larry Stylinson)

The Fear

Chapter 26:

LOUIS

I woke up to a cold, empty space beside me. I frowned, missing Harry's warmth already. I always looked forward to opening my eyes and seeing him just laying in my arms. Whether he was asleep or awake, it was always an amazing feeling. That feeling that you had everything you ever wanted in life.

I groaned, knowing he was probably in the kitchen making breakfast or something. I really didn't want to get out of bed, but the thought of being around Harry was a stronger force than the comfort of the bed. I got up and pulled on some sweatpants before I made my way to the door.

Everything was fine and quiet, until I heard Niall's voice. "The point is we could leave!" That made me heartbeat speed up? Leave? No. No no no no no. Harry can't leave. He can't leave me. He's all I've got. Harry means everything to me. Without him I'm that evil, vile person I've always been. I need Harry. Fuck! I love him! He can't leave!

I slid down the door, just trying to keep mysef calm, but nothing seemed to be working. I wanted to punch the wall and just yell and scream because he couldn't leave! He just... Fuck! He just can't!

I opened the door and began to walk down the hall. I stopped when I heard Niall speak again. "We could leave, and you don't want to!" He didn't want to. Harry didn't want to leave me. That made me hopeful again. He didn't want to leave me.

I walked down the hallway and peeked around the corner. Harry and Niall were standing against the kitchen counter and Niall was doing most of the talking. I did feel a bit bad when I heard Niall talking about his family's money problems. His family was struggling and here I was using his best friend for ransom, or at least I was at first. That was before I fell in love with him.

My ears perked up as I heard something that sounded interesting come from Niall's mouth. "Remember that one lesson we had in the criminal investigations lab in science class? Stockholm Syndrome, Harry. The victim is manipulated into thinking they want to stay when they really don't. Think about that. Because the Harry I know loves home. Unless you're not the same Harry I know." I heard Niall's footsteps coming back towards the hall, so I quickly darted into the restroom door, waiting until his room door was closed before coming out.

Stockholm Syndrome? Did he really think I was manipulating Harry into wanting to stay? I even offered him a chance to go home. I love Harry more than anyone and anything. I would never play those mind games with him.

Shit! But what if Harry thought I was now? What if he's actually taking into account what Niall said? What if he does want to leave now? How would I respond to that? I loved Harry, and I didn't want to let him go, but I would I? Would I even be strong enough to?

I took a deep breath, not really wanting to think of ever losing Harry. I walked down the hall again and then to the kitchen, seeing Harry standing there as if he was thinking. Shit! That made me more worried than anything ever could. I don't know what I would do if he said he wanted to go home.

I tried to shake it off and act natural- as if I never heard their comversation. I walked up behind Harry and wrapped my as around his waist, kissing his cheek. "What are you thinking about, love?" I asked.

He smiled in my hold, a perfect dimple forming on his cheek. Harry is beauty in my eyes. Just complete beauty- inside and out. He was also my world, and he made me forget my worries as he turned in my arms and wrapped his arms around my neck.

"Well now I'm just thinking about how amazing you are. I love you, Louis." He said. I smiled at that, my heart seeming to beat at a whole new speed. He just made me feel so alive. It all felt so right to have him here.