Louis feels a mix of things when he pulls into the driveway of his childhood home. It's dark outside, nearly 11 at night, and there are no lights on in the house. He'd managed to convince Harry that leaving directly after football practice was a good idea. Harry had reminded him that it was a good four hour drive to Holmes Chapel, but Louis had persisted. He didn't want to spend one more night in Essex and as far as he was concerned, the sooner he could get himself and Harry away, the better.
Harry hadn't made it an hour into the drive before falling asleep, upper body folded over the center console. Louis remembered then; Harry never could stay awake on long car rides. He hadn't minded the silence, needing the time to think. And Harry being awake to keep him company wouldn't have mattered all that much, anyway. He had been been distant since the party, making excuses of too much homework and impending exams to study for as to why he couldn't sneak around with Louis constantly.
Louis had tried to give him space, tried not to push too much, knowing that if he could just get Harry home that weekend he'd be able to fix this. He'd been counting on it, in fact. So he'd slept alone their last three nights at school, missing Harry's warmth next to him more than he thought possible.
Louis cuts the ignition and rubs Harry's shoulder, jostling him gently.
"We're here," he says softly.
Harry stirs slowly, wiping the sleep from his eyes as he sits up. "Sorry I fell asleep," he mumbles.
Louis smiles weakly. "It's fine."
"Does your mum know you're coming?"
Louis sighs. "I meant to call her, I just...didn't know what to say, I guess." He fiddles with the steering wheel, not meeting Harry's eyes, another wave of guilt washing over him.
Harry swallows and nods, "Well, do you want to take me home first, or...?"
"No," Louis answers quickly, ignoring Harry's perplexed expression, "I mean, it's a quarter till. I was thinking maybe we could just crash here tonight? And i'll take you over in the morning?" He tries to remain casual about it, not wanting Harry to know how afraid he is of spending another night away from him. And Louis knows he isn't, but it still feels like Harry's slipping away somehow.
He meets Harry's eyes. He looks unsure, but eventually nods his acquiescence. "Okay," he agrees, "If you're sure."
The house is dark when they get inside, and a bit chilled. Louis breathes in the scent of his mother's favorite candle, burned not too long ago. A part of him had expected her to still be awake to greet them, but he doesn't know if Harry's quite up for a reunion right now, so he's a little thankful that she isn't. His mum always loved Harry a great deal. So Louis knows she'll be shocked by his sudden reappearance after so long, and she'll ask questions that Louis will need a night of sleep to properly deal with.
They get ready for bed as quietly as they can, only turning the tiny lamp on in Louis' room so they can see where they're going. Louis' already in bed by the time Harry comes back from the bathroom, a fresh t-shirt and pair of pajama pants on. Louis frowns. Harry usually sleeps pretty much naked, but Louis remembers they're in his childhood room right now, and maybe that's all there is to it.
Harry approaches the bed slowly, wringing his wrists, "I can, um, take the floor? If you think it might be weird..."
"What?" Louis frowns, "No. C'mere." He takes Harry's hand and pulls him gently down until he's flat on his back next to Louis. Louis turns on his side and runs his hand over Harry's chest.
"My mum's seen us in the same bed before. If she comes in, I doubt she'll think anything of it."
Harry huffs, turning to face Louis, "Yeah, but you're forgetting she hasn't seen me in two years."
