Magic || larry

12

"You seem upset lately," Ricky notices from across the table. Harry looks up from where he's pushing his potatoes around his plate and shakes his head.

"No. I'm fine," he promises. He can't admit to Ricky that he's upset because he'd want to know why. Harry can't tell him that since Louis went back to school he's been lonely and sad and needy.

"Are you sure? You know you can talk to me," Ricky tells him, his voice low and soft. Harry looks back up at him and he sees concern on his face. He swallows and looks back down.

"I'm just lonely, is all. I miss you when you leave," Harry half lies. He can feel tears pool in his eyes and he closes them shut so they don't fall.

"Baby, you know I can't help that," Ricky consoles him, his voice holding no anger. Harry nods and looks back up and he knows he looks disgusting as he tries to hold back tears.

"I know. This is stupid. I'm sorry," Harry says and he means it. He's sorry that he misses Louis and he's sorry that he just doesn't miss Ricky. It's all so stupid and he's stupid.

"You don't have to be sorry. How about I call in tomorrow? We can have a relaxing day. I can go out and buy some bath bombs and we can have a spa day? You used to love those," Ricky is all love and worry right now and Harry softens. How can he not miss him? Ricky loves him.

"Okay. That sounds really great actually. Thank you," Harry mumbles and the man across from him smiles and stands up. His plate is empty and he leans down and kisses the top of Harry's head.

"Anytime. I'll clean the dishes tonight. How about you go find a movie or something," Ricky offers and Harry sighs, his heart feeling slightly better.

"I love you," Harry whispers and Ricky picks up his half empty plate and hums.

"You too. I'll be out in a moment."

Harry stands and he moves out into their living room. He can hear the water from the sink flowing and he forces himself to fall into relaxation. He's happy here. Happy with Ricky. How can he not be? He treats him well so much of the time and he has a roof over his head.

He finds a movie just on the tv and Ricky comes in after about 10 minutes and flops down on the couch next to him. He pulls Harry into his arms and the boy leans into him and breathes in his cologne. He's familiar and safe and yet Harry is always on edge.

"How's work?" Harry wonders. Ricky is a counsellor at a youth/young adult homeless and rehabilitation centre. Harry met him in his brief time there when he was 18.

"It's the same. There's a lot of young people in right now so that's hard. You just want to fix everything for them, you know?" Ricky sighs. Harry curls closer to him and nods his head.

"I know. You can't save everyone though," Harry murmurs and Ricky chuckles, his hand rubbing his back.

"No, but I got to save you. That means the world to me," Ricky admits and Harry feels his heartbeat irregular at the words. They never really talk about back then.

"Why me?" Harry asks, curiosity getting the better of him.

"You were different. Special. So small and scared every time you were in my office. You just stood out to me. Beautiful on both the inside and outside," Ricky tells him and Harry thinks back to their meetings. How he always looked at his worn shoes and Ricky was always well polished and in suits.

"Is that what you see in Sarah?" Harry asks without thinking. He clamps his mouth shut after and he waits for the yelling. He ruined a good night because he's stupid.

"No. Sarah isn't anything to me. I helped her with her addictions and her child. She has her own place now. I've done my job. It's over. You though... I never wanted to stop helping you. I feel like you need me more," Ricky keeps the same gentle tone and Harry buries his face in his shirt.

"I do need you more. I don't like sharing you with her," Harry confesses and Ricky chuckles, his whole body moving with the sound.

"You don't have to. I'm all yours," Ricky promises. Harry can feel hope swell in his chest again and he wants to tell it to leave but he can't. He can't help hoping for better with Ricky it just hurts so much more when it doesn't happen.

"I think you can go to work tomorrow. I'll miss you but I'll be okay," Harry says and he pulls away so Ricky can see his honest face. The man purses his lips and then slowly nods.

"Okay. If you need me call," he tells him and Harry nods. "Is it okay if I get in the shower?" Ricky asks and Harry nods again and watches as he leaves to go in.

He can feel a contentment fall over his whole body and he forgets about anyone else except his boyfriend. They fight sometimes but what couples don't? It just means they care about each other. Louis is just a friend but if Ricky can give up Sarah than maybe Harry can give up Louis...

He stands up and he moves to look out their back window that faces his house. He can see everyone inside bustling around and he thinks he can see Louis' shadowy figure. Even just that makes his heart leap out his chest and he misses his smile and his laugh. He needs to forget this. He has a perfect man here at home.

He pushes his longing away and decides he just needs to put all his energy into what he has. What he needs. He needs Ricky and Ricky needs him. It's how it will always be. One day they'll get married and Harry will have his fairytale ending. He pushes the thought of Louis from his mind and opens the washroom door so he can join his lover and prove to himself that he loves him.

He does love him. He really does.